I love your videos. Very informative without all the bs. I have a MS170 and I love it. I use this saw all the time for smaller jobs. It's lightweight and easy to use. I have a MS 270 for bigger jobs. I bought a 20 inch bar and chain along with the 18 inch that the saw came with. Very happy with both saws. Thanks Stihl 😊
The was a great video . I bought a MS 170. 3 weeks ago use for $70. it came with the Stihl helmet. and a Stihl. chain sharpener. and a can of mixed fuel. the hurricane hit last week. I love in Spartanburg SC. MY power just came back on Saturday '' The saw came in handy. God took care of us. The people above. use are still hurting ..
For an entry level saw I’ve gotten a lot of use out of my ms170. I put a 12” bar on it and use it primarily for limbing and cutting down smaller trees These saws are great value for the money. Keep up the great informative videos. Yes, fuel quality is very important.
Ok, so I bought a " like new " Stihl ms170... and wouldn't start. (probably because of non-use). Tried to watch all the ms170 video's, and your's was the best. Down to earth, simple, to the point. Best of all the ms170 video's imo. Started after your suggestions, and works like a champ! Subscribed, keep up the great work! From Michigan and Florida.
Great job as always. I have 5 Stihl chainsaws, from a 661 down to my most recent, a used MS170. It just did NOT want to start consistently. I did all the right things with no luck. The only way it would start was 15-20 pulls on choke. After starting once, it ran and started perfectly. Like you always say, I went back to basics and for the first time, physically looked at the choke. It was only closing 3/4 at most. I made a small bend in the linkage and it starts and runs perfectly. I felt pretty dumb for not looking sooner, lol. I’m in Alaska where spruce is prevalent and that little saw eats that soft wood up. Thanks again for your excellent videos!!
Greetings from Scotland 🏴. I'm about 1000% certain i will never use or start a chainsaw in my lifetime but i love watching your videos. Keep up the good work!
I use Tru fuel in all my snow blowers and lawnmowers all 4 cycle and every year they start right up no gumming up the carburetor with ethanol. Love your videos you get right to the point no mussing about. 👍🏻
Hi , from Ireland, Your videos are so good, before I saw these, I would be afraid to touch a carburettor, Now I am getting kits , and rebuilding my gear. Your teaching and detail is so clear and understandable , for uneducated. 😊😊.
I have a customer who melted a Husqvarna 350 by putting a 36 inch bar on it and tightening the crap out of the chain. Smoked the bearings in about an hour! Another good vid Erica!
Thank you for this video! I'm starting to think that this tru-fuel is a no no. This is what I have been running in my MS-170 and it is hard starting as well. I have been using this because they claim that it is better for the fuel lines to prevent tearing them up and mixing a large amount of conventional fuel does not store well because I don't use the saw real often. I'm thinking that I best mix up some gas and oil and see what I get. And yes I do maintain the filters and such.
You and Chicanic are my hero’s. I’ve learned so much from you both. Even started a little side gig of buying up peoples equipment they let sit all winter and it won’t start for them. They sell it dirt cheap and go buy a new one. I take their equipment, clean the carb and sell it for a massive profit.
Greetings from New South Wales Australia. I've now watched all your chain saw videos. I'm addicted. Keep up the great work. I'm looking forward to your next one already. 5 star rating
Ah True Fuel. I have a love hate relationship with it. The only time I recommend it is when I have a customer who only uses their saw for limbing once or twice a year and then lets the saw sit until next year because it doesn't go bad. Echo makes a premix that is much better but I still prefer mixing my own using non-ethanol gas with Red Armor, much better power that way. I recommend your videos often to people who want to fix their own saws. Thank you!!
Fortunately, where I live, non-ethanol fuel is now readily available at many local gas stations....don't ever use ethanol fuel in anything that is unused for any length of time
I'm in forestry and farming and I get to use big saws but I also have to use 170's and they are pretty damn reliable when maintained. As much as I don't like Chinese made products the Stihl 170's are great for small jobs. In the back of my work truck is always a 170 along with a pro saw. I like using the 170's because they're light and handy. And they never die. Nice video, thanks. :-)
you and hubby do great informative videos, direct and to the point, i have learn't a few things especially the importance of the crank seals, i never gave them much thought b4, and now its almost priority thank you both
Great video, thank you. I have two MS170's, I liked the 1st one so much I bought a 2nd one! They are tough little saws and a joy to run. I can't tell you how many 12-15" trees I have cut down with the MS170's, but I have an 038 if I need a longer bar. Just keep the chain sharp, If I can use the smaller saw, I do!!!
Those MS170 really benefit with a .050 gauge chain and bar swap. I have seen an MS170 hold up cutting cords and cords of firewood and still be a great saw after. They are small but if maintained they are a great little saw to have on hand for some smaller jobs. The time when someone will have issues with a 170 would be trying to work a huge hardwood tree like that would be working it too long without a break at WOT and or a dull chain. If it's all you have you can cut a large tree with an underpowered homeowner saw but you have to be smart about it. Great video and I love that you used proper chainsaw safety gear to test the saw, that's setting a good example 👍👍👍👍
I have a Stihl MS 181 and love it for limbing and cutting stuff around my fire pit. My primary firewood saw is the Husky Rancher 460 24” and it’s been a great saw. I’ve also had the 450 Rancher that’s a 20 incher and it was also a nice saw. I found the 450 Rancher to be lacking in power when cutting dense cherry which is about 40% of my hardwood, they are hard on tools.
Chain saw Lady. Thank you for the videos of the failed chain saws. Note :Thank you for showing the many things to look at if someone has a failed chain saw. Some of the different things you find on the different equipment coming into your shop. Please take care of yourself.
True fuel is garbage. I hunt in Northern Alberta on thousands of acres. We have many saws, both stihl and huskies and fuel was always an issue. Some people using saws don't know much about maintenance and fuel mixing so we only have stihl fuel on hand and we no longer have issues. I also do landscaping and some logging at home in Ontario and all the equipment runs on stihl fuel and honestly we never have issues. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Another good video and stay away from true fuel
That True Fuel Smells Like a Sweet Smell I’ve Had Tons of Equipment That Refuses Too Run on True Fuel I Dump It Out And Install Fresh 50:1 Mix 93 Octane and They Fire Right Up 😀😊 That Customer Should Run Motomix or The Aspen Pre Mix There The Only Pre Mix Fuels I Dont Seem To Ever Have Trouble With It But Most The Time I Have to Tune The Saw Too The Pre Mix 😊 Good Catch And Great Sounding Saw Now It Just Needed Some Love and Care ❤️😊❤️😊😀 😊👍🏼
Hard to start is the understatement of the year. If you get it running it’s great. I have done proper maintenance premium fuel, simply does not want to start.
Thanks for the all the video post. Love your channel. I watch your channel and chickanic channel. Really learning so much about small engine repair. I can’t wait everyday I wonder what the next video is going to be about. It seems most problems people bring I. The saws are hardly ever taken good care of. Fuel also seems to be another issue that’s why I use stihl motomix. Also that’s the first time I’ve ever seen anyone cut down that big of a tree with such a small saw. That makes a great occasional saw for limbing but nothing for big trees. Thanks again for the post. I have heard so many bad things about Trufuel. Would not recommend
Erica i have a Stihl MS390 its 17 years old on its second bar and just put new gaskets in the carburetor but when i got the saw first when i was running it for a while i could never get it to start again here's what the problem was when the saw got hot the PLUG LEAD use to pop off the plug i nearly lost the plot till i noticed the lead was off the plug do the new saws still pop the leads off the plugs
He needs a refresher on saw maintenance. I’ve got a 40 yo 024 that won’t start unless I give it a sip of fuel in the carb. After the initial start it starts on the first pull .I clean/ replace filters regularly and I can’t figure it out. Runs good once it pops. Any suggestions are appreciated
I have a MS180 that I got quite cheap as the owner said the top cover wouldn’t fit and it turned out they didn’t know how to lock the cover down which also must have interfered with the choke operation. In UK we have to use either 5% or 10% ethanol fuel so I use ethanol shield and never have a problem with water in fuel or fuel going stale. However my MS180 has always been difficult to start if not used for several months and what I’ve found to ease the starting issues is to lift the cover and spray the air intake with carburettor cleaner and my MS180 fires up after a few pulls, enough to pressurise fuel into carburettor. Once it fires up it starts first or second pull all the time. I look after my MS180 cleaning it every time I use it checking chain tension sharpening Stihl chain regularly and cleaning air filter, in UK we don’t have spark arrestor. I don’t understand why owners don’t look after their chainsaws, as if not properly looked after they will fail, and cost a huge amount of money. To expect a MS170 to cut a 90 ft ash tree is completely absurd. This owner needs to get the right chainsaw for this task.
I’m new to your channel. I watch a few other small engine and chainsaw repair channels. You seem very proficient in what you do. I enjoy the follow ups and very detailed descriptions of your findings. I’m an old wood cutter who always maintained my own equipment very methodically so I can understand your technical jargon. I will be watching your channel from now on. One observation I noticed which is of curiosity. I haven’t seen you use any battery operated impact drivers for disassembly or assembly. As an old timer, I found them great time savers. Even tough Torx or Phillips fasteners can many times be removed without damage with an impact driver on low setting. Just curious, enjoy your channel.
Thank you for being here! We run Makita impacts in our shop - but sometimes I enjoy stepping back and using hand tools and that’s my preference for filming. I rush all day long, and once in a while it’s nice to slow down for a bit. Who really wants to listen to my impact anyways :)
Just found your channel and I am impressed. You come off as honest and thorough. You explain things well and I like your general approach of using common sense to figure out the problem. I like how you give the saw a once over before getting into it and go from the simple fix to the more complex. Question - what percent of the saws you see have a problem that was caused by lack of maintenance and doing simple things like changing an air filter?
Some customers only have their head for cutting hair 🙈. Could you please explain the adjustment screws H, L and LA on the carburettor? They also often have anti-twist caps installed and I think 2mm Allen keys, special adjusters. Greetings Uli
Already lots of videos on Stihl carb adjustment, those are for the mixture. L is idle (up until chain starts spinning, back down until it stops spinning), LA is running, adjust up until saw starts bogging when you give it gas, then back down, H you gotta be REAL careful with because its mixture at full throttle/revs and on most Stihl's this is blocked off on the small plastic piece that covers that side of the carb.
Wow, that air filter was sad!!! I couldn't even imagine trying to cut that tree with that saw, but last year I heard a saw really straining in my alley and my elderly neighbor was trying to cut 4ft diameter Grey Poplar trunk that someone gave him with his old Stihl 015!!! I brought out my old MS460 and chunked it up for him!!!
Hi, What should I be getting as a good compression pressure on a MS 181? I'm only getting 100 psi. I don't know the saws history. Thanks for your videos
I tried Trufuel and realized my saw wouldn’t run right on it. Seemed like a good thing to have on hand but I learned my lesson for what ever reason. Just plain non ethanol gas and Stihl oil as usual. My saws get used enough that storage isn’t an issue. Just a fad I thought I should try.
that canned fuel is garbage. Smells bad less power and burns way faster than gasoline. Stick with stihl oil and regular gas.. Been doing that over 20 years and never had a problem. I run a FS90 trimmer for over 7 years at around 100 hours a year. STILL RUNS LIKE NEW
Stop spreading fake news, advocating to use ethanol fuel is not a sign of someone who knows anything. Been using trufuel in my echo equipment for 10 years, I leave my machines for 1-2 years and everything starts everytime, you can’t leave your pump fuel that long.
I switches from using Stihl Ultra Oil to Echo Red Armor after seeing multiple videos and reading multiple reviews on the Arborist forums about Stihl oil not leaving adequate oil film and resulting in more than usual carbon deposits. I run my MS 261 (carb version, mfg 2022) after using 1 tank with Stihl Ultra Oil. No significant performance change, time will tell I mix 100 ml of Red Armor in 5L of ethanol free 93 Octane gasoline in a nice Husqvarna Oil and Gas can I had shipped from Europe. It makes a red mixture instead of Stihl's iconic blue mix.
Just buy ethanol free gasoline such as True Fuel for 4 cycle engine. Add the oil in then you are all set. Make sure that gasoline meets minimum octane recommendation I have 181 chainsaw and that is what I do.
Great video. I’m betting it was the air filter plugged and the strange fuel. Would have been nice if you had put the old plug back in and then see if it would have started. Have a great day. 👍🏻👋
I mix 91 octane with STIHL mix 40:1. Never had a problem with plug fouling or smoke and I think the extra lubricity doesn’t hurt. Remember when cutting to use full throttle. Keeps the engine and spark arrester clean.
I too had a old Ash tree about 50 feet tall. When it was time to take it down I purchased a 450 Husqvarna as my MS170 wasn't strong enough to safely fell it.
I see that tru fuel at all the big box stores, never used it. Always mixed my own with brand name oil. The small engine store and stihl dealer near me sells Aspen canned gas, they say it’s good?
I have a question for you have you ever used or seen the diagnostic machine for the stihl M-Tronics. Would love to see a video on it. Love stihl and the channel they go hand in hand
I love your videos. Very informative without all the bs. I have a MS170 and I love it. I use this saw all the time for smaller jobs. It's lightweight and easy to use. I have a MS 270 for bigger jobs. I bought a 20 inch bar and chain along with the 18 inch that the saw came with. Very happy with both saws. Thanks Stihl 😊
Thank you for watching!
The was a great video . I bought a MS 170. 3 weeks ago use for $70. it came with the Stihl helmet. and a Stihl. chain sharpener. and a can of mixed fuel. the hurricane hit last week. I love in Spartanburg SC. MY power just came back on Saturday '' The saw came in handy. God took care of us. The people above. use are still hurting ..
What a disaster , I pray for all of you 🙏
For an entry level saw I’ve gotten a lot of use out of my ms170. I put a 12” bar on it and use it primarily for limbing and cutting down smaller trees
These saws are great value for the money.
Keep up the great informative videos. Yes, fuel quality is very important.
Ok, so I bought a " like new " Stihl ms170... and wouldn't start. (probably because of non-use). Tried to watch all the ms170 video's, and your's was the best. Down to earth, simple, to the point. Best of all the ms170 video's imo. Started after your suggestions, and works like a champ! Subscribed, keep up the great work! From Michigan and Florida.
Amazing! Thanks for your message.
Great job as always. I have 5 Stihl chainsaws, from a 661 down to my most recent, a used MS170. It just did NOT want to start consistently. I did all the right things with no luck. The only way it would start was 15-20 pulls on choke. After starting once, it ran and started perfectly. Like you always say, I went back to basics and for the first time, physically looked at the choke. It was only closing 3/4 at most. I made a small bend in the linkage and it starts and runs perfectly. I felt pretty dumb for not looking sooner, lol. I’m in Alaska where spruce is prevalent and that little saw eats that soft wood up. Thanks again for your excellent videos!!
Thanks for being here!
You are a good teacher.
Thank you! 😃
Nice job as usual, poor little saw has alot of punishment ahead ! 90 ft ash tree! lol
Greetings from Scotland 🏴. I'm about 1000% certain i will never use or start a chainsaw in my lifetime but i love watching your videos. Keep up the good work!
Thanks 👍
I use Tru fuel in all my snow blowers and lawnmowers all 4 cycle and every year they start right up no gumming up the carburetor with ethanol. Love your videos you get right to the point no mussing about. 👍🏻
I think your assessment of True fuel is spot on. Machines run far better on regular fuel. Thanks for all you do for the rest of us!
By far you are the BEST ! At detailed diagnosis videos I have ever seen… you check everything! Awesomeness!!
Aww, very nice of you to say!
Hi , from Ireland,
Your videos are so good, before I saw these, I would be afraid to touch a carburettor,
Now I am getting kits , and rebuilding my gear.
Your teaching and detail is so clear and understandable , for uneducated. 😊😊.
that ms170 is one of my favorite saws.
I have a customer who melted a Husqvarna 350 by putting a 36 inch bar on it and tightening the crap out of the chain. Smoked the bearings in about an hour! Another good vid Erica!
Thanks Ken!
I can see it in your face over the lack of maintenance on that saw. Good equipment deserves good maintenance.
I enjoy the content , I really like the new camera angles . The fact your shop is neat and clean is refreshing . Well done !!!
Thank you very much!
Fantastic video. No BS. No stupid music. No time wasting dialogue. Very technical and educational. I am glad I discovered you. Thank you.
Thank you for this video! I'm starting to think that this tru-fuel is a no no. This is what I have been running in my MS-170 and it is hard starting as well. I have been using this because they claim that it is better for the fuel lines to prevent tearing them up and mixing a large amount of conventional fuel does not store well because I don't use the saw real often. I'm thinking that I best mix up some gas and oil and see what I get. And yes I do maintain the filters and such.
I love a smart lady that wears PPE when she's cutting wood...it just makes sense♥
Amazing what a lack of simple maintenance will do to keep a saw from starting. I enjoy your videos. Cheers!
Thank you, Stella!
You and Chicanic are my hero’s. I’ve learned so much from you both. Even started a little side gig of buying up peoples equipment they let sit all winter and it won’t start for them. They sell it dirt cheap and go buy a new one. I take their equipment, clean the carb and sell it for a massive profit.
Well, thank you! I appreciate that and I’m sure Chickanic does as well! I’ve been watching her vids for a long while! 😊
Yup a little maintenance goes a long way, well done 😊
Yes! Thank you!
Greetings from New South Wales Australia. I've now watched all your chain saw videos. I'm addicted. Keep up the great work. I'm looking forward to your next one already. 5 star rating
Thank you very much!
Ah True Fuel. I have a love hate relationship with it. The only time I recommend it is when I have a customer who only uses their saw for limbing once or twice a year and then lets the saw sit until next year because it doesn't go bad. Echo makes a premix that is much better but I still prefer mixing my own using non-ethanol gas with Red Armor, much better power that way. I recommend your videos often to people who want to fix their own saws. Thank you!!
Right on!
Fortunately, where I live, non-ethanol fuel is now readily available at many local gas stations....don't ever use ethanol fuel in anything that is unused for any length of time
I like your channel. Very informative and to the point
Thanks so much for showing us around the the place Erica♥ You folks have a beautiful plot of land up there☺ Excellent work on the 170 too!
Thanks so much
I'm in forestry and farming and I get to use big saws but I also have to use 170's and they are pretty damn reliable when maintained. As much as I don't like Chinese made products the Stihl 170's are great for small jobs. In the back of my work truck is always a 170 along with a pro saw. I like using the 170's because they're light and handy. And they never die.
Nice video, thanks. :-)
Thank you!
I know you changed the bar, but did you swap out the chain too? it looked and sounded like it was pretty dull.
you and hubby do great informative videos, direct and to the point, i have learn't a few things especially the importance of the crank seals, i never gave them much thought b4, and now its almost priority thank you both
Awesome! Thank you!
A really fine video. I have had 026 for ages (~30 years) and just for sake of curiosity bought ms220cb.
Great information. No frills or funny videos. Thanks.
Great video, thank you. I have two MS170's, I liked the 1st one so much I bought a 2nd one! They are tough little saws and a joy to run. I can't tell you how many 12-15" trees I have cut down with the MS170's, but I have an 038 if I need a longer bar. Just keep the chain sharp, If I can use the smaller saw, I do!!!
Yes they are!
Those MS170 really benefit with a .050 gauge chain and bar swap. I have seen an MS170 hold up cutting cords and cords of firewood and still be a great saw after. They are small but if maintained they are a great little saw to have on hand for some smaller jobs. The time when someone will have issues with a 170 would be trying to work a huge hardwood tree like that would be working it too long without a break at WOT and or a dull chain. If it's all you have you can cut a large tree with an underpowered homeowner saw but you have to be smart about it. Great video and I love that you used proper chainsaw safety gear to test the saw, that's setting a good example 👍👍👍👍
Poor little saw. Reminded me of the " Little engine that could." Great Video. Thank You!
Thank you too!
A real serious Chainsaw Godess Teacher and no bs attitude. I'm in love !! 🥰 Best quote of the day : 'the saw was yelling back at him ' HELP ME !' 🤣
Awesome video, and great fix ! Well done 👍
Thanks for the visit!
Could the pink fuel have too much Stabil in it making it pink? Our grass is not green yet.
It is Trufuel...yes our grass is greening up and growing fast!
You have to wonder what his car or truck looks like!
Another save! 👍👍
Thanks 👍
Refreshing to see someone actually using chaps/eye protection/hearing protection....Safety is always #1.....
That 170 did some WORK on that Ash tree
You very good to watch and lean cheers Garry from Australia
I’m glad you’re so thorough with these chainsaws
Hi!
I have a Stihl MS 181 and love it for limbing and cutting stuff around my fire pit. My primary firewood saw is the Husky Rancher 460 24” and it’s been a great saw. I’ve also had the 450 Rancher that’s a 20 incher and it was also a nice saw. I found the 450 Rancher to be lacking in power when cutting dense cherry which is about 40% of my hardwood, they are hard on tools.
I recently started watching your channel and I really enjoy your explanations and the "detective stories" on the machines :)
Awesome, thank you!
Chain saw Lady.
Thank you for the videos of the failed chain saws. Note :Thank you for showing the many things to look at if someone has a failed chain saw. Some of the different things you find on the different equipment coming into your shop. Please take care of yourself.
Great diagnostic video! Recently found your channel and subscribed! A lot of good information in your videos!
Welcome aboard!
Another awesome video also I don’t use trufuel, I always use what’s recommended for stihl
True fuel is garbage. I hunt in Northern Alberta on thousands of acres. We have many saws, both stihl and huskies and fuel was always an issue. Some people using saws don't know much about maintenance and fuel mixing so we only have stihl fuel on hand and we no longer have issues. I also do landscaping and some logging at home in Ontario and all the equipment runs on stihl fuel and honestly we never have issues. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Another good video and stay away from true fuel
That True Fuel Smells Like a Sweet Smell I’ve Had Tons of Equipment That Refuses Too Run on True Fuel I Dump It Out And Install Fresh 50:1 Mix 93 Octane and They Fire Right Up 😀😊 That Customer Should Run Motomix or The Aspen Pre Mix There The Only Pre Mix Fuels I Dont Seem To Ever Have Trouble With It But Most The Time I Have to Tune The Saw Too The Pre Mix 😊 Good Catch And Great Sounding Saw Now It Just Needed Some Love and Care ❤️😊❤️😊😀 😊👍🏼
what size was that bar , I found they go great with 12" bar I know the standard 14 to 16"
The saw was fitted with a 16” bar
Hard to start is the understatement of the year.
If you get it running it’s great. I have done proper maintenance premium fuel, simply does not want to start.
I have never had any luck with Trufuel. I bet it would run much better with regular mix fuel.
I've owned a ms 180 for over 20 years I have been highly pleased with it I wouldn't use it for felling at all 😊
Great video, you saved a lot of money y showing me how to work on my own saw. One thing Its Or e gun not Or e gone. Thanks
Thank you!
Excellent video. Thanks.
A little wood pallet inventory clearance. Nice job. Keep up the great videos
Thanks 👍
Thanks lady
With my 170 I cut up a large stump that was laying on it's side. I would just cut off small sections and I also found an electric box within it.
" If you want a workhorse🐎, and you don't feed or take care of that horse, it won't work for you". Like that, think its the quote of the year 2024!💫
It's that time of year for burning 😊 fantastic video....very informative 👏 👍
Thank you!!
Thanks for the all the video post. Love your channel. I watch your channel and chickanic channel. Really learning so much about small engine repair. I can’t wait everyday I wonder what the next video is going to be about. It seems most problems people bring I. The saws are hardly ever taken good care of. Fuel also seems to be another issue that’s why I use stihl motomix. Also that’s the first time I’ve ever seen anyone cut down that big of a tree with such a small saw. That makes a great occasional saw for limbing but nothing for big trees. Thanks again for the post. I have heard so many bad things about Trufuel. Would not recommend
Erica i have a Stihl MS390 its 17 years old on its second bar and just put new gaskets in the carburetor but when i got the saw first when i was running it for a while i could never get it to start again here's what the problem was when the saw got hot the PLUG LEAD use to pop off the plug i nearly lost the plot till i noticed the lead was off the plug do the new saws still pop the leads off the plugs
G'day MWSE, it was good to to see you on Buckin's live 👍.
We LOVE Buckin!
Yes he's a good man and a good friend, I enjoy your content keep it up Ish 👍🇦🇺.
Thats a good saw. Light and easy to repair. I would buy it. That spark arrestor should be removed completly.
Yes, remove the spark arrester complety, and when you have the muffler off, spray it out with brake cleaner, and let it dry.
Good job Erica
It looks like you put on matching bar nuts. What was the disposition of the Owner's bar and chain?
Yes, I did, and the bar grooves are wore quite badly, and the chain is pretty rough too!
@@marriedwithsmallengines thanks - I love your channel!
Thank you SO much!! 😊
Just went through my old school 038..gotta drop 5 90’+ white pines in NC Mountains..
He needs a refresher on saw maintenance. I’ve got a 40 yo 024 that won’t start unless I give it a sip of fuel in the carb. After the initial start it starts on the first pull .I clean/ replace filters regularly and I can’t figure it out. Runs good once it pops. Any suggestions are appreciated
I have a MS180 that I got quite cheap as the owner said the top cover wouldn’t fit and it turned out they didn’t know how to lock the cover down which also must have interfered with the choke operation. In UK we have to use either 5% or 10% ethanol fuel so I use ethanol shield and never have a problem with water in fuel or fuel going stale. However my MS180 has always been difficult to start if not used for several months and what I’ve found to ease the starting issues is to lift the cover and spray the air intake with carburettor cleaner and my MS180 fires up after a few pulls, enough to pressurise fuel into carburettor. Once it fires up it starts first or second pull all the time. I look after my MS180 cleaning it every time I use it checking chain tension sharpening Stihl chain regularly and cleaning air filter, in UK we don’t have spark arrestor. I don’t understand why owners don’t look after their chainsaws, as if not properly looked after they will fail, and cost a huge amount of money. To expect a MS170 to cut a 90 ft ash tree is completely absurd. This owner needs to get the right chainsaw for this task.
Would that saw be worth taking it in for maintenance? $200 new...
I have a ms170 and from brand new it has been hard to start and lacks power after refueling what would the problem be
@@PsychicAngel45 may be a tank vent cold gas into a hot saw causes vapor lock
@@PsychicAngel45 take it back to the dealer
Awesome video, great work. Thank you
Excellent channel. From what I understand here in the states Shell 91 octane is ethanol free
Finally a new video. I didn't see your comment on my Stihl tutorial video.
I’m new to your channel. I watch a few other small engine and chainsaw repair channels. You seem very proficient in what you do. I enjoy the follow ups and very detailed descriptions of your findings. I’m an old wood cutter who always maintained my own equipment very methodically so I can understand your technical jargon. I will be watching your channel from now on.
One observation I noticed which is of curiosity. I haven’t seen you use any battery operated impact drivers for disassembly or assembly. As an old timer, I found them great time savers. Even tough Torx or Phillips fasteners can many times be removed without damage with an impact driver on low setting.
Just curious, enjoy your channel.
Thank you for being here!
We run Makita impacts in our shop - but sometimes I enjoy stepping back and using hand tools and that’s my preference for filming. I rush all day long, and once in a while it’s nice to slow down for a bit. Who really wants to listen to my impact anyways :)
Interesting that the saw has only a 30 cc engine. My Poulan P3314 has a 42 cc. (Gifted) Great video!
Just found your channel and I am impressed. You come off as honest and thorough. You explain things well and I like your general approach of using common sense to figure out the problem. I like how you give the saw a once over before getting into it and go from the simple fix to the more complex. Question - what percent of the saws you see have a problem that was caused by lack of maintenance and doing simple things like changing an air filter?
Thank for watching! Many problems I see are from lack of maintenance/cleaning/care.
Some customers only have their head for cutting hair 🙈.
Could you please explain the adjustment screws H, L and LA on the carburettor?
They also often have anti-twist caps installed and I think 2mm Allen keys, special adjusters. Greetings Uli
Already lots of videos on Stihl carb adjustment, those are for the mixture. L is idle (up until chain starts spinning, back down until it stops spinning), LA is running, adjust up until saw starts bogging when you give it gas, then back down, H you gotta be REAL careful with because its mixture at full throttle/revs and on most Stihl's this is blocked off on the small plastic piece that covers that side of the carb.
Respectfully how big of a bar could you put on the ms170? Mine came with 16"
Love my 170 to use along side the old heavy saws.
Wow, that air filter was sad!!! I couldn't even imagine trying to cut that tree with that saw, but last year I heard a saw really straining in my alley and my elderly neighbor was trying to cut 4ft diameter Grey Poplar trunk that someone gave him with his old Stihl 015!!! I brought out my old MS460 and chunked it up for him!!!
Wait until you see some of my upcoming air filter finds. Award winning 🏆
Tru-Fuel DOES have a 2 year life once opened. I wonder how old his can was?
Hi, What should I be getting as a good compression pressure on a MS 181? I'm only getting 100 psi. I don't know the saws history. Thanks for your videos
@@Polanskitoo higher comp the better 100 isn't great but 120 would be nice
I tried Trufuel and realized my saw wouldn’t run right on it. Seemed like a good thing to have on hand but I learned my lesson for what ever reason. Just plain non ethanol gas and Stihl oil as usual. My saws get used enough that storage isn’t an issue. Just a fad I thought I should try.
Another great video! thanks from Hereford in the UK ❤
Do all foam filters have to be oiled?
I have the same saw, I did all the normal maintenance, and it started but will not idle at all. Yes I know about the idle adjustment screw.
that canned fuel is garbage. Smells bad less power and burns way faster than gasoline. Stick with stihl oil and regular gas.. Been doing that over 20 years and never had a problem. I run a FS90 trimmer for over 7 years at around 100 hours a year. STILL RUNS LIKE NEW
Ethanol free fuel...
Stop spreading fake news, advocating to use ethanol fuel is not a sign of someone who knows anything. Been using trufuel in my echo equipment for 10 years, I leave my machines for 1-2 years and everything starts everytime, you can’t leave your pump fuel that long.
What are your views on Stihl Dura chains. I am an occasional user and not skilled with a file hence going for Dura.
Was this saw oiling well the chain ?
Yes
I switches from using Stihl Ultra Oil to Echo Red Armor after seeing multiple videos and reading multiple reviews on the Arborist forums about Stihl oil not leaving adequate oil film and resulting in more than usual carbon deposits. I run my MS 261 (carb version, mfg 2022) after using 1 tank with Stihl Ultra Oil. No significant performance change, time will tell I mix 100 ml of Red Armor in 5L of ethanol free 93 Octane gasoline in a nice Husqvarna Oil and Gas can I had shipped from Europe. It makes a red mixture instead of Stihl's iconic blue mix.
Good video.. thanks for uploading
What fuel mix do you recommend and would it be possible to include in a video how you mix it ? Thanks
@@user-ym1ff1vg8c recommended is 50/1 but I like my 40/1
I use True Fuel 40:1 in all my stuff. Is it crap? What's a good way to mix my own?
Just buy ethanol free gasoline such as True Fuel for 4 cycle engine. Add the oil in then you are all set. Make sure that gasoline meets minimum octane recommendation I have 181 chainsaw and that is what I do.
Great video. I’m betting it was the air filter plugged and the strange fuel. Would have been nice if you had put the old plug back in and then see if it would have started.
Have a great day. 👍🏻👋
I mix 91 octane with STIHL mix 40:1. Never had a problem with plug fouling or smoke and I think the extra lubricity doesn’t hurt. Remember when cutting to use full throttle. Keeps the engine and spark arrester clean.
How's the fuel filter
I too had a old Ash tree about 50 feet tall. When it was time to take it down I purchased a 450 Husqvarna as my MS170 wasn't strong enough to safely fell it.
I see that tru fuel at all the big box stores, never used it. Always mixed my own with brand name oil. The small engine store and stihl dealer near me sells Aspen canned gas, they say it’s good?
I have a question for you have you ever used or seen the diagnostic machine for the stihl M-Tronics. Would love to see a video on it. Love stihl and the channel they go hand in hand
You may have to explain to him that "occasional use" limbing saw does not mean you are supposed to completely bury the bar the rest of the time.