My dads Stihl MS250 chainsaw won’t start…

Stihl ms250 wouldn’t start and last time it was running it wouldn’t idle. See who stops by the shop to bring his chainsaw and diagnose why it won’t run. Also, check out my other videos on various fyi and diy projects to keep your motors running for a long time! Remember to hit that like and also subscribe for more content! Thanks for watching!
Stihl OEM Parts Air Filter, Flocked 021, 023, 025, MS210, MS230, MS250-1123 120 1613, 1123-120-1613, 11231201613: amzn.to/3QZABb5 (affiliate link)
Carburetor cleaning with special guest, my dad, on his ms250
"Stihl chainsaw troubleshooting"
"Common Stihl chainsaw problems"
"DIY Stihl chainsaw repair"
"Stihl chainsaw maintenance tips"
"Fixing a Stihl chainsaw yourself"
"Stihl chainsaw troubleshooting guide"
"How to repair a Stihl chainsaw"
"Stihl chainsaw won't start"
"Stihl chainsaw repair manual"
"Stihl chainsaw troubleshooting chart"
"Stihl MS250 won't start"
"Troubleshooting Stihl MS250 starting issues"
"How to fix Stihl MS250 starting problems"
"Stihl MS250 won't crank"
"Stihl MS250 starting problems"
"Stihl MS250 won't turn over"
"Stihl MS250 pull cord won't engage"
"Stihl MS250 starting troubleshooting"
"Stihl MS250 engine won't start"
"Fixing Stihl MS250 ignition problems"
"How to clean carburetor on chainsaw"
"Chainsaw carburetor cleaning guide"
"DIY chainsaw carburetor cleaning"
"Step-by-step chainsaw carb cleaning"
"Cleaning chainsaw carburetor at home"
"Chainsaw carburetor maintenance tips"
"Best practices for cleaning chainsaw carb"
"Cleaning a chainsaw carburetor for beginners"
"Troubleshooting chainsaw carburetor cleaning"
"Cleaning chainsaw carburetor without removing it"
I do these videos to help others save some money at the shop or save time chasing symptoms in a small engine, these are for information purposes, and I hold no responsibility of damaged tools, engines or parts.
Ms170 ms180 ms192 ms194 ms201 ms210 ms211 ms230 ms 250 ms251 ms260 ms261 ms271 ms271 ms290 ms291 ms341 ms390 ms391 ms440 017 018 021 023 024 025 026 029 034
Snowblower won’t drive. Won’t shift gears. Forward. Reverse. Winterize. Summarize. Lube. Grease. Smooth. Slip. Spin. Stuck. Frozen. Belt. Shear. Auger. Chute. Handle. Wheels. Cable. Bearing. Skid shoe. Scraper bar. 5hp 8hp. 9hp. 10hp. 208cc 357cc. Tecumseh gcv160 gcv190 gcv200
Briggs and Stratton, Honda, Chinese motor. Tecumseh MTD yardman yard machines cub cadet law boy toro ariens craftsman Subaru Murray Kohler Kawasaki John Deere snapper Troy bilt brute lawnboy husqvarna jonsered stihl carburetor
This video is intended for informational and educational purposes only. I want to stress the importance of safety when working with tools. Always exercise caution and follow proper safety guidelines when handling tools or attempting any repairs. The methods and techniques demonstrated in this video are performed by a trained individual with experience. However, it is crucial to note that there is always some level of risk involved when working with tools and machinery.
If you're unsure about any aspect of a repair or don't have the necessary experience, it's strongly recommended that you seek professional advice or assistance. Attempting repairs without proper knowledge can be dangerous and may result in injury or damage to tools and equipment.
By watching and following the instructions in this video, you do so at your own risk. The creator of this video and any associated parties cannot be held responsible for any injuries, accidents, or damages that may occur as a result of your actions. Prioritize your safety and that of others around you when working with tools."
This disclosure makes it clear to your viewers that they should prioritize safety and exercise caution when attempting any repairs and that they assume any risk involved in doing so.

[@searchDscriptures]

Love the way you don't fool around with small talk and right to the reason I'm watching - help with figuring out my issue. Thanks

[@SHONEY21Z]

Thanks for the support!

[@ashutoshjangra5332]

What to do bro if I have used the machine using gasoline with out mixing engine oil

[@SHONEY21Z]

That’s not good. It will burn up the piston. Take the exhaust off and move the piston up and down with the pull cord. See if the piston has scratches on it

[@danielpadgett2831]

Just a tip and this comes from the stihl dealer you need to let it warm up a min or so before going full throttle like that

[@SHONEY21Z]

Correct thank you sir. You don’t want to cold seize it. I knew I’d only be running it for 10-15 seconds so I did a quick test to make sure it went up to full throttle. I’ve seen them where the owner would start up a cold saw and go right into full throttle cutting up firewood. It won’t last very long lol

[@danielpadgett2831]

@@SHONEY21Z yes sir great video thank you for sharing

[@inspectr1949]

You're a good son, I'm 75 and my 2 abandoned me years ago.

[@SHONEY21Z]

I’m sorry to hear that.😕 Thanks for watching and supporting the channel.

[@grrrexky]

10:15 don't remove that for summer time. The position it was in is for summer time use. Turn it around for winter and it will take in warm air around the cylinder preventing the carb from icing.

[@SHONEY21Z]

Good lookin out! Thanks!

[@kevincoverstone6479]

I had the same problem, and I just clean the magneto connectors. Replace the spark plug, gas filter, and put a new air filter on it. Runs great.

[@SHONEY21Z]

Thanks for the tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@canoetipper019]

"Hi" to your dad. I have one of those saws too...nice saw for around my 3 acre house lot. That air diverter stores right there in the saw...just flip it over so the 'sun' is up and put it back where you got it from. I learned this when my saw wasn't running real good in the winter the first year I got it. I probably will have to surrender my man-card, but I read the owner's manual and found that out...lol Nice video, and really nice to see you have a good relationship with your da. Cheers from New Brunswick, Cabada...eh.

[@SHONEY21Z]

Gear info. Thanks! I did not know that. But makes sense. Cheers from PA!

[@renejakobsen7444]

Mine does the same - will try this today. Ran last year but failed to start now. Thanks!

[@SHONEY21Z]

Get the old gas out and clean the carb. Check the diaphragm and gaskets. Good luck!

[@donmoore7785]

Stihl tech taught me to use carb cleaner on the air filter, then compressed air until dry. I would never buy filter after filter. Carb cleaner acts as an agent to help remove dust. That chain is dangerously loose, not a little loose.

[@SHONEY21Z]

Great tip! We did sharpen and adjust it before he left. I’ve seen those filters crumble it get very hard. Nothing could clean them. I don’t mind replacing when needed

[@chamunorwachibanguza7902]

Thank you for the video 👍🇿🇼

[@SHONEY21Z]

Thanks for watching!

[@akaroamale475]

Great thanks. Now tighten the chain and adjust the idle so the chain pulses with the motor idling.

[@SHONEY21Z]

Great tip! He always needs his chain adjusted haha. We did do that. I like to have the idle slightly below clutch engagement.

[@MrJohnnyb42]

Getting those carbs out are tuff because of the fuel line.

[@SHONEY21Z]

I find the throttle linkage the tricky part

[@stan121midling5]

yea, i had my Stihl MS250 for about 4 months now and i had issues with it not wanting to start, i replaced the spark plug and next i will try new gas and if that does not work, then i will do like you did here, but really i had issues with mine not wanting to start after a few times just after i got it, so kind of real stupid to pay that kind of money for something that is like really picky to keep running ok :0

[@SHONEY21Z]

Have to make sure the air filter stays clean and the chain stays sharp. If the chain is dull it’ll make more dust and it’ll get in past the air filter. Generally I don’t have any issues but it’s important to keep the airfilter clean, use non ethenol gas mixed with your oil and keep the chain sharp. That will keep the saw running for a very long time.

[@harryduncan6699]

Does the saw have a spark arrester. Wouldn’t that be the first to examine?

[@SHONEY21Z]

Good thinking. And yes that can cause a poor run condition. Generally I see a motor that will run but won’t rev up when the arrestor is blocked. But since my dads saw is always caked with sawdust, the carb was going to be my first thought. Thanks for the tip!

[@harryduncan6699]

@@SHONEY21Z was cutting last week and my 026 quit, wouldn’t restart. Cause was spark arrestor and air filter. I think what happened was as it became more clogged, the rpm’s declined, increased carbon in exhaust, clogged worse till it died. Replaced filter and put in new screen…..started first pull. Need to check rpm’s before cutting tomorrow.

[@SHONEY21Z]

Air filter was clogged and restricting air so it ran rich until the screen clogged. Good catch. According to my dad, it ran fine until he shut it off and wouldn’t restart. So I wasn’t thinking spark arrestor.

[@woodturningwithjoelarese8923]

Thanks for a great Video. You are a good son! I have a 250. Any idea why my recoil is so hard to pull? It’s as if the compression is over the top. Saw runs well once I gather enough strength to pull! I took apart the recoil mechanism and noticed my saw only has one centrifugal pawl, so I’m thinking the mechanism may cock. Any insights appreciated.

[@SHONEY21Z]

That’s a really good question. I’ve heard that same complaint on about 3 other ms250 saws. I’ve haven’t actually had my hands on one that’s like that but I’ve done a lot of research on it and there isn’t really an answer. Some say tight rings from factory, some say carbon buildup, nothing points to the recoil, flywheel or exhaust. The saw usually rotates very smoothly with the spark plug out. They get readings of 180psi or more on compression. So unfortunately I can’t answer your question, only option would be to maybe try new rings. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@woodturningwithjoelarese8923]

@@SHONEY21Z thanks, really appreciate your reply. I tore it down, but didn’t replace the rings,

[@woodturningwithjoelarese8923]

Guess I should have. Take care and thanks again for taking the time out to so thoughtfully answer my questions.

[@SHONEY21Z]

No problem, thanks for reaching out.

[@pdevonport7266]

The reason they are hard to start it's not just because they have hi compression it was because stihl is pennypinching on their design and have installed a smaller starter recoil that fits a lot of it's smaller range . If they had fitted a more appropriate recoil, the diameter of the pulley would've been larger and thus gearing down requiring less effort to pull the cord. They only have one centrifugal pawl. There's absolutely nothing wrong with your saw it's just a quirk of the 250. I find drop starting the easiest followed by putting the rare handle between your legs and not starting at on the ground which puts the most strain on your shoulder.

[@MrJohnnyb42]

I had just recently bought a 250, ran it for 20min. never started again.

[@SHONEY21Z]

Did you use oil/gas mix?

[@MrJohnnyb42]

@@SHONEY21Z Of course

[@SHONEY21Z]

What ended up happening with your saw? Sounds like a bad crank seal or something.

[@MrJohnnyb42]

I found out through tech support that 250's don't exactly start the same way every other Stihl product starts. They said only pull three times on choke. They don't always pop. More than 3 times and they will flood. It's just the way they are i guess. @@SHONEY21Z

[@stan121midling5]

to be honest i had a Stihl weed Wacker once and it did the same thing as my Stihl chainsaw, IMO Stihl just is bad :0

[@SHONEY21Z]

In my experience, stihl is far superior in all 2 stroke gas operated machines.

[@pdevonport7266]

The black plate you removed is supposed to be for summer and really should never be removed unless it's extremely cold, it only stops the carburettor icing up because it lets in warm air off the motor and if it is left off you end up with lean fuel mixture in warm or normal weather and potentially ruin your Motor. For winter setting you rotate the plate and it's slides down and stays in place so you cannot lose it but really it should never be used unless you are having problems with an icing carburettor.

[@SHONEY21Z]

Thanks for the info!

[@paulveenings6861]

The air filter on the 250 never has a good seal. Dust in the carbi is always a problem with mine.

[@SHONEY21Z]

It really is. I found no difference between the stihl and aftermarket filters too. Just have to keep the chain sharp and avoid fine dust.

[@pdevonport7266]

Yes they're rubbish, you can remedy the problem by putting grease around the bottom of the filter which will completely seal it.

[@user-ic9xw8ni4z]

Mine won't start I try every thing clean the cod what is the turns on the cod scrows please

[@SHONEY21Z]

Was the carb dirty? The screws adjust the carb. The L should be around 3/4 turn out from the bottom and the H should be about 1 turn out from fully seated. Does the saw have spark? Compression?

[@user-ic9xw8ni4z]

Getting spark getting compression getting gas in the carb I try adjusting the screws but still not starting anything other advise please

[@SHONEY21Z]

@@user-ic9xw8ni4znot running at all? What’s the compression at? Did you check the spark arrestor? If it’s not that and not starting at all, I would check the flywheel and see if the flywheel key sheared off the flywheel

[@TheTronder007]

You're not supposed to remove the black plastic shutter for summer operation, you take it out and flip it 180 degrees and reinsert it.. There's a snowflake and sun symbol on the shutter, and if I remember this correctly the sun symbol is on top for summer mode and snow flake on top for winter mode..

[@SHONEY21Z]

Found this out since then. Thanks for sharing! Good info.

[@FFL-vg9ro]

The shutter stays IN and closed during the summer to keep the engine heat away from the carb. Reversing it in the winter allows a little heat in to keep the carb from icing up. Running it OUT in the summer can lean out the mixture and burn up the motor. That would be really bad advice,

[@andreazkaryo9700]

Saya punya sthill ms 250 sudah 2 tahun,permasalahannya setiap menarik starter terasa berat dan mental.powl sering rusak karenanya.

[@SHONEY21Z]

Has it ever been apart? Like the clutch or flywheel?

[@johnmaxwell3165]

It's never the air filter

[@SHONEY21Z]

Nope. Not on lawnmowers that are never serviced

[@spergnation1859]

Wait so what was the fault?

[@SHONEY21Z]

Dirty carb. Not as bad as I thought but enough saw dust inside to block the jet. Doesn’t clean his airfilter enough and chain dull. Makes more dust than chips.

[@spergnation1859]

@@SHONEY21Z Thank you so very much.

[@spergnation1859]

​@@SHONEY21ZIt worked! Did everything you did. Saw works like brand new. Thanks again.

[@SHONEY21Z]

Glad to hear! Good work

[@patrickmichael8749]

Oh come on - it's obviously a nearly brand new chain saw - you shouldn't need to be taking the carburetor apart.

[@SHONEY21Z]

It’s hard to find a new ms250 these days. If you see the bar, it’s heavily used. We bought this saw for my dad on Father’s Day about 10 years ago. He kept it in pretty good shape. Thanks for commenting! Cheers!