DM50: Worth a rebuild?

[andrew925]

So I found this DM50 on ebay for a decent price (shipping is 20$ for me) but it's in a bit of a sad state: she blew only 20psi on compression test!
www.ebay.com/itm/Homelite-DM50-cut-off-abrasive-concrete-saw-low-compression-for-parts-repair/302877016642?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3D86ecad0ae0324b00b27f7154689cc4b8%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D192608373840%26itm%3D302877016642&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851
from the looks of it, it looks like its been worn right out: not an overheat failure, nor a no-oil issue, she just was worked till she could go no more.
So what I can assume from this point is that the mechanicals ( other than the piston, rings and possibly the cylinder). are ok, but couldn't hurt to replace.
The rings, (most-likely) cylinder, and (least-likely) piston are toast, meaning it will need those too.
I've read somewhere that the DM50engine == a 450 engine
on top of this, it will most likely need the general-homelite-piston-ported parts I.E. Boot, carb kit, fuel line etc.
So, is this worth it at all?
ShouldI even try rebuilding this classic power saw?

[rowdy235]

In my experience what kills those saws is sucking the dust from cutting in. Usually either due to faulty or lack of an air filter. I would't be surprised if the bottom end was not far behind the rest of the saw, then there's the possibility of damage to the case, running a saw to the point of pretty much eliminating the compression is hard on nearly every component. It almost makes me wonder how they kept running it until it had only 20lbs of compression?

I would't risk it without being able to inspect it in person but thats just me. Looks like a cool project but worried you may be chasing your tail too long trying to get it running.

[Deleted]

I'm not sure how a saw could get to a 20psi without the seals and rings being completely gone, they wont even start much below 90psi. I did have the same thing happen to me when I tested four saws, all came out as a little over 20psi, until I put the adapter on the end of the compression tester that allows for a reading.

[undee70ss]

If the compression is really that low, most likely the cylinder is gone also. Probably every seal and bearing would need to be replaced

[undee70ss]

Rear handle is broke also. Personally I would pass on that one.

[Deleted]

I paid 75.00 for my XL-98C and it runs. I'd pass on that one.

20180711_184839 by Al Michaels, on Flickr

[Clasec]

Here's a XL98 Terry made. www.ebay.com/itm/HOMELITE-XL-98-MULTIPURPOSE-SAW-WITH-METAL-CASE-AND-SPARE-PARTS/123364587764?hash=item1cb91a38f4:g:IkYAAOSwM9xbl8sL:sc:FedExHomeDelivery!   

[sweepleader]

That one is a DEAL. Box and everything, and it says, "Make Offer".