HOW-TO Replace A Carburetor On A Chainsaw | STIHL MS230-250

HOW-TO Replace A Carburetor On A Chainsaw | STIHL MS230-250
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STIHL carburetor used in video is part number 1123-120-0604
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Easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials do it yourself (DIY) to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers.
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Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
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#donyboy73 #stihlchainsaw #2stroke

[@jeffstangl1471]

I have a 250, thanks, has to be one of the most in depth, clear speach, good close ups clips I've seen.

[@markproulx1472]

Whenever I perform some task like this, I find it helpful to take photographs of the machine as I disassemble it - as a guide to what it’s supposed to look like when it goes back together.

[@GoodmanMIke59]

One of the most straightforward DIY'er videos ever. I've been using a Husqvarna but have considered Stihl. I'm sure the Husqy is about the same, but this kind of design simplicity is a reason to consider Stihl.

[@tomheyde4172]

just watched your video and did my own repair! saved the cost of new saw in less than 30 minutes! Thank you!

[@ClintS-]

Excellent! Efficient, concise instruction. Good advice on OEM matching vs aftermarket. I have same experience for my other 2-cycle parts. Aftermarket is definitely "hit-and-miss".

[@user-ko2os8bs7v]

Very helpful video..saved me aggravation as steps to reassemble were detailed and filmed precisely! Thanks

[@stipcrane]

I watched a handful of vids before replacing my carb. This one is the best. What turned out to the most important part was getting good close-ups of where and how the parts fit together when reassembling. I forgot where the choke linkage attached at, and I went through a few videos to get the right close-up. The shop gave me the wrong carburetor, and by the time I made another trip to return it my memory faded of how I took things apart. It's best to bring the old carb with you so you get the correct version!! The spacing of the idle and speed screws didn't match on the first carb the dealer sold me. If you buy off of Amazon, etc. be sure to examine the photos of the adjustment screws. So far I've seen KZbin people install 1123-120-0603, 1123-120-0604, 1123-120-0620 on the Stihl MS250.

[@andrewwoodward6560]

Another great how-to ! Also, thanks for sharing your experience with these saws and the carburetors, so helpful and interesting !

[@adams5423]

Your videos are excellent - very informative and methodical.

[@walterfahmy4907]

Excellent video: it's clear and stepwise approach to fixing this chainsaw. Thank you.

[@llithium0]

Nice.. very clear and detail tutorial, thank for sharing Dony.. from Malaysia 🇲🇾

[@headoneastmusic]

Thanks so much for the clear instruction, my MS250 is like new again after this repair.

[@mkilptrick]

Looks simple. But you make it easy enough that I can do it! Thank you.

[@cerberusbonsaiarboricultur774]

ROFL was so grateful I omitted the whole point I'd come to Comments :P SO- it resonated with me SO hard when, at the start here, you say(paraphrased) "If you had it tuned & running well yesterday but today it needs tuning again" --- this is EXACTLY the situation on a Poulan Pro "PP4218a" that I'd grabbed from a pawn-shop (was hilarious, I'd tried returning it as the chain didn't spin---- the clerk had to introduce me to a chain-break, my experience was limited enough that I'd never used one before!) for ~$50, kinda pricey for that unit(used) but it was in a great condition and had been great since I got it beginning of this year however recently it's been a mess, it started weeks ago when on-job and it wouldn't start at all, I got home and found I *could* get it running if I'd pegged the throttle while turning it on but couldn't just turn it on and let it idle (and am not trying to cold-seize an engine by warming it up at WOT lol!) After a ton of tuning (by ear, am still finding the tachometer pretty useless because it never matches what sounds/works best..), I thought I'd had it fixed and I used it for maybe 10min at home, following day I brought it to another job and bam same issue wouldn't start!! So I've been thinking "has to be an old, clogged fuel-filter" but if I'm being honest the carburetor could just-as-easily be culprit, carb's are "the final frontier" for me and I've always shied-away thinking I'd do more harm than help, am very thankful to have found this video I know Stihl & PP/Husqv are very different but it still helps (and, afterward, I get to troll your video-listings in-search of other carb-specific vids ;D ) Thanks again for all you do man it's truly appreciated, I'm a 'bonsai guy' and have setup a Facebook page for it and will be doing KZbins soon, am in-love with this "new television-revolution" as I abhor traditional TV and am just delighted to see KZbin / online-video taking-over and it's people like you / content like yours that drives that (otherwise the web -- in terms of stuff to watch -- would just be a "super-TV" lol, am all about getting my entertainment-viewing online but the content people like you put to KZbin has made KZbin a better source than the library when it comes to rectifying specific problems, thanks so much for doing what you do it's great not just your knowledge&content-quality but the fact you're spending your time & effort (and probably resources) to do this, just a totally stand-up, magnanimous undertaking you've embarked upon it's people like you & Steve & Buckin' (for small engines), or King of Random (RIP) for all kinds of fun stuff, or Reg Coates and superstar Lawrence Schultz (LawrenceSchultz3000 on here) for pushing the limits of arboricultural rigging, that totally drive this, MAJOR props/kudos to you man keep fighting the good fight :D

[@rogeliopadilla1432]

Thank's for share this info. God bless you. 🙋‍♂️

[@jimhildebrandt6046]

awesome video - thanks!

[@brianchristie1055]

Brilliant, thank you. I'm going to give this a go.

[@misterdjack666]

Merci beaucoup ! Cela m'a bien aidé 👌💪

[@user-ix2mz7mp9y]

Great video. Well done.

[@markproulx1472]

I’ve always wondered what it’s like to work on a chainsaw that was manufactured after 1995. Now I know! Someday, I’m gonna get me one of them newfangled things! 🤣

[@itsallfabrication]

Thanks, saved me time and effort.

[@roxy-tj3jo]

Hi I like your videos they are so helpful

[@garrettstevensen2467]

Thank you donyboy! I have the same chainsaw (MS250)... thank you for this video! I appreciate your channel very much! Please show how to adjust Husqvarna string trimmer carburetors properly without ruining engine.

[@tstires1]

Thank you!!!!

[@BearE9090]

Thanks, great video

[@zx8401ztv]

Smashing repair :-D You have said in your earlier videos that a lot of tiny chainsaw carbs are often impossible to clean fully and a new carb is the best way. This one is a perfect example, what a difference it made :-D. Although i'm rather stubborn and i would still have a go with the original carb, i like pain lol.

[@ryy597]

with these zama carburator theres a small rubber check valve thats inaccessible. when ethanol is used, it gets swollen and blocks the hole. its a common problem with the stihl "homeowner" linup.

[@mrbottomfeeder]

Thank you. Thank you.

[@ONE328]

Great Video! I think I owe you some money on this Video. It is very helpful!.....Thanks A Million!

[@bigbob0042]

Great Video,

[@hubertyoung1938]

A million thanks Dony. I have a MS 250. and have been using regular gas in it. Left gas in the tank all summer, ( I work road construction and summertime, I have no time for myself, 14 hr days), I rebuilt the carb last fall and it worked fine. Now I have great spark, the carb is rebuilt and nothing. So I'm ordering a new carb. Flywheel and coil are clean and gap set, the fuel filter is also clean. Keep on keeping on bro. salamat.

[@donyboy73]

make sure to get oem carb from stihl

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? You made that task look pretty easy!! Nice work!!!

[@jao1960]

I think you just saved me a wad of cash. Thank you.

[@dmace3597]

Your a through instructor 5 star thank you

[@RussellBooth1977]

There's also the Walbro WT-215 carburetor which is available for that machine. When I used to repair Ryobi line trimmers under warranty, we were sent either a Walbro or Zama carburetor which both fitted the same !

[@ryy597]

going with walbro would be the good thing to do! they do not have as many problems as the zama's

[@Shotzie]

You make it look so easy I think I'm going to go by one...Lolo

[@vikingnorm6935]

I bought an ms250 used, it runs great, but don’t idle, if you let your finger off the trigger it shuts right off, I bought the Walbro WT 215 even though it costs more, I heard it’s the better carb, we will find out I guess!!! Great video

[@vetterfellow]

Good Morning !! DB73; That saw Looks exactly like mine. I don't know the model number off the top of my head. Last time I used it, seemed to work fine. I need to dig it out to see what the condition of it is in now. Thanks for another amazing video :-)

[@Santiago-iv7oi]

Nice..👍👍👍👍

[@xmanb8193]

Don u need AC in ur shop LOL bubba love your channel

[@clauslundberg9224]

Great video - I'd only use Stihl MotoMix after that repair

[@canamrider7195]

Too expensive. Premium non-ethanol fuel, is all that is needed for a chainsaw to work reliably for a long long time.

[@redblue40rc33]

My stihl 029 farmboss still runs to this day...only replaced oil n gas lines.....2007 model

[@Farmer-bh3cg]

Hi - - I had a similar bogging problem with a 2002 +/- model year MS290. (Not the 230/250 model in this video) The short version of the story is that that model year had poor quality fuel lines that would crack. When you revved the saw to begin to cut the cracked fuel line would open a bit and let air in resulting in fuel starvation. Changing the fuel line solved the problem and (Operator error aside...(:)} ) the saw has performed flawlessly. In short, changing the fuel line might be something to try.

[@BkLiveWire]

I’m fixing up a 025 and it didn’t have one of those seasonal shutter slides installed. Are they absolutely necessary or should I play it safe and head to my local dealer to pick one up? The average temperature in my area in California is between 60°F and 100°F or 16°C - 38°C.

[@TheTronder007]

When I pulled the carburator on our 250C, between the carb and the intake there was a metal plate and a rubber gasget.. can the rubber gasget be reused when reinstalling the carurator? (if the rubber gasget is undamaged)

[@bl9531]

Great video, however as I understand it, gasoline without ethanol is no longer sold in gas stations in Canada. Do you buy the special ethanol free gas sold by small engine dealers?

[@markpalmer9744]

Hi Don A great video. I watched it because I have just striped my MS250. I'm putting it back together and cannot figure out where the impulse line goes. I know where it fits on the cylinder but there is nowhere for it to go the other end. I note some fit onto the carb, hence looking at this video. wondered if you can help.

[@donyboy73]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYmxiIuJgq5_sKs

[@speedy9able]

The Best shainsow

[@kristapsvolfs3962]

Can you please provide info where you buy all parts - some links + your videos are just great, such detailed info and so easy to understand, great work!

[@donyboy73]

from a stihl dealer, I only use genuine parts

[@oscarmagallanes8045]

Question, I have a ms251 that starts fine and runs fine for the first 3-5 minutes. After it warms up it Boggs and shuts off. The idle also sometimes increases like it’s running out of gas and shuts off. The carb has been replaced and still does the same thing. Any input on what the issue might be?

[@neolietxxxxx]

what do you use to rinse and clean the chainsaw thanks in advanced =)

[@concepciondeorienteeljorna67]

I chance me one but i dont know start and die and then is hard to stared up i chance everything with you videos but i can get it running good please eny one please advise thank you

[@colehara]

Absolutely right about gas containing methonol. I've seen it destroy the seals in the fuel shutoff valve on a generator.

[@dujeamizic3588]

it is easy if you follow instructions

[@user-um6ot7kb4z]

the number on my carb is S76B can I put a S76G on as a replacement

[@R_Arizona]

Hi there. Would this be the same carburetor for the ms250? Great video

[@donyboy73]

yes

[@user-mq7bl7dr4e]

Добрый день, можно было ускорительный насос заглушить (на работу не влияет) и затраты 0.

[@mannys9130]

I have a question about how a shop owner handles this situation. You said you turned out the jets and rebuilt the original carb, and it still had the same issue. Then you installed a brand new carb and it ran normally again. Did you charge the customer for the rebuild kit and labor that you did first, and then also for the new carb and labor to install it? I'm just wondering how you handle that sort of situation. Thanks!

[@christopherjuarez7039]

I'd eat the cost of the first repair and try to salvage the kit. Charge for labor/parts for new carburetor install. It's hard on some units because they take time to diagnose and you may not get it right the first time but no matter what you have to be fair.

[@donyboy73]

I salvaged the kit out of old one, I did not charge extra

[@mannys9130]

Thanks guys! Sounds like you both do the same thing, and it sure sounds fair to me.

[@dgmenace73]

Thanks....is the MS-310 much different? I have one that someone else took apart and there are two spacers aprx 1/4" long and I can't find where they go?......everything looks identical to the saw in video but like I said, 2 aluminum or ss tubular spacers, at least I think they are spacers? They may go in the holes of the air filter assembly to prevent the plastic from crushing?

[@jbbolts]

the 310 is a different platform completely

[@efrainvazquez3691]

Hi I have a Ms261c and did a compression test and it gave me 15% After I installed a new piston and cylinder Need help on getting this running Thanks

[@jbbolts]

15% of what?

[@jbbolts]

Hi dony not sure but maybe you can help me out.. I went to my local stihl dealer for a carb for my ms250 and they said there were different models and they needed the model number. I took the carb off called them back and they ordered the carb for me ( Zama carb# S76B 842A C10 1123/00A for $78). Couple weeks later they called me back and said they received it. I went in a few days later for an impulse line for my 026 and I told the guy I wanted to make sure I didnt have a leak before picking up the carb. I went back a few days later for the carb and now he tells me its discontinued and he tries to sell me the one they have in stock at $58 obviously not the same carb. So the story changed and I dont know what to believe anymore. What can replace the Zama carb# S76B 842A C10 1123/00A on my saw? thnx

[@DougHinVA]

a carb replacement that is simple and costs about $20-30 is a lot better than going to a shop and paying over $100. If you are at all handy and patient, consider repair yourself or a replacement of the faulty part.

[@danielpadgett2831]

Only thing is a oem stihl carb will run about 50 to 60 dollars depending on model but definitely worth it in my opinion.

[@koneseta]

Can you make talk video about what chainsaw has bad reputation. So my list no 1 is Mcculloch mac 120. This saw is never working probeply. So its time to talk

[@billlovett4256]

How much does it cost to rebuild this carburetor vs putting in a new one? Just wondering if it's worth paying a shop to rebuild vs new install. Great video as always Don.

[@donyboy73]

not that much difference

[@billlovett4256]

Interesting, so why not just always put on a new carburetor? Is it just easier from a shop perspective to have carburetor kits in stock that fit lots of different carburetors VS all the different types of carburetors?

[@donyboy73]

@@billlovett4256 not everyone wants to pay

[@billlovett4256]

@@donyboy73 thanks Don, have a great day.

[@russojap1864]

Thank you for this! I took the carb off mine and just sprayed it out which appears to be working, but I couldn't figure out how to get the choke linkage back in, even though I knew how it was supposed to attach. 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️ It looked impossible to replace until I saw how you did it.

[@chadbailey8152]

Also, it could be a coil going bad, yes it Sparks, but they have rev limmitors that go bad and give the symptom of a carb going bad

[@dpm1964]

Why not just rebuild the old carburetor? Why this time did you decide to buy a new one? So many times you choose to rebuild. Love your videos. Thanks.

[@donyboy73]

I mention in video that I have to replace because rebuilding it didn't work

[@rickster7834]

In the US, at least where I live, only an authorized Stihl dealer can order genuine replacement parts for their equipment. And that includes any part on the piece, not just the engine.

[@matts7975]

Rickster, yea, I’m not sure what they get by promoting that. Taryl Dactyl does the same thing showing you how to order parts, when only a dealer can use those websites.

[@williamfairley2502]

I have a sthil 170 and a husky 445 and a 72cc 22 inch bar Chinese chainsaw , the Chinese saw start much easier, can you explain.

[@jackd1582]

Because they break before they ever get much use .

[@williamfairley2502]

Thanks Jack appreciate your input.

[@fadetounforgiven]

Something I still can't get my head around is how can a carburetor get damaged. I mean, gasoline will eventually damage the rubber, it only needs time, and rubber would eventually fail even if you do nothing to it, that's what kits are there for. Now the metal parts? and even more so, since it's 2T machine, it's extra-lubricated. I get it if they get dirty, as for example rust from the tank may end up clogging the filter, but actual damage that requires replacing the carburetor, I don't get it. Thanks for the video. Mine is a Jonsered that got that kit replacement last year, but watching someone else doing it kind of encourages you to do it yourself.

[@jbbolts]

jets are very fine and can get clogged... small metal parts get pitted eventually needles etc... diaphragms dry out... doesnt take much really and theres plenty to go wrong

[@y2ktube]

"the metal parts? and even more so, since it's a 2T machine, it's extra-lubricated" - I totally agree. If one uses Non-ethanol fuel, then a complete carb replacement is ridiculous (the saw already comes with an expensive OEM carb !). Get a quality rubber 'rebuild kit' , tear-down the OEM carb AND PARTS DIP IT ! - Geesh, that stuff melts away ALL build-up then blast with compressed air the tiny orifices'. With the new 'rubber' parts etc. it will then return the carb back to factory specifications. Finally, I just don't get it, why does most every KZbin video not incorporate the Parts Dip stage ? - Like buying a set of cooking pans and then immediately putting/cooking food in them; wash/sanitize them first !

[@Drew6709]

My husky is an utter pain to start. Had a new coil installed once. Will not start after warm and only starts with trigger pulled and cold.

[@ryy597]

ajust the carburator. a coil only needs replacing if it stops doing "spark" be sure that it has the right gap between the flywheel and the coil. if thats the case id mess around with the carburator. normally husqvarna are great saws!

[@rk22cc]

any gasket

[@DavidS-dj7sn]

But why didn't the REBUILT carb work

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

How can you tell it is a carb issue and not a seal leak ?

[@donyboy73]

from experience

[@robertingoldsby1638]

ethanol has been in fuel since day one it is not the ethanol ruining your carburetor it is the other additives put in the fuel

[@jbbolts]

it is the ethanol actually and its pretty recent since they started adding it. its not gas and its hygroscopic

[@king49334]

Cleaned and replace gasket still won't start Only start with starter fluid. New.carb is need

[@jthanksitwaswhatineededkno2955]

So much cheaper compared to 105.00 an hour labor

[@jamesvickers8140]

MS251 is not adjustable. It runs rough,bogs down and drives me crazy! Sometimes it runs great. It has new plug,new air filter new premixed fuel. Only 5 yrs old and used gently.

[@danishnative9555]

Properly cared for and little used Stihl MS250 owner here. Nothing but frustration with carburetor issues. What the hell happened?

[@rk22cc]

gas

[@danishnative9555]

@@rk22cc Well, we have added all those expensive fuel additives for 6% ethanol fuel. So what you are saying is we are doomed to rubber rot on any model. This Stihl chainsaw has been fully drained of every drop of fuel and bar oil and stored indoors when not in use.

[@canamrider7195]

@@danishnative9555 If Non-Ethanol fuel is not available, perhaps a small local airport might have better fuel that you can purchase. It will probably cost you some, but saving you the frustration of a poorly running saw might make up the difference.

[@VE1AXC]

main nozzle check valve sticking, gas, it's worst when equipment is not used

[@scottfirman]

I heard it bog as it tried to start. Generally, If I have to pull and pull like that, I automatically order a replacement carb. Nowdays it doesn't pay to screw with those small carburetors. Zama is Chinese that I know of. I prefer Walburo any day over Zama. Those cheap throw away Poulan chain saws are not even worth replacing parts. I tell people they are like a bic lighter, when they run out of gas, just replace them. Junk for sure. The clutches are a joke in them.

[@donyboy73]

oem carbs are expensive in canada, not like in the usa

[@Drottninggatan2017]

How come the rebuild didn't work?

[@dkupy100]

I was wondering too. My guess a speck of dirt lodged in a passage that air pressure, carb spray or ultrasonic cleaner could not remove.

[@jayjay6804]

My older stihl has small rubber check valves hidden and inaccessible in the carburetor body. If exposed to ethanol, they swell and become plugs. Not repairable.

[@y2ktube]

If one uses Non-ethanol fuel on a 'low-mileage' saw (obviously NOT a worn out carb), then a complete carb replacement is ridiculous (the saw already comes with an expensive OEM carb !). Get a quality rubber 'rebuild kit' , tear-down the OEM carb AND PARTS DIP IT ! - Geesh, that stuff melts away ALL build-up, then blast with compressed air the tiny orifices'. With the new 'rubber' parts etc. it will then return the carb back to factory specifications... Finally, I just don't get it, why does most every KZbin video not incorporate the Parts Dip stage ? - Installing NEW parts into a carb with build-up/contamination residue, is like applying spray paint to rusted parts !

[@sjcf89]

Why do you never say how you charge for this type of repair. You obviously spent a lot of time but sury the customer won't be for the amount of time u spent

[@redblue40rc33]

Fisher101 he has said in recent videos that some shops charge up to $100/hr.....I'm sure he's not cheap but competitive on pricing

[@okde1875]

12 pulls to start ? And they charge an arm and leg for stihl equipment no thank you I'll stick with echo

[@2aminitials]

New carb is empty of fuel so it takes several pulls of the starter rope to pump fuel into the carb.

[@terryporter4987]

Lol bogs way down

[@jackd1582]

Get a battery Stihl .....that'll fix it !! ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓

[@jmc5341]

I feel like I failed every time I cant get a resurrect a carb. Sometimes you just gotta replace it.

[@donyboy73]

it used to be like that, however now it is common to replace carbs

[@one4stevo]

STIHL quality is crap nufin like what they used to be