It is highly recommended to do a ground start. This is especially true when starting a chainsaw just out of lengthy storage, when engine temperatures are extremely cold or when the saw needs a tune-up. The right way to fit the chain and bar. Give it another 20 minutes to cool down and then try again to start it. Always use fresh non-ethanol gas after long storage or when filling a new chainsaw tank. The following is a more detailed description of how to start a Stihl chainsaw, including pictures and references. You can print out all the information so that you always have it handy when you are using the machine. That air and fuel mixture needs to be ignited and without a spark, it’s not going to happen. That actually is common in all Stihl Chainsaws. Engage the chain brake by pushing the chain guard forward until it clicks into position. One of the common mistakes made by a chain saw user is to over activate the throttle or choke which usually ends with the engine flooding. Then, press down the primer valve several times if your chainsaw has one, and set the master control to the cold start setting. What might be less obvious is that too much fuel can flood your engine and prevent your chainsaw from starting. They have a single cylinder and run on a mix of gasoline and oil. But overdoing it may flood the engine and impede the engine from running. I also tend to carry 2 saws into the woods, and if I am around the house and a saw will not strat, I reach for another one. These tips were developed by loggers who use a saw every day, year after year. Two-stroke engines are small internal combustion engines that are most commonly found on lawnmowers, chainsaws and weed whackers. There could be more complicated problems like fuel intake, and low engine compression. A new chainsaw might give you starting trouble right out of the box if you fuel it with an old gas/oil mixture, especially if it has added ethanol. You’ve followed all the previous instructions, but your chainsaw is still flooded. It has the new pull cord start assist mechanism that drives me a bit crazy. How to Start a Stihl MS250. The following is a more detailed description of how to start a Stihl chainsaw, including pictures and references. Press the fuel pump for easy viewing of the fuel level. The chain saw should start. Small engines, including chainsaws, can be frustrating to start. Reboot Saw and Turn Everything Off . If your Stihl chainsaw won’t start, we are going to show you how to troubleshoot it, and how to fix it. So, if your chainsaw doesn’t work, try lowering the power output slightly by adjusting the engine screws. I bought a brand new Stihl FS55RC trimmer last spring, it started fine for the first couple of weeks, after that it was a bear to start, acted like it was flooded. Push or pull the choke to the "off" position and deal with anything else that might need to be switched off. If you want to find out, otherwise try to remove your spark plug and check for moisture. The way to start from cold is 2 pulls full choke , 1 at half then start on I setting (run setting). It is the major cause of a stalled chainsaw engine. Starting a STIHL chain saw. View trademarks owned by ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO. KG, Waiblingen. If you are at an office or shared network, you can ask the network administrator to run a scan across the network looking for misconfigured or infected devices. The more hands-on method to start a flooded chainsaw: Have the chain break on Turn the choke off Activate the fast idle (by engaging the throttle lock/trigger assembly or pulling the choke … The engine will fire up and allow about 30 seconds for the engine to warm up. 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. The above steps on how to start a Poulan chainsaw will help you start your Poulan chainsaw with ease as long as they are correctly implemented. The saw has more than enough gas at the right place and too much is the problem. You should push the choke to half position and pull the rope to start the engine. Different chain saw models may have different controls. Completing the CAPTCHA proves you are a human and gives you temporary access to the web property. You'll learn about the saw controls and how to position them related to the starting sequence, for cold and warm starts. Now that you have cleared the engine of too much "liquid" gasoline and set the choke in the "on" position, pull the engine cord several times through until the engine "pops" one time. It will be at the top of the engine cover, … Leave the choke open and pull the starting cord several times. Step 1: Fill the Saw With Fluids. If some chain lubricant appears on the light-colored background, then you can start work. If the problem is only a small one then it’s possible that you’d just be able to clean it out and your chainsaw will start working once again. Be sure to read and fully understand your chainsaw's Instruction Manual for more in-depth instructions and safety procedures specific to your saw. You’ve followed all the previous instructions, but your chainsaw is still flooded. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. I think you need to read the manual or ask the dealer to show you how to start it. For all the details, check out the STIHL MS291 Owner’s Manual. The instructions on the following pages should be regarded as supplementary to the Instruction Manual supplied with your STIHL chainsaw. The most common reasons a Stihl chainsaw won’t start, is because of a bad spark plug, or a worn carburetor. Before starting the saw make sure the fluids are topped off, or at least make sure you have more bar oil than gas. What Is a Throttle Body and How Does It Work? 3. Step 1 Place the machine on a flat surface. Try to start the chainsaw. He is a member of the Society of American Foresters. Starting a chainsaw is not difficult, but it does require following a few simple steps in a precise order. When the engine starts and then stops after the 5 pulls. A cold start is when the motor of the chainsaw is cold or has been off for a long time. Fixing flooded engine on stihl 025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36Ert2xcg2c Troubleshooting a flooded saw in the field could make or break whatever task you have been assigned to. Try it first without using the throttle control—unless recommended by the manufacturer. 4. To fix these you will need to replace or rebuild these parts. Old fuel could also be a problem. Step-by-step starting. Make sure the saw is full of fresh non-ethanol gas, mixed with the correct amount of two-stroke oil, and avoid flooding. I suspect the answer to this question is that I need to learn more about how a chainsaw engine works, but: I use a stihl ms260 at work, and I'll have it on full choke to start it cold. Try to start the chainsaw. Re: Dealing with a flooded Stihl « Reply #1 on: April 19, 2011, 08:04:23 AM » When I was tuning one of my saws I set the carb way too rich and it was flooding on the start, so I was able to tip the saw upside down and let the gas drip out the in take (with the air filter off). You should maintain servicing the chainsaw every time after using it for 25 hours. To clear excess fuel from the carburetor, place the choke lever in the Off position, hold the throttle trigger fully open and pull the starter rope 5 or 6 times. We show you how to do it – step by step, with lots of detailed pictures. A pop is a quick audible response and jerk by the engine without cranking. I'll admit it is my fault. I doubt the saw has 5 hours of run time under its belt. It's possible the engine is flooded with fuel. Step 5 – If Flooded. That's not always the case and if you do that with a Stihl chainsaw it's guaranteed to flood. Put the choke to the "on" position. Just as in a vehicle, the spark plugs are a common reason as to why an engine won’t start. In this condition, two to three start attempts are usually required. Most will have a priming bulb and, perhaps, a decompression valve. At this point: Place the choke in the "off" position. Step-by-Step: Starting Your STIHL Chainsaw : Start by removing the bar cover and follow the above-mentioned checklist. The major things to remember are: If a flooded chainsaw is your problem, no extra gas is needed—DO NOT be tempted to prime the saw again. Discussion in 'Chainsaw' started by Doug01, Jan 27, 2008. To make your work easier, I have given you a comprehensive guide on how to start a Stihl Chainsaw.. We all know that if the saws are not checked, ran and maintained it becomes very easy for them to flood from the constant bumping around that happens while driving around town. Doug01 ArboristSite Operative. Have a second person pull the cord if someone is around. This video illustrates the proper ways to start a STIHL chainsaw, as well as which methods to avoid (such as drop starting) and why. Starting a chainsaw is not difficult, but it does require following a few simple steps in a precise order. If you don’t do this the chain will rotate when you pull the recoil starter cord. What might be less obvious is that too much fuel can flood your engine and prevent your chainsaw from starting. I ususally let them set for 5 minutes and then do the fast idle thing, and full open throttle if that does not work. I'll keep pulling the starter cord and sometimes it doesn't seem to start. Remember to always wear the proper Chainsaw Protective Apparel when using your chainsaw. Cranking a depressed chain With the choke in the "off" position, pull the engine's crank cord through again. Make sure that the idle speed never exceeds the starting speed and try to restart it. If a flooded chainsaw is your problem, no extra gas is needed—DO NOT be tempted to prime the saw again. The instructions on the following pages should be regarded as supplementary to the Instruction Manual supplied with your STIHL chain saw. If you are on a personal connection, like at home, you can run an anti-virus scan on your device to make sure it is not infected with malware. Title says it all. Make sure that the idle speed never exceeds the starting speed and try to restart it. A clear indication of this incident is smelling fuel from your chainsaw. Check on the spark plug, and the boot should seat firmly on the spark plug. The spark plug is wet or faulty. Here is further advice from a forestry forum poster: "If I haven't gotten a pop in four pulls, I transition to the part throttle, no-choke position and if I haven't gotten a start in maybe 8 pulls I return to the choke position for one or two pulls. Step 14 of 15: Before getting started, check the chain lubrication. Everything should be back on. Steve Nix is a natural resources consultant and a former forest resources analyst for the state of Alabama.