Husky xp266

Tarnold · Jan 5, 2024

Had this saw for a very long time. Always a bear to get started the first time. Compression makes it almost impossible for the old guy to get more than a click on each pull. Does not have a compression release. Plug out it spins very easy. How can I reduce some compression to get it to spin over to start?

oldnslo · Jan 5, 2024

My old Husky Rancher 51 was getting so would hardly turn over after sitting for awhile. I ended up pulling the side cover off the rope start side of the saw and cleaning all the years of built up saw dust chain oil goo, etc. that had accumulated in the starter pulley assembly and around the flywheel. This helped considerably on mine. Still occasionally locks up though. Newer 55 does the same thing but not as bad. Thought maybe was leaking a little gas oil mix into crank case but draining tank before storage didn’t make much difference.

Tarnold · Jan 6, 2024

Even way back I’ve always had to have the saw on the ground holding with my foot. Compression has always been STRONG. My sthil 311 has the compression release and it makes it so much easier.

xyz123 · Jan 6, 2024

Age got my dad in mid 80's and fight with cancer. I ended up with his saw he bought new and couldnt start.
I got him a small easy start one and he got a battery polesaw for his uses.
I have had several 266's.

You might try this. It bought my dad almost 2 years of still starting his old saw. Cost like 5-7 bucks. Stihl makes the lightest and very nice and rounded with no sharpe edges like others.

Stihl 460 recuse saw D handle. Part number in pic. I use to buy them by 5 paks.

I just did a guys 034 super that has same issue. He is in 70's

Did it for another older friend on his 390 too.

Both love it.

Tarnold · Jan 6, 2024

Great…just ordered one. Add said Oregon but close enough. Ordered new 3.5mm pull cord also. Might as well change both at the same time.
Thanks for the idea.

xyz123 · Jan 7, 2024

Tarnold said:
Great…just ordered one. Add said Oregon but close enough. Ordered new 3.5mm pull cord also. Might as well change both at the same time.
Thanks for the idea.

Aftermarket ones break. China has a copy of these and not near as good. Just so you know.

Never had the OEM stihl ones break to date. I ran them on race saws for cold start racing with alot of psi.

Just so you know if the one ordered isnt stihl and breaks on ya. Get the oem one.