Stihl MS201T takes 3 or 4 pulls to start

[Sodo]

3 or 4 pulls from cold. Rest of the day I expect it to start in one pull.

As I wrote above, my Stihl MS180TC worked like that. My old Stihl 028 AV Super starts one pull all day long. My 2013 MS201T doesn't and I'm looking for help to solve whatever problem it has.

I cut firewood too, but luse it for all kinds of things and shut it off, often. Want it to start with one pull so I can do what I need & shut it off.

 

[crazyal]

Sounds like the fuel is draining back into the tank. My Honda weedwacker has a primer bulb to get the air out of the fuel line to make starting easier. I've seen them on some brands of saws (think Efco has them). I wonder if it has something to do with an EPA mandate to keep from burning rich when you start it back up. I wonder if the older saws have a check valve, maybe in the pickup filter, while the new ones don't.

 

[TomSeller]

I would consider 3 pulls minimum except when hot. Not warm, but hot. I have a little MS192T that starts on 1/2 pull when warm, but 4 or 5 pulls when cold. Each small engine I have has its own start sequence, but as long as it starts reliably, I am fine. I have an 8HP Briggs IC engine that takes 8 pulls minimum when cold, but has never failed to start. Do I worry? No, it starts every time, winter or summer. I would take your 201 over my 192 any day.

 

[Sodo]

Makes sense it needs 3 pulls to lift the fuel from the tank. No other reason "not" to start immediately. I like the checkvalve idea, may be it can be gravity only & low reaistance.

Does anybody know of a filter that has a checkvalve? This is 2013 model I shouldn't expect to be teaching Stihl how to build chainsaws,,,,, maybe it has a checkvalve but its 'leaking down'?

 

[dfkrug]

3 or 4 pulls from cold. Rest of the day I expect it to start in one pull.

I think you are right to expect one pull when hot, SODO. Pretty much all of my 2-strokes
start on one pull when hot (a dozen or so, from 30cc to 125cc). Cold is an
entirely different story. If I had an $800 Stihl pro saw, I would be irritated, too.

Most saws need a little carb adjustment, even when new. The newest CARB-compliant
saws run extra lean, and could use a bit richer setting at idle. Have you tried
adjusting the L screw at all? I know it is limited, but there is still a bit of adjustment.
I toss the plastic caps and cut slots in the screw heads for more adjustment. You CAN
buy the special splined driver tool, but I prefer not to.

As for CRAZYAL's suggestion that the gas is draining back out of the fuel line,
that is also something worth looking into. It points to a weak or bent fuel
pump flapper valve in the carb. Some carbs use black synthetic rubber, and
some use a fibrous material. You can buy a kit (Zama RB69) and replace it
for $10.

Note that some of the tophandle saws are a PITA to work on. I still have
an 019T that does not run right, and I have had it apart 3x.

 

[Sodo]

Ok I searched the internet for MS201T problems. Duh. Stihl clearly made a mistake, I'm disappointed I put up with it for this long.

Stihl now sells an upgrade kit to owners of Pre-2014 MS201T saws. It has a new carb, flywheel, exhaust, & other parts (for $125 on eBay). Looks like Stihl wants me to buy more stuff to make my saw run like it shoulda. Thats cheesy.

Other folks on ForestryForum are modding their original parts and claim to get better performance than "the kit". I'm somewhat inclined to go that way rather than pay Stihl for stuff that they should be replacing by warranty.

I'll stop by and ask my dealer what he can do.

 

[ovrszd]

I'd be just like ya.

I'd either trade it off or go for the Forum fix rather than give my money to Stihl to fix their problem.

I've got 3. One is an old 018, I'm gonna guess it's a 2000 model. I've never replaced the spark plug or any other maintenance. Once it's warmed up for the day, it starts on the first or worst case scenario, second pull. My 250, warm, starts most times on the first pull. My 361, warm, most times starts on the first pull, second at worst.

I feel your pain.

 

[yomax4]

I'd be more pissed at the $649.00 cost than the 3 pulls it takes to start. Man the beautiful saws you could buy used for 1/2 that. Sucks I know.

 

[Coyote machine]

I've got both a 192T and a 200T, both bought used and abused by 'pros' probably working for someone else, consequently not taken care of as well as I would, or most private owners might. Both saws are great and start well.
You bought a saw at retail, with a Stihl dealer warranty.
You took it back saying it was hard to start. they blew smoke up your ,,,, and now you still have the same problem. If it were me I'd be at your dealer's telling him you KNOW there is a problem with the saw(s), and you want him to now fix it, warranty or not. He blew you off when you brought the problem to his attention , while under warranty. Now it's on him to make it right or trade it on a new one that works for next to no extra money. It's called good will, and I know a reputable Stihl dealer can get it done if he wants to have you be a satisfied customer. Be nice, but push hard.

 

[Timbersawz]

ms201 stinks. Stihl didnt just drop the ball, they passed it to the other team, tackled there own team mates and let the other guy have a go with there wife afterwards. After the great but sadly departed ms020 and ms200, its a sad expensive joke.

Your better off with a echo 355t.