Stihl MS 261 Mtronic Chainsaw -- HARD TO START! -- WHY Won't It Re-Start?!

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you for stopping in and watching my video on this Stihl MS261 Chainsaw! I am so happy that you are here! I am in the shop today repairing more saws and making more videos! Coming up...MS 461, MS 170, a couple MS 271's and a MS 260 that has been to other shops and is now here for answers! I hope you all enjoy! Please Subscribe!

[@scottyamos3615]

Long time stihl guy ,helps me understand how to work on my own.Also makes me want to tear my stuff down an clean it

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Me too! Haha

[@dwaynejohnson7055]

Informative, educational and well made videos. As a 65 year old with no small engine exp. i really enjoy the content.

[@leongrubbs8492]

Erica, thank you for the videos. I like them very much for entertainment and learning value. I love your detail and manner of presentation. A viewer from N. C., USA.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you!

[@Nudnik1]

I learned valuable information . Thank you 👍

[@brianochsner3632]

I’m a proud owner of a stihl FS94 weed trimmer. Your videos are very educational to me.😊

[@paulborden2544]

Great video. Thanks from Wisconsin.

[@poulgammelgaard8868]

Thank you very much, this was helpful. I bought the same saw back in 2014, when they were introduced. First time I used it it wouldn't restart. I brought it to the dealer, and after a couple of days, they said it was fixed. I think they swapped the module with another new saw or something. The saw still wouldn't restart and back to the dealer again. This time they had it for a couple of weeks and finally said it was fixed. But it was not. I now came to the conclusion, that the dealer would not be able to fix the saw and I put it on the shelf. Instead I bought a good used MS260 and cut my firewood with that and with my old 026. But then I watched your video. I bought an orange fuel filter and the green solenoid valve. My skills as a surgeon came into play, and bingo the saw is fixed after 10 years finally. Thanks from Denmark.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

That is incredible. It made my day just to read this comment. Thank you! Do you know Claus at HobbyMotor on KZbin? He is located in Denmark. A fantastic mechanic.

[@poulgammelgaard8868]

@@marriedwithsmallengines 👍

[@RobOnBusiness]

Hi Erica - I bought a couple of first generation 261 + 461 MTronic saws back in about '15, and they gave me nothing but trouble. I'd intended to buy a set of carbureted saws, but husky and stihl weren't making adjustable, choked medium size professional saws anymore. After warming up, they would vapour lock, and were very hard to start, especially in the tree. And eventually they scored their piston and cylinder, and stihl complained that I wasn't using stihl oil, but I was using what the dealer recommended, which was Optima. Turned out the 261 and the 461 we're running, lean, and ruined themselves. They were repaired on warranty, but I traded them in for a pair of fully adjustable, choked husky 372s, which are great, and running to this day. To Stihl's credit, all the owners I've met of later model 261 and 461 saws have been happy with them.

[@foxlake6750]

My 2018 261 runs great, I run 45 to 1 with Stihl oil.

[@29chevbolenschannel40]

Thanks for another great video. You need a cleaning station closer to the bench to cut down on the walking to the door each time or a 4 wheeled push cart so you could place all the components on it and push them all over the door at the same time to save on the number of steps.😆

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Hi! Do you make carts? Haha Thank you SO much for being here! Stew, please watch for a upcoming MS170 video!

[@29chevbolenschannel40]

@@marriedwithsmallengines I could but probably the shipping would be pricey. Will stay tuned in.

[@gagantron]

I stumbled across your channel a week or two ago. Can't stop watching your videos. I can turn a wrench or two (more like a casual shade-tree mechanic than a technician), but I am absolutely blown away by your skills. Your no-assumptions diagnosing process is an inspiration. Your editing is clean, concise, clear, and easy to understand; I learn something new with every video. Keep it up!

[@DouglasJPotter]

very helpfull thankyou for helping my saw last a long time

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

You're welcome!

[@VivecaGrims]

My husband=arborist. Your videos are super. I enjoy them too. We watch one at least every week. ❤ from Stockholm-area Sweden

[@oliverdavidpatrick]

I have Stihl trimmers from the 80s/90s that were made in Japan... that said you are just wonderful, so professional and yet easy to understand You deserve at least 500k subscribers!!!

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you! Maybe someday!!

[@oliverdavidpatrick]

@@marriedwithsmallengines You really deserve it big time. Best wishes from Ireland!!

[@On_The_Farm]

I love my 261, and now I know how to change the fuel solenoid! Good video.

[@robertmailhos8159]

Finally a chainsaw repair that you can plug into your diagnostic system Erica 😁

[@fredsiegfried1707]

Im never to old to learn something new ! Thankyou

[@hans-wernermayer1312]

All the best from sthil homeland germany!

[@jamesmorgan1024]

Keep on filming good job 👍

[@ralfsiebel3075]

Thank u for educating an old mechanic.Mtronic seems interesting. Absolutely luv your videos.Please dont stop!Nice saw.

[@okanaganpeterjames]

Love to see calibration of the different versions of the 261 covered. Please and thank you

[@jackwilliam2226]

I watch a lot of these videos - Taryl, Chicanic, Mustie, and Donyboy to name a few. You are EXCELLENT Erica! Very professional and easily understood. I find that each of you brings something different to the table. I call it educational entertainment... you guys put the fun back into learning. Having to learn is horrible... wanting to learn - there's the money shot. Thank you.

[@bradpotter6401]

A very nice clean and organized shop!

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you!

[@Scott-t3k1t]

Love your videos Erica. Keep up the good work. No need to change anything. I have a 261 and a 261c. They are excellent all-purpose saws. Very sturdy, dependable and well made. Not too heavy but lots of power.

[@jodydewald19]

I enjoy watching your methodical processes in diagnosing and repairing equipment and saws in particular. Your no-nonsense commentary with a bit of dry humor thrown in here and there is refreshing. So many KZbinrs feel the need to embelish their commentary and put a show on. It's unnecessary and detracts from the subject, and you have a perfect balance. Keep up the great work! My 2 cents on the cot idea... Don't do it. Do what you love, but keep a separate work and life balance.

[@robertooms4282]

Netherlands (EU) also watching!

[@flachlandyeti6977]

So many thanks for your videos! ❤ from Germany

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thanks for watching!

[@danielkapp6277]

Hey Erica I understand that the 036 is not in a rush but I am working on one at the moment and would appreciate your video about it. BR from Germany 🎉

[@AndyJ5431]

Very educational from across the pond in North Lincolnshire, England. Keep it up. PS I have relatives in Ontario. 👍

[@yoz30]

Bonjour , je suis français et vien de découvrir votre chaîne ya peu de temps Je répare également, des tronçonneuse, débroussailleuse et taille haie stihl , depuis deux ans , j'ai encore pas mal de choses et apprendre .et grâce à vos vidéo que j adore , j'apprends pleins de chose Merci pour vos vidéo .continuer comme ça 👍

[@rdyardie]

Thank you for your videos. You show how to take STIHL products apart and then put them back together. 😊

[@MOTA_KRAMPUS]

A nother great video. Thank you very much! Greetings from Cro! 🙂

[@wizardsofwisconsin7400]

Whenever someone thinks they know everything there is to know, they don’t. They might know all they THINK there is to know but there is always more. Another excellent lesson and demonstration!

[@claudemathieu9581]

Erica, thank you for the videos. I like them very much for entertainment and learning value. I love your detail and manner of presentation. I am from near Joliette. QC

[@richhopp9869]

I absolutely love your videos. It helps me out tremendously. One thing to note on these 261C's, is the worm drive constantly has problems. Either the metal breaks or it gets worn. I am constantly checking and replacing them. This saw is the favorite in our crew. Thank you for the awesome videos!

[@Johnnydoxx]

Re: fuel color - I found this comment from a guy: Pump gas labelled as containing NO ethanol was clear and the E10 was yellow'ish. So maybe that was E10 in the tank. And the smell was like old moldy 'corn'. We've been told by dealers to never use ethanol in small engines, here in SW Missouri.

[@johnfichtner4352]

Great show, really enjoy your videos Dave from Missouri

[@albybloke2289]

Hi love the videos, your attention to detail is great, totally agree with using power tools t9 remove stuff but not to replace. I’ve had the same philosophy for about 40 years. Oh yea what happened to the beautiful lady with the flowing hair that used to end the videos, she look great against the new background 😻

[@ericportschy1853]

Love the video...I learn so much. Sheboygan Wis.

[@francisbe3898]

It doesn’t smoke anymore too. Good job: you are so methodical !

[@markphillips3341]

I enjoy this channel, and you dry sense of humour is very much appreciated. I would like to see some videos on sharpening chains, by hand as well as machine. I'm in Perth, Western Australia, so a bit too far away to drop my gear off for a good service. Your videos have helped me better maintain my saws, which only cut Jarrah firewood, which is tough on the machinery. I like your background, looks like stuff gets done in there.

[@stephenthomas8517]

I love your channel. I have learned a lot from you.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

I appreciate that!

[@kbittorf335]

Great video! That 261 is going rip now with 23rs pro chain! Everything works better when clean and the tiniest part can cause headache for the whole unit. I sure wish we had a shop like yours around here. That goes to Husqvarna for service after the sale. It is what it is, I guess.👍

[@donnywalker4691]

You got it figured with the service kit good job

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you!! Do you work at the shop still? Maybe I’ll give a call one day.

[@larrystarnes1954]

I love you channel. Keep making video's please!!

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you!!

[@scottfoster2487]

I am long time saw user and enjoy seeing the new tech plus the amazing things people do to chainsaws. Be nice if to do a mini series on basic saw maintence and how to tune a chain. You need a recliner for down times in the shop.

[@leecarroll1817]

I enjoy your channel, interesting, fun and entertaining. Love the beautiful background outside. Keep up the great video presentation as you do a great job.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thanks so much

[@brianworley7705]

Thank you for the video. Our MS361CQ is before the Mtronic era. However I did observe during the test run how the saw smoked on acceleration, which I thought odd given the electronic contols. Then the fuel solenoid not allowing a good restart.... It was interesting when the cylinder looked pretty good inside. Amazing what simply a faulty or may be dirty fuel solenoid will do for how the saw runs. And the older filters potentially allowing more debris to flow through the filter and contaminate the solenoid. Thank you for the education. I don't know if we will ever own an Mtronic series saw, but at least I have a clue as what I am looking at if we do. Well explained step by step. And lastly, your videos are making me want to go out and check our saws and clean them better. I really like a clean saw, just sometimes hard to keep up when the end of the task is done and more chores await. I am hoping to do better on my cleaning efforts to keep our saws (MS200T, MS251C, & MS361CQ) healthy machines.

[@saltrock9642]

Dang, you’re being put out! Go with it, more time with us 😂

[@LorenzoSmith-mh7mf]

Love your Chanel ,keep up the good work. It helps me keep my saws in good condition. Thanks

[@Johnnydoxx]

Love this channel, learning a lot, even things I can now do.. Note, some math: 1500 starts for 112 hours (@6700 minutes) is 4.5 minutes per start. What kind of tasks could that be?

[@barnamer]

Nice trick using your foot to hold the throttle open. Why didn’t I think of that? Great teaching video!

[@NiallFC]

Great to have Videos on weekend, Very professional diagnosis as always . I like the Pro saws, Ms 261 C Ms 400 / 500 i. You are the Best 😊.

[@KeyserSoze5421]

Just catching up on the last two videos, nice coffee at 05:30am here in Scotland whilst watching saws getting fixed, doesn’t get any better 💪🏻🔥

[@risagian]

Erica, simply amazing narative, very nice detailed repairs and lot of knowledge is in every video! It is also entrataining and really nice intros ! Thanks for sharing and educating !

[@GarryBoyle-oe1ld]

Hi between you and the grease shop rag and donny boy you are best thing on you tube ok thank you for your nolenged ok Garry from Australia

[@mx9635]

Greetings from Germany (sorry for my English) I discovered your channel only a few weeks ago an I absolutely love it. And when I say that i mean it. Since I found your channel I mostly watch your videos in my free time. I'm 28 and I have a few used chainsaws which I also work on but I'm no professional. To see your Knowledge and your calm and methodical way of repairing is not only teaching me a lot but it's also quite calming and entertaining 😊 Please keep your positive attitude 😊 I actually liked the shelfs with chainsaws in the background but some change and more space for you is nice too :)

[@ARyan-ln1db]

Great channel Erica.

[@mattw5729]

Excellent as always!!

[@Peder-n4i]

I can assure you that I like your channel and learn a lot from it. I have a Stihl MS 250C

[@ErwinRainerLöser]

Thanks for doing a video about m-tronic saws! There is so little information out there. Can you tell more about switching the white solenoid with a green one or the black with a white one? I'm eagerly looking forward to the video about calibrating the different m-tronic versions and if you can do that without computer support. Great work and greetings from Germany.

[@sweed58]

Brilliant channel

[@tomkearns7136]

Great work, knowledge and videos. Thank you, I love your accent. Tommy from Ireland.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Many thanks!

[@jakeschisler7525]

It's a good thing you were removing the solenoid because my hands shake something fierce. I changed out the bulb for my blower and luckily I didn't drop the little screws. I cheated by using a stick magnet to keep from dropping them down inside.

[@davedunham7910]

Thanks for the video, I did not know about the upgrade of the fuel filter.

[@ClarenceOlsen-o2g]

Awesome video and I sure like that sticker on the wall behind you.please keep up with the chan saw content,I’ve learned something new on just about every episode.thanks for sharing,and the coffee pot is getting closer right on.cheers

[@MontgomeryCole5]

I like the chainsaw vids. I would like to see an update on the Craftsman mower though 😊

[@pattychevs444]

Love seeing the 261 on the bench thanks!

[@donmcconnery5080]

Just watched this at 5:30 in the morning and it makes me want to go out and tear down a saw. Unfortunately I am driving to Alberta today, so may when I get to the camp I'll tear one down. Of course I'll watch a video or two before I get there

[@gmann3300]

Thank you for taking the extra time in making these videos. Love them. Everything STIHL. 😃

[@jimyarnall9833]

Outstanding video! I truly appreciate your explanation and detail in this complete service. I know that making videos slows your production down but you are providing an exceptional education and service to your viewers. Thank you so much.

[@michaelpatnaude]

I enjoy watching the videos. I don't own a chain saw. Bought one for my son.

[@richardgregor4628]

I love your videos!! All my saws are Stihl. I recently adopted a 041 that runs great. I would love to see you work on one of the old vintage saws.

[@Juzzy520]

Wow!! What a difference them small things made!!Absolutely LOVE this channel,Well done indeed!💪💪🥰🥰🍺🤘

[@ridgmont61]

That is running sweet now

[@johnmallette3143]

Tkzz for sharing.,.,.,lots of stihl still needing repair.,.,.peace

[@TimPadgett-c9c]

love your vides keep them coming

[@pierreparraud]

Thank you to show the secrets of these modern saws, with mtronic system, requiring computer and software to repare and even only service. What is this damned solenoid for ? It's a pitty to see the evolution of stihl, following modern cars, with more and more computing system and less and less possibility to repair by yourself. Well, I'll keep my collection of stihl 031 and chineese saws as long as possible ! But I understand that for pro of services, the evolution helps to increase the quality. You are doing a very good job for each saw, and your customers are lucky to have a so carefull service.

[@colinmyers8841]

Hi and Gday from sunny Queensland , Australia , I am an old bushman still operating 2 of my own chainsaws , love your vids , seen every one , love your presentations , cheers

[@michealwilliams5639]

Enjoy your videos.I learn a lot from them.Thank you

[@scottduffy808]

Second comment today! Yes please keep doing the videos! I also have a MS261C I’m sure everyone who watches your videos feels the same way!! Thank you again from Tucson Arizona

[@nicholaspetrone5204]

U r amazing I love the way u explain as u go because I am always asking y?

[@andreasschabler105]

Thank you so much,. I learned so much about the 261 und m tronic. Great, thank you again.

[@almclean4835]

Nice job Erica. The 262 needs to be sent to me to dispose of! I’m a fan of the 2 series saws.

[@ZenWithKen]

You videos are enjoyed and appreciated. Thanks for sharing!

[@chrischiampo7647]

Case Closed Fixed and Good as New Again 😀😇 And His Mystery Mix Replaced 😀👍🏼

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Mystery Mix!! I am going to use that!!!

[@chrischiampo7647]

@@marriedwithsmallengines 😀👍🏼

[@holzdubel386]

Ich habe die gleiche 261 cmvw, es ist die beste Säge ever. Danke für das zeigen!

[@johnklijn9798]

I like watching your work on Stihl products and solving problems. Keep up the good work 👊🏼 Greetings from Holland 🇳🇱

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you very much!

[@scottduffy808]

Hello from Tucson Arizona did I miss your video on the 028 not running good? Last time I asked I thought you mentioned it was going to be on your bench last week! Just wondering! I live watching your videos! Your ability to keep your audience involved is amazing! Thank you

[@patesker5780]

It would be cool to see you clean parts up.

[@Scuba_Rawb]

Being the owner of a Stihl 261c...I love it when I see someone working on one...gives me good material to learn from when I see my specific saw being troubleshooted/dissected and brought back to life! Thanks for this video! Super duper informative! Love your channel! I have a 20" bar on my saw...been thinking about getting a 16" as a back up bar or when I don't need that extra length.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

THANK YOU!! You just bought my next coffee that will power my next video!! I really appreciate it!

[@Scuba_Rawb]

@@marriedwithsmallengines You're most welcome! Maybe in the future do a video montage of cleaning some dirty saws! That 261c you just did was really chunky and I wish I could have seen you melt that stuff away!

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Ha, good idea! A video of dirt flying off the dirtiest of the dirtiest saws! Lol

[@simonbrown2684]

This is a great Chanel, really enjoy your vids👍 Yorkshire uk

[@ronbeatty516]

You have a knack for getting nice video closeups. The methodical Medical Examiner of Mtronic chainsaws solves another case. 🕵️

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Ron, you spoil me! 😄

[@douglassueltenfuss9967]

Keep it going

[@machardy7254]

I enjoy your vidios. Like your thorough assessment of problems and appreciate professional informative vidios. I'm retired and only work on my own stuff now. I get the since of humor, probaly have made like comments in my working career. I pickup some tips and enjoy the vidios.

[@thomastripp650]

please do not ever stop inforing us

[@ramtruck2011able]

Enjoyed!!!!

[@famasmaster2000]

Your channel is incredible and very informative . Your knowledge and workmanship is spot on. On my first visit I subscribed immediately, and I rarely subscribe to channels. You guys make me proud to be from Ontario as well ! Excellent work and so informative 👍🏼 You have a great thing going, keep it up 👌

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Wow, thank you!!

[@JOHNMORIN100]

YOU and YOUR CHANEL are way ahed of any we have seen up to today. YOU KNOW YOUR STUFF. THANK YOU John Morin Milo Maine

[@robertcochran7103]

Thank you so much for posting this excellent video. I am really interested to learn that you can obtain information on the saw's use such as the number of starts and run time. It would be even more fun if you could collect that information wirelessly. By now perhaps still has started adding Bluetooth to every saw so that the saw can wirelessly send you data for review. Thank you also for showing a little of the yellow Cub device. I was quite curious about it. I hope you are able to get some sleep and spend some time with your family.