Decompression valve on Stihl - Got a question

[fabsroman]

I just finished reading the manuals to my new saws, but the part about using the decompression valve for starting is about as clear as mud. Do I only push it in when starting cold? Does it have to be pushed in after each pull of the starting cord or will it stay open until the saw starts or at least gives me an audible pop? Do I need to use the decompression valve when trying to start a hot saw?

I think that pretty much covers my questions about the decompression valve.

 

[yankeerider]

I have found that my MS361 starts better (quicker) if I don't use the compression release when it's cold. After that first start, I always use it to make the rope easier to pull, and it generally starts on the first pull. It only needs to be reactivated if the engine fires without starting.

BTW, when I first got this saw, I had a heck of a time getting it started. Dealer told me to disregard the starting instructions in the manual. Idea was to not pull more than 3 or 4 times on full choke. If it doesn't fire, go to half choke and pull 3 or 4 times before trying full choke again. This avoids flooding.

 

[piller]

I've got two Stihl's with decompression valves. Here's what I do: when cold, push in decompression valve, squeeze throttle and push switch to cold start position. Then pull on cord a few times until the engine tries to start. Then, push the decompression valve in again (it comes out when the engine tries to start), move the switch to warm start position, and give a couple of pulls. Engine should start, now as soon as it starts I give the throttle a quick squeeze and then release the throttle, engine should now be running at idle speed.

If starting warm I push in the decompression valve, put the switch in the warm start or on position, and give a couple of pulls and engine should start. Again, I give the throttle a quick squeeze and release, engine should be running at idle speed.

So, for cold starting you need to push in the decompression valve twice, although you may pull the cord 4 - 8 times. For warm starting you push in the decompression valve once and may pull the cord 2 - 4 times. Mine usually takes two or three pulls.

Make sure you understand how the chain brake works also, because if it's not engaged when you start the chain can immediately start to spin. Also, with chain brake engaged don't rev the engine above idle or you can damage the clutch.

Hope this helps.

 

[Baby Grand]

I have found that my MS361 starts better (quicker) if I don't use the compression release when it's cold. After that first start, I always use it to make the rope easier to pull, and it generally starts on the first pull. It only needs to be reactivated if the engine fires without starting.

BTW, when I first got this saw, I had a heck of a time getting it started. Dealer told me to disregard the starting instructions in the manual. Idea was to not pull more than 3 or 4 times on full choke. If it doesn't fire, go to half choke and pull 3 or 4 times before trying full choke again. This avoids flooding.

I've had similar experience with my MS361. Last week I found out (the hard way) about flooding the engine after too many tugs with the choke set. The saw had set for 3 or 4 months without running. It was hot, itwas getting late and I was tired, so I hung it up for the day. The next day it fired up on the 2nd or 3rd tug, like usual.

I haven't found the compression release to make much difference, but after reading piller's description of his starting procedure ... maybe I wasn't using it the right way.

Once it's running I often wonder how I lived without it - it's a nice saw. Reminds me of Dad's Jonsered that I used in the 70's to feed a wood stove.

-Jim

 

[Wolfy]

BabyGrand I have a 361. And have the same kind of experience as you. It can be tough to start but what a sweet little brush saw it is.

 

[fabsroman]

Well, I used the MS261 for the first time today and it was not the easiest saw ever to start. I was using the decompression valve on every cord pull. It took about 5 to 8 cord pulls to get it started. I got a blip at about the 3 pull and then moved the choke to warm start. Took just as many pulls to get it started after that blip as it did to get the blip. We'll see how it goes as I use the saw some more.

I think I am going to go with using the decompression valve when cold starting and staying away from it with a hot engine.

FYI - I am not a novice chainsaw operator, just a novice with Stihl. I've used McCulloch, Craftsman, and Echo. While the MS261 was pretty good today with a brand new chain, it wasn't anything extremely special. I am hoping that "Stihl" awesomeness will show through over time as I break the saw in and with the saw lasting me 20+ years. My dad seems to kill saws in 5 or so years, but he has never had a Stihl.

Edit to add: Thanks guys.

 

[Wolfy]

I have a few Husqvarnas. And a few Stihls. They all cut good, are well balanced, but....there is no comparison for starting. 8 Stihl pulls sums it up. My big Husky is 4. Not to mention the much simpler ignition switch setup.

 

[fabsroman]

I have a few Husqvarnas. And a few Stihls. They all cut good, are well balanced, but....there is no comparison for starting. 8 Stihl pulls sums it up. My big Husky is 4. Not to mention the much simpler ignition switch setup.

Give me a break. I'm not trying to get into which is better, Husky or Stihl. If you were really honest about the comparison, you would note that it was my first time trying to start the saw, and evidenced by this entire thread I started, I had no clue what to do with a compression valve on the saw. I'm willing to bet that I will get that saw started easier and easier over time as I learn its nuances. I'm betting I will pick up power as I break the saw in too.

What is so complicated about the ignition switch setup? It has a cold start, hot start, run, and off position. How can that possibly be considered complicated?

If I had to guess, I would guess that you are slightly biased towards Husky. Obviously, I am biased towards Stihl since that is what I just bought. Most people don't like to admit that their last purchase was a mistake. However, if these saws really disappoint me in the future, I will not hesitate to switch to Husky. Since I cut and split about a cord of wood in 5 hours, I would say the saw performed pretty good. My dad tried to get into the cutting with his Craftsman with a chain so dull it was only making dust. He finished off two of my cuts and then put the saw away. Time to buy him a new chain and to figure out what electric chain sharpener I need to buy. Probably the Stihl one, but I haven't figured out how much it costs yet and if it will work on all chains.

 

[Wolfy]

fabsroman....I wasn't marching into a brand war...I was trying to give you a comparison to another brand to show you Stihls don't start great. And 8 pulls or so is normal at least on 4 different model Stihls I use. Just trying to broaden the horizon.

 

[fabsroman]

fabsroman....I wasn't marching into a brand war...I was trying to give you a comparison to another brand to show you Stihls don't start great. And 8 pulls or so is normal at least on 4 different model Stihls I use. Just trying to broaden the horizon.

I looked at the Huskys at the local DoItBest hardware store when I went there to buy gas cans for the new mower. I looked at the POS at Home Depot and Lowes too. I try to keep an open mind. Since they didn't let me test drive saws, I decided to go with Stihl. Probably biased from all the recommendations I have been given, but they also felt good in my hands. I'll see what my impression is of them over the years.