New Stihl MS290 starting

TNTractor1 · Jul 23, 2011

I am a new 290 owner... my first chainsaw. I have used it a couple of times, but lately can't get it started. I am following the manual as far as i can tell. With the 1st or second pull it starts but dies quickly and then you can forget about it... just sounds flooded. Seems like a great saw, but I wish I knew the secret to not flood it. Thanks

PapaPerk · Jul 23, 2011

You choke it and pull the cord. After it "pops" or fires once then take the choke off and pull again. It should start. Pulling the cord a second time with the choke in will cause flooding. Make sure u pull the cord quickly but smoothly as the manual says.

Let us know how it works out.

xyz123 · Jul 23, 2011

Just like above. But like to add to it.

Move to choke pull till here cough or pop couple pulls usually. Then slide off choke up 1 notch to fast idle start. Pull it should start in a couple pulls and should be running fast idle with chain turning. Blip throttle and it should go to normal idle.
I usually leave run on fast idle for a few seconds to warm up on a cold natured saw.
Once warm just go to first notch down from off position to start.

ruffneck · Jul 23, 2011

Have you pulled the plug to see if it is wet? If it is not wet than it is not flooded and maybe not getting any fuel. I have an older Husky 371 that if it sits will not get fuel and I need to pour a little into the plug hole to get it started.