Stihl MS180c Chainsaw Pull Cord Repair With "Easy2Start" Feature

[@dougjacobson6232]

Very clear video,and i like that you speak slow ,clearly a pleasure to watch and learn

[@AnthonyJones-uo8nd]

I just happened to find your channel. It was the very first one that popped up on the 180 C I followed your instructions exactly saw starts and runs well thank you, my friend. I’ll keep you in my subscriptions.

[@obrienqwerty]

This guy almost makes me believe I can do these things myself. Incredible. I hope he makes a little something to reward him for his excellent tutorials.

[@rodneychapman197]

Sir. I just wanted to tell you that I have watched several of your videos and I must say, you have perfected your craft in the “tutorial/how to” department! Hats off to you sir! I’m a Stihl guru. I have 7 Stihl chainsaws and roughly 6 other pieces of Stihl equipment. Even though Stihl equipment is tough as nails it needs more than just maintenance and TLC sometimes. Every now and again something on a piece of equipment breaks or wears out and to me, the victory of fixing it yourself is much more sweeter than taking it somewhere to have it repaired. In todays world it also saves you a lot of cash. Anyway. I didn’t mean for my comment to become a novel, but I wanted you to know how much I enjoy watching and learning from your informative and awesome videos! Keep up the good work sir! Thank you again!

[@jamesgally707]

This video was very thorough and provided good tips. I have never had to respool a stihl chainsaw in my life until this past week and you did a great breaking it down. Thank you.

[@jerryfahner3839]

Wow, glad I found this. This is the most fully-explained process without all the hype and wasted words and time of most KZbin videos. Nice Job!!!

[@wurzelle1999]

This is one of the easiest to understand videos on KZbin. Excellent!

[@jamiejay7886]

Yeah I followed this all good until putting back in!!! Good luck to ya!! Took my into service

[@BigDogBDM]

Don - Thanks for this video. I was able to replace the pull cord on my MS180C which saved me paying for the repair, just as importantly saved the time my saw would have been in the shop. I managed to get the recoil spring unwound and ended up using another of your videos to figure out how to get it back! You're very good at generating clear, simple directions! Thanks again.

[@donyboy73]

Glad it helped

[@mattg1093]

Just got done adding a 16" 50 gauge bar and chain on my ms180. Your videos are some of the most helpful on KZbin! Keep it up!

[@donyboy73]

+Matt G thanks Matt

[@stroys7061]

By far the best tutorial that I could find. The camera work is outstanding. You show every step clearly. The closeup views and camera angles are excellent! Thanks

[@josephburkhalter5105]

The comment on how hard to pull the starter cord on the easy2start. I am 83 with 4 torn rotator cuffs. 3 with operations and 1 inoperable. A relocating neighbor sold me a a small Stihl that had been hardly used. I could not start that saw. A trip to my Husky mechanic resulted in his being able to start the saw after about a hundred pulls and 30 minutes effort. He was about 50 years old, 6’ 2” #250 lbs. Got the thing home and could not start it. Took it to my Stihl dealer and they suggested an Easy2start. The saw came in and I was instructed to gently pull the co twice. The engine rotated but did not start? Repeated the effort. Same result. No start. The instructions told me to take off the choke as soon as the engine coughed. Two more pulls,the engine coughed. Choke off, two pulls, amazing,, .....the engine started. Note that I never jerked the cord. I gently pulled up all the way twice, That wound up the starter spring. It releases automatically. The engine starts. It has never failed. 4 or 6 pulls to make it cough, the nest 2 pulls to wind up the spring and “EURECA”..it starts. No pain to the old rotator cuffs. A pleasure to cut with. A VERY, VERY GREAT PLEASURE “ to demo the easy starting to friends. They cannot believe it. Absolutely happy with this saw. It is a 250 model. Now about 5 years old. Newer used any fuel except 89 octane without alcohol with stabilizer. From my marina. Happy as a clam. Good Luck yanking on the cord. rd JoeB

[@Saymyenameyo]

That’s how all stihls start

[@marcelinochalan3550]

Thank you sir .. the 180c is my first chainsaw and first time ever working on a chainsaw. I understood and followed your instructions which successfully replaced my damaged pull cord. I subscribed, liked your video and looking forward to learning from the videos you provide. Thank you once again

[@curtkopacek6859]

Thanks for the help! Fixed my saw in 20 minutes instead of waiting a week for it to go through a shop, and saved probably $100 as well.

[@donyboy73]

Excellent!

[@joeschaaf9277]

Wonderful, simple clear directions with an understandable process. Thank you for taking the time to make this video!

[@jmccracken491]

Donny has a very nice even voice and I like that in youtubers. He also knows what he is talking about. Pleasure to watch and easy to learn from.

[@no.6123]

Thank you for a calm and therapeutic video which helped me change the starter cord on my MS180C. One note; here in metric land, I read #3.5 rope as 3.5mm diameter. This is too big (although online comparisons seem to show them as being the same diameter!?) ...2.5mm rope is what is needed.

[@loganblunk6393]

Dude thankyou so much for this tutorial! I had just started cutting palm trees and my rope snapped, you’re a life saver, really appreciate it!!!

[@tedbolerjack6068]

Super helpful! Super easy instructions, great visual. I’m so lucky this was the first such video I came across. Watched a couple others afterwards, and nowhere as detailed as this. Thank you!!!

[@Torrd115]

Great step by step video. So well explained. Thank you very much!

[@ramchillarege1658]

Excellent instruction. Especially around the topics where a little slip can cause a lot of headache. I am now going to get to my saw. Thank you.

[@kienl5155]

thank goodness for people like you on KZbin lol I don't know what I would have done if an easy video like this was not available thank you!!

[@davidsteber7601]

Thanks. The pull cord on my 180-C broke last time I used it. Your video helped me see what I was in for dealing with the easy start thing. Yes, my saw is running again! Now my 362 can relax until something big comes up.

[@stevefryer8933]

Hey Donnyboy this worked absolutely perfectly on my 180 C Easy2Start. Couldn't have done it without your careful, calm coaching. You sound as if you might be from Quebec, if so, merci from an Ontario friend!

[@Elmo_Fuddleputt]

Thank you for posting this up. It completely took the mystery out of the operation.

[@underthesun4269]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video! It was a tremendous help to me!

[@mr.jsendy2826]

Simply excellent. Very easy to follow, clear instructions.

[@markg9491]

Thanks, this helps a lot. The pull coed was $.39 at the local Stihl dealer. This may be the cheapest repair I’ve ever done!

[@jedsommer3803]

Nice job you show everything your doing and explain it good. Not every KZbin mechanic video does not and it drives me crazy! Thank you!

[@gmceo100]

Followed these instructions today. My saw now works great. Thanks! Timeless advice :)

[@dougshelly8587]

I couldn't have done it without this video. Thank you!!!

[@johngarvin6842]

Thanks, you saved me. I got the pull cord fixed only because of your video.

[@larrykost4186]

Just replaced the pull cord on my MS180 Easystart....Hell Ya, best video ever!

[@alexanderperez1380]

Awesome video! Fixed my saw in less than 10 minutes. Very valuable information.

[@dbayboyds409]

Such perfect timing Dony. My cord is frayed and now I can replace it myself! Thank you!!

[@gregallen9643]

Hey man, this video was great. 1 watch and I fixed my saw. Super great content. Many thanks!

[@dougklimek2515]

I have this exact saw. Followed step by step instructions and it worked!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@tonylamorte7247]

Excellent video, I have a 181 which is slightly different but there was more thhan enough information here I got through the process without a problem, BRAVO!!!

[@ama409573]

Dony I always burn the ends of my rope too but I also burn the knots a bit too to heat set them. I've had knots pull out before without setting them. Good video, thanks!

[@ericchilton3781]

thanks Donny this helped me out today putting the spring clip back on the pawls ....thanks again from southwestern Kentucky......

[@skeeter50001]

Nice video, Dony. This will be most helpful to lots of Stihl owners. Tks.

[@DCdiamonds]

Thanks for this video. Pull cord installation went exactly as you demonstrated.

[@Johnnysday]

Thanks Donnie you save me 50 or 60 bucks at the repair shop

[@claudiabruehlmann9875]

Awesome, thank you for this video just fixed my recoil spring and forgot in the past to load the spring by turning clockwise and not let go the rope lol Great video, happy wood cutting

[@daustonian9331]

Thanks!

[@bobart1790]

Thanks for sharing, repaired my cord break in about 30 minutes.

[@mcmaster22]

Thanks Dony, you saved me another repair bill.

[@BigIslandMNMinnetonka]

I just bought a MS 180 C-BE today. Pretty excited about it. I also bought a MS 271 for the bigger stuff. Nice video. I will post some really cool slow motion videos of them.

[@Squeaks4all]

Thank you, saved me 6-8 weeks and 50 bucks. 👊

[@funstuff7802]

Good video. Got my saw back up and running. But first I bought what I thought was a 3.5mm cord that was way too thick. Then I bought a 9/64in. cord which is equivalent to 3.5mm from my local Ace and it went through the hole fine. 3.5mm cord with that smooth, strong exterior might be critical.

[@shrefflerd]

BTW, I loved the video. It was direct, accurate and wasted no time.

[@rogeliopadilla1432]

Thanks for the video. Today working at the same troubleshooting. 🙋‍♂️

[@anhlee6220]

Thank you! I did it exactly as you describe. Thank you for those helpful tidbits. I got in a jam and your video solved my hang up.

[@dbayboyds409]

Fantastic video thank you! I did this today with your video as a guide. I would love some tips on dealing with the recoil springs. Mine popped out and was an extreme pain to get back in.

[@BillyVaughn]

All the videos I've seen skip that point and I bet it pops out on almost all of them.

[@Jason-McCoy]

Another great video Don. When I'm doing a restring of a recoil I sometimes will clamp vice grips on the new pull cord as I'm tying the knot so it doesn't slip back in and unwind the spring. Please pass on my best wishes to your wife. My thoughts are with you both during this trying time.. Bonsoir my friend. :)

[@donyboy73]

Mantras3333 thanks

[@BrucesShop]

I have an Easy Start leaf blower. Thanks for the lesson. Bruce

[@awesomesauce3938]

Another high quality repair video

[@bearridge8288]

Donyboy, you helped me out again! Thank you!

[@NS_Pennsylvania]

Excellent - got me through that super easy. Nic eto see these little chainsaws in focus. Many thanks.

[@robertfuglestad4105]

Thanks for your video. I just replaced my pull cord on an easy start 180c and it seems like it doesn’t have enough recoil to start it anymore. Did I make the cord too short?

[@josephrobinson6534]

Searching was a snap. Very well conceived instructions and video. Liked and subscribed.

[@c.allanrunser5109]

You said the rope size is 3.5. That is what I purchased but it was too big. Further research informed me that the size is 3.0 for the ms180c. Glad it did not cost much.

[@donyboy73]

I use 3.5 it lasts much longer

[@neonc2c2]

I ran in same problem got two different 3.5 from two stihl dealer. Can not fit in hole. Going get a #3 today hope it fit in hole better.

[@levibaerg8011]

Thank you. Saved me $210

[@Qingeaton]

Interesting that I had to do this job yesterday, without your video to help. My Stihl is set up a little differently than this one, even though it has the quick start feature, the mechanism is a little different. I also had to make my spring smaller at the center hook end or it wouldn't catch. Always an adventure.

[@joanoliveraibarra8304]

Muchas gracias, cambie el cordón de arranque tal como lo explicas y quedó perfecto. Muchas gracias.

[@5js78]

I followed these instructions step by step. It was a really big help. However, my recoil spring got messed up when the pull cord broke. The inside end of it snapped around the shaft, creating a small second coil. When I tried to put it back around the shaft, the whole thing burst out of the assembly. THAT was a pain to get back in place. Anyone attempting this repair, please be very careful with that recoil spring!!

[@al2eken]

Mine, too! Aaargh!

[@rosevan5485]

Great videos you make for all... thank-you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and your time it takes to make these great informative videos. Thank-You!

[@gradyleger1306]

6:44 everything works on mine but the two little arms that come out to catch the flywheel obviously aren't engaging and catching the grooves to start

[@desfarrell5630]

Great video Dony, but the spring in the casing came out when I removed the spool😮….any tips for getting it back in, I had a few goes already but no success. Thanks

[@jessiej3991]

Any chance we could get a video of a coil spring replacement for this saw?

[@davidlindsey1835]

Doh, I too broke my pull cord on my easy2start Stihl MS 180CBE by pulling too hard. What kind of Liquid Wrench product did you spray on the spring steel in the recoil housing? I'm an old-timer, Liquid Wrench to me is penetrating oil. All of your videos are great.

[@bobbyseitz66]

Great tutorial! Spot on foro start to finish. Thank you!

[@sethjirak6658]

Excellent video!! Thank you for making this!!

[@shrefflerd]

Do you have a tip for putting the recoil spring back in the bottom of the assembly? I had just about completed the rope replacement when I discovered I had left out a washer. Going back in I somehow pulled loose the recoil spring. I really am having a hard time getting it put back in place. Any tips?

[@yirangjimbe7496]

Thank u sir for details information. I have stihl ms 382 , I put them in the jungle unused for 2 days with plastic covered up. Now the problem is I could not start it, I check the plug is good but still I'm not able to start it. Please advise.

[@redgreen5831]

What length pull cord for the ms180c should I get? Thanks for the great video btw!

[@edwardseaton4492]

Exactly what I was lookin for. Outstanding!!

[@fenderbender7360]

Great video. Easy to follow on my repair of my saw.

[@susieq72]

You probably mention this info somewhere but what is the thickness of the rope you use donyboy? Thanks

[@99carnot]

Really helpful - thanks for posting! I was working on a Stihl hedge trimmer, and it had overhead valves. Never seen that before!

[@satyahitd]

yes dony boy does make an excellent video , i would like to see how a handle bar rubber grommet is replaced on the sthil 180

[@gunsnoptics2172]

Is 2 turns all that is needed to preload the spring? Mine hardly want to spin the engine.

[@squidboy0769]

Dony can you please detail what kind of rope is appropriate for recoils? I am looking for rope that has no stretch. Great vid as always, thank you.

[@mattg1093]

Good tip for the big washer put a touch of lithium grease on it and it holds in place.

[@tadeuszmichaelwlodarczyk3120]

Thanks a lot Donny 😁✔️✔️. I'm from Melbourne AUSTRALIA 👍

[@duwayneaniu4360]

Thank you very much for you fully detail video .awesome did not have to take my new chainsaw to the shop to get repair

[@MichaelMMcKenzie]

thank you for posting correct info, would you have info on rewinding the pull-cord spring.thanks mike m

[@brianw564]

Thanks you, you explained it perfectly and it was easy to do.

[@khersh]

nice demo on pull cord repair 101- thank you

[@Joseph-u6d]

Excellent presentation,, problem solved ✅✅✅

[@Oldscudrunner]

Thanks for your how to video. It helped me out.

[@who3965]

Exellent video all around. Great instructions

[@itmember5721]

Hey forgot to ask what size straight c clip remover were you using ?

[@davida1hiwaaynet]

Thanks for sharing this. I have mixed feelings about the Easy2Start system. It may make it easier for people with low to medium arm strength; but for someone with a lot of strength and who is accustomed to non-spring-loaded recoils - it makes it seem like something is "wrong" with the saw.

[@reverendsonhouse]

Great video, sir! I'm looking to buy a new MS170 or the MS 180 C-BE. What's your general opinion on the Easy2Start feature on the MS 180 C-BE?

[@donyboy73]

I personally don't like easy start but it is convenient for those who may have problems pulling a saw

[@itmember5721]

Thanks for sharing I will be replacing one on a ms210c ez start soon. On rope size of #3.5 is that 3.5mm, and could I get away with a 3.0mm for that 210c with the ez start? Thanks for the great videos.

[@charlesdowns7306]

i think a step might have been missed. when putting the white part in, the upper spring loop has to engage in the slot otherwise it won't work at all. took it to stihl dealer and they didnt catch that either. I figured it out later, and had to bend the spring twice to stay in, but hopefully it won't come loose again

[@teamcarramrod1]

I just spent an hour figuring this out

[@tomarchakis7333]

Hi Don, I have a MS180C Easy2Start that has a broken rope. I followed your instructions and I run into a problem with the recoil spring flying off when I removed the rope pulley. I’ve spent a couple of hours trying to rewind and replace the spring without success. Any pointers on how to proceed? Also, the rope size specified by Stihl is 3mm but in your video you specify 3.5mm. Can either size be used? Thanks for the help.

[@desfarrell5630]

I’ve just run into the exact same issue as you!…. How did you get the spring re installed? Rope on my MS180c is actually 2.5 mm….

[@julianreid8179]

in the old minibike days we would use a steele ruler from a comb. square. worked on a briggs..

[@zx8401ztv]

A very clean and neatly made mechanism don :-) Not allways easy to explain things like getting the end of the spring back in its anker hole, you have to feel for the effect and not be heavy handed :-)