STIHL MS250 TUNE UP!

This is a Step-by-Step Tune-up on a STIHL MS250.
This is the Tune-up Kit: amzn.to/3hg4DCL
For general or business inquiries E-mail: [e-mail]
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[@MichaelTheakston]

Awesome saw tune-up video, let me know what kind of videos you want to see!

[@jorangel87]

Another tip never rev up your chainsaw when cold. Always let it warm up at least 30secs

[@tokyocoates]

saved, thank you. 250 user in nagano, japan here. Servicing these saws is expensive and lengthy here too.

[@wadecompton6611]

Great video gave me confidence to try and go tackle a tune up that I've never done anything like before. Thank you!

[@Christmasasmartman]

Great video, was able to tune up chain saw in less than 10 minutes. You Rock!!!

[@normanmallory2055]

I also own a MS-250 and it's a great saw... That's how i tune mine up... Thanks for the tip on the new cutting chain model... I'm about ready for a new chain anyway.. good job...

[@MichaelTheakston]

The chipper chain makes a huge difference!

[@normanmallory2055]

The Chipper chain does but for the most part in the pitch my saw requires it comes with the bathroom sink on the chain, somewhere in the mix there is cutters... Now dirty wood, dried mud , etc and you are not in any hurry ya it's fine, if one sharpens by hand take your lunch with you.. That's the way full comp chain is... Fact is i just came from my Stihl dealer , new stuff... And my first , mixed fuel in a can, why not as a lot of jobs i don't cut much more than two tanks of fuel in a couple months... I'll try it what the heck... As i'm always left with fuel every winter like 1/2 gallon of mixed fuel to dump..

[@5smoothstonesproject740]

Wow . I wish i would have looked you up before taking it in to be serviced. Thank you for sharing

[@cliffordreffitt1813]

Clean under the clutch drum and lub needle bearing always

[@utubeblackbat]

wow, great video,,thank you very much for the tips ill be going back to your video to tune up my. ms250 soon!!

[@johnslawncaretips4103]

Great job always check the gap on the plug just to be safe

[@Johnwilldo]

Nice job. Quick and easy!

[@robbenson8135]

Thank you,sounds like exactly what I need to do.

[@gabemalcolm4429]

Loving the channel brother keep it up!

[@MrChopemup]

Besides what he mentioned. They get real dirty inside. . Take the exhaust completely off. Poor gas through it. Let dry, You will find a lot of dirt inside. Take the pull start completely off with four screws. On the other side . take the sprocket off.. remove the clip. Hose it all down with the spark plug in , the carb and exhaust ragged , Put it back together. I’ve never had to change a fuel filter in years or ever actually... And these air filters last a very long time as well. Spark plugs pretty much forever too. I use these commercially though. So they get very dirty.. I only use kickback chains on my 200t . Ground saws get the greenies. You can actually sharpen one yourself to do it for the kickback effect .Please do not buy a kickback chain if you don’t know what you’re doing. But.Wish mine looked that Purdy.

[@lionbardhos9339]

Stihl MS 250 LEGENDARY

[@chamunorwachibanguza7902]

Thank you for the video 👍🇿🇼

[@austinhanson5981]

Great video I use a Oregon chain vg68 for mine it cuts Hella fast and it stays sharp longer

[@harebrainbob]

Excellent video.

[@MichaelTheakston]

Good catch! I just went out to take a look, and it was a chunk of dirt and sawdust buildup. Thanks for the comment

[@wellsfamilyhomestead1033]

Great Video, I had to do the same thing this week after Hurricane Florence. Chainsaw had been sitting for a few years. After stopping by the local Stihl dealer and 13 dollars, it starts right up.

[@CutandCleanTV]

Thanks for sharing man! Keep the videos Comming! Andy

[@MichaelTheakston]

Cut and Clean Lawn Care appreciate the support!

[@mriddle666]

Yellow is not non kick back, it's the professional chain and kick back is going to happen, green is less kick back. No such thing as no kick back when using a saw.

[@butterthetoast8139]

"Hey guys, Michael here" best intro ever

[@wesleyshafer6310]

Is that black thing behind the air filter for allowing heat into the air filter in cold weather and keeping heat out in warmer weather?

[@spiderstone]

Thanks will try good answer......Rick

[@fisherman3720]

And you are right about the price I just ordered a tune-up kit for my MS250 $12.99 on eBay comes with the spark plug air filter and fuel filter.

[@MichaelTheakston]

Eyesoftheworld2029 Eyesoftheworld2029 It saves a ton of money doing the tune-up yourself!

[@fisherman3720]

Theakston Landscape same here brother.

[@Jeremy_810]

Agree about the chain. The low kickback chain that comes with the saw is slow... I replaced it with an Oregon chain and it really helped the saw out. Just picked up the RS chains from my Stihl dealer to try. They were pricey, even at buy 2, get one free but hopefully worth it. No replacement for displacement though. Shoulda got a saw with more cc's.

[@MichaelTheakston]

I bought the MS661 a few years back for milling live edge slabs and it rips through anything. I put a 18" bar on it and now it cruises through firewood.

[@zachsheffield1325]

Turbos replace displacement! Other other performance parts replace displacement! Higher efficiency can replace displacement!

[@Jeremy_810]

@@zachsheffield1325 I'm picuring a guy rockin a man bun and skinny jeans, with a fart muffler on his Honda ricer telling people he beats Hellcats... 😆 Jokes aside, I picked up an Echo cs-590 to handle bigger 🪵

[@tat2bruce]

Great video, but, the RS chain is a rapid super fast cutting chain, and has the yellow mark to denote that. The low kick back chains have the Green mark on them, like the like the 26 RM 68. The RS is not a low kick back chain. I use the RM low kick back on my MS 250, zi like it a lot.

[@charleslincoln5357]

Thx for this

[@brucemccauley8887]

Did you ever make the chain comparison video you mentioned???

[@all4180]

Thanks man!

[@MichaelTheakston]

Al L No Problem

[@paulnkathy1]

Hey, did you ever show that chain running through logs?

[@zachsheffield1325]

That vender now charges $17.99 for that same kit!! They have it cheaper with other vendors now!

[@martinmb3030]

i would like to know the spark plug gap open..

[@ChosenOne9387]

Get the OEM tune up kit, it's better than the after market kind. After market doesn't last long 😁

[@adamoneale4396]

Extremely in depth plug gapping

[@georgedavall9449]

I know, right?! 🙄😂

[@carlmoyer7162]

Plug gap really has a wide range and would be functional.

[@georgedavall9449]

@@carlmoyer7162 Umm Carl, that makes no sense? Just sayin…

[@carlmoyer7162]

@@georgedavall9449 rarely does plug gap have any bearing on how an engine runs. As long as it's close, it fires, it burns fuel.

[@georgedavall9449]

@@carlmoyer7162 Really Carl Moyer? I spose these engineers and mechanics and manufacturers don't know what they’re talking bout? But I digress, and have to remind myself I am addressing Mr. Carl Moyer, renowned Engineer and small engine specialist! Please forgive me! 😆🙄✌

[@brianeastman3547]

Nice Stihl,does K&N make a Air filter 4 that Ms 250

[@MichaelTheakston]

Brian Eastman not that I know of

[@steadyeddie7453]

Spark plug gap = .020" (.5mm). No guessing.

[@donmoore7785]

Spray the air cleaner with carb spray, and the dust in it will come out a lot easier with compressed air.

[@jerrymalone8370]

Mine will start and run only if I put in a brand new spark plug. After a few hours of use, it won't start. Put a new plug in, and it will. It's definitely not a fuel or air problem--if anything it's really easy to flood that engine, and the air filter is brand new. Funny thing is that the plugs I take out are textbook perfect. Almost no carbon at all, no pitting, gap is right on. I went through two new NGKs last week, just put in a Champion. Going to replace the ignition coil...

[@ians1464]

Make sure your spark arresters not clogged.

[@jorangel87]

If you use true fuel you hardly ever have to do a tune up. But you must use it from when the chainsaw was new. My chainsaws never saw anything other than true fuel

[@davidgutknecht5814]

I have one of these with a 16" bar & chain its my small saw for limbing and smaller fire wood. its a very good saw.

[@MichaelTheakston]

David Gutknecht Its a great little saw!

[@tylertotten890]

i just got one used i use it for same thing anything to big my buddy takes with his 555 husky but most time his is never used

[@White_devil1980]

Would putting a 20 inch chainsaw bar be ok for a ms 250 or would it compromise the operation of the chainsaw?

[@MichaelTheakston]

That would be fine

[@White_devil1980]

@@MichaelTheakston cool thanks for the info 🥳👍 I’m in the process of getting better dogs for the chainsaw as the factory dogs are useless

[@AndTheCorrectAnswerIs]

It's only a 45cc saw. The mfg spec is 14", 16", or 18" bar. Most say it works best with the 16" which is what I have on mine.

[@fisherman3720]

Actually the green label the non Kickback are more expensive the yellow label like you're showing their less expensive but you know what I've used both chains and neither one kicks back any more than the other

[@davephilpott4543]

Shouldn't you also try to clean out the spark arrestor screen that's in front or behind the muffler?

[@MichaelTheakston]

Dave Philpott Yes, if it has a spark arrestor screen, doesn't hurt to pull it out and clean it.

[@waynepaider3614]

My MS250 doesn't have a screen like the 170 does.

[@ctious]

Just remove that screen. It restricts the saw big time. Without it the saw is a beast. Feels like you gained 20% plus in the wood.

[@Dinoxt12]

Them Dealers are a Pain in the Butt...they are always backed-up, they should get busy and get things done instead of Bull-Crapping people out front in sales .

[@MichaelTheakston]

Yeah, we actually started doing mobile small engine repair. I set up our small enclosed trailer as a mobile shop.

[@sasemirevski]

about the chain, did u make that video? and what kind of chain and bar is it? Tnx :)

[@MichaelTheakston]

sasemirevski I am making the chain video sometime this week. Seems to be a highly requested video. thanks for the comment

[@sasemirevski]

i just want to know is it right for the chainsaw that chain, does it lose his power or whatever, you know what i want to say :)

[@MichaelTheakston]

The super chain video is up!

[@spiderstone]

I have a MS 250 and when I start it runs for a bit then it just shuts off, any ideas on this....always been a good saw...stone

[@MichaelTheakston]

I replaced my fuel cap because it had a vapor lock on the fuel tank and runs great now. Sounds the same. when it shuts off pop the fuel cap off and put back on, then try to start, if it starts right up then thats it. Thanks

[@Fr3sh-Kush]

50:1 mixed fuel right? My first chainsaw

[@MichaelTheakston]

Yes it is

[@faithforvets3040]

Just got a hand me down, it starts but won’t stay running once I mash the throttle. Thoughts?

[@obeconoberougle9497]

Sounds like the carb needs tuned. Plenty of videos on KZbin showing how to do this. StevesSmallEngineSaloon is a great one to watch.

[@faithforvets3040]

Obeconobe Rougle that did the trick!

[@obeconoberougle9497]

@@faithforvets3040 That's awesome! Saved yourself a pile of money compared to taking it to a saw shop.

[@davidhorridge8029]

What fell out of your saw when you started it

[@MichaelTheakston]

It was dirt

[@thomasreece3903]

I was wondering about the plug gap. Found the answer in comments. .020.

[@kdog01100]

I don't like them fuel filters because they come appart that black peace comes off them that's why I like the one peace ones they usually don't have that black on the end of them.

[@lawrencehoffman5557]

Great video

[@keithschneider6348]

Should put grease on the air filter , they leak.

[@paulveenings6861]

Thanks for the tip

[@jimmyhuffman2103]

Like to see a real life saw start up, let's say on a 6 degree day. Most the time I'm cutting wood in the dead of winter. My saws all start good in the summer and fall, then in the cold temperatures I'm pulling my guts out.

[@Dawson5589]

Does the kit work with a ms261

[@MichaelTheakston]

I think it may be different

[@markjohnson7357]

What are the gloves for

[@MichaelTheakston]

So I don't get fuel on my hands

[@johnclarke6647]

I would put a Stihl air filter, spark plug and gas filter on it. Those Chinese AM parts are not exact copies of the Stihl parts and are not built to the same specifications. A NGK BPMR7A is a good plug but I only use them in Husqvarna saws. Stihl saws get Bosch WSR6F plugs.

[@chuk2795]

Easiest way to take your air filter off is to grab it onto and roll it back towards you. No screwdriver or tools

[@MichaelTheakston]

Good advice!

[@Juan-uy9zs]

Where can i buy this kit

[@MichaelTheakston]

The kit is listed in the description

[@Juan-uy9zs]

Got it thanks

[@cindycindy4536]

I was running this saw for about 2 hours at about a 30-50% duty cycle kzbin.infoUgkxfQm1wmg0ItKDLavxj1nXtQY9HP7EF504 and it did a great job. I used the lever for the built in sharpener to clear chip buildup out more than to actually sharpen the chain. It managed to cut some hardwood stumps much larger than it's size without bothering the neighbors with hours of 2 stroke noise.

[@terryponder2938]

Over 25.00 now

[@semco72057]

I have a MS 250 chain saw which so far have been a piece of junk for me, and why I finally gave up and purchased a Poulan Pro chain saw which has it's problems also, but at least I got it to start for me, and have an old Poulan I purchased back in 2000 which still starts when it want to. My problem with the Stihl saw is the pull rope not wanting to pull out like it should. It just came from the repair shop, and I may have to take it back to have the people there fix the problem, or tell me why it won't come out like it should.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Sidney Mathious Buy Echo. The ONLY company with a FIVE YEAR warranty on their chainsaws..... and easy to start....

[@spiderstone]

Not typical of sthil...

[@warddc]

You should send that 'junk' stihl to me for proper disposal. :-)

[@mr.anonymous8783]

So you know if you dont go through the proper start up process you'll flood it an then when you pull the cable it will be hard ,cause fuel is sitting on top the piston, so either you'll crank it with full choke on an trigger pulled wide open an the first pull is gonna be hard,or take the spark plug off.I dont k od what people are talking about yall just dont know how to start your saw

[@charlesamrhien3325]

tune up kit from Ebay--air filter is NOT OEM spec---go to your dealer and get an OEM air filter--costs $0.25 more but air filter will now fit to saw.

[@theodorebennett7938]

Your beard adds some weight to the seriousness of the subject matter and also a touch of authenticity.

[@MichaelTheakston]

I usually grow it out from November to April, by about March I end up looking like a man that lives in the woods!

[@rihardsnolaukiem]

are you sure that these china crap parts work ok in longterm?

[@MichaelTheakston]

rihardsnolaukiem I have used them for over 10 years no problem. Just make sure you get a kit that actually has a NGK spark plug.

[@rihardsnolaukiem]

+Theakston Landscape i. i ordered carb+ fuel line+ intake manofold from huztl and this crap degradetad in a few weeks time. carb was leaking air(tested) rubber parts made a crack once exposed to sunlight. so this is very unreable. you could gamble a new cylinder and piston with these chinese parts. i just don't understand your motivation to tune up a brand chainsaw with a crappy parts from china.... i guess money is not an issue in states. your daily burger costs more than an air filter.

[@MichaelTheakston]

rihardsnolaukiem Yeah, I don't recommend buying aftermarket carbs and manifolds, just the air and fuel filters.

[@bradbehr5351]

6:12 you lost something!

[@Douglas1ro]

Its ok, my dog does the same thing when she gets excited.

[@djaydeved]

problably just a piece wood

[@MrKfq269]

God damn! Good eye lol.

[@miguelmarin6477]

Should not throw bag with spark plug like that

[@jeffreyrichardson]

changing the spark plug its all you need coffee mug topping the tree shrug

[@tractoristable]

Я сделал еще круче. Поставил 2 собачки в стартер, двойную пружину, барабан сцепления с кольцевой звездой, новый шнур стартера. И отмыл все Керхером от смолы и грязи. Пиле 10 лет. I am cooler. Put 2 pawls in the starter, a double spring, a clatch drum with rim sprocket , a new starter cord. Washed everything with Karcher from oil and dirt. Cain Saw is 10 years old. New Bar 16", new chain.

[@jetrojackin3400]

I hate those caps

[@manacademy964]

Ngk plug. Mistake number 1

[@MichaelTheakston]

I use what is recommended by STIHL

[@manacademy964]

Interesting, specific dealers may stock Champion or ngk but manufacturer preference as far as I know is and has been Bosch. That said I get least life our of Champion and ngk, bosch has been better to me but I seem to have longest life and cleanest burn using the e3 plugs (probably not worth added price vs Bosch) not positive what is "right" but I'm usually using saws in very poor conditions and found what has worked for me this far.

[@MichaelTheakston]

Man Academy That's the trick, find out what parts work best for the conditions you use them in. I would use a potato as a spark plug if that's what worked great for me! Really comes down to personal preference. Thanks for the comment!

[@roberthoke42]

I hate those caps