How to Start a STIHL Chain Saw | STIHL Tutorial

The STIHL How To Series gives you tips and general advice on how to operate and maintain your STIHL power tools. In this segment we show you the safe and proper way to start your chain saw.
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ABOUT STIHL INC.:
STIHL Inc. manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America*, the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment among U.S. landscape professionals**, and the number one selling brand of chain saws in the world. STIHL also offers a full line of battery powered handheld outdoor power equipment for the professional and consumer. STIHL products are sold through a network of more than 10,000 authorized local STIHL Dealers from coast to coast-not big-box stores. Located in Virginia Beach, Va., STIHL Inc., the U.S. affiliate of the global STIHL Group, exports to more than 80 countries around the world, and the majority of STIHL products sold in America are made in America. ***STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL Dealers are for distribution in the U.S. only. For more information or for the name of a local STIHL Dealer, call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit STIHLusa.com.
*"Number one selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research as well as independent consumer research of 2009-2021 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers. **“Number one selling” claim based on 2007-2021 syndicated Irwin Broh Research of the U.S. professional landscaper market. ***A majority of STIHL products sold in America are made in America of U.S. and foreign materials.
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[@paddyrhatigan1590]

Had a Husqvarna for 28years, Stihl 4 years. Had to trade it in ran ok for a short while, gone back to Husqvarna, 445 a very nice saw very happy with it.

[@KnorpelDelux]

I've been using a MS260 in many years, never let me down. Stihl sure knows how to build a proper tool!

[@juangallardo4618]

I just bought an MS250 yesterday. I cut some hardwood yesterday very easy. This chainsaw starts in the 2nd or 3rd pull...👍👍👍

[@stihlusa]

Great to hear that! Thanks for the comment!

[@leeyeoman3377]

Stihl USA I buy so many stihl parts from my local dealer I should have them free I'm like the stihl man I should be sponsored by stihl

[@stevepederson1736]

I have been using Still products for years, saws and garden tillers and our local dealer is great and very helpful so I keep going back but ... Back in the late 70’s I bought a new 041AV that as far as I am concerned is Stills greatest line of saws. Many parts are no longer available so it is no longer in service, I now have a MS 390 plastic saw, it is lighter than the 041 but hard to start, always takes at least 5 or 6 pulls, 041 took 1 or 2. On descent logs just let the 041 cut the chips flew, with the 390 being so light weight needs “pushed “ through more work and the extra vibration I am tired at the end of the day. The 390 is a nice limbing saw but I sure miss my 041. I guess next time I will get one of their pro saws but I wish parts were still available for my beloved 041. It kept my family warm for many a winters.

[@jamespurswell1600]

This saved my day. I got my first chainsaw and had no clue how to start it. I fumbled with it for an hour, nothing. Found the video, Bam! Thanks !!!

[@tommytruth7595]

Their instruction manuals will tell you the same information but I have found the Stihl instruction manuals difficult to understand. Those put out by Echo are much easier to understand.

[@andybub45]

Then like I said, you probably shouldn't have a gasoline tool.

[@Vfh........y]

Crisp Cuts Landscaping ........right again........291 and 450 Johns red. operator issue.

[@stihlusa]

Here are some tips for starting your STIHL chainsaw safely and properly.

[@randyaragon6090]

Sthl

[@sunlight-sky151]

LIES!

[@jeffpeters1014]

My 024 needs 20 pulls to burp, it has a new gas filter. Any ideas on how to make it start easier from a cold start?

[@Cooperation.]

Did u check the carburetor

[@johnduffy6546]

A great safety video! I would suggest mentioning this video in the owners manual

[@ShrockWPS]

I just bought one today, there is a QR code on the bag that the manual came in.

[@johnskans3807]

Thanks much; first time user and your visual still valuable 2017. Stihl MS 180 C-BE started right up after watching.

[@kriapdx]

Please please be more clear about after you make the engine start. There is a piece that is not being shown well. I watched so many videos and wanted to this safely. But the smoking ... scares me. I stop it right away but there is something missing between making it start and the controls on the saw.

[@gatorborne]

Great way to turn a 30 second video into 7 mins.

[@hogway]

Just bought a ms250 today Love it

[@OKOKOKOKOKOKOK-zn2fy]

I always wondered about the decompression button on my saw. Now, I know.

[@mackenziewaldeck5695]

I'm Mackenzie Waldeck and I endorse this video.

[@VetusVindex]

I havent got fuel primer in my MS 211 so i cant pump fuel. Explain pls starting proces in this model 😆

[@COLDROLD73]

Great tutorial. Only issue I have. I have to leave it inside at all times to get it to start. December 2017, I shut the saw off for 20 minutes at +3 degrees and will not start. MS250.

[@mikeypizano]

I love my Stihl trimmer and backpack blower. The 4Mix engines are INSANE! I can start my FS90r with one pull, no prime or choke! The only time I have problems is when I keep it on my hooks in shed as the carb faces up. My BR600 starts first pull no prime or choke too.

[@anvilsvs]

All of my other Stihls except the 250 start just like yours do.

[@bonzos9305]

Thanks for the help👍🏽

[@Amarillobymorning777]

MUCHAS GRACIAS FROM NORTH TEXAS, Thanks A LOT GUYS.

[@bretchamberlain8285]

Just bought a ms170, are there any videos on how to prepare a brand new saw?

[@semco72057]

I have a Stihl chainsaw and is having problems starting it and I think that it may be because I keep flooding it. While working with my Poulan saw it starts normally for me, but it don't have the features of the Stihl. I will try the procedure you all mentioned here and if that don't work the saw will be taken back to the saw shop to see if they can start it.

[@semco72057]

I tried the two procedures you all mentioned to crank my saw and it don't seem to work, and even drop starting it don't work either since the pull rope don't come out like it should to crank the saw. I purchased a battery saw and it works fine for doing the work I have, and I won't buy another Stihl saw after all the problems I have had with this one.

[@peterford9369]

why if they want you to foot in from rope side if saw, do they put the extended flat on the opposite side?

[@randall41501]

Awesome video...My husband uses all your products and even sells them at the business he works. :-) Also Casey and Louie are great and fun to watch ;-)

[@astathesmalldog]

This is my first Sthl. My biggest problem is the carb is side draft and the pictograms show a vertical choke. Eventually I will get it through my head to start with the switch on the bottom. The run position next to the stop keeps faking me out. I understand the legal need to start with all the safety info, but I really needed a 30 second video, just like most computer printers come with a cheat sheet as well as full instructions. Love my new saw, so much better than the old one.

[@auatinwelsh1895]

If this still does not have a decompression what next

[@cdawg4391]

Have an ms 290 - the first few cold pulls are basically impossible due to compression and there is no release valve. Any advice, please?

[@jiklop9926]

I have two stihl saws try to start them when it is cold out they are worthless husky -20 starts every time

[@mattyboy7272]

good demo boys!

[@ryanfowler1295]

Wat do I do when Chainsaw chain runs and stops.. Even thou I clean'd it????

[@ineedstuff8286]

leave half choke on ??

[@andybub45]

Great tutorial! The time could be condensed, but I understand there are lawyers.

[@jimnowak3960]

Great video fellows. 5 stars

[@larrywilliams1209]

This chain saw appears not to have the easy to start feature?

[@diyman-kf3rg]

Excellent advise 👍👍

[@rax989]

Thanks! A very helpful video.

[@phatrides222000]

I find the stihl is a bitch 2 start over my other 2 strokes. I just dont notice it popping over like you normally would. I just need to learn it though!

[@nickfree46]

good tutorial guys

[@briankleinschmidt3664]

When did we decide standing on the chainsaw is the proper way to start it? It's not a lawnmower. You could throw out your spine or slip and fall. Hold the saw firmly in one hand and allow gravity to assist.

[@rougen512]

Is it safe to allow the saw to warm up in the half choke position? Say...30 seconds? It has been dying on me immediately after I blip the throttle in half choke position to turn high idle off and move into the run position. Mine seems to smoke quite a bit if I let it high idle for even 10 seconds. MS271, brand new

[@captainconner4060]

Your carb adjustment is off... My father has a MS 250 Ive tweaked it several times... still has issues... I have Husqvarna, never any starting problems. eventually all saws need to have the carbs re tuned time to time from vibration and wear. I have rebuilt and installed brand new carbs on stihls and they still didnt perform right. Sadly I think stilhs quality is going down, they even have a plant in china.. yeah.. pretty discouraging..

[@rougen512]

When I first got the saw the issue was so bad I brought it back and they DID adjust my carb. The problem still persists though. Once the saw gets a little warm the issue goes away and the saw runs fine. It certainly never starts are easily as the guys in all the videos though. Those saws always seem to start like they've been running for hours

[@captainconner4060]

Sounds like whoever "adjusted" your saw's carb. didnt use a tachometer.. or lacks knowledge. Most hard start issues are due to the low speed needle not adjusted properly, also depending on the year of your saw, its probably EPA capped carb. Meaning it has adjustment limiters on it, they can be a pain in the a** and sometimes need to be removed, the unit tuned right. If a shop does it they are required to put the limiters back on. 1. for giggles.. have you replaced the fuel filter? 2. Have you ensured the air filter is clean? 3. Use 92 to 95 Octane gasoline, with appropriate 2 Cycle 50:1 mix. --- What 2 cycle oil do you use? This is also important.. 4. Also for G.P. pull the spark plug, If it has been having issues since new I would also suspect a continuity issue with the spark plug. Stihl does not make there own plugs, Get a NGK Part# ( BPMR 7A) . Replace it, and test again. Still hard starting? Pull plug, place back into plug boot, and ground to cylinder head. You may need someone to assist you, as you will need to pull start it while keeping the spark plug touching the aluminum cylinder head. Bright blue spark? Good, Weak yellowish spark? After a new plug? Test / Replace ignition coil and set gap to .010 to .012 thousandths of an inch. Another issue I encountered with the smaller Stihls, was that the anchor or hold down screws for the ignition coil, the plastic to which they screw into would wallow out (maybe wrong torque specs, or over torqued from factory) and would cause the coil to pivot and make physical contact with the flywheel causing either a complete no start condition or random starting problems There are other issue that can cause your headache with this problem... these are the primaries to check.

[@thetoolsman49]

Good question. My 180 since the day I bought it never stayed running once I set it down. I had to bring it back to get the carb adjusted. I made some good cutting videos and would really appreciate the feed back so I can make awesome cutting video. Thank you .

[@captainconner4060]

remove the back cover to where you can see the air filter. You can start the saw, dont let it run half choke (or aka fast idle) if possible as thats not good for the cylinder during cold start ups. If it wont idle normal, in a set idle, there is an issue, Start it up and get it to idle, long enough to spray Carburetor / choke spray (not starting fluid that is detrimental to a 2 cycle) around the exterior of the carburetor area.. does the saw stall out?, If so you have an air leak at or near the carb. If the saw does NOT stall out, then you dont have a carb leak, however I would suspect a carb issue. either a jet / adjustment issue, and or possible a tank vent issue, however that would be more evident after trying to start the saw after its good and warmed up, or hot start, same with an air leak at the carb. that is also a hot start issue if present. I would do a tune up... new air filter, plug (NGK or Champion) fuel filter clunk (in tank) and double check the coil operation for good spark afterwards. And carefully examine all fuel lines. [ one item at a time to see if the condition improved ] Do you use pump gas 91 + octane ? or premixed in a can i.e. TruFuel? or MotoMix? Also, try to identify the type of carburetor your saw has? As stihl to my knowledge has bought out "Zama" a Chinese, low quality carb manufacture.. they are junk carbs, at least everyone that Ive come across. I replace them with a Walbro or Tillotson whichever is available equivlant and compatible.

[@Robertrogatinsky123]

whats the I position on the saw

[@baby1971baby1971]

Work horse of a saw

[@BeanDar]

STIHL a great video...

[@bmedeiros678]

Kc didn't have his head gear at 5:44 so I guess that is not needed while starting.

[@setsappa1]

Thank you.

[@stihlusa]

We regret your issue and would like to provide further assistance. Please call 1800-go-stihl and they can assist you with this issue further. Thanks

[@anthonyladuca8165]

cool

[@matthewstein4466]

I am in the firewood business and I bought a brand new MS 391, 25 inch bar back in 2/20/2015 never tried to start it till today, 6/14/2015, and I cannot get it to start, burp, cough, nothing at all. It doesn't pop at all. I have owned several chainsaws of 4 different brands over the years and all of them never failed me. This damn thing has pissed me off. $ 675.00 worth of disappointment. It's going to a service center tomorrow. This is the first and maybe the last Stihl product I may ever own. Very disappointed.

[@tommytruth7595]

I have found Stihl products to be very disappointing and short lived. Their professional line may be made better, but the homeowner series is just junk.

[@andybub45]

It is probably operator error, try to read the manual.

[@captainconner4060]

I have never had any problems with Husqvarna saws, when the carb is tuned properly, the proper rated 2 cycle and ratio is used and a minimum of 89 Octane fuel is used. My saws start 1 Pull hot or cold starts every time. My father has Stilhs, "commercial grade" It takes him and Ive tried them to...takes 3 to 6 pulls to start, I have even tuned the carbs myself as I do my Husqvarna. I know they are done right. also my Husqvarna out cuts, and out performs both his Stilhs. It is also confirmed that Stihl has a plant in china!! glad I never got a stihl.. it would go right in the recycle bin.. blog.stihl.com/stihl-worldwide/2013/11/stihl-china-quality-made-stihl/ and the replies and comments from stihl representatives is very discouraging... I downloaded and saved the site as well. Go with Husqvarna or Echo, the Echo Timber Wolf will also out perform a stilh farm boss.

[@peterford9369]

Matthew Stein Ditto Matt. Cept did use my 170 like twice, cutting some small trees for a customer. maybe an hours job. drained fuel, Put it away for like three months. Gassed it up and it won't start. Saw is less than a year old. Have a McCullough 310 about 15 years old, never failed me. Something s wrong with this picture. Also have a 20 inch inexpensive Lowes Poulan Pro that hardly use but when i get it out it works. First chainsaw I've bought that after two uses, decides to have carb or whatever problems. And I bought Stihl only cause the Shop where i was looking for a kit for the McCullough, had them hanging all over and the hype. Wondering if I should have wasted my dollars.

[@peterford9369]

Tommy Truth Shouldn't be that way. People buy stihl whether pro or homeowners, cause it has a history of quality. Guess like a lot of companies, quality is second to profit.

[@SillyoldPrince]

4:02

[@velvetelvis6839]

Bought the 171 today can't get it started for the life of me tried till I was blue in the face

[@couchrider6228]

Have you read the book? The new ones are finitely.

[@dannyparrish724]

👍

[@gregstickler3798]

One problem with videos I see about gardening equipment They never show for left handlers I never start my chainsaw on the ground I hold it in the air and pull the handle never had an issue Commonsense is key

[@paulshamblin6260]

Bc most people are right handed.

[@gregstickler3798]

@@paulshamblin6260 well with people being offended about something today I think I’ll get offended about discriminating against left handlers 😄

[@octiman2997]

So, u start it on the warm position??? I think you guys missed a step. Never told us how to go to the running position!!!

[@stihlusa]

Pete, Yes you start with the master control level in the warm position, and then quickly blip (squeeze and release) the trigger which takes the choke off. No steps missed!

[@laurieredfern8045]

I cannot start my Stihl on the ground my foot will not fit no worries wi th the HUSQVARNA

[@jeffbang7847]

You say it floods easily and to just pull a few more times, I tried that. If it was flooded, you would smell fuel.

[@JamesQMurphy]

It does flood easily, and yes you do smell fuel when it happens. But they tell you how to fix that at 6:05, and it involves removing the spark plug.

[@jeffbang7847]

You are an Idiot, and must work for Stihl. People need to know How bad this product is!!!

[@nouseforaname6846]

@@jeffbang7847Put it on run, don't choke it. Hold throttle down and keep pull starting as many times as needed to unflood it. It should fire if flooding was the issue. That works on husqvarna as well.

[@zaineridling]

Lots of wasted time in this video, which could have been cut to 2 minutes. Consider editing, and stop saying each other's names so much; we really don't care.

[@andybub45]

Yep. I love stihl, but please?

[@thetoolsman49]

I make all my video straight to the point. please check them out so I can get some feed back to improve.

[@rjfishfarmpudukkottai134]

HI

[@btownmxer]

This one time at band camp I stuck a chainsaw in my

[@andybub45]

right..............

[@thetoolsman49]

make a video next time. The internet would love to see.

[@JacobGardener]

How are left handed people supposed to start the chainsaw? Give it to a right handed person?

[@stevepetz8892]

Just put your right foot thru back handle on the opposite side of pull start! Hold top handle with right hand!! Pull with left!! It's easier than the way there showing. For a right or left handers!! I had been doing it there way for over 50 years!! Not no more!!

[@thealmightybungholiofather8486]

There is nothing wrong at all with drop starting as long as you know what you are doing

[@SeriousSchitt]

Absolutely correct. Drop starting is the 'ONLY' way I can start my chainsaw!

[@anvilsvs]

Now show me that working on a Stihl 250. I've never had a problem starting FS16, 021, Kombi motors, backpack blowers, 390s. But the 250 is a designed lemon for starting. Floods before it will fire. That procedure doe NOT WORK for the 250. Can NOT clear a flood without using compressed air to blow it out with the plug removed. And Stihl has not fixed the cussed thing. I now use an EGO as a trim saw because the 250 is just a screaming PITA to start. The 250 has become just an expensive shelf ornament in the shop. And turned me off of Stihl after 4 decades of previous satisfaction.

[@stihlusa]

Hi Paul, Thank you for your comment. We recommend that you reach out STIHL Customer Service, which is open M-F 8am-7pm ET. You can reach us via email at www.stihlusa.com/information/corporate/contact-us/.

[@anvilsvs]

@@stihlusa I'll try again. Been there before. The dealers are quite aware of this problem. I've had this saw a couple of years now. Really nice saw when it's running.

[@uberraschtedame1510]

21st century and sill these Stihl machines(and many other brands) are not user friendly when starting them, too many steps, too temperamental or delicate for starting. Time to go to the design board and create a product/system that has has a starting rate closer to a 100%. It is the year 2022 time to innovate and make these machine reliable on the field. ie "push a button and it starts, every time" On 31 December 1879, German inventor Karl Benz produced a two-stroke gas engine, for which he received a patent in 1880 in Germany. The first truly practical two-stroke engine is attributed to Yorkshireman Alfred Angas Scott, who started producing twin-cylinder water-cooled motorcycles in 1908. 114 YEARS AGO!

[@storminnormanz]

trade it for a husky

[@tommytruth7595]

At least yours starts. I have a MS180 used 8 or 10 times that will not start. I am through with Stihl.

[@andybub45]

Probably shouldnt be using gasoline tools at all, because it is probably operator error.

[@Vfh........y]

Crisp Cuts Landscaping ....yep.....

[@Morpheen999]

If you've only used it that many times, chances are you've let it sit too long and the fuel get too old... Then tried to start it

[@peterford9369]

Tommy Truth Probably just like mine,, fuel issue . Ya know though surprisingly, my 359 just wouldn't start suddenly and was no spark due to residue between the magnet and the coil. Hot cold, hot cold, does cause moisture and saw dust crap to build up in those mico gaps,,, then, no spark. So many maintenance things to be aware of in any tool. Usually it's something so simple, but we get PO, ed and frustrated and curse the day we bought that tool. But, then like me, do a quick checkup and boom,,, something I did. We're human. Take a breath, get a clean work space and do a good once over and you'll get it done. good luck.

[@jeffbang7847]

My Stihl Never started when it was New! Returned it same Day, Never ran even once!!! Stihl Garbage!

[@n74jw]

Electric all the way

[@jeffbang7847]

What a Joke, I purchased a new Stihl yesterday, Because of how everybody raves about them. Pulled it until my arm just about fell off and returned the piece of Shit! What junk!!! P.S. Yes I know how to use the Choke on Chainsaws!!!!

[@rickp.2770]

Over exagerated

[@boydgoodell6705]

Three and a half minutes of BS before you get to the good stuff.

[@stevenkmckendallsr1169]

6:03