Stihl 026: Hard to start. Runs fine, but won't idle.

[MrWhippy]

I'm about to start troubleshooting my 026. I've owned it from new and it's always was a little tough to start, but now, I need to spritz starter fluid into the air cleaner and it starts first pull. Otherwise, no go if it's cold.

It cuts strong and revs up fine. When it's just idling, it will die if I don't keep blipping the throttle.

My plan is to change the plug and clean the air filter. If it continues to run badly, what is my next step? I guess what I'm saying is, I'm not sure if I should suspect it to be running rich or lean.

Suggestions on plan of attack are welcome.

 

[Giles]

Possibly do a compression check? From my experience, the only Stihl chainsaw I have ever owned that would start on second or third pull is my 200t

 

[kco]

You might also change the fuel filter, and perhaps take it to a repair shop if you have a good one nearby. I had a similar problem with my 028 a year ago. I messed with it until it finally showed no sign of life.

We have a great Stihl shop in Enderby. The owner pulled it a couple of times and said the compression felt good. I picked it up the next day, running good as new and naturally better than I can tune it. I recall it was 20 minutes labour plus fuel filter.

I am often impressed at how good some people are with small engines(and I'm not). A person like me can actually save money by paying an expert to fix it.

 

[joe12185]

The most common problem I've had with my stihl saws was the fuel line, the other issue was a clogged up carb circut, half an hour in an ultrasonic cleaner fixed that. I run ethanol free fuel in my saws because the fuel lines last longer, and always use stihl mixing oil. I believe the 026 is equipped with a decompression button to aid in starting like my 036, make sure it is functioning properly.

 

[Mysfyt]

Start simple. Clean the air cleaner or replace it if it's too far gone. Warm up the saw and adjust the low speed screw until it runs optimum. Sometimes you have to give the idle screw a tweak (keeps the butterfly open a hair) once you get the jet adjusted. Rarely do you have to mess with high speed jet. If this doesn't do it, try another spark plug (they are cheap) and maybe try switching to no ethanol fuel along with a different brand of oil. All stuff you can do before having to plunge in deep.

 

[Egon]

Start simple. Clean the air cleaner or replace it if it's too far gone. Warm up the saw and adjust the low speed screw until it runs optimum. Sometimes you have to give the idle screw a tweak (keeps the butterfly open a hair) once you get the jet adjusted. Rarely do you have to mess with high speed jet. If this doesn't do it, try another spark plug (they are cheap) and maybe try switching to no ethanol fuel along with a different brand of oil. All stuff you can do before having to plunge in deep.

Yes, a very simple tuneup.

 

[amarlow]

So.... how is the saw today, three months on?

I'm surprised no one else mentioned it, but I'd also have suggested checking/cleaning the spark arrestor screen at the muffler/exhaust.

 

[356Guy]

I had similar problems with my old 023, had to replace the gas line and filter, the hose had cracks, guessing it was sucking air. It starts and runs like new again.

 

[MrWhippy]

Heh. Things pile up. So I replaced the plug and did a thorough cleaning of the air cleaner and it starts like normal. Really hard to kill an old Stihl.