Stihl 026 hard to pull

[timsch75]

I bought a used 026 recently. I have not had much luck with it starting. I have managed a couple of times to get it running, but it didn't seem right, so I rebuilt the carbs to put in a new diaphragm.

Trying to start it today, I had no luck. I've not yet looked into all of the possible problems, but there is one thing I'm troubled by regardless, and that is how hard it is to pull the starter cord. It is not the PRO model, so it has not decompression button, but I see from other posts that many people don't use this feature anyway. I don't mind cranking away while troubleshooting, but at this rate I'll wind up with elbow problems to go with saw problems.

What can I check to see if this thing is pulling correctly?

 

[Coyote machine]

Pull the spark plug and see how it cranks then. Report results.

 

[timsch75]

plug pulled - easy to pull cord. All resistance due to compression??

 

[Deere Dude]

With the plug out and grounded, can you see a spark?
Is it new gas?

 

[newbury]

With the plug out and grounded, can you see a spark?
Is it new gas?

New ethanol free gas/oil mix?

Did you pull the muffler and look for scoring?

 

[timsch75]

I do have spark. I do not have new ethanol free gas/oil mix. My mix is about a year old. My new Stihl line trimmer works with it. How long before gas goes too stale for use in these saws?

I have not pulled the muffler to look for scoring.

I did clean the air filter and am letting it dry overnight.

 

[Coyote machine]

Year old? WAY past being useful. Dump it, get fresh mix. Always shake the mix before putting it in the saw and shake the saw prior to starting. Did the saw start prior to buying it?
There is also a fuel filter in the tank which should be replaced periodically. Hard to pull cord could be related to high compression, cylinder condition, etc, BUT it pulls easily when the spark plug is out. Removing the muffler and checking condition of piston/cylinder walls is prudent too. How much did you spend on the saw?

BTW, you'll destroy your line trimmer too with stale gas/mix.
Use ethanol free gas and Stihl's Ultra mix oil for every 2 cycle you have. Toss the mix after 3 months max.

 

[xring100]

I'd also check the spark arrester screen in the muffler to make sure it's not plugged with carbon deposits.

 

[4570Man]

Why in the world would you try to use 1 year old gas?

 

[PILOON]

With old gas I bet your fuel filter is clogged up.
They generally have some felt as part of the filtration and that clogs easily especially with ethanol.
Fish the filter out of the tank with a wire hook and change it.
You might also discover the fuel pickup line rotted out by ethanol as well.