Stihl 038 chainsaw won't start?? This may fix it!!

Ever have a Stihl chainsaw that is really hard to start cold?? Heres how to fix the issue in most cases.
thanks for watching!!

[@glenn9766]

I'm so greatfull. Went straight to my ms260c, that wouldn't start, opened my split air filter. The end of the spring was not housed in the slot probablyfrom a recent clean I did, , so choke flap was not under spring load. Rehoused the end of spring in the slot, put back together, choke on and started straight up. So greatful. Thanks Mate. Glenn, Australia

[@jeremybuchanan4759]

My 038 Mag has not run in quite some time - prol bc of the choke flap issue. Thanks so much for the knowledge!

[@darrellyea6470]

Stihl 024 , 026, and 028 have the choke in the air filter. I usually have to prime my 028 after it sits a week or more. Great video. Lots of good information.

[@tinmanssaws]

Thabks for adding models with that choke system.

[@gunterbecker8528]

Stihls r faithful buggers u should know that,never ever wear a husky or echo or whatever HAT 😊😊😊😅

[@vicwaytek7223]

I have had an 038 mag II since 1990 or so. It is impossible to start without priming. I`m going to give this a shot. Thanks - most constructive help I've seen on this issue. Thank you Tinman

[@andrewford80]

How'd it go?

[@mikeremski2102]

I've an older 290, so different choke setup, but has always taken the 10-12 pulls to fire when sitting a long time (more than 5 days). I've found that pulling it a few times with trigger held down helps; basically what a purge bulb would do getting fresh fuel into the carb. Hot or next day 3 pulls max (usually 1) so it seems more a lack of fuel in the carb after a bit.

[@michaliskyriacou3985]

That wasn't actually the problem with my Stihl038 but it helped me to identify it. Thank you.

[@allenroberts1483]

I have Stihl 038 AV with exactly the same problem, so I stumbled across this page and with a 1/4 turn anticlockwise on the L setting started first time. Many thanks.

[@JohnT248]

Tinman, you just fixed 3 saws I kept but couldn't diagnose. Glad I didn't trash them. The glass level trick is the best! I am 62 was getting ready to buy a new replacement. Doubt I will out last these three... Thank You! Folks like and subscribe! One of these saws I loved and took completely apart finding nothing wrong.

[@timmurden5846]

Thanks got a 038 av which I struggled to start, now 1or 2 pulls from cold 👍🏻😊

[@stihlhead3338]

Had a aftermarket 026 filter that the choke flapper was catching on the aluminum nut on the inside of the filter wreaking havoc with my carburetor tuning, rich one day and lean the next. After I figured out what was going on I took my Dremel to the round cut outs on the flapper, problem solved! Very cool video!

[@shuster403]

Literally watched this video a quarter of the way through saw fired right up. Buckin Billy says the best you are the man Tin man!!!

[@PowersawOrphanage]

I’m excited to try this on my pair of 026. My grandpa will be pleased that he could start his saw again

[@67hundredthz]

I have an 038 magnum 2 that runs like mofo but up here in the mountains it takes forever to start when it’s cold until., I did what you did checked the choke flap and sure enough it wasn’t seating fully. All I did was clean everything up real good (spring was still strong) and 2nd pull. I haven’t ran it in a week it’s 28 degrees out I know it’ll fire right up now. Thank you you’re the reason youtube is such an important tool

[@cedarrocksawshop3876]

026, 024. Choke flap in the air filter is a terrible design. I’ve fought it for years. I’ve got a customer with an 026 and every year about this time he calls me and says my saw won’t start. I usually spray some starter fluid on the air filter and it’ll start 2nd pull. I hate those Stihl saws with that design. Love your vids Tinman.

[@andrewsj65]

I love my 038 Magnum. Got it for 40 bucks on Craigslist. Thanks for the video.

[@Justin-le4ip]

I have two 038 Magnums, they start first pull. They have always started no problem. I live in a very warm climate in South Africa.

[@reggiemcdaniel1802]

Had this problem for years. What great information and thanks so much.

[@49100CHP]

Thanks. Having some skill , a friend gave me his old family hand down 038 that would not start. Being a MS500I man I had little idea on how to fix other than new fuel, full clean etc. Turned out to be fuel screws. The filter / choke was ok. Shows how much advancement in the modern saws especially the MS500I, no chokes, no cold start, no run - just pump and start and yes, decompression button to saw your arm. New subscriber here. Peter

[@49100CHP]

Save not saw.

[@skravlesen]

Can confirm this issue with my 026 and 260. Thanks for the info, great stuff as always. Have a good one 👍

[@Ebaybow]

The Info I got on the 026 was to glue a foam ear plug in the filter circular hole.

[@j.chrisbeck7492]

Thank you thank you, I have a Stihl 028 that I really thought I had it sorted real good, and it sat for 4-5 days, and I couldn't start it to save my life, I pulled it at least 25x. So I'm gonna unbench it today and see what happens, I bet $100 that it works

[@j.chrisbeck7492]

Just separated the air filter, an lo and behold, there was NO spring at all !!!

[@outdoorvideos3825]

Alright, I'll start there then! Thanks for the upload. I hope you're getting paid. This knowledge is gold to me.

[@OTGYota]

For a guy that owns an 038 and two 026’s this great info. You and Donny are both legends in my opinion. Cheers my friend

[@lucianocioni9503]

Stesso mio problema su stihl 026 non ci avevo pensato grazie mille dall'Italia

[@timothycoleman8916]

Thanks Amigo. My saw stopped(again) after warmed up. I will be checking in AM after Sat Morning cartoons. 038

[@davidhorne2326]

I have a 038 av and it’s been great until I got it out yesterday after sitting for the winter. Hard to start and won’t idle. I understand parts are difficult if not impossible to find.

[@davidkrutza1490]

thanks for your info. my 038 the choke itself was fine, but the little spring that holds it away from the carb was missing, replaced that now it starts easily

[@mattjulian8153]

😂😂” If any of you guys out there know Donny Walker, you know what I’m talkin’ aboot”. Yeah, I’ve caught myself saying ‘aboot’…we really do say that! Oh…and thanks for the choke fix.

[@jasonstrester]

My 038 Magnum started great 1-2 pulls for years until changed air filter. Now I agree maybe use only Stihl brand filters.

[@byerboys2607]

100% the 026 has it in the filter I love the little 26s good little fire wood saw I have 3 of em just little rpm monsters

[@user-gc2kh7so3c]

You're a good teacher Stihl dealer 20 years they can all be a little pain in the butt guess that's why we do it

[@timothybyrom5560]

I've run into that. If I remember correctly I would put the black old style choke lever in. The red is flimsy, and they twist out of shape. I've also put a small screw in the camming part that actuates the choke.

[@natestowingandrepair]

I have a 028 that had this problem but it has a lot of issues so it sits until I can get to it Lol love watching your videos timman! Great content and information!

[@josephcraig2663]

My boss/best friend has a 038 E quickstop. Thank you for your help. I'm going to give that a try . Cause it won't start.

[@shaner67]

I feel your pain Tinman. I built a 038 magnum this spring. Had the same problem and thought I did something wrong with the build. Bugger wouldn't start either after multiple pulls, maybe I'd better myself a stihl hat.. Hahah.. Thanks for the tip on the low jet, I'll have to try it and make sure it is fixed before it goes back to the guy I built it for.. Always fun my friend.. Cheers

[@jamesconn1104]

my 038switch has malfunctioned , i think , the switch was real hard like it was stuck, cant get it to crank , before very easy to start . i enjoy the videos , Thanks , very educational

[@woodboss270]

Have you rebuild that 044 carb yet ? Love to see that ol work horse back pulling wood.

[@veneratedmortal4369]

I think the main thing with a choke is it causes the carby to suck fuel instead of air priming the system. Often ill block the intake with my hand or sometimes blow air in the fuel tank. Usually the choke is only needed to get the first fire.

[@tdawg8605]

Great discovery on the 038. What a wonderful gift to your Channel. Nice to see there are so many giving people still out there. The 288 build(s) will be interesting, can't wait. Momma Tinman still in our well wishes. You guys must be getting anxious. What a wonderful time for you guys. TC Tinman Mahalo 🤙🤙🤙

[@lyndonwortley6329]

To avoid problems, stick with Stihl filters for 038s. I have four runners and even if they have been sitting for a couple of months, they will fire on three or four pulls cold.

[@starnes87]

I may have solved my problems with my Stihl 038 and 064. Thanks Tinman's saws.

[@Oli4vn]

064 has a different choke setup

[@starnes87]

Good to know, thanks

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

Absolutely golden advice!👍👍👍

[@neilcurtis2741]

Sound like I need to find me an old pioneer hat lol

[@jeremythomas9134]

Choke flap spring stretched. Yep...ive had that same issue. Ended up taking a loop out of the spring to fix mine.

[@badmofo6353]

I still have the problem and now it won't start again! Carb kit, new plug, new filter, readjusted high low and throttle. Just put on new fuel line and air vent hose. I did not plug air vent so maybe I'll try that. I made it so it has small flapper opening so not completely sealed shut. Choke valve is closing so I'm at a lose now. Gets plenty of spark also when you remove e the plug and do a test pull.

[@dennislund5334]

i have one and its hard o start -am replacing the coil today and will check my choke stuffs- and jets thanks

[@ChippyOutdoors]

Lol I mentioned that back in one of the comments about the flap not seating right. Those round choke flaps are horrible for that and am filters are commonly bad too and weak spring in em too sometimes over time

[@jbbolts]

yup 026 is the same way... not sure why they did it like that but it works well when it works

[@kennytheguitarfanatic054]

The Stihl 028 has the same choke in the air filter as the Stihl 038. My 028 was a bugger to Start! I put a new air filter in the 028 still had a problem starting I found the piston rings were not seated not enough case pressure pulse the carb I had to squirt oil in the cylinder for a few tanks.

[@felixbryan6707]

Good job, but need know, should I put oil crankcase

[@aldredske6197]

Hi Tinnman!!😀😀 The other Stihl models that have the same choke are the 028 and 028 super. Take care my friend!!😀😀 Logger Al

[@srip63]

The 038av I have is an awesome saw ! Great job !

[@MrMoses1300]

Choke on mine is perfect, guess needs carb kit. Not bad as I've had it from new never touched.👍

[@tazman-kennyfuller]

Always good tips for things that lead some to just put the saw in the corner of the shed and leave it. Always enjoy your videos buddy and this one seemed like high energy and I love it. 026 does have same type of choke setup. Thank you Tinman. 🌲❤️🌲👊🪓

[@marcuscicero9587]

my 011AVT got that ckoke flap. ain't spring actuated, it slides into position. thanks for the headsup on the gaps that could be present in the choke flap not permitting a tight seal.

[@nathonquinton9397]

great info tinman! 024, 026, ms260 are the same, not sure about others

[@mcporter03]

I found cold start 3 pulls choke, then turn off the choke. The 038 msg is my saw for 5 years of wildfires. In recent times I found a 461/660 has a gas cap that can start fires or spray gas when refueling . Not what a wild fire sawer wants. I run a 32 3/8 50 for weeks in hell often.

[@famasmaster2000]

Awesome tip !! I have that exact saw . So good to know

[@aaronpowell4885]

Great information! Thanks again for sharing👍 I thought I'd seen you cover that type of stihl filter/choke combo before. Sometimes we need to hear it again for it to sink in😅 yeah... those older, big stihl's and their clones tend to test your grip and joints😯😂 Huge Thanks to the anonymous donor of the extra farmertec saw!!✌❤🌲

[@Michagan_outdoorsman_James]

i just got a 038 super picking it up this evening one of those facebook marketplace things

[@andrewparker6977]

I spend heaps of time trying to sort my self-rebuilt AV 038, even took it to an expert to no avail. Saw this 10 mins later verooom 2nd pull.

[@linkwokeup]

Yep I only have a Husqvarna hat so can't own a Stihl yet but hopefully someday.

[@oceanheadted]

Donny’s channel is great! I was thinking choke (having watched Donny’s video previously) My MS260 has the in filter choke.

[@richardmiller4104]

Another thing as well the ms381 air filter does not have the drilled breather hole that the 038 has. Watch your holes correct for model.

[@dlostyles2578]

Brother you just helped me out a bunch for my next build on my old 038 super, later on this year, I hope it turns out to be as good as yours. Thanx for all the kewl ass content too keep up the good wrk !

[@justinweaver8787]

Ill look in this on my 026!! Thank u sir. Hope u have a good weekend!

[@daviddavies9996]

I got an sthil 024 thanks for the tips

[@maccrigdon6111]

Tinman, I just bought a 038 super off of marketplace. The air filter is absolutely PACKED! It ran like it was choked the whole time. Will 362/391 performance filters work? I want to get rid of that clam shell style filter.

[@dougfairburn2037]

you're such an optimist! I like that. Thanks

[@tinmanssaws]

Thanks I try!!

[@ruckus0407]

Great videos! Was wanting to see what a good spot to order parts. Tearing into a 038av magnum right now

[@leonardryan8723]

Year ago went I grew up stihl were crazy to get to go in cold weather . Guys that had them would take a cloth soap in gas put over air filter get them going . SORRY iiii iiii stick to my husky and jonsered Tinman. Stihl make for miani weather . Tinman keep up great job . Probably like the old timber jack make a fire under them to get them go in cold weather.

[@leonardryan8723]

Your welcome tin man , like you buddy your true to your words . Good to have helpful people on u tube . Wish wehad u tube bad in the last 60 and 70 . We learn by watch our old logger pass on trouble work from every chainsaw made tin man . Now we google its off smart phone hope to get you and Donny walker. Man built its , so man can fix it my words for the day .

[@nathankluttz2015]

I have a vintage stihl 038 super pro chainsaw. Three shops have told me that it needs to be rebuilt, but that parts aren't available. Is this true?

[@dustingambrel3428]

Hey tinman , I rebuilt a sthil 038AV . I havent been able to get this thing to fire . It got point & condenser ,then a coil . I've checked all the wires and i think there all good . But still no spark . The wires from point is there a certain way they go & if so how would I find the wire?? Please help

[@sjaakflip311]

Hi tinman your correct the 026 is te same i had same problem but it wasnt the choke flap but the tiny black bar connected to the choke my issue was that the bla ck bar was bended downwards 3 mm si i didnt have hi idle straightened the problem solved 3 pulls and it lives greetz sjaak flip

[@jaredgandee7794]

Very instructive well done Tinman as usual thank you

[@markbreidenbaugh6033]

I have one and after 10 pulls gas comes pooring out of the exhaust. I am going to rebuild the carb. It ran last year fine.

[@daveanderson2468]

031av has one in the filter too

[@travisweldmaster7815]

My first

[@richardfuerst5286]

Any STIHL with the choke in the air filter is a hard starter. My old 026 was the worse starting saw I owned. That's coming from a retired STIHL tech.

[@joshuapack614]

i just remove my air filter put my thumbover the hole 2 pulls then i put it back together and fires first or sec pull every time

[@gleno2008]

Love your work man I'm getting a 038 magnum friday , this is a great Chanel, your great your watch

[@timothybyrom5560]

I had a Shindiawa that didn't like to start sometimes. It was so bad that it ended up about three rows back in the trees, and I left it there. My dad asked me where it was at. I told him, and he went and got it. I pulled on it three times, and it started. That's after laying in the woods for two months.

[@alanwatts9232]

It learned it's lesson. Now it knows who is boss, you shouldn't have any more trouble.

[@outdoorvideos3825]

@@alanwatts9232 lmfao wtf

[@martyrutter3630]

That Stihl saw was offended by that hat it was plan to see

[@stuartramage5933]

peace an love from scotland

[@jamesmooney5348]

Thanks

[@timothybyrom5560]

024,026,028,036,038,and more of the old style saws.

[@eatyourcereal6696]

I have an 038 that starts within 15 rips, but stalls once you pull the trigger. I had it "serviced" new spark plug, pickup body and carb cleaner but still same issue. HELP!

[@Steve_K_MS660]

Stihl, 024, 026, 028,036 and 038 all have the choke in the air filter.

[@markosaarela3537]

Awesome video 👍 Keep up the good work ! Thanks for sharing 😀

[@94SexyStang]

My recommendation is ALWAYS have One chainsaw from the 1970's on hand!!!.....for some reason, those things Always, Always, Always start!!.......I swear, it's the craziest thing.....I'm sure some old timers know this.... I've had quite a few jobs where Every single Saw failed On the job, flooded, etc...... and I break out the Ancient Weaponry, and they Always rip! Yeah heavy, and has the comfort of a Brick, but I will never complain about older equipment again, it's saved my ass many times.

[@radosmalidzan8465]

Kako je nastelovan karburator, koliko je odvijen H i L saraf ?

[@darrelljohnson4658]

Good class thanks 😊

[@russvtguy]

Good information. Thanks for shareing

[@donnywalker4691]

Thanks buddy keep er in the wood

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

How is the comparison on that saw being a 72cc with no decomp?

[@DCS026]

Good info, thanks for posting.

[@benjamintanner2502]

I have a stilh 026 it has the choke lever in the airfilter also

[@chrismacmillan3535]

Is the Stihl hat the cure, or the Poulan hat the curse?

[@darrenpickens7147]

026's 028's and 024's have the in-filter choke.

[@mikeadams2339]

Thankz!

[@meenishal]

Great video thanks Tinman