I just was outside cutting a down tree and I used your advice for the second time in 12 months…STARTED PERFECTLY both times. Had my stihl for 15 years, sometimes it started, sometimes I flooded it. Never again thanks to you. Thought to myself, I needed to come back here and thank you. So, THANK YOU!! 👊🏽👍🏽🙏🏽🤘🏽
@@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247 - I take full responsibility for my ignorance. I don’t cut trees for a living, but I try and buy good tools, that lasts forever, when I do something. Hoping this saw lasts another 15, and now I’ll start it correctly every time. I appreciate you. Thanks.
I'm a 66 year old woman who tries to do as much as possible on my own. But since I do not have to use tools often I forget how to use them. You are a lifesaver. With the ice storm I have a large tree down in my driveway. Completely blocking exit. I'm in the mountains so either call around and bother someone, or figure it out. AND, I usually have had to take the chainsaw to the repair store to get them to start it. They do everything automatically so could not explain HOW to do it while cold. I saw part of what they did in your demo, but there was more. Wow. Thank you so much!!!
This video Rocks! All these years I thought it was my Stihl chainsaw just being stubborn. No!! It was me being stubborn and not learning how to properly cold start it!! Thank you!! Must have spent 20 minutes yesterday pulling that old ripcord on my 20+ year old Stihl 260, until I was exhausted and frustrated. Today, decided to search "How to start a stubborn chainsaw" and this was the first video I clicked on! WOW!! 3 minutes to watch, 3 pulls on full choke ...burp , down to half choke and 1 pull she's purring like a kitten! Can't wait to try this out on my Stihl trimmer too! Thank you SLR SOLutions!!
Spot on, thank you! I am glad I did not learn anything here, but now I am more confident that my dad (now 84) taught me the correct procedure those many decades ago. Thank you SRL for increasing saw awareness for us all !
I kid you not, nobody has explained it this straightforward. I have been frustrated for 3 years, the piston on my chainsaw gave out so I got a new one. I thought I had a lemon and then this video worked perfectly. Chainsaw rookie here that is very thankful
Good afternoon from Cape Cod ⛵ this video is proof that my phone is listening to me 😂 I was just telling my father that I spent my day cutting a downed tree with my Stihl MS 190, ironically I sometimes have a hard time starting it but kind of figured out the procedure because I do not have the instruction manual, a friend of mine gave me the saw because he has back problems and can't use it. I don't think it was ever used when he gave it to me. Well now that I've watched your video I'm going right back outside now to see if your procedure works, I'm fairly certain it will. ✌️🇺🇲
Absolutely correct on the starting of Stihl saws. I worked all day with 2 different Stihl saws yesterday, alternating them, and repeatedly starting them. Not one problem starting. However, I do not do the jerk start anymore. Shoulder surgery cured me of that.
Just purchased a MS180. It was fired off at the store I bought it from. A couple of weeks later, I fired it off at home following Stihl instructions. Yesterday, I tried to fire it off and it simply would not start. I checked the plug to be sure it was firing and it was! Next I checked to see if it was getting fuel with the plug out and it appeared it was. Still the dang thing would not fire. This morning I took it to a Stihl Repair Center. Here is what I was told...pull the starter rope 3 times and if you don't hear a "sputter," then go ahead and move it to 1/2 choke. It could take up to 6 pulls but it should fire off. Lesson learned...you may not hear a "sputter."
I know you did this video 4 years ago but I have to tell you, THIS WORKS BROTHER!!! FIRST TIME TRYING IT and I always had a hard time starting my Stihl MS170. As we all know 2 cycle engines always have a certain routine that works best for starting them. Generally, I trial it many times to get the correct process. Sometimes it is close to the manufacturers recommendations. About 50/50 split on that, I think. ANYWAY many THANKS for this simple but EFFECTIVE METHOD.
I used that technique for many years until I bought a 390 model. Flooded it big time. Took it back to the dealer and told them that it would not start after using that technique, was told that on the bigger saws, only pull three times and then take it off choke. That technique works on my 390. The book does say to use your technique, but my experience is that if you use that technique, it will flood every time.
Same thing happened to me on this saw. I waited for the burp and flooded it. Took it to the Stihl dealer, said even if it doesn't burp, only pull 3 times or it will flood.
THANKS so much for this caveat! It's good to know about that quirk of the bigger saws. I have a 290 (plus three smaller saws), but at 75, don't anticipating "grading up" to a 390 anytime soon! However, should I do so, I'll definitely remember your advice!
Started a chainsaw for the first time with this video. It was easy and to the point. Lots of other “how to” videos spent a lot of time talking instead of showing. Great video thanks a lot😊
I've had people complain about how hard stihls are to start. Turns out, things are easier when you know what you're doing. This works on every stihl I've used all the way from my old 038 Magnum to my new 251
I bought my saw last year the dealer showed me how to start it correctly it worked great but I fell off my truck and messed up my shoulder early September. Just healed enough July so I could handle my saw. But, it wouldn't start. I felt I was doing it wrong, so I found this video and it started nicely. I had forgotten to wait for the "burp". Thanks for making this video.
awesome to hear thanks for watching. take your time sawing with your shoulder. ive had two lower back surgeries so instead of just pounding through i have to remind myslef slow and easy. i kneel on every cut now.
I’ve got a MS180C with easy start. About 3 years ago I got so frustrated with that thing I finally took it to the local Stihl dealer. I told a young lady my problem and she took me to the back to a mechanic. She told him my problem and he looks at me and said “Have you read the instructions?” Without giving me time to answer he took the saw, locked the throttle, pushed the control lever all the way down, pulled the cord twice, moved the control lever up 1 notch, pulled the cord and BAM! The damn thing started. He handed it to me and said-“Operator error!” I felt like a fool. The other day I was working in the yard and I look at my saw and thought- man, I haven’t used that thing in over 2 years. The gas is probably stale and it will never start. Guess what- proper procedure , 2 pulls and the damn thing fired up! When all else fails- READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! lol
7/28/22 He simply and quickly shows you how to start it. My saw sat for 2 years, I added new gas, It Started!! THIS SYSTEM ABSOLUTELY WORKS. 10/10 Stellar.
Thanks for the great demo! I think many folks have bad-mouthed Stihl because they never took the time to learn this procedure! As someone else pointed out - you don't always get the "burp" or the "pop". 4 - 5 pulls is usually the limit before switching to half-choke. I had that experience with an MS-250. Hope this helps!
I had the exact same problem with my MS-250. I was waiting for the burp to occur but on this model I think it doesn't so I would flood it every time and swear at it. Now I just give it 3-4 pulls on the choke and then it starts well on half choke or "on" position
@@vincentlabrecque2275 i always get the burp with the my 170 and 290. i had this many pulls because it hadn't been started in 6 months and it had to pull fuel through the saw. i could have slow pulled a few times off camera but i wanted to be fully honest.
Thanks, I will give that a try, been so mad at this saw I wanted to smash it with my maul. It was a Christmas present from my kids so I just put it away and use my old o26. It starts, no problem.
MY MS 250 is more finicky than my MS 170 to start when cold..the Stihl dealer / Mechanic I bought the saw from showed me this way..he also told me if it does flood take out the spark plug and turn it upside down to get all the fuel out of the cylinder..then let it air out and try it again..I do that now and it works 99.9% of the time.
Took your advice and just started both my chainsaws easy peasy! Thanks, it's easy when you know how. Both started just the way you describe, I was amazed! Thanks again!
@@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247 i wasn't sure when you switched to the cold, warm, on and off switches. Do you have press on the two to switch to the different levels?
Some years ago I rented a Stihl chainsaw from a company here (in Barbados). I don't recall if I had any difficulty starting it, but I've saved this video in case I rent one again (or even buy one). Very useful tips. Thanks! I've subscribed to your channel too. Can't imagine why anyone would downvote the video. Maybe they're atheists. Lol
I hate 2 strokes more the anything on earth. The choke issue vexes me to no end. But thanks to your simple breakdown, I just started a friend's chainsaw that hadn't be cranked in a long time. Dumped the fuel and put new in. Tightened the chain, filled the bar oil tank, then followed your instructions and it cranked right up. Much obliged.
I've used Stihl saws for over 40 years now. I recently got a battery powered one for Christmas to use for my trail maintenance projects. I'm cutting mostly alder and small spruce. Stihl has absolutely nailed this product. For smaller wood, I'd rather use it than my full size 24" Farm Boss. Nice to have choices. The batteries are incredible and last for hours. The rapid charger gets it done in about 20 minutes. No exhaust fumes and quiet.
I got a Toro battery saw, and same thing. That saw cuts like hell, and I can put the battery in the charger, make and eat breakfast- and it's charged. I cut firewood with mine, and a full charge will cut all the wood I care to handle and process that day. It'll cut surprisingly big rounds, too. I love not having to start it, or wear hearing protection! Just keep the bar oil full (it has a sightglass!), and keep the chain sharp. The tool to tighten the chain slides into the handle, so you never forget to bring it. They even marked the scabbard, so you can use it to measure your cuts. Well thought out tool that just works. I'd love to get one of those Stihl top handle battery saws, for limbing, cutting too long pices, and ripping crotches and knotty chunks into usable size. The Toro has a 16" bar, that's kinda awkward for jobs like that- lots of bar sticking out beyond the workpiece to worry about.
Stihl should have demo days to show what their battery powered saw can do.My neighbor let me try his plug in electric saw, and it barely scored the log.He said he just sharpened the chain! No thanks, I stick with my 2 cycle saw.💪
I have two Stihl electric saws, and they are dynamite. They make up for lower power by cutting a narrower kerf. Your neighbor must not have gotten a good do when he sharpened it. Try it again with a new chain. You'll be impressed. It's so much handier for branches and other small stuff, up to say six inch diameter.
@@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247 Heck, I've been cutting wood for 30+ years. Love my Stihl, but until I watched this video, I had issues starting it. Now as you pointed out, had I read and memorized the manual, then I may have learned this trick a long time ago! Thanks from Captain Unobvious!
Cool and very straightforward, informative video - thanks! I had to learn this all THE HARD WAY back 20 years ago with my first 260! 😂🤣 But since my 2022 bypass surgery, I'm now dealing with the ELECTRIC Stihls. They're much easier to start and run, but they don't have the power of my old 290. Going to be starting THAT baby up shortly, though, to take down a big maple for firewood and logs for shiitake mushroom cultivation - and will be sure to remember your guidelines. I'm sure they'll save me a LOT of frustration. I haven't started a gas saw since 2021.
awesome to hear! my 290 got stolen out of my garage... it was a bit too heavy anymore since my two lower back surgeries. my shitake logs are almost all deteriorated.... gonna miss those mushrrooms. thank for watching!
@@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247 ...... Sorry to hear your 290 was stolen. THAT is truly a "crime against humanity!" We had a nephew with a 390 with a 24" bar, who had IT stolen out of the back of his pickup (DUH!). Tried to tell him he was being WAY TOO trusting - but he worked in the woods for 20 years and "everybody does it." He now drives a truck making deliveries..........
Love this video. This helped me and my husband sooo much. We were so frustrated with this dang chainsaw and u taught us the right way and now it works. Thank you!!!
Saw arrived yesterday th-cam.com/users/postUgkxfQm1wmg0ItKDLavxj1nXtQY9HP7EF504 and today I cut about 3/4 cord of wood with it. Make sure you get an extension chord that is at least 12 gauge wire, minimum. This is my first electric in about 10 years, and things sure have improved. The self-sharpener works great, and it just kept cutting through some pretty decent logs. Wear your eye protection, and ear protection. Excellent saw.
Chickanic had a bit of advice on her channel for starting big cc Stihl saws: Pull the rope past the first compression stroke, THEN give er a yank! For homeowner and farm and ranch class saws without a compression release, or EZstart this works pretty nice. I have an MS291- 55cc's- and it can be a bear to pull. Lotta compression in that engine. Just make sure you watch that bar like a hawk when you drop start it! The engine has more than enough power to overpower the chainbrake with the throttle wide open like that. Especially with hard pullers- the bar waves all over the place. You want to cut wood, not go get stitches...
A damn good saw I put my foot in handle with a home made strap just up to the end of plastic and bar safest thing I've seen for a 65 year old to start stay safe
Thanks for this video. It helped me start my dad’s chainsaw. I tried prior to watching your video. Had no idea where the lever was supposed to be. Tried after watching the video and had success.
The Stihl dealer/representatives are also a great source for how to start/operate/maintain your Stihl equipment. I only wish I wasn’t so cheap years ago, I would have started out with Stihl products.
Just stay away from their M-tronic products.. I love Stihl and use one of their products weekly, but the M-tronic stuff has to stop existing. Its all good when it works, but when its comes time to adjust the high or low just a tiny amount, well forgrt it with their computer chip..
My first line trimmer (35 years ago) was a Stihl. The salesman took me through the starting procedure. Full choke, pull until it fires. Half choke, pull once, yes it will start. Let run for 30 secs. Choke off, you're ready to go. Nowadays they have those primer bulbs. It's even easier, press the bulb until it feels firm, press twice more. Full choke, it will fire after 2 pulls. Half choke, it will start on the first pull. Let it run for 30 seconds. Choke off, you're ready to go. I still use this technique with all my garden equipment, I have no problems starting even the cheapest Homelite leaf blower I own.
Thank you for making this video. You did a much more thorough job of explaining the starting procedure than the dealers. I did just as you did. Step by step,and it worked. It as you said it would. You placed great emphasis on holding down on the button and pressing the trigger at the same time.Then place the choke switch in choke position. Little details like this make all the difference. Thank You 👍
Thanks for this video as Stihl tech in Australia I have so many people bring chainsaws in for not starting purely because they are flooded I will now direct them to this video to show them how to start it correctly
This works for me as well. One additional tip is I always start it before I add any gas or oil. When done using I top off my fluids. Mine can be a little tough to start if it has been tipped on its side.
Not a stihl chainsaw but this guide is good for any chainsaw. We have a villager chainsaw that is still going strong after five years of regular cutting, the key is maintainence. My dad sad that his mechanic that has fixed it five years prior for like 4th time it needed a new piston or a carb. But he said it to him that every chainsaw no matter the brand must be turned on at least once or twice a month to work for a minute and two. My dad has practiced this since that day. And it never gave up. Starts up every time, and can cut 5 m3 of wood If you want. The problem is that benzine or petrol eats up the carburettor filter and membrane and if its sitting to much it goes bad and you need a new carb. He also explained me this method over the phone in half a minute when I over flooded it. I understood it right away. After that I had no problems starting it or any other carb machine since they all are similar. But yeah just turn it on once a month and keep the blade sharp and its enough. Its a proper way to maintain them.
Ive worked for a large landscaping company in michigan for years and i was always the on the cuttinf team hauling and chipping branches while the other guys cut. I remember always getting irritated and impatient cause they would constantky take breaks and rest. Well, a few months back, we lost a few people and i guess im promoted to lead cutter with the chansaws and let me tell you, i get it now. It can be exhausting cutting up brush and branches etc. Thank you for the pointers and help cause ive needed it.
What models are they? Just curious. I would never buy anything but Stihl saws but that’s just my personal experience with them . I have quite a few of Stihl models and I’m curious if I experienced any of the problems you are experiencing but I have to honestly say that every one of my Stihl saws are running very smooth and I have no problem starting any of them. Some start first or second pull but I use them quite often. Which models have given you the most problems? I’m curious if I own those models myself and then I’m going to look at them a little closer. Thanks.
This model saw that he has made this video about has 3 different starting packages. He is demonstrating the standard pull-start package. Your statement is absolutely spot on though. So Stihl MS180c also is available in an easy start package and that package is indeed making it easier/better to start this model. This guy is simply showing that if you use the proper start procedure every time then you can almost count on it starting up for you every time. I say almost because chainsaws to me are a 99.5% bet. It’s that .5% that we all love/hate! That’s why when we get that saw fired up whether it’s an MS170 or an 066 magnum, deep down inside we feel good about them and pull that trigger a few times as if to say “I won again!” Knowing that there is a .5% chance that some day that saw will get its victory and it’s gonna be that day when we really need it to come through for us and she just says screw you! LOL!!
@@blademan6075 I bought an easy start Stihl MS180C for my wife, because it's easier to start. MUCH easier. But never drop start it! You'll break the easy-start mechanism pretty quick.
If you are having difficulty starting MS 250 even with the proper starting procedure (full choke + 1 -2 pull until "burb" turn over, half choke pull, starts let it warm up + full throttle), then definitely check your carb (clean it and factory reset it, adjust it). I recently picked up a used MS 250, it was definitely difficult to start. This isn't my only chainsaw nor using it the first time (have 12+ chainsaw ranging from Stihl/Poulan/McCulloch/Echo and Chinese clone). I also have another older chainsaw without a primer bulb (Poulan 2750), so used to using a saw without primer bulb. MS250 floods extremely easily (way more than other saws) on full choke. If the carb isn't set correctly, it can flood within 3 pulls on a full choke resulting in hydrolock, you will know it because it is extremely hard to pull. The most saw will turn over on full choke within 3 pulls or less if tuned correctly but it not, it will flood on full choke, you can move it half choke continue to flood the saw, not resulting in starting. The first day I had this saw, it would be flooded multiple times, and I spend more time unflooding the saw (remove the spark plug and pull 15+ times, or set it to run+full throttle until it starts). What I finally ended up doing was taking the carb out, cleaned it ultrasonic cleaner (you can use normal carb cleaner), reset the carb to factory setting. The nice thing about MS250 is it has a factory setting on the cover (H 3/4 CCW, L 1 CCW, and high screw has limiter cap, which I wouldn't remove as it is set to optimal setting). After you factory reset the carb, the saw should turn over ("burp") within 1-2 pulls on full choke, and start. Also, if you saw runs on half choke (spins fast) but shuts off soon as giving a full-throttle, make sure H screw is turn CCW all the way (3/4 CCW max with limiter cap) and check the idle speed screw. If the screw is turn out all the way saw will shut off when the throttle is pressed. Close the idle speed screw all the way in, then turn in CCW 2 turn will at least get your chain to stay running. Then you can adjust the idle speed screw until the saw stops turning on idle. This is a great chainsaw, with some quirkiness but worth it once optimized.
I got a Stihl ms 180 which took me 20 minutes to start the first time while reading the instructions and following them to the letter... however what I was getting wrong was the fact that you only pull it ONCE with full choke. It won’t start but that’s okay. You then move it to half choke and after one or two pulls it will fire into life. I was treating it like a motorbike or generator choke - ie. trying to start it on full choke and then release the choke once it had been running for a few minutes. These chainsaws don’t work like that.
@@Purosanluispotosi Yup. Got mine to start, and it idled for 30 secs or so, then quit. It did NOT restart, and I ended up flooding it... Of course, I'd left the tools back at the house. I gave up, and just used my battery powered backup saw. No need to start that.
totally awesome it worked just like you said my saw had'nt been cracking since it shut down on me a year ago 4th pull it bert first pull in starting postion it cranked thank you
The reason why Stihl want you to start it the right way (foot on it, on the floor, with the break off) is because you don't then need the final pull that you did. So when you say "who's got time for that?" well- those who don't want to have to spend the extra time flicking the switch up another notch and pulling the chord an additional time. It's quicker to do it the way Stihl recommends. Also - pulling it the way you did, if you happen to have forgotten to put the break on, you could chop your own leg off - particularly as you aren't wearing chaps or any other PPE. 👍
I do it that way all the time doing it on the floor takes more effort and effort=quality=time if your not dumb and use it without doing it half assed it's fine
A lot of them have the easy pull system too. If you have that, definitely don't drop start as you'll break the starter. There are two starting methods they recommend: saw on the ground or standing upright with the handle placed between your legs (but not drop starting).
@@OliverofAllTrades Stihl, and I Husqvarna I currently have. I suspected it was user error so I've tried to research it over the years s to improve my technique to no avail.
Wow. I was having troubles getting my Stihl FS 131 trimmer started, kept flooding it and following this general advise worked flawlessly! Get the false start with the choke on, then set to partial choke and continue to pull. Started right up no problems... after having struggled with flooding it constantly since I bought it. Sure would be nice if they made it clearer in the instructions. Doesn't help that this one with the big bike handlebars ends up being pretty awkward to have a hand near the throttle and also pull the starter cord. I was actually able to do a similar sort of drop start that you were doing rather than starting it on the ground and that worked quite well for being able to keep a finger on the throttle while pulling.
FYI, I really don't use my chainsaw much, but I have this video saved and watch it everytime I am about to.. It's my bookmarked instructions, thanks much!
Isn't it amazing the little things we forget, that'll make you wanna quit? Bought my second chainsaw months ago, used it once... forgot the sequences... went to use it again, it failed to start. I quit until today. Put pride aside just to see if by chance I was doing something wrong. I was and did. Found this little gem that brought me back to basics. Needless to say, I just chopped down half my yard. Lesson.
Jeff thank you very much Best video best everything I have my chainsaw for about 4 months without start Today my tree breaks and I really needed to cut it I’ve been looking for small engine repair shop and they don’t wanna take my saw It’s barely new not too much use. After a watch your video that fucker starts right out. My Lord I’m happy I find your video. Thank you sir.
SRL SOLutions: Self-Reliance Through Preparation If you use your saw frequently gasp with ethanol is acceptable. However if you don't avoid it like the plague because it has a short shelf life. Ethanol attracts water, that is the first problem with it.
I also have a Stihl 180 and 250, Husky 450, and Echo 590 Timberwolf. Echo the most reliable to start, Stihl 170 almost impossible some days. The secret on the 180 is one or two pulls on choke max.
This works for some but not all. In fact own many chainsaws and the stihls are the ones that do not burp all the time. I have 2 stihls that DO NOT burp at all and are hard to start as hell hence I went to Husky pro series saw.
Manfred Laub Are you still having trouble starting your saw? I've had a fair bit of experience with various saws over the years. I might be able to help you. Cheers!
Just had to write another review. Thank you thank you so much! After viewing your instructions and boy doesn't my chainsaw start so easy! Your a champ!
Thank you so much for this tutorial!Y fire department uses this brand, and I ALWAYS forget how to start it. I will definitely be coming back to this video
Never read the instructions. Used saw dozens of times over 3 years. Sometimes pulled 200 times. Then asked Stihl dealer why so hard to start. He explained it. Burps 3rd pull starts on 4th every time I'm a friggin meathead. But my left arm is real strong now.
Honestly reread the instructions. It will say how to deal with warm starts. If you follow it exactly. It will work. Maybe not on the first try but it will. Whatever you did that worked somehow accidentally did what the instructions said.
I haven't used my very good but 19 year old MC260 Pro in a more than 2 years. I figured I remembered what I saw in your TH-cam when I watched it back then, but then I thought let me go watch again. Bingo, started right up after a 5 pull burp. Thanks again, p.s. I did put my foot in the handle just in case!
I had a Stihl chainsaw and it literally burned up the first day. Took it back. The Ace Hardware that sold it to me wanted hundreds to repair it and said it was my fault. It wasn’t. Called Stihl and they refunded my purchase price. Went and bought a Craftsman. Works great.
I believe him. Good work Robin that's the way its supposed to work . Still produced a lemon that time and Robin made them stand behind it. BTW Michael how you know the saw wasn't burnt up by a previous owner. Sounds to me like a dealer may have stood behind one of their dumbass buddies. It happens !
We had a terrible storm last week,lots of limbs and trees down.I got my 35 year old Stihl 034 out, filled it with fresh gas,pulled it 5 times,and it started and ran pretty good.I know it hadn't been started in at least 4 years.That thing has never failed me.
I'm 14 and i just started running my grandpaps 036 pro i put west coast saws 3 point felling dogs and a bark box on it, i have the chained sharpened very aggressive and it cuts like a bullet through paper
The .034 and most of the .000 series saws are some of the most reliable saws out there. Hang on to that .034 because it’s a great saw! I have one myself along with several other Stihl saws but I reach for that saw 9 times out of 10 when it’s time to just get to work.
I have a 291 I just bought and I watched this video to see if I did anything wrong because it never burped after 10 pulls Remembered the flooded start procedure my dad taught me as a kid (take plug out and pull string until gas stops spraying out, wipe off plug, reinstall, put on run and pull till it starts). Moving forward I will pull only 3 or 4 times on full Choke if it doesn’t burp - then go to half choke and then run. This has worked every time since that initial flooding
I bartered for a older Poulan many years back that had sat for god knows how long, cost me a six pack of beer and a carb kit. Couple hits on the primer when cold, two pulls or less. When hot, first pull. Yes, its not a stihl, but I never expected it to be. Sharp chain, 93 octane non-oxy fuel, and she rips through anything I may come across. Anything more I'm calling an arborist. Cheers.
Are you friggin’ KIDDING ME?!?! 5 months and probably THIRTY TH-cam videos trying to figure out how to get my father-in-laws old saw going. Watched this and, it started SINGING in the second pull!! SUB. SCRIBED!! 👊🏻
On my MS250 I pill the throttle and at the same time flick it into full choke. The throttle stays partially pulled. Pull it till it burps, flick it on half choke, pull until it starts. Burp the throttle and it’ll switch into the run position all on its own.
Thank you bro 🙏 my friend just both new Stihl and she asked me to cut wood for her thank you for easy explanation. I will check more footage regarding safety
Stihl recommends two way to start their saws. Yes one is on the ground. But the other way is too put the handle between your legs. That way to have better control over the saw. Drop starting a saw you could accidentally hit the chain break lever. Thus releasing it if saw starts then kicks back. You may need to make a fast trip to ER. You may want to remake video using that method. Before someone’s lawyer contacts you. Because they said thats how you did it in the video. Or you could change title to how not to flood a chainsaw on startup. I’ve been showing people how to start Stihl products for over 25 years. How you pulled that saw over is the first thing I show them NOT to do. The rest of your video is spot on.
Been using Stihl chainsaws for 30 years. Have always drop started, (much easier on my life-long bad back), but I don't recommend that for anyone. Have always used highest octane for all my small engines (no ethanol). When buying gas, I immediately and always mix in gas-extender -(Sta-bil). Have NEVER had a problem starting my Stihl saws. Great product.
If you hit the chain brake while drop starting I don't see how you'd flip it off instead of on, if anything your wrist will go into the guard and activate it
Thank you so much. I’ve got a Stihl chainsaw that was a gift two Christmases ago. I just make sure it has Borroel in it and topped it off with some of Stihl’s gasoline mix in the tank and I’m gonna give it a try.!😉
I paid a lot of attention to the fingers that press the gas and at the same time the lever switch, something tremendously interesting and new for me,was failed every time I tried to turn it on!! Thank you very much I will practice it I will thank you forever!! Jn
They don't always "burp." If it doesn't burp after the fourth pull on full choke, flip it up to the starting position anyway and pull until it starts. That's how you never flood these. If you keep pulling away on full choke, waiting for a burp, you've already flooded it.
@@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247 I believe you. Mine is only 2 years old. Sometimes it burps, most of the time it doesn't. If it burps, then it starts on the first or second pull in the start position. If it doesn't burp by the fourth pull, I flip it to start and it fires by the third or fourth pull. No big deal. It starts easy, either way. Perhaps the newer saws are a little more prone to flooding. I'm not sure. This is my first plastic saw but it's been great so far. Stihl had to put in their owners manual to pull no more than 5 times on full choke because of all the people flooding their saws and trying to return them, thinking they were defective.
@@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247 I don't know much about starting chainsaws, but one trick I used to employ with Stihl weedeaters (or weed whackers, as we call them here), is that when it refused to start I would just let it sit in the sunshine for 10 minutes or so, then try again. That _usually_ worked, but I live in the tropics. So that wouldn't be a practical solution for everyone.
New, never run Stihl MS250. Purchased it yesterday. The dealer explained how to start it and even used the “burp” word. I pulled and pulled and never got a burp. I moved the lever up and pulled. No burp. I put the lever into run position. No burp. I removed the spark plug and checked for excess fuel. I let it sit for an hour and tried again. No burp. I’m taking it back to the dealer in the morning.
I just was outside cutting a down tree and I used your advice for the second time in 12 months…STARTED PERFECTLY both times. Had my stihl for 15 years, sometimes it started, sometimes I flooded it. Never again thanks to you. Thought to myself, I needed to come back here and thank you. So, THANK YOU!! 👊🏽👍🏽🙏🏽🤘🏽
thank you for the kind words and letting me know. so awesome to have encouraging words on social media. we need more like you! Blessings!
@@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247 - I take full responsibility for my ignorance. I don’t cut trees for a living, but I try and buy good tools, that lasts forever, when I do something. Hoping this saw lasts another 15, and now I’ll start it correctly every time. I appreciate you. Thanks.
To the point short and sweet. No interjections of needless info and that is what I like. Good Job !
thank you! and thanks for watching!
I'm a 66 year old woman who tries to do as much as possible on my own. But since I do not have to use tools often I forget how to use them. You are a lifesaver. With the ice storm I have a large tree down in my driveway. Completely blocking exit. I'm in the mountains so either call around and bother someone, or figure it out. AND, I usually have had to take the chainsaw to the repair store to get them to start it. They do everything automatically so could not explain HOW to do it while cold. I saw part of what they did in your demo, but there was more. Wow. Thank you so much!!!
im so happy i could help! be careful out there!
With all due respect. Go electric. I'm a 66 year man. Gas powered is no joke
@@jeromeduffy9270 Interesting. Not familiar with electric. Thanks. Went electric with other outdoor appliances.
@@annieoakley1565 Like everything all those ICE are harded to maintain. Electric just works
@@jeromeduffy9270 th-cam.com/video/LktGRUyR8Wo/w-d-xo.html
Looks like it can get the job done. I won't buy another gas chainsaw
This video Rocks! All these years I thought it was my Stihl chainsaw just being stubborn. No!! It was me being stubborn and not learning how to properly cold start it!! Thank you!! Must have spent 20 minutes yesterday pulling that old ripcord on my 20+ year old Stihl 260, until I was exhausted and frustrated. Today, decided to search "How to start a stubborn chainsaw" and this was the first video I clicked on! WOW!! 3 minutes to watch, 3 pulls on full choke ...burp , down to half choke and 1 pull she's purring like a kitten! Can't wait to try this out on my Stihl trimmer too!
Thank you SLR SOLutions!!
Spot on, thank you! I am glad I did not learn anything here, but now I am more confident that my dad (now 84) taught me the correct procedure those many decades ago. Thank you SRL for increasing saw awareness for us all !
I kid you not, nobody has explained it this straightforward. I have been frustrated for 3 years, the piston on my chainsaw gave out so I got a new one. I thought I had a lemon and then this video worked perfectly. Chainsaw rookie here that is very thankful
Preparing for Hurricane Ida brought me here, my 251 has just been sitting in the shed, it started right up thanks a lot!!!
Awesome news. Just prayed for you and your families safety.
Good afternoon from Cape Cod ⛵ this video is proof that my phone is listening to me 😂 I was just telling my father that I spent my day cutting a downed tree with my Stihl MS 190, ironically I sometimes have a hard time starting it but kind of figured out the procedure because I do not have the instruction manual, a friend of mine gave me the saw because he has back problems and can't use it. I don't think it was ever used when he gave it to me. Well now that I've watched your video I'm going right back outside now to see if your procedure works, I'm fairly certain it will. ✌️🇺🇲
Absolutely correct on the starting of Stihl saws. I worked all day with 2 different Stihl saws yesterday, alternating them, and repeatedly starting them. Not one problem starting. However, I do not do the jerk start anymore. Shoulder surgery cured me of that.
back surgery keeps me from twisting motion of on ground. thanks for watching!
Just purchased a MS180. It was fired off at the store I bought it from. A couple of weeks later, I fired it off at home following Stihl instructions. Yesterday, I tried to fire it off and it simply would not start. I checked the plug to be sure it was firing and it was! Next I checked to see if it was getting fuel with the plug out and it appeared it was. Still the dang thing would not fire. This morning I took it to a Stihl Repair Center. Here is what I was told...pull the starter rope 3 times and if you don't hear a "sputter," then go ahead and move it to 1/2 choke. It could take up to 6 pulls but it should fire off. Lesson learned...you may not hear a "sputter."
I had almost the exact same experience. Now I pull the cord three times in full choke then move it to half choke and it always starts.
Especially with the MS250. My MS170 and MS290 are not as finicky as the MS250.
No burp after 4 or 5 tries, a cold beer usually works for me
Explained like a true American!
Or hire somebody
If it ain't smokin after a dozen pulls, then I sure am in more ways than one!!🚬 🤬
🤣🤣🤣
Yup
I know you did this video 4 years ago but I have to tell you, THIS WORKS BROTHER!!! FIRST TIME TRYING IT and I always had a hard time starting my Stihl MS170. As we all
know 2 cycle engines always have a certain routine that works best for starting them. Generally, I trial it many times to get the correct process. Sometimes it is close to the
manufacturers recommendations. About 50/50 split on that, I think. ANYWAY many THANKS for this simple but EFFECTIVE METHOD.
I used that technique for many years until I bought a 390 model. Flooded it big time. Took it back to the dealer and told them that it would not start after using that technique, was told that on the bigger saws, only pull three times and then take it off choke. That technique works on my 390. The book does say to use your technique, but my experience is that if you use that technique, it will flood every time.
thanks for the info and thanks for watching!
Same thing happened to me on this saw. I waited for the burp and flooded it. Took it to the Stihl dealer, said even if it doesn't burp, only pull 3 times or it will flood.
THANKS so much for this caveat! It's good to know about that quirk of the bigger saws. I have a 290 (plus three smaller saws), but at 75, don't anticipating "grading up" to a 390 anytime soon! However, should I do so, I'll definitely remember your advice!
Started a chainsaw for the first time with this video. It was easy and to the point. Lots of other “how to” videos spent a lot of time talking instead of showing. Great video thanks a lot😊
great to hear! thank yiou so much for watching
I've had people complain about how hard stihls are to start. Turns out, things are easier when you know what you're doing. This works on every stihl I've used all the way from my old 038 Magnum to my new 251
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I bought my saw last year the dealer showed me how to start it correctly it worked great but I fell off my truck and messed up my shoulder early September. Just healed enough July so I could handle my saw. But, it wouldn't start. I felt I was doing it wrong, so I found this video and it started nicely. I had forgotten to wait for the "burp".
Thanks for making this video.
awesome to hear thanks for watching. take your time sawing with your shoulder. ive had two lower back surgeries so instead of just pounding through i have to remind myslef slow and easy. i kneel on every cut now.
I’ve got a MS180C with easy start. About 3 years ago I got so frustrated with that thing I finally took it to the local Stihl dealer. I told a young lady my problem and she took me to the back to a mechanic. She told him my problem and he looks at me and said “Have you read the instructions?” Without giving me time to answer he took the saw, locked the throttle, pushed the control lever all the way down, pulled the cord twice, moved the control lever up 1 notch, pulled the cord and BAM! The damn thing started. He handed it to me and said-“Operator error!” I felt like a fool. The other day I was working in the yard and I look at my saw and thought- man, I haven’t used that thing in over 2 years. The gas is probably stale and it will never start. Guess what- proper procedure , 2 pulls and the damn thing fired up! When all else fails- READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! lol
7/28/22 He simply and quickly shows you how to start it. My saw sat for 2 years, I added new gas, It Started!! THIS SYSTEM ABSOLUTELY WORKS. 10/10 Stellar.
Thanks for the great demo! I think many folks have bad-mouthed Stihl because they never took the time to learn this procedure!
As someone else pointed out - you don't always get the "burp" or the "pop". 4 - 5 pulls is usually the limit before switching to half-choke. I had that experience with an MS-250. Hope this helps!
thanks!
I had the exact same problem with my MS-250. I was waiting for the burp to occur but on this model I think it doesn't so I would flood it every time and swear at it. Now I just give it 3-4 pulls on the choke and then it starts well on half choke or "on" position
@@vincentlabrecque2275 i always get the burp with the my 170 and 290. i had this many pulls because it hadn't been started in 6 months and it had to pull fuel through the saw. i could have slow pulled a few times off camera but i wanted to be fully honest.
Thanks, I will give that a try, been so mad at this saw I wanted to smash it with my maul. It was a Christmas present from my kids so I just put it away and use my old o26. It starts, no problem.
MY MS 250 is more finicky than my MS 170 to start when cold..the Stihl dealer / Mechanic I bought the saw from showed me this way..he also told me if it does flood take out the spark plug and turn it upside down to get all the fuel out of the cylinder..then let it air out and try it again..I do that now and it works 99.9% of the time.
Exactly what I needed before I threw my back out last week. Thanks. Mine started on the 3rd pull today!🎉
Took your advice and just started both my chainsaws easy peasy! Thanks, it's easy when you know how. Both started just the way you describe, I was amazed! Thanks again!
awesome! thanks for watching!
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@@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247 i wasn't sure when you switched to the cold, warm, on and off switches. Do you have press on the two to switch to the different levels?
Great video. Got my butt kicked by my M391 today. Started at the house at 7500’ no problem, added 2000’ elevation and it was a battle of attrition.
Thanks! Actually explaining the dumb stuff like what choke means is invaluable to some of us gas engine dummies. 🤘🏻
awesome! thanks for watching!
Thanks bud. I was unable to start it as it was set to "0" But when i started it as per your information, it worked and started at first go🎉
awesome! thanks for watching
Some years ago I rented a Stihl chainsaw from a company here (in Barbados). I don't recall if I had any difficulty starting it, but I've saved this video in case I rent one again (or even buy one). Very useful tips. Thanks! I've subscribed to your channel too. Can't imagine why anyone would downvote the video. Maybe they're atheists. Lol
thanks for watching wayne!
Your. Weird
Even an atheist will have to learn that God will not pull the cord the right way without your proceedures
I hate 2 strokes more the anything on earth. The choke issue vexes me to no end. But thanks to your simple breakdown, I just started a friend's chainsaw that hadn't be cranked in a long time. Dumped the fuel and put new in. Tightened the chain, filled the bar oil tank, then followed your instructions and it cranked right up. Much obliged.
I've used Stihl saws for over 40 years now. I recently got a battery powered one for Christmas to use for my trail maintenance projects. I'm cutting mostly alder and small spruce. Stihl has absolutely nailed this product. For smaller wood, I'd rather use it than my full size 24" Farm Boss. Nice to have choices. The batteries are incredible and last for hours. The rapid charger gets it done in about 20 minutes. No exhaust fumes and quiet.
Agreed. We're right at the beginning of a cordless revolution I think.
I got a Toro battery saw, and same thing. That saw cuts like hell, and I can put the battery in the charger, make and eat breakfast- and it's charged. I cut firewood with mine, and a full charge will cut all the wood I care to handle and process that day. It'll cut surprisingly big rounds, too. I love not having to start it, or wear hearing protection! Just keep the bar oil full (it has a sightglass!), and keep the chain sharp. The tool to tighten the chain slides into the handle, so you never forget to bring it. They even marked the scabbard, so you can use it to measure your cuts. Well thought out tool that just works.
I'd love to get one of those Stihl top handle battery saws, for limbing, cutting too long pices, and ripping crotches and knotty chunks into usable size. The Toro has a 16" bar, that's kinda awkward for jobs like that- lots of bar sticking out beyond the workpiece to worry about.
Stihl should have demo days to show what their battery powered saw can do.My neighbor let me try his plug in electric saw, and it barely scored the log.He said he just sharpened the chain!
No thanks, I stick with my 2 cycle saw.💪
I have two Stihl electric saws, and they are dynamite. They make up for lower power by cutting a narrower kerf. Your neighbor must not have gotten a good do when he sharpened it. Try it again with a new chain. You'll be impressed. It's so much handier for branches and other small stuff, up to say six inch diameter.
Boy, do I feel dumb. Thanks for the lesson. I've been doing wrong all this time. Just tried it and it works!
not too dumb to go research. great news and thanks for watching!
You state the obvious to all who know anything about chainsaws. Thank you either way!!!
just call me captain obvious :)
@@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247 Heck, I've been cutting wood for 30+ years. Love my Stihl, but until I watched this video, I had issues starting it. Now as you pointed out, had I read and memorized the manual, then I may have learned this trick a long time ago! Thanks from Captain Unobvious!
Cool and very straightforward, informative video - thanks! I had to learn this all THE HARD WAY back 20 years ago with my first 260! 😂🤣 But since my 2022 bypass surgery, I'm now dealing with the ELECTRIC Stihls. They're much easier to start and run, but they don't have the power of my old 290. Going to be starting THAT baby up shortly, though, to take down a big maple for firewood and logs for shiitake mushroom cultivation - and will be sure to remember your guidelines. I'm sure they'll save me a LOT of frustration. I haven't started a gas saw since 2021.
awesome to hear! my 290 got stolen out of my garage... it was a bit too heavy anymore since my two lower back surgeries. my shitake logs are almost all deteriorated.... gonna miss those mushrrooms. thank for watching!
@@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247 ...... Sorry to hear your 290 was stolen. THAT is truly a "crime against humanity!" We had a nephew with a 390 with a 24" bar, who had IT stolen out of the back of his pickup (DUH!). Tried to tell him he was being WAY TOO trusting - but he worked in the woods for 20 years and "everybody does it." He now drives a truck making deliveries..........
I’m a women and I did exactly what you said and he work the 1 st time . Thanks for making It easy to do .
Awesome to hear!
Love this video. This helped me and my husband sooo much. We were so frustrated with this dang chainsaw and u taught us the right way and now it works. Thank you!!!
Saw arrived yesterday th-cam.com/users/postUgkxfQm1wmg0ItKDLavxj1nXtQY9HP7EF504 and today I cut about 3/4 cord of wood with it. Make sure you get an extension chord that is at least 12 gauge wire, minimum. This is my first electric in about 10 years, and things sure have improved. The self-sharpener works great, and it just kept cutting through some pretty decent logs. Wear your eye protection, and ear protection. Excellent saw.
thanks for watching!
Cold start, Did exactly what he said, and it worked beautifully on first try! Thanks brother!
you are welcome and thanks for watching!
Chickanic had a bit of advice on her channel for starting big cc Stihl saws: Pull the rope past the first compression stroke, THEN give er a yank! For homeowner and farm and ranch class saws without a compression release, or EZstart this works pretty nice. I have an MS291- 55cc's- and it can be a bear to pull. Lotta compression in that engine.
Just make sure you watch that bar like a hawk when you drop start it! The engine has more than enough power to overpower the chainbrake with the throttle wide open like that. Especially with hard pullers- the bar waves all over the place. You want to cut wood, not go get stitches...
A damn good saw I put my foot in handle with a home made strap just up to the end of plastic and bar safest thing I've seen for a 65 year old to start stay safe
chicanic is a hack.
Man if I didn’t think you the first time or before I want to thank you now. Simple but well explained and well needed three thumbs up…
awesome thanks for watching!
Awesome! Thanks for the quickest most to the point demo.
youre welcome :) thank you for watching!
Thanks for this video. It helped me start my dad’s chainsaw. I tried prior to watching your video. Had no idea where the lever was supposed to be. Tried after watching the video and had success.
The Stihl dealer/representatives are also a great source for how to start/operate/maintain your Stihl equipment. I only wish I wasn’t so cheap years ago, I would have started out with Stihl products.
Just stay away from their M-tronic products.. I love Stihl and use one of their products weekly, but the M-tronic stuff has to stop existing. Its all good when it works, but when its comes time to adjust the high or low just a tiny amount, well forgrt it with their computer chip..
My first line trimmer (35 years ago) was a Stihl. The salesman took me through the starting procedure. Full choke, pull until it fires. Half choke, pull once, yes it will start. Let run for 30 secs. Choke off, you're ready to go.
Nowadays they have those primer bulbs. It's even easier, press the bulb until it feels firm, press twice more. Full choke, it will fire after 2 pulls. Half choke, it will start on the first pull. Let it run for 30 seconds. Choke off, you're ready to go.
I still use this technique with all my garden equipment, I have no problems starting even the cheapest Homelite leaf blower I own.
Thank you for making this video. You did a much more thorough job of explaining the starting procedure than the dealers. I did just as you did. Step by step,and it worked. It as you said it would. You placed great emphasis on holding down on the button and pressing the trigger at the same time.Then place the choke switch in choke position. Little details like this make all the difference. Thank You 👍
Amen!
The selector switch on mine doesn't WANT to go to full choke, unless the trigger and lock are set. They undoubtedly did that for just that reason.
Thanks for this video as Stihl tech in Australia I have so many people bring chainsaws in for not starting purely because they are flooded I will now direct them to this video to show them how to start it correctly
thank you for that and for watching!
This works for me as well. One additional tip is I always start it before I add any gas or oil. When done using I top off my fluids. Mine can be a little tough to start if it has been tipped on its side.
Good to know. Thanks for watching!
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Not a stihl chainsaw but this guide is good for any chainsaw. We have a villager chainsaw that is still going strong after five years of regular cutting, the key is maintainence. My dad sad that his mechanic that has fixed it five years prior for like 4th time it needed a new piston or a carb. But he said it to him that every chainsaw no matter the brand must be turned on at least once or twice a month to work for a minute and two. My dad has practiced this since that day. And it never gave up. Starts up every time, and can cut 5 m3 of wood If you want. The problem is that benzine or petrol eats up the carburettor filter and membrane and if its sitting to much it goes bad and you need a new carb. He also explained me this method over the phone in half a minute when I over flooded it. I understood it right away. After that I had no problems starting it or any other carb machine since they all are similar. But yeah just turn it on once a month and keep the blade sharp and its enough. Its a proper way to maintain them.
Just purchased my first stihl chainsaw and it’s a little different from the others. Glad to find this video.
Thanks for watching!
WOW! It worked. Thanks so much! I purchased my Stihl used and couldn't get it running. This worked like a charm! You Da MAN!
awesome to hear! thanks for watching!
My stihl is almost 30 years old. It will usually burp on second pull. Then fire right up. Awesome saw!
Which model?
Ive worked for a large landscaping company in michigan for years and i was always the on the cuttinf team hauling and chipping branches while the other guys cut. I remember always getting irritated and impatient cause they would constantky take breaks and rest. Well, a few months back, we lost a few people and i guess im promoted to lead cutter with the chansaws and let me tell you, i get it now. It can be exhausting cutting up brush and branches etc. Thank you for the pointers and help cause ive needed it.
thank you for watching and take care of yourself
Great video. Very helpful. Not sure I have ever seen a worse starting procedure in my life. Things should be getting easier not harder. Thanks again.
stihl saws suck. I`m stuck with 2 of them.
What models are they? Just curious. I would never buy anything but Stihl saws but that’s just my personal experience with them .
I have quite a few of Stihl models and I’m curious if I experienced any of the problems you are experiencing but I have to honestly say that every one of my Stihl saws are running very smooth and I have no problem starting any of them.
Some start first or second pull but I use them quite often.
Which models have given you the most problems?
I’m curious if I own those models myself and then I’m going to look at them a little closer.
Thanks.
This model saw that he has made this video about has 3 different starting packages. He is demonstrating the standard pull-start package. Your statement is absolutely spot on though. So Stihl MS180c also is available in an easy start package and that package is indeed making it easier/better to start this model. This guy is simply showing that if you use the proper start procedure every time then you can almost count on it starting up for you every time. I say almost because chainsaws to me are a 99.5% bet. It’s that .5% that we all love/hate! That’s why when we get that saw fired up whether it’s an MS170 or an 066 magnum, deep down inside we feel good about them and pull that trigger a few times as if to say “I won again!” Knowing that there is a .5% chance that some day that saw will get its victory and it’s gonna be that day when we really need it to come through for us and she just says screw you! LOL!!
@@blademan6075 I bought an easy start Stihl MS180C for my wife, because it's easier to start. MUCH easier. But never drop start it! You'll break the easy-start mechanism pretty quick.
Thank you for this! I have run different chainsaws for almost 30 years and have the hardest time with our Stihl.
thanks and thanks for watching!
If you are having difficulty starting MS 250 even with the proper starting procedure (full choke + 1 -2 pull until "burb" turn over, half choke pull, starts let it warm up + full throttle), then definitely check your carb (clean it and factory reset it, adjust it). I recently picked up a used MS 250, it was definitely difficult to start. This isn't my only chainsaw nor using it the first time (have 12+ chainsaw ranging from Stihl/Poulan/McCulloch/Echo and Chinese clone). I also have another older chainsaw without a primer bulb (Poulan 2750), so used to using a saw without primer bulb.
MS250 floods extremely easily (way more than other saws) on full choke. If the carb isn't set correctly, it can flood within 3 pulls on a full choke resulting in hydrolock, you will know it because it is extremely hard to pull. The most saw will turn over on full choke within 3 pulls or less if tuned correctly but it not, it will flood on full choke, you can move it half choke continue to flood the saw, not resulting in starting. The first day I had this saw, it would be flooded multiple times, and I spend more time unflooding the saw (remove the spark plug and pull 15+ times, or set it to run+full throttle until it starts).
What I finally ended up doing was taking the carb out, cleaned it ultrasonic cleaner (you can use normal carb cleaner), reset the carb to factory setting. The nice thing about MS250 is it has a factory setting on the cover (H 3/4 CCW, L 1 CCW, and high screw has limiter cap, which I wouldn't remove as it is set to optimal setting).
After you factory reset the carb, the saw should turn over ("burp") within 1-2 pulls on full choke, and start. Also, if you saw runs on half choke (spins fast) but shuts off soon as giving a full-throttle, make sure H screw is turn CCW all the way (3/4 CCW max with limiter cap) and check the idle speed screw. If the screw is turn out all the way saw will shut off when the throttle is pressed. Close the idle speed screw all the way in, then turn in CCW 2 turn will at least get your chain to stay running. Then you can adjust the idle speed screw until the saw stops turning on idle.
This is a great chainsaw, with some quirkiness but worth it once optimized.
Great info! Thanks Mickey!
prooo
great advice for ms250. I was ready to throw the thing in the dumpster!
Yes exactly just got one brand new and it will flood immediatley!
One last thing...let the motor run for 40+ seconds before engaging chain👍👍👍....great no-nonsense video
thanks for watching! i watched a video of someone tearing apart a chainsaw engine showing how much damage is done putting stress on a cold engine.
I got a Stihl ms 180 which took me 20 minutes to start the first time while reading the instructions and following them to the letter... however what I was getting wrong was the fact that you only pull it ONCE with full choke. It won’t start but that’s okay. You then move it to half choke and after one or two pulls it will fire into life.
I was treating it like a motorbike or generator choke - ie. trying to start it on full choke and then release the choke once it had been running for a few minutes. These chainsaws don’t work like that.
That’s how my grandpa taught me. Works every time
I have same problem I try for 20 minutes and I give up but after this video I’m going to try it tomorrow
@@Purosanluispotosi Yup. Got mine to start, and it idled for 30 secs or so, then quit. It did NOT restart, and I ended up flooding it... Of course, I'd left the tools back at the house. I gave up, and just used my battery powered backup saw. No need to start that.
Nope
totally awesome it worked just like you said my saw had'nt been cracking since it shut down on me a year ago 4th pull it bert first pull in starting postion it cranked thank you
The reason why Stihl want you to start it the right way (foot on it, on the floor, with the break off) is because you don't then need the final pull that you did. So when you say "who's got time for that?" well- those who don't want to have to spend the extra time flicking the switch up another notch and pulling the chord an additional time. It's quicker to do it the way Stihl recommends. Also - pulling it the way you did, if you happen to have forgotten to put the break on, you could chop your own leg off - particularly as you aren't wearing chaps or any other PPE. 👍
Wrong
I do it that way all the time doing it on the floor takes more effort and effort=quality=time if your not dumb and use it without doing it half assed it's fine
A lot of them have the easy pull system too. If you have that, definitely don't drop start as you'll break the starter. There are two starting methods they recommend: saw on the ground or standing upright with the handle placed between your legs (but not drop starting).
Agree
This worked amazing thank you! Never have I been able to get it to start so fast!
awesome to hear! thank you for watching!
I've never once met a chainsaw that was easy to start
Do you use Husqvarna? 😂😂
Exactly
That’s because you don’t do it correctly.
@@OliverofAllTrades Stihl, and I Husqvarna I currently have. I suspected it was user error so I've tried to research it over the years s to improve my technique to no avail.
My echo cs 400 starts second pull.
Wow. I was having troubles getting my Stihl FS 131 trimmer started, kept flooding it and following this general advise worked flawlessly! Get the false start with the choke on, then set to partial choke and continue to pull. Started right up no problems... after having struggled with flooding it constantly since I bought it. Sure would be nice if they made it clearer in the instructions. Doesn't help that this one with the big bike handlebars ends up being pretty awkward to have a hand near the throttle and also pull the starter cord. I was actually able to do a similar sort of drop start that you were doing rather than starting it on the ground and that worked quite well for being able to keep a finger on the throttle while pulling.
To the point without worthless talk! Thank you!
thanks for watching!
FYI, I really don't use my chainsaw much, but I have this video saved and watch it everytime I am about to.. It's my bookmarked instructions, thanks much!
took 6 pulls BUDDY!! not 4, you can't fool me! LOL! thanks for the video
thanks for watching!
@@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247 hope you realize I was just having little fun,,,, great video!
Isn't it amazing the little things we forget, that'll make you wanna quit? Bought my second chainsaw months ago, used it once... forgot the sequences... went to use it again, it failed to start. I quit until today. Put pride aside just to see if by chance I was doing something wrong. I was and did. Found this little gem that brought me back to basics. Needless to say, I just chopped down half my yard. Lesson.
indeed
btw thanks for watching :)
Excellent. Very helpful and much needed. Been randomly trying different sequences. Thanks for clearing this up for me.
youre welcome and thanks for watching Ernest!
Only on a stihl . Husky sucks
Jeff thank you very much
Best video best everything
I have my chainsaw for about 4 months without start
Today my tree breaks and I really needed to cut it I’ve been looking for small engine repair shop and they don’t wanna take my saw
It’s barely new not too much use.
After a watch your video that fucker starts right out.
My Lord I’m happy I find your video.
Thank you sir.
Awesome to hear!!! Thank you for watching.
It works exactly like he says! IMO using "premium gas" for the mix makes the saw start and run much better.
Actually all the manufacturers want you to use regular gas but the best is to use ethanol free. The corn guns up the carbs.
It runs so well with premium worth the extra.
@@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247 What they want doesn't work well and.... I cannot get 'regular ethanol free', only 93 octane.
Than do that. Number one thing in small engines is ethanol free.
SRL SOLutions: Self-Reliance Through Preparation If you use your saw frequently gasp with ethanol is acceptable. However if you don't avoid it like the plague because it has a short shelf life. Ethanol attracts water, that is the first problem with it.
I have a ms210, followed your instructions by the t and it started so easily
Awesome to hear! Thanks for watching
I have a STIHL, ECHO AND HUSKY the ECHO is by far the reliable starter.
i had an ech weed trimmer and hated it
I also have a Stihl 180 and 250, Husky 450, and Echo 590 Timberwolf. Echo the most reliable to start, Stihl 170 almost impossible some days. The secret on the 180 is one or two pulls on choke max.
Thanks Brother! I'm REALLY enjoying my Stihl cs251c after watching this! You are a Blessing!
This works for some but not all. In fact own many chainsaws and the stihls are the ones that do not burp all the time. I have 2 stihls that DO NOT burp at all and are hard to start as hell hence I went to Husky pro series saw.
I have the same problem with my Stihl chain saw
Manfred Laub Are you still having trouble starting your saw? I've had a fair bit of experience with various saws over the years. I might be able to help you. Cheers!
Just had to write another review. Thank you thank you so much! After viewing your instructions and boy doesn't my chainsaw start so easy! Your a champ!
The Stihl website is indeed _very_ comprehensive. I had a look at a few of their video tutorials, and they're quite good.
Yes they are.
Continue the good work
Yeah, and check out the vids for the latest, most extreme in 'chainsaw safety clothing and gear' , I would be afraid to wreck it with my saw.
Thank you so much for this tutorial!Y fire department uses this brand, and I ALWAYS forget how to start it. I will definitely be coming back to this video
Never read the instructions. Used saw dozens of times over 3 years. Sometimes pulled 200 times.
Then asked Stihl dealer why so hard to start. He explained it. Burps 3rd pull starts on 4th every time
I'm a friggin meathead. But my left arm is real strong now.
HAHAHAHAHAA!!! I know the feeling man! It's my right arm for me, but that's what drove me to find this video!
Honestly reread the instructions. It will say how to deal with warm starts. If you follow it exactly. It will work. Maybe not on the first try but it will. Whatever you did that worked somehow accidentally did what the instructions said.
Lmfao relatable 😅😆
I haven't used my very good but 19 year old MC260 Pro in a more than 2 years. I figured I remembered what I saw in your TH-cam when I watched it back then, but then I thought let me go watch again. Bingo, started right up after a 5 pull burp. Thanks again, p.s. I did put my foot in the handle just in case!
great! thanks for watching! i have to do drop start because i can't do twisting motion because of two surgeries in lower back
I had a Stihl chainsaw and it literally burned up the first day. Took it back. The Ace Hardware that sold it to me wanted hundreds to repair it and said it was my fault. It wasn’t. Called Stihl and they refunded my purchase price. Went and bought a Craftsman. Works great.
U must have burned it up yourself, human error or stupidity? ... Craftsman is just cheap crap.
I believe him. Good work Robin that's the way its supposed to work . Still produced a lemon that time and Robin made them stand behind it. BTW Michael how you know the saw wasn't burnt up by a previous owner. Sounds to me like a dealer may have stood behind one of their dumbass buddies. It happens !
My older Stihl burps after 3 pulls. There is no half choke, so she takes off in run. Great saw!
Thanks for your info.
We had a terrible storm last week,lots of limbs and trees down.I got my 35 year old Stihl 034 out, filled it with fresh gas,pulled it 5 times,and it started and ran pretty good.I know it hadn't been started in at least 4 years.That thing has never failed me.
Yes, it seems those old ones started very reliably. I have a 40 year old Famboss and it can sit for a long time and still starts.
Farm boss is a good saw wish I had one
I'm 14 and i just started running my grandpaps 036 pro i put west coast saws 3 point felling dogs and a bark box on it, i have the chained sharpened very aggressive and it cuts like a bullet through paper
The .034 and most of the .000 series saws are some of the most reliable saws out there. Hang on to that .034 because it’s a great saw! I have one myself along with several other Stihl saws but I reach for that saw 9 times out of 10 when it’s time to just get to work.
I have a 291 I just bought and I watched this video to see if I did anything wrong because it never burped after 10 pulls
Remembered the flooded start procedure my dad taught me as a kid (take plug out and pull string until gas stops spraying out, wipe off plug, reinstall, put on run and pull till it starts).
Moving forward I will pull only 3 or 4 times on full
Choke if it doesn’t burp - then go to half choke and then run.
This has worked every time since that initial flooding
I bartered for a older Poulan many years back that had sat for god knows how long, cost me a six pack of beer and a carb kit.
Couple hits on the primer when cold, two pulls or less. When hot, first pull.
Yes, its not a stihl, but I never expected it to be. Sharp chain, 93 octane non-oxy fuel, and she rips through anything I may come across. Anything more I'm calling an arborist.
Cheers.
Thanks for making this video I don’t know how many times this has helped me and several others 😊
thank you!
Are you friggin’ KIDDING ME?!?! 5 months and probably THIRTY TH-cam videos trying to figure out how to get my father-in-laws old saw going. Watched this and, it started SINGING in the second pull!! SUB. SCRIBED!! 👊🏻
awesomer! well... at least for the post 5 months. glad it's figured out. than you for watching and subscribing!
Thanks. After years of struggling with starting my MS170. Wow!
awesome to hear! love my 170! my old farm boss was too much for my back. big enough fall all i do!
I pull with my foot on the bottom of the handle , a stihl service advisor told me not to drop start it cause It could mess up my springs.
You are so right never drop start a saw
I have been drop starting my chainsaw for 15 years now without a chain brake, never hurt myself.
@@TheDennys21 No well you wouldn't on here telling us if you had. You're lucky not smart.
@@samskeeter1 lucky for 15 years? Doubt it!
@@TheDennys21 Never drop start a chainsaw. Simple as.
I have been using one for 21yrs and never drop started one.
This video was a great substitute for a father figure in my life.
wow thank you! and thank you for watching Jack
On my MS250 I pill the throttle and at the same time flick it into full choke. The throttle stays partially pulled. Pull it till it burps, flick it on half choke, pull until it starts. Burp the throttle and it’ll switch into the run position all on its own.
Thank you bro 🙏 my friend just both new Stihl and she asked me to cut wood for her thank you for easy explanation. I will check more footage regarding safety
Exactly right! I have the 391 model and save yourself some grief by starting in sequence! Good video!
thank you for watching and commenting
I got my Stihl chainsaw today. Satisfied with the performance
congrats! thanks for watching!
This worked perfectly for me thanks for the upload!
So awesome to hear!
This was quick and got my chainsaw going. Thank you!
Stihl recommends two way to start their saws. Yes one is on the ground. But the other way is too put the handle between your legs. That way to have better control over the saw. Drop starting a saw you could accidentally hit the chain break lever. Thus releasing it if saw starts then kicks back. You may need to make a fast trip to ER. You may want to remake video using that method. Before someone’s lawyer contacts you. Because they said thats how you did it in the video. Or you could change title to how not to flood a chainsaw on startup. I’ve been showing people how to start Stihl products for over 25 years. How you pulled that saw over is the first thing I show them NOT to do. The rest of your video is spot on.
Been using Stihl chainsaws for 30 years. Have always drop started, (much easier on my life-long bad back), but I don't recommend that for anyone. Have always used highest octane for all my small engines (no ethanol). When buying gas, I immediately and always mix in gas-extender -(Sta-bil). Have NEVER had a problem starting my Stihl saws. Great product.
If you hit the chain brake while drop starting I don't see how you'd flip it off instead of on, if anything your wrist will go into the guard and activate it
Thank you so much. I’ve got a Stihl chainsaw that was a gift two Christmases ago. I just make sure it has Borroel in it and topped it off with some of Stihl’s gasoline mix in the tank and I’m gonna give it a try.!😉
congrats and thanks for watching!
Great that you didn’t talk for 30 minutes. This is how to make a video, 💰💰💰💰💰
Dude….This works. I have rebuilt my chainsaw and was about to junk it. Thanks
Had around 5 Stihls by now. Absolutely swear by them.
I paid a lot of attention to the fingers that press the gas and at the same time the lever switch, something tremendously interesting and new for me,was failed every time I tried to turn it on!! Thank you very much I will practice it I will thank you forever!! Jn
They don't always "burp." If it doesn't burp after the fourth pull on full choke, flip it up to the starting position anyway and pull until it starts. That's how you never flood these. If you keep pulling away on full choke, waiting for a burp, you've already flooded it.
This is the way I’ve been doing it for 15 years and never once have flooded it
@@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247 I believe you. Mine is only 2 years old. Sometimes it burps, most of the time it doesn't. If it burps, then it starts on the first or second pull in the start position. If it doesn't burp by the fourth pull, I flip it to start and it fires by the third or fourth pull. No big deal. It starts easy, either way. Perhaps the newer saws are a little more prone to flooding. I'm not sure. This is my first plastic saw but it's been great so far.
Stihl had to put in their owners manual to pull no more than 5 times on full choke because of all the people flooding their saws and trying to return them, thinking they were defective.
@@Jeremy_810 its amazing how many people write reviews of flooding issues
Absolutely correct. Good job
@@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247 I don't know much about starting chainsaws, but one trick I used to employ with Stihl weedeaters (or weed whackers, as we call them here), is that when it refused to start I would just let it sit in the sunshine for 10 minutes or so, then try again. That _usually_ worked, but I live in the tropics. So that wouldn't be a practical solution for everyone.
New, never run Stihl MS250. Purchased it yesterday. The dealer explained how to start it and even used the “burp” word. I pulled and pulled and never got a burp. I moved the lever up and pulled. No burp. I put the lever into run position. No burp. I removed the spark plug and checked for excess fuel. I let it sit for an hour and tried again. No burp. I’m taking it back to the dealer in the morning.
5 times on full choke then move to half even if it doesn't burp. Starts first second pull every time.
Will try this: Seems to be hard-start after using a few minutes then shut-off so I leave it at idle since that is lower cylinder pressure
after it start put the chock where?
@@shootingstar5718 pull trigger it auto goes to run
@@larrywellman4367 oo okey thanks for the info
Outstanding video. This worked absolutely perfectly! Thank you so much!
thank you and thanks for watching!