Hard Starting

yomax4 · Feb 6, 2015

Question for the masters. Why in the world would it take 20 pulls to start my 034 super AV. It has a new impulse line. Does the carb diaphragm get weak and not pump over time? Once started the saw will run perfectly all day and idle forever without a hiccup. cuts like mad after muff mod But just doesn't start worth a crap.. I have 4 other Stihl's and they start fairly well.,

Egon · Feb 6, 2015

How much compression does it have?

yomax4 · Feb 21, 2015

I bought what seems like a nice compression tester. I'm get 112# compression. I'm not sure if that is too low for a good start. The saw is not weak by any means. Cuts like mad. I have an 026 pro and the 034 seems to have more snort than the 026.

nodlenor · Feb 22, 2015

I've owned two Stihl saws over the years and both required several pulls (8-12) to start after they sit idle for a few days. I figured it was just something they all did.

leveled · Feb 22, 2015

I had a generator that would take forever to start after sitting for some time. I would blow some air in the fuel tank and it would fire right up.

Have you tried storing it in a different position? possibly not getting fuel right away.

Reason I mention this is because I have had 2 stroke dirt-bikes that I have always started easier when I would tip them to the side for about 5-10 seconds. This would prime the carb. and then it would start easier.

RalphVa · Feb 22, 2015

My old Stihl needed a shot of starting fluid to get it going in the cold. Had to ALWAYS empty it of fuel, too. NEVER would start worth a **** if any fuel left in it. It didn't have the pump thingie to prime it.

Ralph

yomax4 · Feb 22, 2015

Stihl has the pump primer bulbs on the weed eaters and pole saws. Why not on the chain saws?

davesl708 · Feb 22, 2015

My MS 290 will start after sitting for several months with just 4 pulls. I treat the fuel with StaBil and clean the spark plug and air filter after about 15hrs of cutting.

Did the problem start after the muff mod? May not be getting enough backpressure due to the low rpm when pulling the chord.

JimRB · Feb 22, 2015

I ran my MS210 yesterday. Last time it ran was the end of September last year. 4 pulls to start, maybe 5 at the most. On any two cycle carb the fuel pump diaphragm can get stiff so it does not work as well as it should. I have not had that issue with the saw yet but a used Stihl hedge clipper did. New diaphragm fixed that hedge trimmer so it starts easily now.

I do use high test for all my gas engines. I hope high test has less alcohol.

yomax4 · Feb 22, 2015

davesl708 said:
My MS 290 will start after sitting for several months with just 4 pulls. I treat the fuel with StaBil and clean the spark plug and air filter after about 15hrs of cutting.

Did the problem start after the muff mod? May not be getting enough backpressure due to the low rpm when pulling the chord.

It has always started hard even before the muff mod. If it sits a week or so it takes 15 pulls. I cut a lot of wood and rotate the saws a little but the 034 is usually sitting at my cabin unused most of the time.. I mostly use a 039 or 044. They start right up. This little 034 hates me. Anyone want to buy it? lol..