Sihl starting

Industrial Toys · Jun 6, 2020

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 · Jun 6, 2020

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 · Jun 6, 2020

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 · Jun 6, 2020

RANDYT said:
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 · Jun 7, 2020

dfkrug said:
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 · Jun 7, 2020

4570Man said:
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 · Jun 7, 2020

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 · Jun 7, 2020

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 · Jun 7, 2020

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.