Karma: Got me a Stihl chainsaw

[studor]

I have used basically the same process to start all kinds of two stroke engines and it is basically the same as the manual without the chain brake part. Foot in the handle, choke all the way to the bottom, pull till it coughs,choke at half, pull till starts, pull trigger to take off choke entirely. The first part (full choke till it coughs) is not needed on primer bulb two strokes if you use the bulb. I have the MS 290 but my neighbour has the 025 -- his seems to work fine and mine has been trouble free for about five years. I have a McCullough that I got from my FIL when he started to not be able to start it due to loss of strength and dementia. You are getting a much better deal with the Stihl but the McCullough is started the same way.( I don't put the chain brake on with it either).

 

[lambs]

I do not have an 025, but have an 029 Super, and am also running an 066 Magnum that I'm borrowing from my Dad (he's 87 and not needing it anymore). I'm also doing some work on his 038 to see if I can put it back in service (oil leak).

All the posts make good sense to me, but there's one trick I have learned on the 029S that may also help those with smaller models....clean the air filter every couple hours. I blew the dust off mine with a compressor and it starts much better. Larger saws have larger filters and do not seem to be as sensitive. Be careful not to blow a hole in the filter media though. Stihl dealers actually no longer recommend blowing them clean, but then they have an incentive to tell you that.

Good luck and let us know how it works.

 

[jk96]

The other good thing about Stihl chainsaws compared to the box store brands is real dealers and service should you have a problem. Just drop it off and pick up when its repaired. Two years ago I backed over my 026 with my truck. (luckily big mud tires and soft ground). Dealer replaced a broken handle and chain cover and I was back in business in a less than a week.

 

[Hookblock]

I have a 021,025,260,and 361. The 021,025 are considered light duty, I have never used any of them for light duty, and all work great year after year

 

[Hookblock]

Forgot, this is how I got the 025 http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/related-topics/126216-trash-treasure.html Still runs great

 

[N80]

Wow Hookblock, that was quite a find. My Dad had given up on this 025 mostly because of his Alzheimers and it would have ended up in a dumpster too except that my Dad has never thrown anything away!

I cranked it again this morning. No problem and I'm guessing the gas is pretty old. I'll dump out the old gas, make sure the everything else is set properly, get some new gas and some chain oil and it should be fine. The chain is very sharp. I think the last thing he did with it before giving it to me was to take it to the dealer but that was probably a year ago.

Dealer support does seem to be a nice feature.

Dad also gave me a very old Snapper riding mower a few years ago. The thing is junk and I suspect it was junk when it was new (the Briggs and Stratton on the back is great though). But, unlike the off brand stuff I can still get parts from the dealer and I've kept it running just fine. Good dealer support can make a fair product good and in the case of the Stihl, it can make a good product great.

 

[Richard]

I have an 038 and I'm not sure what you mean by the starting procedure. With mine I choke and pull until it runs for a couple of seconds. Then I unchoke and pull until it runs. It takes a few pulls.

Yep, same with my 044

 

[randy41]

The thought of using a trigger lock on a chain saw makes me shudder. I don't want a chain saw that runs by itself.

 

[RobertN]

I have my Dad's 024 sitting in the garage; had to do minor repairs after he let it sit... the fuel line rotted.

This has been a great saw. Grandma bought it for my Dad back in about 1980. He's used it, I have used it, him and my brother have abused it. It is still a GREAT saw.

I have a larger and a smaller Husky. If the Stihl is in my garage, I usually grab it first. It is just real comfortable to me. The Husky's are great saws too; I just have always really like this particular Stihl.

 

[jk96]

The thought of using a trigger lock on a chain saw makes me shudder. I don't want a chain saw that runs by itself.

The trigger lock is only when the unit is choked to start. It has a chain brake that locks the chain to prevent it from turning until unlocked.