Stihl MS170 Chainsaw * Chain Won’t Turn * Easy Fix!

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Hey Guys! If you want to switch your MS170 over from front chain tensioner to SIDE TENSION - here is your Stihl Part # 1123 007 1000. I hope this helps you out! Have a great day and enjoy the video!

[@donaldbower4097]

Stihl also makes metal bucking spikes for these as well

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

This is the kind of video a new saw owner should be watching. It would save them a lot of problems and money. Thanks for sharing!

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Absolutely! So many little, common issues! If these MS170’s keep piling in here and I will eventually have every single issue covered lol

[@hubby-tubadventures01]

I think i mentioned my 261 in a previous reply which has only a few hours on it. I was cleaning it after its last use a few hours later back at home with an air line. engine off. I passed my arm under the chain to blow muffler and bar area. I blew the crap off and bought my arm back under and carried on blowing. I knew i had touched the chain with the top of my forearm but thought nothing of it. minute or so later I realised a warm damp feeling on my wrist and palm then looked to see a huge gash 2-3 inches on my inner forearm. No pain just a blood filled glove. The chain after cutting 3-4 hours of oak and Beech was still razor sharp. The cut was the width of the chain and literally scooped the flesh out. Still got the scar and it was a rookie error of leaving the chain sheath off. Never again. The touch that i felt was the initial contact and it left 2 smallish scratches but the main gash was when i turned my arm back under the chain. weirdly no contact felt or pain from the larger cut.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Wicked sharp!

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

12:57. Most people forget to pull up on the bar when tensioning. Instant loose chain after the first few passes!

[@PapaRyans]

Excellent job by an excellent mechanics......You are really a professional one in what you are doing with all theese saws. 😉👌👏👏👏👏👏👏 Greatings from Sweden

[@155michaelx]

one of my favorite saws

[@Allesschrauber]

Nice Work. You did not do more what was needed and saved Money, very nice. In Germany you never got the Ms170 with that long bar on it.30 or 5cm was the maximun. When i were using this saw, the first thing i would do is to change the Tensioner to the Side.Thats so uncomfortable. Now i think its time for the Customer for a bigger saw.50cc would be fine for his many woodwork.Sell him a good one and he will be happy. Have a nice Weekend and Greetings from Germany.

[@tonym6920]

Excellent work, 👍👍

[@stevefrayne7253]

I wasn’t impressed by all the dust that made it past the air filter. Makes me question the very simple design. New subscriber. Enjoy your content. My saw is an 028AV bought in the early ‘80s. Runs great.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank for you subscribing!! The air filter design on these 170’s is very simple and basic .. kind of a “ you get what you pay for “ sort of thing. The filters need regular cleaning and replacement

[@richardglazer7813]

I hope you get him to fix the burs. That would be one less chain in a landfill and could serve as a second chain...

[@notajp]

I always keep a worn or damaged chain around for stumping and brush cutting. That way if it hits the dirt or a rock, it’s no big deal.

[@patrickwest6960]

A butt is an old imperial size of barrel. 130 - 150 US gallons (490 - 575 liters) Although made for wine, ale, and spirits they were used for shipping any commodity that fit.

[@jjohnson2553]

Never heard of motomix before so I had to look it up. Wow! You weren't kidding when you said it's expensive. Works out to about $.32 per ounce or $41 per gallon here in the US if you buy it by the gallon. I buy ethanol free 91 octane fuel and use Stihl oil to mix mine but it only cost me about $7 a gallon that way. I guess the $34 difference in cost is for the can and the labor of mixing it. ; ) PS: The next time they ask you how much a butt load is. "The term "butt" refers to an old British unit of measurement for half a tun, which was a cask used to store wine. A tun was equal to 216 imperial gallons, or about 2,000 lbs. A buttload was therefore roughly 108 imperial gallons, or 130 US gallons. However, the standards for the size of a butt were not always strictly followed."

[@Johnnydoxx]

I have mastered the technique of getting the chain twisted into a mobius strip when I get it out of the box. Sorry, I don't want to share the details. fine video as always!

[@treecycle4631]

I'm with you, I like my work area to be clean and tidy and also dislike wearing gloves as I like to be able to have that feel of touching what I am working on.

[@alexgratsch4194]

Once more many thanks from Germany for all your lovely videos.

[@robertcochran7103]

Thank you for posting this excellent video. Your videography and filming skills are outstanding. You present extremely well, you clearly and logically discuss your findings with your audience. I think you need to take better care of your hands though. Consider trying thin gloves. But I understand if you prefer using your hands without gloves. At the very end -- you mention how the customer first came to you with no experience using chainsaws. He was looking at the larger chainsaw models, and you suggested he try an MS 170 to start with. Well, this brought back memories of my late stepfather many, many years ago. He wanted to clear a heavily wooded house lot so he could build on it. He went to a local hardware store and came home with a tiny Homelite brand chainsaw. I can't remember the model, but this was back around 1973 or 1974, and the saw was much smaller than the MS 170 of today. It was probably too small a saw for what was really needed. He used the Homelite saw like crazy. He several accidents with live trees he was trying to cut down, and one of them almost killed him -- he was saved only because he had lightning fast reactions and he jumped clear just microseconds before the tree trunk. I think a bigger saw might have been safer for him, and a class in how to cut trees as well. He wanted a cheap small saw. He had an attitude about education that didn't help him. So he got experience the hard way. He kept the Homelite saw and used it for at least several years that I know of.

[@fayiznalu8411]

Good educational video. Thank you 👍

[@vancependleton8484]

My Fuel looks like MotoMix because I buy that STIHL ULTRA. I don't have the 93 octane though. 91 is the highest we get in California.

[@gdljr10k]

Another awesome video. My dad has a 170 he uses for limbing. Runs great. The only thing I didn’t like was it idled very low. To the point I thought it was going to shut off. I would give it some gas to make sure it wouldn’t. I told him about maybe having it adjusted, but he’s old school. As long as it’s running, he’s not worried about it, lol.

[@rtoguidver3651]

The screwdriver end of the tool it cmes with is for cleaning the groove in the bar too.

[@williamcole4105]

I want to thank you for the information on the chain. I would have been going crazy trying to figure out what chain I needed

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

No problem 👍

[@ronbeatty516]

Thanks for another adventure and educating the rest of us!

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Im happy that you liked it! I’m working on more! (Ron - watch for a Monday video - and watch right to the end- this one is for you ) Sincerely, The Chainsaw Coroner

[@manoffaith2501]

My experience with Stihl chainsaws since 1983 is that the old chainsaws were excellent. Now not so much. I now prefer Husqvarnas.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

I don’t mind Husky’s at all, and when something film worthy comes in I will make a vid about it 😊

[@notajp]

The Swedish built saws are still good, but the homeowner grade Electrolux built saws, not so much. They are definitely built to a price point. Basically the same as a Poulan.

[@dcvariousvids8082]

Who in their right mind, fits that length bar to an MS170? To my mind the 170, 180 and 210 ranges, are short bar, (10”-12”) light pruning and builders’ saws. A dollar a drop. Yep, I use Aspen 2 and it’s not cheap. But I’m not cutting every day and if I don’t use a saw in months, such as during lock-down or other. I didn’t winterise much saws and didn’t worry about them. I just emptied the tanks before starting, had a look, gave everything a good shake, refilled the tanks and off I went with no issues. Plus if I’m working in confined areas, such as when hedging or near a wall. I’m not going home with a headache. Together with not having two fuel mixes, for those areas/landowners who specify the use of alkylate fuels and not having the hassle of disposal of stale fuel. So for me, the extra cost evens out. But if I was cutting every day, I’d mix my own and just keep one or two 5L of Aspen if needed. “Maybe gravity’s just not working today.” That made me laugh. Thank you.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

It's very common here, they ship to us with a 16" bar and 99% of customers request a 16". The odd one leaves with a 14".

[@travelswithbenny3328]

​​​@@marriedwithsmallenginesi have a 009, 170, 180 and about 15 others (that run lol) up to a 880 mag with a 42" bar. I'll cut up to 6" , sometimes bigger, with the 170 or 180 no problem. Good little saws if you take care of them. Use mine or a Dewalt for cutting firewood when I'm camping a lot. I routed a small groove in my workbench to lay a galled up chain in so I can flat file the drivers if needed.

[@dcvariousvids8082]

@@travelswithbenny3328- A friend did her primary cert with a MS171 with a 12” bar. Took a little longer but she managed it. And another couple did their primary certs, both using MS211. I suppose you just need to be patient.

[@rooster3019]

A strong shop vac under your work bench with suction hose coming through the bench top would be a great time saver for cleaning the air boxes and outer saw of grime and dust. Add a few inches of cedar pet bedding to the vac's drum to prevent oily grime from sticking to the bottom, plus it smells good. Keeps the bench clean too,

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Yes! Thank you!

[@Syncop8rNZ]

I saw "pet bedding" and thought you were about to suggest a bed for the cat beside the workbench. 🤔

[@ninagamble9150]

Thanks for a great video. Love the intro - beautiful! Yeah, I hate wearing gloves, too. My hands have paid the price though. Those are good little saws for cutting a butt load of mesquite! 😂

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

Nice job!!! Thanks!

[@rickthelian2215]

Best to change chain as you did. Needed a new filter, and requested a new spark plug. Moto mix isn’t cheap! Can you get good fuel in Your area without ethanol? In Australia we still can or high quality hi octane 98😊 I know in Canada the parts a dearer than USA, would he have been better of just with a new MS 170 Compared to cost of the saw. In Australia I believe they are $199 in USA $179 from memory! Well I guess that’s a good answer if he eventually upgrades.😊

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

We can no longer buy ethanol free fuel here. Things are expensive in Canada! 🇨🇦 The MS170 has been discontinued 🙁

[@danielcovel6236]

Great advice

[@Maxvigna]

Hi Erica. Sono or later you are supposed to tell us your story; how you ended up repairing powersaws and small engine as well. How you gain all the knowledge you show on your videos! Grets from Italy

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

We could talk about this!

[@Maxvigna]

@@marriedwithsmallengines ❤️🤙🤙

[@billm7159]

Great sense of humor....excellent tutorial...❤

[@ClarenceOlsen-o2g]

Thanks for sharing.cheers

[@HobbyMotorDK]

I have never seen this issue - great learning and video 👍👍

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you 😊 😀 I missed you today! Maybe I left before you arrived (Thanksgiving dinner 😂)

[@michaelmcclure8673]

Maybe your customer is ready to step up to a MA 881 saw ? That's what's on my Christmas wish list . 😊😊❤

[@MrSin6]

Thank you for the Amazing video!❤❤

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Welcome :)

[@sweed58]

Engine sounds great

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Wow, never saw that before! Thanks for sharing!

[@jakeschisler7525]

I know stihl sells a kit to change the tensioner from the front to the side.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Yes :)

[@stevefromlondon9175]

Great video as always can you run Moto Mix in all chainsaw Regards Steve UK London

[@scoobykit1]

Awesome video! Keep um coming.

[@gregwinger6717]

Nice job

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thanks!

[@mechanicvance2480]

Next stop, Innuendo station! 😅 Keep up the great work.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

: )

[@scottfoster2487]

Butt load is a two wheel cart in old medevil times,basiclya wheel barrow.

[@MarcWh]

Hope the owner knows how to break in a new chain and keep on top of its adjustment. Judging by your comments about his repeated “bar and chain issues” I guess he doesn’t.

[@Peepke82]

maybe an idea .... i am always intrested in the costs of a repair .... like white air filter 7 a 10 dollar i guess sparkplug wil be somewhere round 20 but the chain then i would be an idea to clean it up ypur self

[@GarryBoyle-oe1ld]

Yes you do very job teaching me ok

[@carsten4719]

perhaps fingerless gloves would be an adequate alternative for you? You still can use the fingers to feel but the main partition of the hand is at least somewhat protected

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Great idea!

[@haneyoakie14]

Good job. Very nice. 👍

[@Vinny-i8o]

Good job 👍

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you!

[@notajp]

I’m the same way about gloves. I’ve tried mechanics gloves, but they just don’t work well for me for the same reason.

[@patrickcreath217]

I prefer peening down those damaged drive links, so as to leave as much precious metal intact on the d/links. Both my rimmed and spur sprockets have thanked me for the extra purchase power. You do know that if the shop lion was bigger, he would eat you!😂 Nothing personal, it's all about the protein. Good kitty!❤

[@GavinM161]

When are you going to get to the strimmer? That looks like an interesting project!

[@Craig_N]

Like Ayria Stark said "the pointy end goes into the other person". In this case the person is the tree.

[@REDLINERUNNER]

No pressure, but I need it ASAP::: XD

[@alexholt5524]

Why do you and most others replace the plug with 1 cooler than they come out with? Bosch WSR6F replaced with NGK BPMR7A. Always wondered.

[@TimPadgett-c9c]

hey first of all love your videos I watch one can't wait for the next hey I got a 038 mag looking for a rebuild kit oem for the carb can't find one around here any idea where I can get one

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

The last one I ordered came from Amazon because you can’t buy the OEM kit from Stihl anymore. Sad days are coming for 038’s , unfortunately. I have 5 x 038’s to do videos on.

[@lv2keepfit493]

Thanks for the thorough videos, new to the channel and I've been watching many of your videos. Here's my dilemma regarding buying a chainsaw, it's between a MS170 and the MS250 here in Canada. The 170 is discontinued but I'm able to buy it at my local shop since they have a few remaining ($209) or bump it up to the MS250 at ($409 18" bar, case, spare chain). I'll be using it occasionally as a home owner and the odd side job since I've started a solo lawn maintenance business. What's your honest opinion and what would you recommend? Thank in advance :)

[@BrucesShop]

Nice job. Lots of smaller saws get used more than the design intensions. All is goof. That is like using a Toro push mower comercially. .

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thanks Bruce 😀😀

[@Johnnydoxx]

Does it matter if putting the chain on the bar first, then putting the combo onto the saw, or putting the bar on, then the chain once it is settled in?

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

No, just whatever is easiest for you. Some saws it’s easier to install a combo than others.

[@Johnnydoxx]

@@marriedwithsmallengines thx!

[@chrischiampo7647]

😎😊👍🏼 Tim “Burrrrrrrr” On This One Erica

[@Discretesignals]

Is it true you should wait until the chain and bar cools off before retensioning chain?

[@steveb.6267]

Yes, you should let it cool down If you have to adjust your chain when it’s hot slacken it off after your done and readjust the tension once it cools down.

[@SMILER243]

And a new chain will stretch and bed in quickly .. . So need to be adjusted.

[@fredsiegfried1707]

Wasnt the 026 the preferd home owners saw back in the day ?

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

The Stihl is a classic, perfect saw! I love seeing 026's come in.

[@The_Home_Pros]

Any lawnmower vids ever gonna be back by chance?

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

I'll do videos on anything people are interested in. Mowers? I can do that :)

[@ruuzulu8814]

I’m in the fence about getting an ms 261, is a professional grade saw worth the cost? Is it truly better than a 271?

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

I like 261’s, a couple pounds lighter 😊

[@rtoguidver3651]

Can put the chain on backwards if you put the saw in reverse,??? Just Kidding.!

[@REDLINERUNNER]

Why didn't you flip the bar? One side is much more worn than the other?

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

The bar did get flipped , but I didn’t catch it on film. I caught it before it left

[@REDLINERUNNER]

@@marriedwithsmallengines I saw the text in video. Still watching... But again Stihl fuel. When will people learn?

[@REDLINERUNNER]

@@marriedwithsmallengines Look how much carbon on spark plug and especially on piston. Horrible!! I wish I had endoscope to show you my pistons on my machines. You can see only some ash and that's it.

[@danielpadgett2831]

You need to suggest to him a little bit bigger saw if he is going to be logging. Might burn that little saw up just a thought

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

He may want something bigger at some point. When I say he's going "logging", logging probably means something different to you then it does to him

[@DustyJohnson-tg7fi]

The air filter system on this model of saw is plain stupid. Just spend a little bit more and get a 251 or bigger and that solves that problem 👍

[@tywebbgolfenthusiast8950]

I think a “Buttload” is more than a “whole bunch” and less than a “crap ton”.

[@holzdubel386]

Moin, kannst Du mal die Teilnummer geben wo der Kettenspanner (hinter der Schiene) neben die beiden Haltemuttern (seitlich) seitlich umgebaut wird?

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

The kit that will move a MS170 to side tension is part # 1123 007 1000

[@holzdubel386]

@@marriedwithsmallengines Dankeschön 😊

[@markorlando4817]

I already know what’s wrong with the 170 that won’t shut off. I have a 170 and a 180 that constantly do the same thing, have done since new.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

😁👍

[@AnthemBassMan]

Just remember that while a butt load is quite a lot, it’s nowhere near as much as a metric crap ton.

[@naznomad635]

Struggling to get my melon around the fact that a guy owns a chainsaw that he uses a lot, but is incapable of putting a new chain on it.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Haha, it keeps me in business!

[@jjohnson2553]

Knew a guy in GA that got tired of having to take his saw in every time it got dull and having to do without his saw until it was sharpened. The shop suggested he buy a few extra chains and just bring the chains in as they were dulled. He didn't like the idea of having to change a chain so his solution was to buy another saw so one could be in use while the other was being sharpened.

[@gregwinger6717]

Dremel tool work for that

[@markbenson9379]

Ok, I had to look. $40 a gallon for fuel?😱

[@ss983]

I love your "slang" terms... BUTT Load, Bag of cat turds. Try "higher than the balls on a giraffe", "lower than lizzare turds", "stink on a buzzard". Higher educational terms....😛

[@gregwinger6717]

Don't jerk it too hard, it may break

[@REDLINERUNNER]

Here comes yout shop helper... XD What's his name???

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

That is Lilly the shop lion :)

[@REDLINERUNNER]

@@marriedwithsmallengines Oh it's a girl!!

[@robertmailhos8159]

Your shop Lion is let's go to work Erika

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

The shop lion keeps me on task 😊

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@marriedwithsmallengines meow meow 🤣

[@NorthCountryOutlaw]

1 butt load is equal to 70 metric F**k tons, ha-ha

[@SilviuBuruleanu]

New logo. Made in China by Stihl

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Maybe that will become my new banner lol