"hard to start"

[Rustyiron]

In my case with an Echo CS370, it's anything over4 pulls. 3 shots with the primer + choke, 2 pulls and it'll pop, push in the choke and 2 more and she's going. Pretty much same with my PAS 266 weedeater and my hedgetrimmer.

I'm guessing that it's largely operator error. Learning what the saw likes (like you described above) in certain temperatures and listening for the first "pop" and generally switching to no choke is really the key.

 

[Fxfymn413]

Stihl is notorious for flooding. Choke it when cold until it pops, open the choke and it will start on one or two pulls.

 

[bgr]

My Stihl MS 170 and 180 take 7 pulls to get the first pop when starting cold and will flood if you miss the pop. One pull to start when warm. My echo trimmer with a primer bulb always starts on the first pull with the choke on. Primer bulbs are a big help.

 

[bgr]

My Stihl MS 170 and 180 take 7 pulls to get the first pop when starting cold and will flood if you miss the pop. One pull to start when warm. My echo trimmer with a primer bulb always starts on the first pull with the choke on. Primer bulbs are a big help.

 

[xyz123]

My Stihl MS 170 and 180 take 7 pulls to get the first pop when starting cold and will flood if you miss the pop. One pull to start when warm. My echo trimmer with a primer bulb always starts on the first pull with the choke on. Primer bulbs are a big help.

Carb kit might be needed. Dias get stiff. Also could be tuning issue if not Dias.

My dad's 180 I got it starting in a couple pulls for him.

Also if you dont have the newer green line look for cracking if run ethanol gas. Green ethanol resistant.

Couple carbs I was doing back then.

 

[4x4moses]

I don't do a lot of cutting, so I'm no expert. I normally use my saw once or twice a year, to trim limbs. I have an old Craftsman (Poulan) that's almost 20 years old, and it still starts on the 2nd or 3rd pull. I traded for a NIB Husqvarna, with a 20" bar, a couple of years ago. After 7 or 8 pulls, my son-in-law took over. He pulled another 4 or 5 times. We finally got it started; but it has never been easy to start. I sold it, after only using it once! I'm back to the old 16" Craftsman for larger stuff; and a battery powered Greenworks for little stuff.