Pull the spark plug wire off of the spark plug and remove the spark plug from the cylinder head. Starting fluid creates a leaner fuel mixture that ignites more easily, and the operation of the engine clears out the combustion chamber automatically. Replace the spark plug and attach the spark plug wire. Don't laugh I can't do much any more but I had a friend come over with a ms360 and he said about the same thing about his saw; I dumped out the old fuel put fresh fuel in and watching how many turns it took turn in each the "H" and "L" screws on the carb and the backed them both out to were they were handed him the saw it started on about the fifth pull he gave it Make sure the bar cover is removed before starting the saw. Remember to always wear the proper Chainsaw Protective Apparel when using your chainsaw. It is hard to start cold. The carburation is improperly calibrated. Move the "Master" control switch to the "Stop" position. Pull the starting rope five or six times to clear fuel out of the combustion chamber. Clean it if it's dirty. Check the electrodes and wipe them off with a rag if they are full of fuel. How to Troubleshoot a Stihl Chainsaw With a Flooding Engine. If the chainsaw still won’t start, then the culprit could be a flooded carburetor. Move the lever to … Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. If this does not work I do as the second vid in MM post. Maybe go make a cup of hop tea while you wait. The fix could be as easy as replacing a bad sparkplug, or drying the sparkplug off because the fuel has flooded it. When I flood one I pull plug pull rope and let it blow fuel out and spray plug with carb cleaner and or just blow it dry with compressed air. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Pull the spark plug wire off of the spark plug and remove the spark plug from the cylinder head. Then reinsert and start with saw in run. How to Troubleshoot a Stihl Chainsaw With a Flooding Engine Step 1. Wipe the spark plug clean. Leave the choke open and pull the starting cord several times. The first is the easiest and most common method. When cold starting a Stihl chain saw, move the master control lever to the half-choke position after the fourth attempt to start it to avoid flooding the engine. You can simply wait for the fuel to drain, but there is a faster way to clear the engine. Many novice chain saw operators get over anxious when trying a cold start that leads to the engine flooding. Watch this video to learn how to properly start your STIHL Chainsaw.Learn tips and techniques on what to do and what not to do when operating your chainsaw. It just takes a little time to complete. If your chain saw is employed in casual or seasonal use, before storing it So, if your chainsaw doesn’t work, try lowering the power output slightly by adjusting the engine screws. If given the opportunity to flood, a two-cycle engine will do just that. If the temperature drops below freezing then it’s going to be a good idea to bring your chainsaw inside a heated part of your home. Once I do get it running it restarts the first pull. If the engine doesn't start on the first three or four pulls, the fuel and air mixture becomes fuel rich, and if you continue to pull the starter while the choke is closed, there is too much fuel to ignite and the engine floods. This happens when there is too much gas in the combustion chamber and the spark plug gets wet from the excess fuel. I have a Stihl 026 chainsaw that is flooding every time I start it. One of the biggest causes for a chainsaw refusing to start is as a result of a flooded engine. I bought a brand-new STIHL MS 290 Farm Boss with a 4 year warranty. Some problems are obvious, such as a broken starter rope. Jonsered is a Swedish-made chain saw produced by the same company that makes the Husqvarna brand. How to Start a STIHL Chainsaw This video illustrates the proper ways to start a STIHL chainsaw, as well as which methods to avoid (such as drop starting) and why. If your Stihl chainsaw is not starting, there are some common problems that you can look for, to diagnose what the problem is. Make sure that the idle speed never exceeds the starting speed and try to … If the chainsaw exhibits some hint that it may start, adjust the throttle to the next position. All chainsaws are a little different. The engine should now start. People also ask, what do you do if your Stihl chainsaw is flooded? Move the" Master" control switch to the cold start position. How to Clean the Carburetor on a Stihl Trimmer, Reasons for a Homelite Chainsaw Not Starting, My String Trimmer Starts, But Won't Stay Running, A Stihl 029 Chainsaw That Quits and Stops Running, The Toro Push Lawnmower Does Not Turn Over, What to Do When a Ryobi 4-Cycle Trimmer Won't Start. Remove the starter assembly and inspect it to see if it is functioning properly. The most common issue is that the spring inside isn't operating correctly, meaning that it won't push the other parts of the chainsaw into motion as it's pulled and released. The fuel has to be removed from the combustion chamber, which on the surface sounds complicated. Replace the air filter and spark plug, and connect the spark plug wire. Common Stihl Chainsaw Problems. What we have looked at already covers the vast majority of times when a chainsaw won’t start. If the spring seems faulty, you may need to replace it with new rewind springs or purchase a new recoil starter assembly. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies. When you pull the starter rope, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on … Another step that you definitely need to pay attention to in order to avoid flooding is adjusting the chainsaw’s carburetor. Move the lever to the minimum choke position as soon as the saw starts. When you close the choke, the carburetor sprays extra fuel into the combustion chamber when you pull the starter. 7. The most common reason is due to too many attempts trying to start the machine in the choke position. Dirty or clogged fuel tanks, dirty fuel filters and lines, loose fuel hoses, dirty air filters and a dirty carburetor can all restrict fuel flow. Stihl chain saws have a choke that makes cold starting easier, but you have to use it properly. Be sure to read and fully understand your chainsaw's Instruction Manual for more in-depth instructions and safety procedures specific to your saw. Pull on the engine starter multiple times to clear the fuel out of the cylinder. Adjust the throttle to full on and pull the cord several times. Step 2. Pull the wire off the spark plug and remove the plug with a spark plug wrench. Pull the spark plug wire off of the spark plug and remove the spark plug from the cylinder head. Check the condition of the plug while it is out and replace the spark plug if it is in bad shape. Set the chain saw on a level surface and make sure the chain break is activated. On most chainsaws you will experience a fast idle with the successful start. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. He graduated with a BS from Utah Valley University in April 2003. Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Unscrew the air filter cover and remove the air filter. Clean the air filter. Check the coil and springs. Set the master control lever to the minimum choke -- or open -- position. Removing the air filter, spraying starting fluid into the carburetor and pulling the starting rope is another quick way to clear out the engine. The cause of the scored piston and cylinder was two-fold: incorrect oil/gas ratio, as well as the saw being set to run too lean. I take the plug off dry the plug restart it and the - Answered by a verified Technician We use cookies … Ultimately the problem was due to low compression. When trying to start it I first set it to full choke and have to pull it countless of times before it will fire off and then die. Set the "Master" control switch to the "Warm Start" position, push in the decompression valve button (which will open the decompression valve) on the side of the chainsaw, and pull-start the engine. When starting a unit, make sure to follow the starting instructions in your instruction manual.The manual provides the proper instruction for starting procedures, but there are many conditions that may affect how the unit starts. Josh surprisingly found himself as an English Literature major one day after planning on becoming a doctor for most of his life. You'll learn about the saw controls and how to position them related to the starting sequence, for cold and warm starts. Troubleshooting them depends on the nature of the problem: the saw won't start, it runs roughly or dies frequently, the chain does not cut efficiently or cuts at an angle. Many problems can cause your Stihl chainsaw to stop starting. I'm a writer that is passionate about home improvements, remodeling, and renovating. Common issues: Sparkplug ; Rewind spring; Carburetor issues; Fuel intake The chain saw should start. The most common cause for engine flooding is when you push repeatedly on the primer bulb, sending through too much fuel. It is best to prevent this from happening, but if it does, it is a problem that can be fixed. Here I document, with pictures, the procedure taken to repair a Stihl MS291 Chainsaw that would not start. Move the" Master" control switch to the cold start position. Is there a spark? Let your chainsaw sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the fuel to evaporate from the engine and then to repeat the starting instructions. Chainsaws are great tools to have when you need them. Move the" Master" control switch to the cold start position. How do you fix a Stihl chainsaw that won't start? Turn the twist-lock on the carburetor cover 90 degrees to the left and remove the carburetor cover. Basically start the saw with trigger held wide open. When cold starting a Stihl chain saw, move the master control lever to the half-choke position after the fourth attempt to start it to avoid flooding the engine. If the revolution speed is too high, the engine may melt. This way, it’ll start the first time and will work seamlessly once you head outside. If the recoil starter assembly is defective, the engine won’t turn over and the chainsaw won’t start. This method will work best with a mildly flooded engine.