Struggling To Start Your Stihl Ms250 Chainsaw? Here's Why!
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- Опубліковано 3 кві 2024
- A lot of customers come in my shop with their Stihl MS250 chainsaw thinking there is a problem with it. In this video I explain what's going on!
Struggling To Start Your Stihl Ms250 Chainsaw? Here's Why!
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#donyboy73 #stihl - Навчання та стиль
If you don't have the strength to pull over your gas chainsaw should you switch over to electric?
Why not switch over to a MS260 with compression release?
he local arborist I talk to has switched to electrics for all his climbing saws. my local power company has switched over to electrics. my local fire district has added electics to all their front line response trucks.
bottom line: if you're a person who uses a saw for less than a full tank of gas at a time, you will get better performance out of a modern electric.
@@d6893my personal saw is an MS260, and it does a thing electrics won't do. I run it with a 32 inch bar and a semi skip chain, and cut small wood standing with the handle resting against my hip. that said, it weighs twice what a milwaukee electric weighs, and up to the length of bar the milwaukee comes with, it doesn't cut any faster. I also heat with wood, so I run it long and hard when I run it. a person who only runs a saw for short periods, and especially someone who already has a better line of cordless tools, will get better service from a modern electric.
You better believe it I would always go gas just take care of it and use stabilizer and fogged the carburetor and you will be good for next time
The Devil created the two stroke engine or the carburetor for it!
There’s no good time to transition to battery.
Agreed.
Amen!
Hmmm, yet all power tools on construction jobs are battery. You can't even find a corded power tool at the big box stores. What makes chainsaws different?
I had complete tears in the Rotator Cuffs, in Both shoulders, so I have eliminate all hard pulling, well, everything from my life. I'm going to electric. So while you yagoos are pulling and pulling on your 250, 500, etc., taking it apart to see why it's not starting, whatever, I'll be cuttin' wood.
I've had my 250 around 20 years and still runs strong, love it .
They are good saws!
Morning donyboy73, I just bought another ms 250 couple days ago. I really ❤ it. First 250 I bought 6 years ago and still running very strong 💪 no issues. Called keeping up with maintenance. I am close to 70 now and still no problems starting. You have a great day young man. Enjoy life. 😉 ❤🦅🦅🦅🙏👏
"It's not me, it's you."
(Stihl, MS250, apr 5 2024)
My old Husq hasn’t been started since early last year and it fired right up yesterday with some fresh gas. Having equipment that starts is easy when you follow Donyboy!
I have the ms251, same thing, hard to pull over. There is a lot of complaints online but no one has straight out said, "it's the saw, there is nothing wrong". Thanks for being someone who finally said it, I've been scratching my head about this issue for a long time.
Stihl originally used this same starter pulley on the MS170/017 and then used it on the 021, 023, and sadly, the 025/MS250. The problem is, as mentioned in the video, that the lever arm of the small pulley is inadequate for the displacement and compression of the MS250. These saws have always been too hard to pull over. Although I believe them to be the best bang for the buck in a homeowner saw, I would not recommend them for anyone without good upper body strength and definitely not for anyone with shoulder injuries. If you have the strength, buy one, but if not, steer clear.
I have one of these which I've only been able to start once! Glad to know it isn't just me having a difficult time starting it.
Thanks for the info Donny . I'll stick to my gas saws.
Same here!
Same
Your content never disappoints. Thank you.
I like my 250. Used it for my firewood permit last year. I haven't used it since. I drained and ran it dry per Stihl storage instruction and it's in a case in the basement. Should be good. I'll run it soon just so it gets some work. Once I got used to starting it it was fine. Once it's warm it is very easy to start.
I am 86 6-4 220 lbs I have never been able to hand crank my Stihl. I finally learned how to start by drop starting. Hold it waste high and forcefully push it toward the ground while pulling on the starting handle. I can start it every time now. This is my 4th chainsaw and the most trouble.
Sometimes installing an Elasto start rope and handle is a big help. Stihl makes them for most models. They also make 1mm cylinder base gaskets for many models.
I have this exact same saw! Thank you Dony!!!
Nobody is going from that to electric, no way
I'm so sorry for Canada and California beginning to ban this stuff. It's JUST SO STUPID. These things BARELY contaminate the environment compared to these billionaires and their private jets :)
I thought the same, Crazy Talk
I meant if you don't have strength to start it
@@donyboy73 I have the strength, but after 20 pulls with it not starting gets pretty tiring.🥴
you would be surprised. arborists, power companies, and fire crews are either adding electric, or converting to electric. high torque, low weight, and guaranteed start are major selling points.
Hey Don great channel, we have a small engine shop as well, what ive done for some older gents is just add a few washers to the spark plug and lower the compression, way easier to start. God bless
Great tip!
My 250 has a easy start absolutely a dream to start evan a child could start it. Thanks Donny from Melbourne AUSTRALIA 👍🤠
It sounds like we have to hit the gym before we try to start a Stihl Ms250. 😉
Haha yes!
I had a MS310, same set up. Loved that saw. Guy at worked nagged me until I sold it to him. Instant sellers remorse even though I hadn't really used it since 2012.
i love the smell of gas and oil in the morning,hate electric peroid.but like you donyboy
Thank you for the video
Love my ms250, my only home saw
I have 2 … never had an issue … go figure
I’m very happy with my stihl battery chainsaw. Granted it’s no MS250 but for ease of use and reliability it’s great. And no noise to bother anyone!
I would say over time more and more people will choose some type of electric model
I have ms 250 since 2009.Start easy
I've picked up 2 of these saws in really nice condition for dirt cheap in the past month (one was $25).
The elderly owners couldn't pull them over anymore.
I have the strength. And i wont stop switching to electric. Sooo much better experience!! chainsaw, mower, hedge trimmer, car -- you name it I am there!!
I'm 70 years old ,got a ms 250 ,don't have any problems with it
Don like always you have the knowledge. Thanks for the great tips 👍
TY for Sharing
took mine to a chiropractor to get some good decompression 😎
lol
😂😂😂
250 is very good and reliable saw. I think the real issue is as suggested at the end. The strengt just isn't there anymore. We all are getting old. And if you haven' t learn easier pulling technic it is time to move toward electric, or ergostart or pressure reliev valve model.
Good to know, Thanks.
On a somewhat related note, that chainsaw reminds me of the 1988 SkiDoo Formula MX470 I used to own - twin cylinder, 462cc, and had around 155 psi compression per cylinder. Let me tell you, it was definitely something else to pull over!
Yes it has a lot of compression and its a bit difficult to start but its one of the best small chainsaws produced by Stihl.Actually i have people asking to buy any used maybe found in good condition due to the success of this model
Good advise 👍
I have several of the EGO line of rechargeables, including their original model of chainsaw. The saw is impressive, but NOT on par with fuel mix models of same size. For quick and light work jobs the electric advantages outweigh the lower cutting performance; add bar oil, slap in a battery and away we go! Storing it is also way more simple, pull the battery and put it on the shelf; no fuel mix to dump and run-out, no worry about gummed-up fuel system. But, for medium to large jobs, the 572XP or 7310 comes out to play - mine have compression release deleated and I am 70 y/o.
Might be a good time to buy gas equipment in California!
I have one that won't start and now have an Ego that works!
Decades ago I had 2 Homelite SXL 925's that registered 175# with the 1st pull!
Putting the saw on the ground and putting a foot in the handle while pulling makes it easier… I’m in the senior category and can still start my cold MS461 and MS661 saws in that way. I can start my MS261 using a knee lock. Once warmed up all of them will restart from the knee lock position.
I have too many saws. MS 170 to ported 661c. MS 250 as well
Ported 046 was high compression added D handle was big help.
Thank you for posting. Someone gave me a MS250. I thought there was something wrong, but it pulled so easy when I removed the plug. I thought maybe I was missing some type of compression release. I found out that if you pull the rope until it makes the first hard grab, then pull it hard, it seems to get easier. I guess I'm getting too old!
Some of the older models had a decompression valve , great improvement that Stihl stopped to sell their Ergostart system
I enjoy your videos much. I bought a well used 250 for $ 90 (too much) at auction, didnt know it was going to rip my fingers off. Wanted a lighter weight saw than my old 031 but a little bigger than the 170. I might have an oiling problem, it does oil but I dont think enough. Preveas owner got the bar blue. Iwatched your video on install new pump but I dont want to go to work and expense if it is no better than what I have now.
My Harbor Fright post hole auger has crazy compression, too. I removed the recoil and spin the engine with an impact gun.
Hi Dony, I bought a MS291 that is similar. I can manage it atm. But it did shock me initially how much compression this thing had. Much more than I was used to.
Ill just pay somebody to crank mine,then ill use it,before i go electric!!
Good advise Dony..keepem coming
2 Strokes FOR LIFE!
Sometimes I'm tired before I start cutting. But nothin' like the smell of exhaust on a cool day.
Have a MS170 which I bought new, was a devil to start from day one. Just replaced the carburetor w/ a chinee from Amazon. Super easy to start now AND will idle, whish I would have done that years ago.
I have an Stihl MS 193t, it's a 30.1 cc I had time a difficult time pulling it over. Compared to my MS 170 it was awful. I first thought the compression was too great do to carbon build up on the piston head, not so. I then replaced the recoil starter assembly with a new Stihl recoil starter. I when I received the new starter assembly, I noticed it had two dogs inside the recoil gear., my old unit only had one. The first start required half the effort, wow! A few months later I installed a Stihl Elastostart. That reduced the required effort a little more. I was going to sell My MS 193T not now. I love it.
A lot of my saws have a compression release which really helps.
Will any of the easy start recoil assemblies fit on the 250?
Hey I’m glad you posted this video. I have a question. I have a MS 250 as well. I put it away last year after cleaning. It saw ramp perfectly fine when I put it away I put fuel and oil in. It went to start as at the chain wants to spin as I am pulling the cord the saw is not running at this time, but the chain moves every time I pull the cord almost like the clutch is stuck any idea remedies let me know. Thanks.
It could be weak clutch springs.
I have that saw and it is a great saw. It can be hard to start but it will out cut a lot of bigger saws.
I have this saw and I have to admit it is hard to start. I found using a good fuel and keeping the carb clean helps a ton. Now if I could just figure out why I can’t turn the saw off we would be in business.
Ok, too much compression! 🤔 What is your advise when the second & third pull ( on a cold start) the cord blocks abruptly?
I am strong enough to pull this cord. This situation never happened with my 35 cc ms 211…I know lower compression! Thanks!
Trying to start these saws on the ground and any large saw has an extreme stress on your shoulder, no matter how old you are. Drop starting is way less stressful on your body. If you're just learning, make sure you have the chain break engaged.
I just rebuilt a MS250. Great compression.
I find holding the thing while pulling is my bigger issue. It not like I can just hold it up in the air and pull it like a bigger (or older) saw.
Engineering the weight out of the saw and leaving it high compression makes for a harder time starting it.
👍👍👍. Thanks
So..are those hard to start saws going to be easier to start for those people you sell them to?
Hola Dani Buenos días una motosierra cuándo es nueva y tú eres el primero en destaparla si mueves los anillos del pistón crees que pierda su compresión no pasa nada al moverlos al quitarlos por primera vez y volver a poner otros o los mismos pero no no le pasa nada no pierde su compresión
Dony... Can we add the MS251C EZ starter recoil, to an existing MS250? I hate to buy a new saw.
The 038 is of similar difficulty to start and the cylinder head has a flat spot that should have a decompression valve there. after drilling this location and tapping 27 TPI X 3/8" thread I installed the valve and now this saw is very easy to start. If you are mechanically inclined, this is the solution. Only thing left to do is hole saw the cover plate.
I have a ms250 that has only used 1 1/2 tanks of fuel. I have replaced 2 starter ropes because they were ripped apart trying to start the saw. Have not used it for about 5 years.
I rebuilt and tested tested tested mine before I sold it because of this. New rings, plug(s) carb rebuild and new, crank seals compression tests, case gasket, coil(s), etc. I knew - and hated - that saw well.
I will say that when it ran, it was a nice little saw. I hope it burns for eternity. Haha
I had a couple of these, (ms-250) pull your arm out of the socket saws and the only thing that helped was a aftermarket jug and piston. Definitely a problem with this model.
Hi Dony, im hearing great things about battery saws etc.. Love to hear your opinion and maybe make a video in the future. My friend bought an Ego battery saw and its hard to make an argument for petrol as far as i can see ? Domestic of course
Have you ever tried bucking up a log say 18"-30" with a battery saw? Try it one day & you'll have one hell of an argument for gas powered saws.
d6196 ya, i understand. But they are coming and battery technology is getting better and more efficient
@@PatHiggins-Mayo
Nonsense.
@@jayytee8062 😂😂 touched a nerve with you ? 😂😂😂
@@PatHiggins-Mayo
Ohh yeah you did. I'm totally going to need emotional support now......Pfffft!
You have no idea. Battery technology is not becoming better and more efficient.
We are stuck with lithium and it's variations. That's why it's still the leading battery tech in all consumer products.
There is nothing else. Now sit down and stop spouting nonsense.
I prefer chainsaws with a decompressor valve
Small project, electric saw. Big project, old trusty Echo Timberwolf or Stihl.
Bought a DeWalt 12" chainsaw 2 years ago. Great little saw! Runs a long time on a 5ah battery.
I have the ms290. Its heavy and hard to start, doesn't have easy start. I have to step on the handle to start it. It has a lot of power, not a big deal. I'm on six acres so I need a gas chainsaw with power. I will admit mixing is a pain so I wait til I have a big job to mix and use a full can. I did buy a dewalt battery pole chainsaw for trimming low branches.
Ann Arbor Michigan is banning gas powered equipment too. For homeowners it sucks, but I can’t imagine what a small lawn maintenance or landscaper will do?
Use your get old people that would bring lawnmowers back to sears repair said they wouldn’t start, we would ask them to show us the problem and we found out they couldn’t pull the starter fast enough for the engine to start.
Well, I just cut down a good sized maple last Saturday with my MS250, went through almost 3 tanks of gas, saw will be 6 years old in September. She worked like a champ and cut that maple like a hot knife through butter. Sure she has lots of compression, but I'm an old farm boy and I have never had problems starting this saw. I love Stihl, high RPM and super fast cutting IF you keep it maintained, which goes for any gas powered equipment. A battery powered saw could NEVER do what this mighty MS250 can do. I would say battery powered is ok for trimming a few branches, but for felling and blocking up good sized trees, gas powered rules⛽🤘
Is it possible to replace the ms250 engine with an easier pull start engine that will fit in the ms250 case?
You have to replace flywheel and starter, quite pricey!
Hopefully all the training for the beer Olympics will provide me the right upper arm strength to start one of these 😂😂
Why not come up with a simple plan that is repeatable between MS250's by reducing static compression. Perhaps a thick base gasket or little machining. I don't find 160psi 'high compression' but perhaps on this design it really makes starting hard.
Yes I think it's the design.
@donyboy73
Just thinking.... is it possible to replace the starter with one from a saw that included the 'ez start feature'?
Or it totally different design, and not applicable. Thanks for your videos.
@@johnmaranuk1842 It's doable but pricey!
@@donyboy73 ok.
I figured as such. Or they'd do it to sell.
Cheers from Pennsylvania
I wrote a comment and it just disappeared , UA-cam is weird sometimes . Basically , a lot of gas saws will remain compliant including the one shown here , it won't be battery or nothing .
I just changed the compression to 150 starts easier and runs fine. It is the saw !
The compression on the saw was 165 psi, what is the minimum needed on this saw?
Typical compression for a saw of that size would be 120 to 150psi. 165psi is enormous.
Yes it is hard to tell the customer it's not the Saw it's that they don't have the strength to pull it over anymore 😞
Also , It's Stupid that they only have one Pawl not Two
I work at a stihl dealer and I have noticed that it is mostly the elderly that complain that their ms250 won't start. They can't pull the recoil fast enough to get the module to spark, causing the saw to flood out.
10-4 on that!!!!
I bought a Dewalt and it leaks oil like crazy, the manual says to drain the tank when done using it so they are well aware of it.
Can you imagine buying a new vehicle that leaked oil and the manufacturer told you to drain the oil when you weren't driving it!
I wouldn't promote Dewalt electric saws.
👍
Sir, Every time you pull the rope you are drawing unburned mix into the cylinder. The oil as you are aware will not compress so this unburned oil will increase the reading on your compression tester. Ken
No I'm not, choke is off
@@donyboy73 I am aware of that. Yes every time the piston goes down mix is being drawn into the cylinder even with no choke. You should know that. And in that mix is oil and as we are aware that oil will not compress and this will slightly increase the reading on your compression gage ..I think that you misunderstood my intent. Even with the throttle wide open a small amount of mix will enter the cylinder.
Hello
Is the 251 (non C) the same way?
No, I own both. While I don't find the 250 to be all that difficult to start, the 251 is easier.
I have the ms250 its for sale it the hardest saw I have ever had to start.
Yep I agree it’s for the young people
Small engine use in California is banned. It sucks
I believe there was suppose to be a ban for pushmowers, leafblowers, weed eaters and chainsaws powered by combustion engine, in California this year. But apparently they didn't do that, propably because of the election year. Or am i wrong?
If you have more than 2 decent size logs to cut, electric sucks. Maybe more than 1 , come to think of it.
Drop starting a chainsaw is the way I have been doing it for 20 years.
Does anybody have a new style BR700 engine?
Hate the easy start especially in business where they like to drop start everything augh!! To bad they didn't install a decompression valve to make up from pull cord design . Electric for the home owner for occasional use would be a good idea.especially the new battery Stihl the guy demoed at the shop was pretty amazing and good battery life.
There actually is a decomp cylinder for the MS 250 from Stihl.
imagine if that saw is a person's first chainsaw...."This thing is ripping my arm off"
It's not the chainsaw, it's the compression "looks to myself, a 6,5 230lb man" guess I need a chainsaw with around 75 compression.
I want a diesel chainsaw!💪🦾