Sihl starting

[Code54]

Any tips for getting a Stihl saw to start quickly when cold. We have two and both need about 40 pulls to start, doesn't matter if it been a day, or a month sitting in the shed. Start well warm, run like a dream and work great but that initial cold starting is a pain. Any thoughts?

 

[blackxrunner]

How old are the saws? Always been that way?
I have a couple older stihls 024 & 034 and never had one issue with starting. Put the switch to choke, probably 3-4 pulls until they fire once, then click it up into run one more pull gets it running.

 

[Code54]

Heck they are both over 10 years old and both have always been that way. Always thought must be a trick or something i'm missing...

 

[txdon]

A little Seafoam in the fuel does wonders.
Just pulled my Stihl weedeater out after two years of sitting, added Seafoam and it started up after 8 pulls. After it ran a bit two pulls.
Chainsaw starts easy with Seafoam added to the fuel also.
https://www.target.com/p/sea-foam-1...f6&gclid=CIrTnome7ekCFcWuZQodsO8GZw&gclsrc=ds

 

[RalphVa]

I had a gas Stihl that was like that unless you sprayed with starter fluid into the air inlet. Oh, this is after refilling it. ALWAYS run it empty.

Now, our MSA-120 is no problem starting. Just pop a battery in and push the button. Same for 2 Kobalts before it.

Ralph

 

[RandyT]

Part of the issue has to to with the starting operation change. the older Stihls would start and run a couple seconds on choke before you either popped the choke off and kept running or it died and you turned the choke off and then restart the saw. A lot of the newer saws don't completely start. They will poof/pop around the second or third pull, and if you miss the poof the next pull will flood the saw. With the newer Stihls I never pull more than about 4 times without turning the choke off because that means they are already flooded.

 

[Citydude]

Try putting a new spark plug in it. A husky I had did the same thing. A new plug did wonders for it.

 

[mikester]

Dont forget to clean the exhaust screen. If you run the premix too rich the screens get gummed up. Carb cleaner works well. Also keep you air filter clean.

 

[oldballs]

How old are the saws? Always been that way?
I have a couple older stihls 024 & 034 and never had one issue with starting. Put the switch to choke, probably 3-4 pulls until they fire once, then click it up into run one more pull gets it running.

Generally that's what works for me on my MS290 Farm Boss.....10 year old.
Cheers,
Mike

 

[ericm979]

A new plug can only help.

I turn the choke off after 2 or 3 pulls even if the motor didn't pop. Then they often start after two pulls on 'run'.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Non ethanol gas or if you don' use the saws much, buy some premixed stuff. Saw can't run any better than the fuel that's in it. I hate to think how many thousand times I have pulled on a saw over the years, and it was a bad gas issue.

Could also be a slightly cracked fuel line. Maybe in the tank.

 

[denchen]

I always empty the petrol after use on my 009, 021 and 040, and use fresh fuel before starting. They all seem to start with no problems even if they have been sitting around for a long time.

 

[4570Man]

I find that my saw doesn’t start good with a partial tank of fuel. If it’s full it starts a lot was. I don’t know what difference it makes.

 

[dfkrug]

With the newer Stihls I never pull more than about 4 times without turning the choke off because that means they are already flooded.

Yes, that is SO true of newer Stihls. More so in warm weather. I was just helping a guy who bought one of my MS250s. One or 2 pulls on full choke and no more! This saw won't even pop, and will be flooded in a third pull with full choke. The saw is an easy-starter if you don't flood it.

 

[Code54]

Yes, that is SO true of newer Stihls. More so in warm weather. I was just helping a guy who bought one of my MS250s. One or 2 pulls on full choke and no more! This saw won't even pop, and will be flooded in a third pull with full choke. The saw is an easy-starter if you don't flood it.

Wondering if you are on to something - I do smells from time to time.
Both have had new plugs, lines, exhausts cleaned (one replaced about 2 running hrs ago), new air cleaners, new sprockets, new clutch, bars and chains. They really have been maintained (maybe a little over done honestly) but when I need a saw I need a saw. Often the road is blocked, etc so I want it in top shape. I use my premix in two weed eaters and backpack blower so it is mostly fairly new and no issues in any of them (also Stihl) - just really weird. Have to try the 2 pull approach.

 

[dfkrug]

I find that my saw doesn’t start good with a partial tank of fuel. If it’s full it starts a lot was. I don’t know what difference it makes.

My theory is some saws allow leak-down of the fuel in the fuel line. So if it sits for a while, the fuel pump has to suck the gas from the level in the tank, up to the carb. Higher gas level, less height to pump. So it is easier to start when the tank is full.

This is one time when a primer bulb really helps.

 

[Popgadget]

Choke usage and fuel quality are the two main uses.
As for fuel, I have used Aviation gas in all my seasonal equipment for decades. It has a virtually unlimited shelf life and is kind to all the fuel system components, unlike modern alcoholic auto gas.

 

[WranglerX]

My MS250 takes 2-3 pulls on full choke.... If it pops once or twice take choke full off ((IF YOU DON'T IT WILL FLOOD, THEN 20 PULL'S LATER IT POP'S)) ....1 or 2 pulls with throttle full open after first pop at full choke usually starts right off.... Saw sits for weeks or months with old fuel and has never had spark plug out, it about 7-8 years old....

Dale

 

[zzvyb6]

My local Stihl & JD dealer informed me that early /older Stihl products had seals and tubing that deteriorated of time from the use of gasoline containing ethanol. I can buy pure gasoline from a local Sunoco dealer's pump, so that's what I've always used.

They also 'educated' me on the use of the push button pump. It's not the 'push' that is important, but the release of the pushed plunger. And it has to be able to suck fuel from the position you hold the tool. Otherwise it just pulls in air or fumes.

 

[Alan W.]

My MS250 will flood in a heartbeat. I never pull it more than twice with the choke on. And even then it has always been a hard starting saw.