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I been bustin my butt trying to start my chainsaw, its been sitting since may, with my bad shoulder, itds been a serious pain to start...so i just did exactly what you just demonstrated, GUYS it turned over without breakin a sweat. it took 20 seconds a couple of short cranks..and there she is started right up...Girl you truly are one heck of a CHICKANIC ..... Thank you ma'am
This tip has saved my shoulder! I'm a 65 year old lady that had a triple bypass about 2.5 years ago. Had to get slabwood for 2 years and a battery saw because I didnt have the strength to start my gas saws. Exercise, weights, time and this tip has got me back to cutting and splitting 14 cords for my winter wood. Thanks so much for the help!
Just turned 60, and have used chainsaws for about thirty years. I stay super fit and take good care of myself, consuming lots of vegetables, and protein, with the hard days I put in on our property. There's no greater satisfaction than being self-sufficient.
That's a lot of wood. I got about that much over at my grandfather's waiting to be cut up with my 372 non xtorq. Saw is one hell of a beast. Best saw for everything in my opinion
I just stumbled across your channel this a.m., saw your post on this topic, had to see it. Like a bunch of the commenters, I've some trigger time on saws. I grew up in rural western Oregon running chain saws, working in the woods about the same time I hit puberty, lol. Most of the years since, saws have been part of my life, all sizes, mostly "pro" saws. It's obvious just in this one post of yours how many readers gained a trick or two with saws from watching it. My compliments on your teaching chops. I'm an old mule, 76 now, been in harness many years, learned a lot. But I'm gonna subscribe & hit your bell, because I reckon I can keep learning, so might as well enjoy it, too. 🤙🏼
it takes a high IQ to simplify a good teacher is rare a great teacher is a gift from above and that you have pulled off like a champ my new go to thank you
The best small engine mechanic I ever had, was a woman that her dad raised in the business. They closed down and I miss her. Finding you on UA-cam was the best thing that happened to me as a do it yourself farm mechanic. Keep up the outstanding work. I wished I lived closer to your business. Thanks.
I am an old man and all through my life I have contended that God did not intend for man to create a single cylinder engine. I have hated chain saws. Thanks to you and your videos I have learned how to do the upkeep on my saws and also how to start them. If you were close I would give you a big hug. You are my hero!!!
I mentioned this clip that has helped me in starting my saws at age 59, nearly 50 years after teaching myself 2 cycle equipment at 10 years old. Not only do I have a Stihl 044 that is a killer compression saw, but an MS660 and a few 111cc Stihl 075 beasts. I have the 111cc saws on my bench to rebuild top to bottom. I can't wait to be pulling them and finding the way to easily start them for my milling projects.
I’m just turned 77 and I love what I’ve learned on your channel. I have 3 Stihl’s, that sit all winter, usually, my FS94 R, a MS250, and my favorite the MS192 TC and they are 10 yrs old. I came upon the pre-start compression pulls by accident. Of the 3, the FS94 when cold, takes the most umpf to cycle the piston on first start of the day. Then it’s light as a feather to restart. And all the tales about the MS250 are true. You gotta take it off choke after the 1st signs of a pop, then 3 pulls and it’s off to the races. Thanks for talking about these tools and showing how to diagnose problems with the carbs. Never too old to learn new tricks.
Subscribed because this is the only video I've found that got my Husqvarna 455 Rancher to start. No throttle, no primer, no preasure relief, just turn the switch ON, 3 small pulls, hold the 3rd pull about 6 inches out on rope, pull the 4th pull really fast. Started on the first try. Thank you so much,.
Further to my last comment, what is important to remember is that this tutorial is mainly for large cc chainsaws. I have a husky rancher which starts easy any time, cold, hot, just put fuel in etc,etc. It was my larger cc chainsaw that was a pain to start and was less than a year old. Now though, no problem at all. Thank-you very much.
I have watched several of your videos. They have a lot of great information in them. It is so much more pleasing to watch you work on chainsaws than a hairy legged dude! The internet can’t have too many videos of you starting chainsaws!
You really helped me with my Timberwolf. I was out cleaning up downed trees and I gave the TW another chance after watching your video. It performed fantastic. I did your starting procedure and wow, I have a new saw. I got almost 3 hours of use with the saw. I have had it for 3 years and didn’t even have a hour on it. You are the real deal. Thank you very much. I am now a subscriber.
At 80 I have been using chainsaws for a good number of DECADES and have been able to "muscle" thru a hard starting Stihl 460 that I got about 20 years back, that is until a couple years ago,. I have never had anyone be able to tell me how to make it easier to start. Thank you, even "old dogs" can learn something, and anyone who will not listen to a "woman" could be missing out on some really good information.
Thanks Chickanic, finally someone that properly explains and includes the wheres and whyfores. I will watch this video over and over and commit its content to my memory !!! .....
I'm over 50 and not at all new to chainsaws. Quite a bit experienced in repairing and operating many different types of small engines. But I learned something from this video that makes great sense and I can't believe I had never known before. Pulling the cord slightly a few times to get the piston moving, and getting it set in place for an initial compression stroke, is one of the wisest things I've learned in awhile. Just using this simple tip is going to make my time with any 2 stroke engine a lot more productive and a whole lot less aggravating. Thanks so much for posting such a great and informative video.
Love my 372xp but for most of the 20 years I've used it, I felt like it abused me by spending most of our start time flooded. Then with my 80th birthday rapidly approaching here comes this girl chainsaw mechanic and shows me (us) the easy way to start it. And for a bonus, showed me the fundamentals of how a chainsaw breaths and what a carburetor can do. Thanks Chickanic.
My neighbour here in Sweden age 88 years borrowed my Husqvarna 372xpg with 20" bar and cut all trees that fell in a storm because it was easier to start than his old 1960's saws.
Hi Bre, I've been watching your channel for about 2 years now and you're a great teacher. I want to say that I think you're a very kind person also, especially on what you said about why some can't start the chainsaw anymore. QUOTE: "Sometimes you get to an age where you just can't pull it hard enough anymore." That's my problem now. I'm close to 70 years old and age is having an affect on me. I've always worked on all of my own machines, but sometimes it does get difficult. Again, I just want to say thanks for being gentle with your words, it shows your compassion. Keep up the great work, I love watching your videos.
I really like your videos! I’m a old retired small engine technician! I managed an Echo dealer for many years and starting chainsaws was one of my biggest customer complaints ! Your never too old to learn something new!
Thanks for this video. I discovered how right you are about us old folks when I couldn't start my old Stihl 038, even though it was running the day before. Turned out two pulls from my 22-year-old grandson and it started just fine. I'm glad I didn't have to listen to any smart mouth comments, but the look he gave me said it all.
I was so frustrated while trying to start my brand new CS-590,that I was kicking it around my back patio. This video saved my pull starting arm and probably prevented me from breaking a foot or toe! Off topic, but if it's so much safer to start saws on the ground, manufacturers should make that handle area big enough for a steel toed work boot to fit in. I don't usually wear my Chuck Taylors when I'm doing tree work.
+ Josh Jetrod For the Echo, I found that pulling with choke on until the first pop and then choke off will get it started nearly always. I could not figure out why it wouldn't start until I used that sequence.
They actually recommend the between the legs hold when starting it. I don't know if it's any good since I always drop start my saws unless they are flooded, in which case I put them on the ground and jam the throttle wide open with my steel toed sawing boots as best as I can since it doesn't really fit so I have to apply constant pressure with the toe. The danger with starting it on the ground is if you lose balance and your toe is stuck in the handle. As your leg instinctively tries to move forward to regain balance, your saw could move in ways that could potentially cut you. Like if you begin to tip forward, you want to put your right foot forward, if you have it in your saw and you are pushing down on it with your left hand, it won't move much. You will probably just tip over and land with your left thigh/knee on your bar.
@Jetrod +1; I was thinking the same thing @ 6:25 watching Bre put that pointy little Bobs slipper in there, thinking "when would I ever be wearing anything like that while starting a saw?"
@@skitidet4302 Stihl recommends both the ground start methods and leg lock method in their manuals. The placement in the manual seems to suggest they prefer the ground start method.
I rebuild and port professional 70+ cc saws all the time, and rolling the saw over several times makes starting these saws so much easier. I’ve been doing this for years and never gave it a second thought. Good job sharing these simple things that really do make life with your small engines easier.
I have a 23 year old Husqvarna 55 that had become almost impossible to start if it had not been started in a while. I had even resorted to removing the spark plug and cranking it a few times, reinserting the plug and then starting it. I was just about ready to buy a new saw when I saw this video. Your procedure sure did work on my old saw and now it starts right up. Thanks for video, you just saved me over $600.00 !!!!
Thank you so much! Thanks to you this 65 year old lady got her chain saw started after it hadn’t been used in over a year. After watching you, I realized I wasn’t trying hard enough to pull the chain😅.
I just bought the 450 Husqvarna Rancher. I’m 75 years old. I know what your talking about and believe me. I feel it. I’ve been lucky so far. It’s been a really good saw and easy to start just by following their instructions. Enjoyed your video and hearing the truth. Later
Great video haven't used a chainsaw in quite a few years I'm 61. Recently moved off the grid. My old chainsaw starts easier than I ever remember with your tips thank you.
I'm watching from Tanzania. I just brought a Husqvarna 272 XP as an upgrade, I just read a few pages of the manual and used for the past two days without any problem. As I continued reading the manual, I came across the decompression valve. When I pressed the valve and pulled the choke it did not start at all and I had to leave it for the whole day and do other things. I'll follow this good advice of yours from now on. Thank you very much!
I have been operating chain saws for 50 years. I am always looking for tips and such. Like what you had to say and appreciate you helping people out. My dad is in his 80s and just dropped down to a Stihl 250 because his 036 and 026 were getting too hard to start. Now I have his saws as well. Thanks
I've been running a saw since age 10, mostly stihl. But that was something nobody ever showed me, pulling it over a couple times slowly then giving it. Makes total sense. Thanks for the tip.
Man, wish I'd come across Chickanic years ago. Was about to go to HD to buy another chainsaw. Saw the video. Did exactly what she said. The sound of the engine starting was the sweetest sound I've heard all week!
OMG thank you for your help in starting Echo Chainsaw. You saved me frustration👍😊 I am approaching age where my pull strength isn’t what it used to be but I’m determined enough to keep trying
At 67 years old, I’ve been using chainsaws most of my life. This is a great tutorial and all new users should watch this! I have Echo, Stihl, and Husqvarna. All are easy to start using the method illustrated. Thanks for sharing this one.
@@jamesdavis8021 I've been working for B.I.A fire for 8 years we have to do class every year for Sawyer qualifications and the proper way is to lock chain put the saw head in-between you legs and pull ground starting is dangerous because you have no control it's extremely dangerous and never drop start a chainsaw. Chainsaws are not a toy it's a very dangerous piece of equipment everyone should do a class on how to and not do before owning a chainsaw
Also never where sandles when operating any equipment don't think I'm saying this to pick on women running saws there are some very good women sawyers on the fire line
Thank you - after watching 10+ other guys try to explain things - yours was simple and effective on the FIRST TRY! Thank you again for the help - Appreciate it.
Awesome video! I've officially switched to Ego battery-operated tools to take care of all my yardwork. My property is just over an acre, and other than chopping up big fallen branches or pruning, I don't regularly have too much chainsaw work on the property. Most of the chainsaw work I do is when I go out to chop up firewood to store for winter use. My little chainsaw performs beautifully! It cuts right thru the wood with no problem, and it's so nice to just squeeze the trigger and it immediately starts every time.
CS590 is my favorite and has never failed me!! Of course, in the early days, I had to learn exactly what your video is all about. Great info for new buyers......and old stubborn ones too!
Great video on chainsaws. As a 68 year old man, I appreciated your sensitivity. After watching your video, I could pull it again! Love the tone, pragmatic approach and tips. You are my first stop for advice. Next step is weed wackets
Good tips. I`m an old Harley rider and learned to keep trying something different if it doesn`t start. Same with airplanes. My first airplane was hand prop only.
My HD had a specific way. Kick only, higher compression, big cams. But it was a 2 kick, 3 kick cold, 1 kick hot. It used to flip people out. But, I credit the Dyna ignition and S&S carb for that.
Its perfectly logical to pull the cord just enough to get past the first compression stroke and from there to pull vigorously as you end up with greater momentum to generate adequate spark and less resistance to spinning the crankshaft. Kudos to you for identifying this fact.
@@radamson1 yep that's true but in order identify a compression stroke when pulling the cord it's the first time to TDC hence the term first compression stroke. Hope that explains where I was coming from.
I put in fresh non-alcohol gas, a new spark plug and tried your method to start a hard starting chain saw. SUCCESS!!!!!! I wish I would have known all this years ago. Thank you!!!!!
I have an Echo CS-510 EVL and am doing some serious maintenance on it and have it all apart and have been checking out UA-cam videos and believe the starting issues I have experienced with it are related to the choke and pull start method. I have been studying all your videos and really appreciate your videos and they are enlightening. I think your videos will help me turn the corner on using this thing for my works. I thank you for your efforts.
Great tips in your video. I mostly use 25cc saws, so they are a lo easier to start than the big ones. For what I do on our property, I don't need to use a big saw that often. I still have my Stihl 015L saw that I bought almost 50 years ago. I've done main bearings and seals and replaced the carburettor, but it's still running the original ring. All the best from Queensland Australia.
I have a Jonsered 70 E . It has been in my family since the 80s when I was in school. The last several years it starts up fine then I can't seem to start it again for a day. I tried your trick on getting past that first compression and it works just fine each start. You taught this old dog a new trick. Thank you, little lady, you saved my bacon from spending 1400.00 on a new saw. Keep up the great work. I am subscribing now. Have a great Thanksgiving! 😊
You just saved the day, I was on the verge of returning a brand new Echo because it had NEVER started right up. I follow the manual to a T and end up spending an exhausting, frustrating half hour of cycling through that procedure before grabbing my axe... Or before it finally starts. Great work youre doing and thank you!
Absolutely the best advice ever! I tried for about an hour to get this Timberwolf 590 started again. Had it going working a minute with your advice. Thank you so much. 😊
The timing of this video was perfect! I just bought a Timberwolf, and it started right up the first time I tried it. After it was warmed up, I turned it off and tried a restart: 20 pulls, and it was a no-go. I pulled the spark plug, and yes, I had flooded it! I had no idea about the impulse to the carb, and since I’ve tried your tips, it is SO much easier to start! Excellent video, thank you!
I have a 590 Timberwolf as well and it does flood easily as well. I realize this now more with this video. I also don't press the decompression button and just man up. Once that thing is running it is a beast especially with a Rapco tungsten carbide tipped chain.
Usually my big Sthil saw starts very hard in cold weather. My method is to bring it inside a heated building for a few hours befor trying to start it outdoors. Always makes it easy to start. Clean air filter helps as well. And as for safety, glad to see the use of chaps in this video.
I inherited my late husband's Echo CS-450P chainsaw. I am 73 years old, and that saw has been a source of trouble cold starting it-I think if you just look at it the wrong way it floods itself out-"Nope, I don't want to cut any wood today-go away". I found your site, did as you posted and miracle of miracles it actually started without dislocating my shoulder & flooding out. A Big Thank You! I also have the Old Mans hand me down of a gas Echo SRM-210 weed trimmer. This is also a pain in the ass to start, flooding out too. I think tinker with that as well. I used to work in the oil fields as a roustabout, mechanic on various cars/trucks back in the day as well as drive a truck & saw up my firewood for the last 26 years. Back in the day there weren't many women doing those kind of jobs/work. Warning-you work too hard when you are younger and you pay the price with a wore out body by the time you hit 50! Best, Bridget
always took two saw with me when going away from home so if the first one didn't want to restart after a refill I'd grab the other, I'll try your advice next time. BTW, great safety shoes to go along with the chaps. thanks for your tips, always helpful.
I REALLY enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for the starting tip. What a difference it makes when starting a cold chain saw! I cannot begin tell you just how much you have saved me in time and money, performing my own maintenance and repairs on all my saws. I also appreciate your honesty when it comes to evaluating different saws. I was literally on the verge of buying a Neotec chainsaw when I saw your video and changed my mind. I guess there is a good reason why they cost so little (you get what you pay for). I ended up buying a Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II and yes, it was a lot more expensive than the Neotec but, I know it will last, runs and cuts like no other saw I have ever owned. Thanks again and keep posting!
I've been beating myself up trying to start my Stihl MS 290 for years. I FINALLY saw someone do the slow, short pulls to get past that first compression stroke . . . and my world was rocked! Now I truly look forward to cranking my saw. SO much easier . . . and it runs like a champ. Great saw. Thanks for going into detail about why your starting method is SO much better. I love your channel.
I was getting seriously aggravated trying to follow Echos starting instructions for the CS-590, it's nothing short of amazing how well this actually works. 2 slow pulls, 1 rip, and it's off a running! Thank you!
I had my Stihl serviced a couple of months ago but still had problems starting it…I watched numerous videos to figure it out…I watched yours, grabbed my saw and was shocked when it started on my 4th pull..amazing….thank you
Great video. Starting equipment is a bit of an art, and these kinds of tips really do help. I worked in equipment rentals for ages. Stihl saws in particular can be a nightmare. I've got 'the touch', and there's still been plenty that have defeated me. Heh, I've seen grown men brought to tears. For my own peace of mind, I typically buy Echo. Even when they're stubborn, they *always* end up starting, and that's everything.
I consider my self a fairly strong guy. Work on the farm every day. Lift lots of bags of feed and wrestle animals, but I cannot pull my Echo saw. I have a Sthil and it always starts easy never fail. So I hate this echo that I am not able to use. One thing that really drives me crazy is that there is not room to put my foot on it so it slips out and the saw goes flying up in the air. All of my other equipment is Echo and I love them. I’ve never had problems getting things to start. I’m good with the starting part. It’s the pulling of this particular saw that sucks. If I could hold it down, it wouldn’t be hard.
Hey, quickly wanted to say thanks for making quality and informative videos. I cut hundreds of trees a year and felt pretty knowledgeable about saws but I’ve recently discovered your channel and watched a ton of your stuff and picked up quite a few tips and tricks. You rock, thanks for sharing your experience.
THANK YOU SO MUCH, this method of pulling the starter cord solved my chainsaw problem after months of not being able to figure out what went wrong with my Echo saw. The Facebook groups didn’t help and there’s too many macho wise guys, so even more THANK YOU for your video and expertise!!
As a CS-590 owner, I don’t use the decompression button. I actually find that it makes it harder/less likely to start. It’s a nice idea. Maybe it works on other saws, but not on mine. And now I know why. Thanks for the tips.
My 72 cc Husqvarna responds very well to the decompression button - it's all about finding the correct start sequence for each chainsaw - 'cause they're all different ...
I have been using chainsaws for years. I thought I knew everything about chainsaws. You proved that there are still things to be learned. I'm gong to try that with my chainsaw when I get home. Thanks for the video!!
You raised my curiosity. You've been using chainsaws for years, what remotely could you have learned from this video that is not mentioned in the saws accompanying user guide?
Well did it help on starting it easier? Myself, I never use decompression button and I never pull more than twice on choke even if I don't hear it pop, then i unchoke it and pull til it starts. Mine always starts bout 3 or 4th pull from cold start
Thanks you saved the day! I haven’t been able to start my Echo 590 for over a year. Today I used your technique and it fired up, allowing me to cut a cord of firewood.
Great information as usual, I was a service manager for 23 years (mostly Stihl, but we tried to cover all), I always stressed starting any chainsaw on the ground. Our Stihl distributor/trainers were adamant about this, mostly due to product liability issues. To this day the only saw I ever drop-started was the top handled trim saws and that was seldom. Safety is key to using ANY power equipment.
Ground starting is for sure the best, but, I can start my 880 Stihl drop starting, and, up in the tree, even with my 391, and what ever saw is up there, there is not much choice. Most people should not own a saw.
I don't think I've ever started a top handled saw on the ground before (I've owned several). You sure can't do it while climbing. Same with a larger saw when you're up in a tree. No choice. I sure wish they had those nice battery powered saws back in my day. Never need to start them. No hot exhaust in your face, no more gasoline to mess with, and more torque as well (not more top end horsepower, but good enough).
@@treeguyable ... "Most people shouldn't own a saw".. That doesn't even come close to the reality of it. I can't think of a more dangerous piece of equipment that can be bought by anyone with just a credit card and a smile. It reminds me of people thinking that they can't get hurt on a moped, like they can on a motorcycle. Bail off at 30 M.P.H.... it's the same as bailing off a Hayabusa at 30 M.P.H.//... only difference is protective gear, and that the Hayabusa had better brakes and handling. Kick back from a plug in electric, or kick back from an 80 CC saw will rip into skin equally as well. That anyone can walk into any brand Dealership and buy anything they want is terrifying.
@@charles09361 True, I have been able all my life, to aqquire anything I wanted, fast bikes, fast cars, chainsaws, trimmers, power tools, climbing gear, bobcats, boats, chippers, pistols, ars',aks', etc. How I ever made it to 65 intact, not sure, but I am a big chicken . Still ride my R1, and climb trees everyday, so , I am workin against the odds. 😏
@@treeguyable LOL.. Man after my own heart.. Bought a 1985 Honda 1000 Interceptor three years ago as a retirement gift ( bucket list ) gift to myself. Sold it a year ago when I retired to somewhere where there was just too much gravel road to get to a highway. Damn glad that I didn't buy it new in '85... probably wouldn't be here today. I don't climb anymore, I use a bow and arrow ( over and back) to put a tag line up high enough to get proper leverage, and yank with the atv, and then slice and dice on the ground. No more cutting for bucks, just enough to keep the property clear.😎
To start a flooded chainsaw, put it on the ground , stick your boot/shoe up under the tigger, depressing it to full on, wide open throttle, then pull the starter as many times as needed. It will eventually restart. Great tips and video by the way!
I am a long term user and never knew this method until quite recently. Seems totally counter indicative, but for some reason unknown to me works.? Can you tell me why? Not so sure of her not using the decompress. Ripped the tendons on my shoulder a few years back, with a heavy saw.
@@nicholasgrubb151 For flooded chainsaw this lets in full throttle air even though carb does not have full vacuum so this leans the mix going into crank case, allowing also cylinder to push out excessive fuel fumes and as mentioned it dries it eventually to get good enough fuel air ratio to ignite, though caveat to this is that spark plug might be drowned in fuel and oil and wont give good enough spark. Sparking does warm the plug a bit but it will take while before it works as intended and this is why you should always carry both spare spark plug well as tooling to replace it in case of flooding or general failure of the so called one dollar fault, witch is why you should also carry spares for your dirt bikes etc machines cause you dont want to be left hanging middle of the job or no where due one dollar/cheap part. Nothing prevents you swapping the plug back in after saw is running again, but it will remove one fault point, though do pull couple times to clear out fuel in the chamber so you dont flood the new plug right away. Clearing the chamber with out plug in place creates far less vacuum when piston is going up so again way less fuel gets into crank case drying it further. Also keep lighter with you. Saved me many times to just heat it up and burn out the oil and fuel that might be shorting the plug giving weaker spark. I usually work few hundred meters from those spares but if you work anywhere further keep spares with you. Easy enough to have them in same bag where you keep your sharpening tools. Simple rule with this is to pull say dozen times with full throttle and after you are done cursing check the plug if its wet. Heat on spark also helps it to evaporate better though this could be so little that does it really matter, but could be a thing. Of course take this with grain of salt, i'm no mechanic just guy that has some experience on tinkering and working with old worn out machines and has gotten thing working, what ever it is due "expertise", dumb luck, sprinkling holy oils to peace the machine spirit or endurance to keep going and testing different things until something chances enough to get it working. Just my view to consider.
Thanks so much for this video. worked perfectly. I was having troubles starting TImber Wolf 590 that I'd rented for a few hours. I've never been good with starting gas chainsaws.....ever, which is why i tend to chump out and go with the electric ones. However, I needed something with more "get up and go" for a rough tree. I was doing exactly what you described, not getting enough ooomph on the cord with the button pushed in and flooding the engine. Tried off an on over a hour. Found your video, tried your tips and had it started in less then 30 seconds. Then was able to easily start it the next half dozen times I let it turn off. Great tips. super greatful.
You almost lost me with the comment about age 😁 I'm nearing 80 and still using saws up in trees; I have changed to more careful work habits, ie, no longer climbing with just spikes and hands until time to start the saw! Just kidding about losing me! Love your channel, great information and enjoy watching!
Found your channel looking for small engine starting & maintenance tips snd tricks. I've been running an echo 590 for a couple years. Your cold start tips are gold! Started cold in 3 pulls! Tried on my very old 750evl. Harder to pull but started in 2! The tip on the 590 de-comp valve is great advice as I've flooded it as a newbie.
Thank you for this one! Hadn't used my Husqvarna for almost a year. Didn't use the decompression button and it started on the second hard pull! Take care, Dave
Excellent video! This technique really works. I really like my 800P, but have never cared for starting it. Doing it your way, it popped on the 2nd pull and started on the 3rd. Thanks for making my saw more enjoyable to use! You earned a sub with this one- looking forward to learning more from you in the future. Have a great day!
I got a brand new chinese 84cc unit with Easy-start and had a lot of trouble getting it going. Found your video, did some experimenting and came up with the following method. Step 1: Ignition OFF, choke HALF position - pull over compression 2 or three times. Step 2: Ignition ON, choke OFF - 1 or two proper hard starts. GOING! :) :) Yes the main problem is flooding. Even with that minimal choke usage there's a tiny puff of black smoke when it starts. Thanks for your straight-forward presentation. It made a lot of sense to me and saved a lot of swearing ;). 10 stars!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and thoughts , between yourself,and Steve’s small engine repairs you have solved so many of my small engine issues , grateful for all your help
I had a 440 like the one in your video. I prefer using the compression release because it seems like it's easier on the pull cords. I like the idea of skipping the first compression stroke though. 🤘😎
Thanks for your tips😁 I’m new to the world of chain saws and chopping fire wood I’ve recently up graded from a echo CS-4200ES to a Stihl 038 Magnum (second hand but from a dealership) I asked the guy what was the difference between that one and the one that I already had he replied “there is no way to compare them they are totally different machines!” Wow he was right! So much fun it should have came with a big warning sticker “ highly addictive!!!” I have had a couple problems starting occasionally with it ripping the pull starts out of my hand. I applied a few of your tips and she went first go 🤗😊😁 Thanks 🤙🏻🤘🏻👍🏻
Good video! The other thing that can make, in particular old power saws, hard to start is if the carburetor diaphragm is dried out or split. Most certainly those few steady pulls on the cord would help in this situation as well. Thanks again.
One tip I have found by experience: when starting as in the video, to be sure to push down on the chainsaw with your left hand as you are pulling the cord with the other hand. I find it really makes a difference.
I have tried your easy start compression strokes and it WORKS !!! Great tip ! Try it guys. Recently worked on a older big Stihl power cutter. It was used to cut railroad tracks apart. It was big and heavy and everytime you attempted to start it without using decompression valve it would jerk the start cord out of you hand. (OUCH) hard on the hand and fingers. I normally don't use the decomp valves because you will flood the saw if not careful. Rebuilt an old Husqvarna 3120 for a gentleman one time and I fastened it up in a vise and two handed it to get it started. Lol. Age brings on wisdom . 😅 Love you show !
I want to say that this was by far and away “THE BEST HARD START “ video I’ve ever seen. I have a Stihl 250 that is so hard to pull I literally have to ice my shoulder when I start It. This is a 4 year saw which is always maintained. It is now buried in my shed but as soon as I get it out I will try your method. 2 mechanics say it’s a timing problem. Any comments.
I would also say that it's an ignition problem,maybe not timing,but weak spark ; many brand new engines have borderline spark;just good enough to start when everything's just about perfect.............Also ,if you think about it, a big displacement saw would probably kick back if it was cranked too slow,so to overcome this hazard,maybe some of them have the safety feature of not firing at low cranking speed,in order to reduce the chance of kickback ........but that's what the comp. release is for,to be able to spin the engine with enough reasonable speed to fire off................But still, I think if an engine has GOOD spark,no matter what, IF it's getting(good) gas, it should at least pop off ,in my opinion
The MS250 is in a class of its own when it comes to hard starting. It's not easy to get it to "bark" with the choke on, so it's easy to flood. So you should try never to exceed 4 pulls with the choke on. Once it's flooded, it becomes even more difficult to pull.
I have the same saw! Its one of the hardest things I've ever start!! My fuel is good. But this thing will not start! My 250 is a year old and shouldn't be this hard to start!
I would like to mention that two cycle motors by design can and will " store " excess fuel in the crankcase as this is part of the induction system to the cylinder. Being large can hold a lot of fuel in there. Very difficult to dry out. With the spark plug removed may take quite a few pulls and a clean spark plug to start. AFTER STARTING LET THE MOTOR RUN FOR AT LEAST 5 MINUTES TO CLEAR ALL THE FUEL AND OIL ( 2 STROKE REMEMBER ) FROM THE CRANKCASE. Need to get a little heat to vapoize the remaing fuel. Stay safe......
I am kind of "looking back" on saw use now in older years but to me there were always two issues. One is the sheer strength needed to pull the starter, a big factor the colder the weather. The second is that many average saw users never use the saws enough to learn where the sweet spot for starting is relative to choke position and the steps in choke use. I have Homelite Super XL, Johnsered 910 E and Johnsered 2050 saws. Luckily they all respond to the same choke manipulation, which for me is full choke during starter pulls, until I get a pop. Then I move the choke in a bit (my learned sweet spot for each saw) and then pull again with faithful startups right away. That setting is heavily choked but the saws will idle though sloppily. I use the decompression valve on my 910 E and it is by far the easiest of the saws to start in cold weather. If a guy can, store the saw in a heated room before using during cold weather or even inside the cab of a pickup. Warmth is key to reducing the amount of muscle needed to start.
Spot on ..I find the same for my stihl. A couple of turns before you try to start... then get it to pop on full choke.. then off the choke and bang away she goes... you could bet the house on her every time... seeyah.😐🤨🤔😀😎
I bought a Timberwolf when they first came out and I love it. Last year I bought a CS-2511T and its awesome! With the 12" bar its like a gas powered pocket knife and can easily be used with either hand.
Sometimes I wish they had an electric starter for those chainsaws. When you get older, sometimes you waste all you strength just getting it started. Great video, thanks. I usually have a hard time starting it again when I have to stop it and fill it with gas.
I'm left handed so the pulling and holding the saw down has always been a bit awkward for me. Since I had rotator cuff surgery pulling any starter rope is an adventure. Too bad there isn't an electric start option. I used to have a supersized McCullough saw that I used a drill to start. This was a logging monster with a 28" bar that I rescued from a trashcan. I have had to resort to a cordless saw now. I'm plenty happy with being able to put the saw down, pick it up and press a button and squeeze the saw to life with a gentle touch of the trigger. Three batteries gets me through a spell of firewood cutting for the day. I can get an early start without waking the neighborhood too.
@Larry Powell I would use a drill. I used an impact gun and it stripped the nut off on my stihl ts460 demo saw. Luckily it only damaged the nut and didn't ruin the stud so I was able to fix it cheaply.
@Larry Powell That's a good point but I was talking about the threads. Impact guns create a lot of explosive force and in my case stripped the threads out of the inside of the nut. After that incident I have used my drill with a consistent force and haven't had any problems. It was my fault I should have known better.
Hey Chickanic, thanks for making this video! Your knowledge is second to none! I have a MS 271 Farmboss for 7 years and no problems!👍🏻 I saw how you curl your wrist when you pull, that's going to be my new way from now on. Keep up the good work sister!🇺🇦☮✌🏻
@Alan Ross I noticed that as well, On the 590, you will scrape off the top of your hand because of the sharp lines of the case there. I learned to ALWAYS wear gloves when starting it. OUCH! I thought that might be the reason for it.
Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B
I been bustin my butt trying to start my chainsaw, its been sitting since may, with my bad shoulder, itds been a serious pain to start...so i just did exactly what you just demonstrated, GUYS it turned over without breakin a sweat. it took 20 seconds a couple of short cranks..and there she is started right up...Girl you truly are one heck of a CHICKANIC ..... Thank you ma'am
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This tip has saved my shoulder! I'm a 65 year old lady that had a triple bypass about 2.5 years ago. Had to get slabwood for 2 years and a battery saw because I didnt have the strength to start my gas saws. Exercise, weights, time and this tip has got me back to cutting and splitting 14 cords for my winter wood. Thanks so much for the help!
Just turned 60, and have used chainsaws for about thirty years. I stay super fit and take good care of myself, consuming lots of vegetables, and protein, with the hard days I put in on our property. There's no greater satisfaction than being self-sufficient.
Your hired 😂
That's a lot of wood. I got about that much over at my grandfather's waiting to be cut up with my 372 non xtorq. Saw is one hell of a beast. Best saw for everything in my opinion
nothing better then a smart person with experience sharing their knowledge that's her 100%!!!
I just stumbled across your channel this a.m., saw your post on this topic, had to see it. Like a bunch of the commenters, I've some trigger time on saws. I grew up in rural western Oregon running chain saws, working in the woods about the same time I hit puberty, lol. Most of the years since, saws have been part of my life, all sizes, mostly "pro" saws. It's obvious just in this one post of yours how many readers gained a trick or two with saws from watching it. My compliments on your teaching chops. I'm an old mule, 76 now, been in harness many years, learned a lot. But I'm gonna subscribe & hit your bell, because I reckon I can keep learning, so might as well enjoy it, too. 🤙🏼
I’m on Season 7 of watching Chickanic pull starting chainsaws. Awesome!
it takes a high IQ to simplify a good teacher is rare a great teacher is a gift from above and that you have pulled off like a champ my new go to thank you
The best small engine mechanic I ever had, was a woman that her dad raised in the business. They closed down and I miss her. Finding you on UA-cam was the best thing that happened to me as a do it yourself farm mechanic. Keep up the outstanding work. I wished I lived closer to your business. Thanks.
Much love and respect to you. The more I watch, the more I see one of the guys with smarts and common sense who happens to be a nice lady.
Stumbled upon this video when I had difficulties starting my Dolmar 72cc. Now I follow the Chickanic method and it fires up every time. THANK YOU!!
I am an old man and all through my life I have contended that God did not intend for man to create a single cylinder engine. I have hated chain saws. Thanks to you and your videos I have learned how to do the upkeep on my saws and also how to start them. If you were close I would give you a big hug. You are my hero!!!
I mentioned this clip that has helped me in starting my saws at age 59, nearly 50 years after teaching myself 2 cycle equipment at 10 years old. Not only do I have a Stihl 044 that is a killer compression saw, but an MS660 and a few 111cc Stihl 075 beasts. I have the 111cc saws on my bench to rebuild top to bottom. I can't wait to be pulling them and finding the way to easily start them for my milling projects.
I’m just turned 77 and I love what I’ve learned on your channel. I have 3 Stihl’s, that sit all winter, usually, my FS94 R, a MS250, and my favorite the MS192 TC and they are 10 yrs old. I came upon the pre-start compression pulls by accident.
Of the 3, the FS94 when cold, takes the most umpf to cycle the piston on first start of the day. Then it’s light as a feather to restart. And all the tales about the MS250 are true. You gotta take it off choke after the 1st signs of a pop, then 3 pulls and it’s off to the races.
Thanks for talking about these tools and showing how to diagnose problems with the carbs. Never too old to learn new tricks.
Subscribed because this is the only video I've found that got my Husqvarna 455 Rancher to start. No throttle, no primer, no preasure relief, just turn the switch ON, 3 small pulls, hold the 3rd pull about 6 inches out on rope, pull the 4th pull really fast. Started on the first try. Thank you so much,.
Would that work in a Stihl ?
Honestly I could give you a huge hug. I very nearly slung the bloody thing in the bin, now I can start it with ease every time.
Further to my last comment, what is important to remember is that this tutorial is mainly for large cc chainsaws. I have a husky rancher which starts easy any time, cold, hot, just put fuel in etc,etc. It was my larger cc chainsaw that was a pain to start and was less than a year old. Now though, no problem at all. Thank-you very much.
I have watched several of your videos. They have a lot of great information in them. It is so much more pleasing to watch you work on chainsaws than a hairy legged dude! The internet can’t have too many videos of you starting chainsaws!
You really helped me with my Timberwolf. I was out cleaning up downed trees and I gave the TW another chance after watching your video. It performed fantastic. I did your starting procedure and wow, I have a new saw. I got almost 3 hours of use with the saw. I have had it for 3 years and didn’t even have a hour on it. You are the real deal. Thank you very much. I am now a subscriber.
At 80 I have been using chainsaws for a good number of DECADES and have been able to "muscle" thru a hard starting Stihl 460 that I got about 20 years back, that is until a couple years ago,. I have never had anyone be able to tell me how to make it easier to start. Thank you, even "old dogs" can learn something, and anyone who will not listen to a "woman" could be missing out on some really good information.
Good for you sir👍
👍👍👍😊👏👏👏
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Respect to you sir. Young man always learning from the experience and more veterans like your self, just like now. God bless.
@@Mr.A.1776 yea, 72 here. I know you didn’t get to be 80 by being close minded. You have probably listened to a woman’s advice a lot in your life. 😊
460???? You dog!!!!
Thanks Chickanic, finally someone that properly explains and includes the wheres and whyfores. I will watch this video over and over and commit its content to my memory !!! .....
I'm over 50 and not at all new to chainsaws. Quite a bit experienced in repairing and operating many different types of small engines. But I learned something from this video that makes great sense and I can't believe I had never known before. Pulling the cord slightly a few times to get the piston moving, and getting it set in place for an initial compression stroke, is one of the wisest things I've learned in awhile. Just using this simple tip is going to make my time with any 2 stroke engine a lot more productive and a whole lot less aggravating. Thanks so much for posting such a great and informative video.
Love my 372xp but for most of the 20 years I've used it, I felt like it abused me by spending most of our start time flooded. Then with my 80th birthday rapidly approaching here comes this girl chainsaw mechanic and shows me (us) the easy way to start it. And for a bonus, showed me the fundamentals of how a chainsaw breaths and what a carburetor can do. Thanks Chickanic.
My neighbour here in Sweden age 88 years borrowed my Husqvarna 372xpg with 20" bar and cut all trees that fell in a storm because it was easier to start than his old 1960's saws.
Great job on how to start those saws, I been doing it for 40 years now you told them right, on how to due it, thanks for the post,
Hi Bre, I've been watching your channel for about 2 years now and you're a great teacher. I want to say that I think you're a very kind person also, especially on what you said about why some can't start the chainsaw anymore. QUOTE: "Sometimes you get to an age where you just can't pull it hard enough anymore." That's my problem now. I'm close to 70 years old and age is having an affect on me. I've always worked on all of my own machines, but sometimes it does get difficult. Again, I just want to say thanks for being gentle with your words, it shows your compassion. Keep up the great work, I love watching your videos.
Good deal
I really like your videos! I’m a old retired small engine technician! I managed an Echo dealer for many years and starting chainsaws was one of my biggest customer complaints ! Your never too old to learn something new!
Great video
👍
Thanks for this video. I discovered how right you are about us old folks when I couldn't start my old Stihl 038, even though it was running the day before. Turned out two pulls from my 22-year-old grandson and it started just fine. I'm glad I didn't have to listen to any smart mouth comments, but the look he gave me said it all.
I was so frustrated while trying to start my brand new CS-590,that I was kicking it around my back patio. This video saved my pull starting arm and probably prevented me from breaking a foot or toe!
Off topic, but if it's so much safer to start saws on the ground, manufacturers should make that handle area big enough for a steel toed work boot to fit in. I don't usually wear my Chuck Taylors when I'm doing tree work.
+ Josh Jetrod For the Echo, I found that pulling with choke on until the first pop and then choke off will get it started nearly always. I could not figure out why it wouldn't start until I used that sequence.
Did kicking it around the patio help it start ? :-)
They actually recommend the between the legs hold when starting it. I don't know if it's any good since I always drop start my saws unless they are flooded, in which case I put them on the ground and jam the throttle wide open with my steel toed sawing boots as best as I can since it doesn't really fit so I have to apply constant pressure with the toe.
The danger with starting it on the ground is if you lose balance and your toe is stuck in the handle. As your leg instinctively tries to move forward to regain balance, your saw could move in ways that could potentially cut you. Like if you begin to tip forward, you want to put your right foot forward, if you have it in your saw and you are pushing down on it with your left hand, it won't move much. You will probably just tip over and land with your left thigh/knee on your bar.
@Jetrod +1; I was thinking the same thing @ 6:25 watching Bre put that pointy little Bobs slipper in there, thinking "when would I ever be wearing anything like that while starting a saw?"
@@skitidet4302 Stihl recommends both the ground start methods and leg lock method in their manuals. The placement in the manual seems to suggest they prefer the ground start method.
I rebuild and port professional 70+ cc saws all the time, and rolling the saw over several times makes starting these saws so much easier. I’ve been doing this for years and never gave it a second thought. Good job sharing these simple things that really do make life with your small engines easier.
Rolling the saw over? 360 roll?
You are certainly one AWESOME Chickanic! Your videos are very much appreciated!!! Thanks a million!
Tried this technique several times on my Stihl MS170 & 310. Both saws fired up immediately with no hesitations! Thanks for the excellent advice.
This gal knows her stuff! Couldn’t get my brand new cs-590 started and after using the tips from this video, it started right up- thank you very much.
I have a 23 year old Husqvarna 55 that had become almost impossible to start if it had not been started in a while. I had even resorted to removing the spark plug and cranking it a few times, reinserting the plug and then starting it. I was just about ready to buy a new saw when I saw this video. Your procedure sure did work on my old saw and now it starts right up. Thanks for video, you just saved me over $600.00 !!!!
Thank you so much! Thanks to you this 65 year old lady got her chain saw started after it hadn’t been used in over a year. After watching you, I realized I wasn’t trying hard enough to pull the chain😅.
I just bought the 450 Husqvarna Rancher. I’m 75 years old. I know what your talking about and believe me. I feel it. I’ve been lucky so far. It’s been a really good saw and easy to start just by following their instructions. Enjoyed your video and hearing the truth. Later
Hello 👋 Gene, how are you doing?
Your amazing, an honest small engine mechanic that I am glad to have found. Thanks for sharing.
Great video haven't used a chainsaw in quite a few years I'm 61. Recently moved off the grid. My old chainsaw starts easier than I ever remember with your tips thank you.
It’s nice to see a woman mechanic who knows her stuff. Great job great video I learn a lot from you. Thank you.❤
I'm watching from Tanzania. I just brought a Husqvarna 272 XP as an upgrade, I just read a few pages of the manual and used for the past two days without any problem. As I continued reading the manual, I came across the decompression valve. When I pressed the valve and pulled the choke it did not start at all and I had to leave it for the whole day and do other things. I'll follow this good advice of yours from now on. Thank you very much!
I have been operating chain saws for 50 years. I am always looking for tips and such. Like what you had to say and appreciate you helping people out. My dad is in his 80s and just dropped down to a Stihl 250 because his 036 and 026 were getting too hard to start. Now I have his saws as well. Thanks
I've been running a saw since age 10, mostly stihl. But that was something nobody ever showed me, pulling it over a couple times slowly then giving it. Makes total sense. Thanks for the tip.
Man, wish I'd come across Chickanic years ago. Was about to go to HD to buy another chainsaw. Saw the video. Did exactly what she said. The sound of the engine starting was the sweetest sound I've heard all week!
OMG thank you for your help in starting Echo Chainsaw. You saved me frustration👍😊 I am approaching age where my pull strength isn’t what it used to be but I’m determined enough to keep trying
At 67 years old, I’ve been using chainsaws most of my life. This is a great tutorial and all new users should watch this! I have Echo, Stihl, and Husqvarna. All are easy to start using the method illustrated. Thanks for sharing this one.
I am 67 years old and I have a CS-590.They can be a little difficult to start but, I usually get it within 3 pulls. I will try this method.
@@jamesdavis8021 do not start a chainsaw like that that is extremely dangerous what the Husqvarna how to start
I always make sure the chain is locked before trying to start.
@@jamesdavis8021 I've been working for B.I.A fire for 8 years we have to do class every year for Sawyer qualifications and the proper way is to lock chain put the saw head in-between you legs and pull ground starting is dangerous because you have no control it's extremely dangerous and never drop start a chainsaw. Chainsaws are not a toy it's a very dangerous piece of equipment everyone should do a class on how to and not do before owning a chainsaw
Also never where sandles when operating any equipment don't think I'm saying this to pick on women running saws there are some very good women sawyers on the fire line
Thank you - after watching 10+ other guys try to explain things - yours was simple and effective on the FIRST TRY!
Thank you again for the help - Appreciate it.
The Echo chain saw is the best I've ever owned, and I'd had many different brands over my 74 years. It was the easiest to start by far.
Awesome video! I've officially switched to Ego battery-operated tools to take care of all my yardwork. My property is just over an acre, and other than chopping up big fallen branches or pruning, I don't regularly have too much chainsaw work on the property. Most of the chainsaw work I do is when I go out to chop up firewood to store for winter use. My little chainsaw performs beautifully! It cuts right thru the wood with no problem, and it's so nice to just squeeze the trigger and it immediately starts every time.
I have been fixing small engines for 60 years. I have learned alot of tricks watching your show. Thx
CS590 is my favorite and has never failed me!! Of course, in the early days, I had to learn exactly what your video is all about. Great info for new buyers......and old stubborn ones too!
I grew up fixing chain saws (40 years ago) and never figured out the "pull it slow method" of prepping a saw to start. Thanks- I enjoy your videos !
Great video on chainsaws. As a 68 year old man, I appreciated your sensitivity.
After watching your video, I could pull it again!
Love the tone, pragmatic approach and tips.
You are my first stop for advice. Next step is weed wackets
Good tips. I`m an old Harley rider and learned to keep trying something different if it doesn`t start. Same with airplanes. My first airplane was hand prop only.
My HD had a specific way. Kick only, higher compression, big cams. But it was a 2 kick, 3 kick cold, 1 kick hot. It used to flip people out. But, I credit the Dyna ignition and S&S carb for that.
Its perfectly logical to pull the cord just enough to get past the first compression stroke and from there to pull vigorously as you end up with greater momentum to generate adequate spark and less resistance to spinning the crankshaft. Kudos to you for identifying this fact.
I found that out with trial and error on mine. But I did not know why. She explained it!
On a two-stroke, every stroke is a compression stroke! The first couple of short strokes "primes" the engine.
@@radamson1 yep that's true but in order identify a compression stroke when pulling the cord it's the first time to TDC hence the term first compression stroke. Hope that explains where I was coming from.
Rotating just past the first compression peak gives you a running start at the next peak
Thank you! This was beyond helpful. You provided the much needed explanation as to why this was happening.
I put in fresh non-alcohol gas, a new spark plug and tried your method to start a hard starting chain saw. SUCCESS!!!!!! I wish I would have known all this years ago.
Thank you!!!!!
I like the " get past the first compression point " suggestion. I'll have to try that. Thanks. Nice vette by the way :)
I have an Echo CS-510 EVL and am doing some serious maintenance on it and have it all apart and have been checking out UA-cam videos and believe the starting issues I have experienced with it are related to the choke and pull start method. I have been studying all your videos and really appreciate your videos and they are enlightening. I think your videos will help me turn the corner on using this thing for my works. I thank you for your efforts.
Great tips in your video. I mostly use 25cc saws, so they are a lo easier to start than the big ones. For what I do on our property, I don't need to use a big saw that often. I still have my Stihl 015L saw that I bought almost 50 years ago. I've done main bearings and seals and replaced the carburettor, but it's still running the original ring. All the best from Queensland Australia.
Girl you are the shit ,learned more from you in 2 minutes than 30 minutes listening to the guys on this channel, Thanks
I have a Jonsered 70 E . It has been in my family since the 80s when I was in school. The last several years it starts up fine then I can't seem to start it again for a day. I tried your trick on getting past that first compression and it works just fine each start. You taught this old dog a new trick. Thank you, little lady, you saved my bacon from spending 1400.00 on a new saw. Keep up the great work. I am subscribing now. Have a great Thanksgiving! 😊
You just saved the day, I was on the verge of returning a brand new Echo because it had NEVER started right up. I follow the manual to a T and end up spending an exhausting, frustrating half hour of cycling through that procedure before grabbing my axe... Or before it finally starts. Great work youre doing and thank you!
When your foot is too big to fit in the handle,
I use a a 1 foot long piece of 2x4 to hold the handle down and step on the board.
i also use that method to hold her down when starting
Same here, 👍
Good info. I wear boots when using my saw and the boots are too big to fit in the handle. So, I'll try the 2×4 method.
I step over the saw and put my heel on the plate. None of that where is that Fing piece of wood now BS.
😁😁👍👍👍👍
Absolutely the best advice ever! I tried for about an hour to get this Timberwolf 590 started again. Had it going working a minute with your advice. Thank you so much. 😊
The timing of this video was perfect! I just bought a Timberwolf, and it started right up the first time I tried it. After it was warmed up, I turned it off and tried a restart: 20 pulls, and it was a no-go. I pulled the spark plug, and yes, I had flooded it! I had no idea about the impulse to the carb, and since I’ve tried your tips, it is SO much easier to start! Excellent video, thank you!
Awesome! Glad I could help!
@@Chickanic that’s what I was worrying about when buying my TW saw. Being strong enough to pull it with my back injury.
I have a 590 Timberwolf as well and it does flood easily as well. I realize this now more with this video. I also don't press the decompression button and just man up. Once that thing is running it is a beast especially with a Rapco tungsten carbide tipped chain.
@@henrent I really like mine, so far. It is a powerhouse cutter for sure!
"Sometimes you get to the age where you just can't pull it anymore"
That's what she said.
Usually my big Sthil saw starts very hard in cold weather. My method is to bring it inside a heated building for a few hours befor trying to start it outdoors. Always makes it easy to start. Clean air filter helps as well. And as for safety, glad to see the use of chaps in this video.
As for safety, why no peaked helmet. My understanding is it reduces the chance of injury from kickback....
Another idea is to take out the spark plug, make sure it is clean and heat it slightly with a blow torch before putting it back and starting the saw.
I inherited my late husband's Echo CS-450P chainsaw. I am 73 years old, and that saw has been a source of trouble cold starting it-I think if you just look at it the wrong way it floods itself out-"Nope, I don't want to cut any wood today-go away". I found your site, did as you posted and miracle of miracles it actually started without dislocating my shoulder & flooding out. A Big Thank You! I also have the Old Mans hand me down of a gas Echo SRM-210 weed trimmer. This is also a pain in the ass to start, flooding out too. I think tinker with that as well. I used to work in the oil fields as a roustabout, mechanic on various cars/trucks back in the day as well as drive a truck & saw up my firewood for the last 26 years. Back in the day there weren't many women doing those kind of jobs/work. Warning-you work too hard when you are younger and you pay the price with a wore out body by the time you hit 50! Best, Bridget
always took two saw with me when going away from home so if the first one didn't want to restart after a refill I'd grab the other, I'll try your advice next time. BTW, great safety shoes to go along with the chaps.
thanks for your tips, always helpful.
HaHaHaaaa What's Safety Shoes.....To make sure you don't get any chips in your shoes?
@@Eddie.D346 ???
@@mikeandnoleane07 That's a joke
I REALLY enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for the starting tip. What a difference it makes when starting a cold chain saw! I cannot begin tell you just how much you have saved me in time and money, performing my own maintenance and repairs on all my saws. I also appreciate your honesty when it comes to evaluating different saws. I was literally on the verge of buying a Neotec chainsaw when I saw your video and changed my mind. I guess there is a good reason why they cost so little (you get what you pay for). I ended up buying a Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II and yes, it was a lot more expensive than the Neotec but, I know it will last, runs and cuts like no other saw I have ever owned. Thanks again and keep posting!
I just wanted to say thank you!
I've watched several videos for my 590 and your method IS the best for consistency.
THANK YOU
Keep up the good work.
I've been beating myself up trying to start my Stihl MS 290 for years. I FINALLY saw someone do the slow, short pulls to get past that first compression stroke . . . and my world was rocked! Now I truly look forward to cranking my saw. SO much easier . . . and it runs like a champ. Great saw. Thanks for going into detail about why your starting method is SO much better. I love your channel.
I was getting seriously aggravated trying to follow Echos starting instructions for the CS-590, it's nothing short of amazing how well this actually works. 2 slow pulls, 1 rip, and it's off a running! Thank you!
Really? I get sooo tired of women staging every frame around cleavage to ensure male viewing; and then; feigning outrage when caught.
That saw has issues starting and was reason didn't buy one. Go ahead and look around online, Echo knows about it..
@@dieseldabz7104 And yet it's started every single time reliably for the last 5 months now that I know how to do it right ;)
I had my Stihl serviced a couple of months ago but still had problems starting it…I watched numerous videos to figure it out…I watched yours, grabbed my saw and was shocked when it started on my 4th pull..amazing….thank you
Great video. Starting equipment is a bit of an art, and these kinds of tips really do help.
I worked in equipment rentals for ages. Stihl saws in particular can be a nightmare. I've got 'the touch', and there's still been plenty that have defeated me. Heh, I've seen grown men brought to tears. For my own peace of mind, I typically buy Echo. Even when they're stubborn, they *always* end up starting, and that's everything.
I consider my self a fairly strong guy. Work on the farm every day. Lift lots of bags of feed and wrestle animals, but I cannot pull my Echo saw. I have a Sthil and it always starts easy never fail. So I hate this echo that I am not able to use. One thing that really drives me crazy is that there is not room to put my foot on it so it slips out and the saw goes flying up in the air. All of my other equipment is Echo and I love them. I’ve never had problems getting things to start. I’m good with the starting part. It’s the pulling of this particular saw that sucks. If I could hold it down, it wouldn’t be hard.
Hey, quickly wanted to say thanks for making quality and informative videos. I cut hundreds of trees a year and felt pretty knowledgeable about saws but I’ve recently discovered your channel and watched a ton of your stuff and picked up quite a few tips and tricks. You rock, thanks for sharing your experience.
With chainsaws you get what you pay for I will never own anything again that doesn't steel
THANK YOU SO MUCH, this method of pulling the starter cord solved my chainsaw problem after months of not being able to figure out what went wrong with my Echo saw. The Facebook groups didn’t help and there’s too many macho wise guys, so even more THANK YOU for your video and expertise!!
As a CS-590 owner, I don’t use the decompression button. I actually find that it makes it harder/less likely to start. It’s a nice idea. Maybe it works on other saws, but not on mine. And now I know why.
Thanks for the tips.
My 72 cc Husqvarna responds very well to the decompression button - it's all about finding the correct start sequence for each chainsaw - 'cause they're all different ...
@@paulreid2223 yeah it’s handy when you have a 10 + hp chainsaw
Yea, I don't use mine on my CS501p either, it just starts so well.
I have been using chainsaws for years. I thought I knew everything about chainsaws. You proved that there are still things to be learned. I'm gong to try that with my chainsaw when I get home. Thanks for the video!!
You raised my curiosity. You've been using chainsaws for years, what remotely could you have learned from this video that is not mentioned in the saws accompanying user guide?
@@roseymalino9855 he's been using them for years, not reading the manuals for years!
Well did it help on starting it easier? Myself, I never use decompression button and I never pull more than twice on choke even if I don't hear it pop, then i unchoke it and pull til it starts. Mine always starts bout 3 or 4th pull from cold start
Thanks you saved the day! I haven’t been able to start my Echo 590 for over a year. Today I used your technique and it fired up, allowing me to cut a cord of firewood.
Great information as usual, I was a service manager for 23 years (mostly Stihl, but we tried to cover all), I always stressed starting any chainsaw on the ground. Our Stihl distributor/trainers were adamant about this, mostly due to product liability issues. To this day the only saw I ever drop-started was the top handled trim saws and that was seldom. Safety is key to using ANY power equipment.
Ground starting is for sure the best, but, I can start my 880 Stihl drop starting, and, up in the tree, even with my 391, and what ever saw is up there, there is not much choice. Most people should not own a saw.
I don't think I've ever started a top handled saw on the ground before (I've owned several). You sure can't do it while climbing. Same with a larger saw when you're up in a tree. No choice. I sure wish they had those nice battery powered saws back in my day. Never need to start them. No hot exhaust in your face, no more gasoline to mess with, and more torque as well (not more top end horsepower, but good enough).
@@treeguyable ... "Most people shouldn't own a saw".. That doesn't even come close to the reality of it. I can't think of a more dangerous piece of equipment that can be bought by anyone with just a credit card and a smile. It reminds me of people thinking that they can't get hurt on a moped, like they can on a motorcycle. Bail off at 30 M.P.H.... it's the same as bailing off a Hayabusa at 30 M.P.H.//... only difference is protective gear, and that the Hayabusa had better brakes and handling. Kick back from a plug in electric, or kick back from an 80 CC saw will rip into skin equally as well.
That anyone can walk into any brand Dealership and buy anything they want is terrifying.
@@charles09361 True, I have been able all my life, to aqquire anything I wanted, fast bikes, fast cars, chainsaws, trimmers, power tools, climbing gear, bobcats, boats, chippers, pistols, ars',aks', etc. How I ever made it to 65 intact, not sure, but I am a big chicken . Still ride my R1, and climb trees everyday, so , I am workin against the odds. 😏
@@treeguyable LOL.. Man after my own heart.. Bought a 1985 Honda 1000 Interceptor three years ago as a retirement gift ( bucket list ) gift to myself. Sold it a year ago when I retired to somewhere where there was just too much gravel road to get to a highway. Damn glad that I didn't buy it new in '85... probably wouldn't be here today. I don't climb anymore, I use a bow and arrow ( over and back) to put a tag line up high enough to get proper leverage, and yank with the atv, and then slice and dice on the ground. No more cutting for bucks, just enough to keep the property clear.😎
To start a flooded chainsaw, put it on the ground , stick your boot/shoe up under the tigger, depressing it to full on, wide open throttle, then pull the starter as many times as needed. It will eventually restart. Great tips and video by the way!
I am a long term user and never knew this method until quite recently. Seems totally counter indicative, but for some reason unknown to me works.? Can you tell me why?
Not so sure of her not using the decompress. Ripped the tendons on my shoulder a few years back, with a heavy saw.
@@nicholasgrubb151 For flooded chainsaw this lets in full throttle air even though carb does not have full vacuum so this leans the mix going into crank case, allowing also cylinder to push out excessive fuel fumes and as mentioned it dries it eventually to get good enough fuel air ratio to ignite, though caveat to this is that spark plug might be drowned in fuel and oil and wont give good enough spark. Sparking does warm the plug a bit but it will take while before it works as intended and this is why you should always carry both spare spark plug well as tooling to replace it in case of flooding or general failure of the so called one dollar fault, witch is why you should also carry spares for your dirt bikes etc machines cause you dont want to be left hanging middle of the job or no where due one dollar/cheap part. Nothing prevents you swapping the plug back in after saw is running again, but it will remove one fault point, though do pull couple times to clear out fuel in the chamber so you dont flood the new plug right away. Clearing the chamber with out plug in place creates far less vacuum when piston is going up so again way less fuel gets into crank case drying it further. Also keep lighter with you. Saved me many times to just heat it up and burn out the oil and fuel that might be shorting the plug giving weaker spark. I usually work few hundred meters from those spares but if you work anywhere further keep spares with you. Easy enough to have them in same bag where you keep your sharpening tools.
Simple rule with this is to pull say dozen times with full throttle and after you are done cursing check the plug if its wet. Heat on spark also helps it to evaporate better though this could be so little that does it really matter, but could be a thing.
Of course take this with grain of salt, i'm no mechanic just guy that has some experience on tinkering and working with old worn out machines and has gotten thing working, what ever it is due "expertise", dumb luck, sprinkling holy oils to peace the machine spirit or endurance to keep going and testing different things until something chances enough to get it working. Just my view to consider.
Your's is excellent advice. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thanks so much for this video. worked perfectly. I was having troubles starting TImber Wolf 590 that I'd rented for a few hours. I've never been good with starting gas chainsaws.....ever, which is why i tend to chump out and go with the electric ones. However, I needed something with more "get up and go" for a rough tree. I was doing exactly what you described, not getting enough ooomph on the cord with the button pushed in and flooding the engine. Tried off an on over a hour. Found your video, tried your tips and had it started in less then 30 seconds. Then was able to easily start it the next half dozen times I let it turn off. Great tips. super greatful.
You almost lost me with the comment about age 😁 I'm nearing 80 and still using saws up in trees; I have changed to more careful work habits, ie, no longer climbing with just spikes and hands until time to start the saw!
Just kidding about losing me! Love your channel, great information and enjoy watching!
But ... Are you too old to pull it hard enough?
Just great Sir! Keep rocking!
Found your channel looking for small engine starting & maintenance tips snd tricks. I've been running an echo 590 for a couple years. Your cold start tips are gold! Started cold in 3 pulls! Tried on my very old 750evl. Harder to pull but started in 2! The tip on the 590 de-comp valve is great advice as I've flooded it as a newbie.
Thank you for this one! Hadn't used my Husqvarna for almost a year. Didn't use the decompression button and it started on the second hard pull!
Take care, Dave
Excellent video! This technique really works. I really like my 800P, but have never cared for starting it. Doing it your way, it popped on the 2nd pull and started on the 3rd. Thanks for making my saw more enjoyable to use! You earned a sub with this one- looking forward to learning more from you in the future. Have a great day!
The first couple of short pulls to get through first compression is genius!
I got a brand new chinese 84cc unit with Easy-start and had a lot of trouble getting it going. Found your video, did some experimenting and came up with the following method. Step 1: Ignition OFF, choke HALF position - pull over compression 2 or three times. Step 2: Ignition ON, choke OFF - 1 or two proper hard starts. GOING! :) :) Yes the main problem is flooding. Even with that minimal choke usage there's a tiny puff of black smoke when it starts. Thanks for your straight-forward presentation. It made a lot of sense to me and saved a lot of swearing ;). 10 stars!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and thoughts , between yourself,and Steve’s small engine repairs you have solved so many of my small engine issues , grateful for all your help
Check out Donnyboy73. He is from Muskoka Ontario.
I had a 440 like the one in your video. I prefer using the compression release because it seems like it's easier on the pull cords. I like the idea of skipping the first compression stroke though. 🤘😎
Thanks for your tips😁
I’m new to the world of chain saws and chopping fire wood
I’ve recently up graded from a echo CS-4200ES to a Stihl 038 Magnum (second hand but from a dealership) I asked the guy what was the difference between that one and the one that I already had he replied “there is no way to compare them they are totally different machines!”
Wow he was right! So much fun it should have came with a big warning sticker “ highly addictive!!!”
I have had a couple problems starting occasionally with it ripping the pull starts out of my hand. I applied a few of your tips and she went first go 🤗😊😁
Thanks 🤙🏻🤘🏻👍🏻
Good video! The other thing that can make, in particular old power saws, hard to start is if the carburetor diaphragm is dried out or split. Most certainly those few steady pulls on the cord would help in this situation as well. Thanks again.
One tip I have found by experience: when starting as in the video, to be sure to push down on the chainsaw with your left hand as you are pulling the cord with the other hand. I find it really makes a difference.
I have tried your easy start compression strokes and it WORKS !!! Great tip ! Try it guys. Recently worked on a older big Stihl power cutter. It was used to cut railroad tracks apart. It was big and heavy and everytime you attempted to start it without using decompression valve it would jerk the start cord out of you hand. (OUCH) hard on the hand and fingers. I normally don't use the decomp valves because you will flood the saw if not careful. Rebuilt an old Husqvarna 3120 for a gentleman one time and I fastened it up in a vise and two handed it to get it started. Lol. Age brings on wisdom . 😅 Love you show !
I want to say that this was by far and away “THE BEST HARD START “ video I’ve ever seen. I have a Stihl 250 that is so hard to pull I literally have to ice my shoulder when I start It. This is a 4 year saw which is always maintained. It is now buried in my shed but as soon as I get it out I will try your method. 2 mechanics say it’s a timing problem. Any comments.
Wow, thanks!
I would also say that it's an ignition problem,maybe not timing,but weak spark ; many brand new engines have borderline spark;just good enough to start when everything's just about perfect.............Also ,if you think about it, a big displacement saw would probably kick back if it was cranked too slow,so to overcome this hazard,maybe some of them have the safety feature of not firing at low cranking speed,in order to reduce the chance of kickback ........but that's what the comp. release is for,to be able to spin the engine with enough reasonable speed to fire off................But still, I think if an engine has GOOD spark,no matter what, IF it's getting(good) gas, it should at least pop off ,in my opinion
The MS250 is in a class of its own when it comes to hard starting. It's not easy to get it to "bark" with the choke on, so it's easy to flood. So you should try never to exceed 4 pulls with the choke on. Once it's flooded, it becomes even more difficult to pull.
I have the same saw! Its one of the hardest things I've ever start!! My fuel is good. But this thing will not start! My 250 is a year old and shouldn't be this hard to start!
I would like to mention that two cycle motors by design can and will " store " excess fuel in the crankcase as this is part of the induction system to the cylinder. Being large can hold a lot of fuel in there. Very difficult to dry out. With the spark plug removed may take quite a few pulls and a clean spark plug to start. AFTER STARTING LET THE MOTOR RUN FOR AT LEAST 5 MINUTES TO CLEAR ALL THE FUEL AND OIL ( 2 STROKE REMEMBER ) FROM THE CRANKCASE. Need to get a little heat to vapoize the remaing fuel. Stay safe......
I am kind of "looking back" on saw use now in older years but to me there were always two issues. One is the sheer strength needed to pull the starter, a big factor the colder the weather. The second is that many average saw users never use the saws enough to learn where the sweet spot for starting is relative to choke position and the steps in choke use. I have Homelite Super XL, Johnsered 910 E and Johnsered 2050 saws. Luckily they all respond to the same choke manipulation, which for me is full choke during starter pulls, until I get a pop. Then I move the choke in a bit (my learned sweet spot for each saw) and then pull again with faithful startups right away. That setting is heavily choked but the saws will idle though sloppily. I use the decompression valve on my 910 E and it is by far the easiest of the saws to start in cold weather. If a guy can, store the saw in a heated room before using during cold weather or even inside the cab of a pickup. Warmth is key to reducing the amount of muscle needed to start.
Spot on ..I find the same for my stihl. A couple of turns before you try to start... then get it to pop on full choke.. then off the choke and bang away she goes... you could bet the house on her every time... seeyah.😐🤨🤔😀😎
Mom
I have watched several of your helpful videos by now. Getting the cat to come over the fence in view for the closing takes real talent.
I bought a Timberwolf when they first came out and I love it. Last year I bought a CS-2511T and its awesome! With the 12" bar its like a gas powered pocket knife and can easily be used with either hand.
Some have said the 2511T is a little cold blooded and sometimes reluctant to start. Do you agree?
@@lwthowe It can be, but is no worse than my CS-590 Timberwolf. They both always are running in 3 or 4 pulls.
Sometimes I wish they had an electric starter for those chainsaws. When you get older, sometimes you waste all you strength just getting it started. Great video, thanks. I usually have a hard time starting it again when I have to stop it and fill it with gas.
Too bad completely electric chain saws don’t exist. Oh wait, they do.
Just don't run out the gas to the end...Just refuel it before it dies.l do that and it works.🙂
Perhaps one the best, but definitely most useful channels on UA-cam!🇨🇦
I'm left handed so the pulling and holding the saw down has always been a bit awkward for me. Since I had rotator cuff surgery pulling any starter rope is an adventure. Too bad there isn't an electric start option. I used to have a supersized McCullough saw that I used a drill to start. This was a logging monster with a 28" bar that I rescued from a trashcan. I have had to resort to a cordless saw now. I'm plenty happy with being able to put the saw down, pick it up and press a button and squeeze the saw to life with a gentle touch of the trigger. Three batteries gets me through a spell of firewood cutting for the day. I can get an early start without waking the neighborhood too.
They also make mains powered saws. My mate had one as he couldn't start anything with a starting ford.
@Larry Powell I would use a drill. I used an impact gun and it stripped the nut off on my stihl ts460 demo saw. Luckily it only damaged the nut and didn't ruin the stud so I was able to fix it cheaply.
@Larry Powell That's a good point but I was talking about the threads. Impact guns create a lot of explosive force and in my case stripped the threads out of the inside of the nut. After that incident I have used my drill with a consistent force and haven't had any problems. It was my fault I should have known better.
Hey Chickanic, thanks for making this video! Your knowledge is second to none! I have a MS 271 Farmboss for 7 years and no problems!👍🏻 I saw how you curl your wrist when you pull, that's going to be my new way from now on. Keep up the good work sister!🇺🇦☮✌🏻
a point I missed - I always tell people to do that when they're learning to start pull toys. it helps the grip significantly.
@Alan Ross I noticed that as well, On the 590, you will scrape off the top of your hand because of the sharp lines of the case there. I learned to ALWAYS wear gloves when starting it. OUCH! I thought that might be the reason for it.
I'm 66 year young grandma and after this video even I can start our chainsaw. Thank you so much, keep the videos coming.