Starting a Stihl chainsaw correctly is crucial for both safety and efficiency. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to get your Stihl chainsaw running smoothly and quickly, whether it’s a cold start or a warm restart. We’ll cover everything from fuel mixture to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring you can operate your Stihl chainsaw with confidence.
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Getting Your Stihl Chainsaw Ready to Fire Up
Before you even think about pulling the starter cord, proper preparation is key. This involves ensuring your Stihl chainsaw is fueled correctly, has a clean air filter, and the chain is properly tensioned. These foundational steps are vital for a successful start and for the longevity of your Stihl chainsaw.
Fueling Your Stihl Chainsaw: The Right Mix
The correct Stihl chainsaw fuel and oil mixture is paramount. Stihl 2-stroke engines require a precise blend of gasoline and high-quality 2-stroke engine oil. Always use fresh, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 89 or higher. Mix it with Stihl 2-stroke engine oil or another reputable brand specifically designed for air-cooled 2-stroke engines.
The Golden Rule for Mixing:
* Always use a 50:1 ratio. This means for every 5 liters of gasoline, you add 100 ml of 2-stroke oil.
* Use a dedicated, clean fuel container. Never mix fuel directly in the chainsaw’s fuel tank.
* Shake the container thoroughly after adding both fuel and oil. This ensures a consistent mixture.
* Never use fuel that has been mixed for more than 30 days. Old fuel can degrade and cause starting problems.
Table 1: Stihl Chainsaw Fuel Mixing Guide (50:1 Ratio)
| Gasoline (Liters) | 2-Stroke Oil (ml) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 20 |
| 2 | 40 |
| 5 | 100 |
| 10 | 200 |
Using the wrong fuel mixture can lead to engine damage, poor performance, and difficulty starting. It’s better to err on the side of slightly more oil than too little.
Checking the Chain and Bar
Ensure the chain is sharp and properly tensioned. A loose chain can come off the bar, which is dangerous and can damage the saw. A dull chain will make cutting inefficient and put extra strain on the engine.
- Tensioning: With gloves on, pull the chain downwards away from the bar. It should snap back against the bar without sagging. If it’s too loose, use the bar nut to tighten it. If it’s too tight, loosen it slightly.
- Sharpness: The cutting teeth should have sharp, pointed edges. If they appear dull or rounded, it’s time to sharpen the chain.
The Air Filter: A Breath of Fresh Air
A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, hindering combustion and making starting difficult.
- Locate the air filter cover: It’s usually a quick-release latch or a screw on the top or side of the chainsaw.
- Remove the filter: Gently pull it out.
- Clean the filter: For paper filters, tap them gently to remove debris. For flock or felt filters, you can wash them with warm, soapy water and let them dry completely before reinstalling. Never use compressed air on paper filters as it can tear them.
- Inspect for damage: If the filter is torn or excessively dirty, replace it.
The Stihl Chainsaw Starting Procedure: Step-by-Step
This section details the universal Stihl chainsaw starting procedure. While specific models may have minor variations, these steps apply to most Stihl chainsaws.
Step 1: Safety First!
- Clear the area: Ensure no people or animals are near the chainsaw.
- Stable footing: Stand on firm, level ground.
- Engage the chain brake: Push the chain brake lever forward towards the bar. This stops the chain from spinning when the engine starts.
- Do NOT engage the trigger: Keep your finger off the throttle trigger.
- Secure the chainsaw: Place the chainsaw firmly on the ground with the chain brake engaged and the guide bar resting on the ground or a stable surface. Some users prefer to have a firm grip on the front handle with their left hand while starting, but ensure the saw is stable and won’t kick back.
Step 2: Priming the Engine (If Applicable)
Many Stihl chainsaws have a primer bulb. This small, translucent bulb helps draw fuel into the carburetor before starting.
- Locate the primer bulb: It’s usually a small rubber button near the carburetor.
- Press the bulb: Press it repeatedly until you see fuel moving into the bulb and back to the carburetor. Typically, 5-10 presses are sufficient. If you don’t see fuel circulating, there might be a fuel delivery issue.
Step 3: Engaging the Choke
The Stihl chainsaw choke lever controls the amount of air entering the carburetor, enriching the fuel mixture for cold starts.
- Cold Start Position: For a cold Stihl chainsaw, move the choke lever to the “choke” or “cold start” position. This is usually indicated by a symbol showing a fully or partially closed choke.
- Warm Start Position: For a warm Stihl chainsaw, the choke is typically not needed, or it should be in the “run” or “warm start” position. If your saw is only slightly warm, you might still use the choke in the partial position or skip it altogether.
Important Note on the Choke: Stihl chainsaws often have an automatic decompression valve or a semi-automatic choke system. This means that once the engine fires, the choke will automatically move to the “run” position, or you’ll need to partially engage it after the initial firing. Always consult your owner’s manual for your specific model’s choke operation.
Step 4: Engaging the Master Control Lever (If Applicable)
Some Stihl chainsaws have a master control lever that combines the choke, on/off switch, and throttle lock into one unit.
- Cold Start: Move the lever to the “choke” or “cold start” position.
- Warm Start: Move the lever to the “run” or “warm start” position.
Step 5: Pulling the Starter Cord
- Grip: Hold the front handle firmly with your left hand.
- Pull the cord: With your right hand, grasp the starter cord handle. Pull the cord out smoothly until you feel resistance. Then, give it a firm, steady pull. Avoid yanking the cord out with excessive force, as this can damage the starter mechanism.
- Listen for the “pop”: You are aiming for the engine to “pop” or “sputter” – a sign it’s trying to start.
Step 6: After the “Pop”
Once you hear the engine “pop”:
- Move the choke: If you engaged the full choke, move the Stihl chainsaw choke lever to the half-choke or “run” position. If you have a master control lever, it might automatically disengage the choke.
- Pull the cord again: Pull the starter cord again, usually with a shorter, quicker pull. The engine should now start and run.
Step 7: Disengaging the Choke and Letting it Warm Up
Once the engine starts and is running:
- Full Choke: If you started on full choke and it’s running, move the choke lever immediately to the half-choke position.
- Half Choke: If you started on half choke or the engine is running smoothly, move the choke lever fully to the “run” position.
- Warm-up: Allow the chainsaw to run for about 30-60 seconds to warm up before engaging the throttle or attempting to cut. You should hear the engine sound smoothen out.
Step 8: Disengaging the Chain Brake
Once the engine is running smoothly and has warmed up:
- Release the brake: Firmly push the chain brake lever forward with the back of your hand to disengage it. The chain should be ready to spin when you engage the throttle.
Common Stihl Chainsaw Starting Issues and Troubleshooting
Even with perfect technique, sometimes a Stihl chainsaw won’t start. Here are some common reasons and how to address them:
No Spark or Weak Spark (Stihl Chainsaw Ignition)
The Stihl chainsaw ignition system is responsible for creating the spark plug spark.
- Check the spark plug:
- Remove the spark plug wire.
- Use a spark plug wrench to remove the spark plug.
- Inspect it for fouling (oily or carbon buildup), damage, or wear.
- Clean it with a wire brush or replace it if it looks worn or damaged. Ensure the gap is set correctly according to your owner’s manual.
- Reconnect the spark plug wire, but keep the plug itself grounded against the engine block (using the wire). Pull the starter cord. You should see a strong blue spark.
- Ignition module: If there’s no spark, the ignition module might be faulty, but this is a less common issue for user-fixable problems.
Fuel Delivery Problems
- Empty tank: Double-check that you have enough fresh fuel mixture.
- Blocked fuel filter: The small filter inside the fuel tank can get clogged. You can access and clean or replace this.
- Blocked fuel lines: The fuel lines connecting the tank to the carburetor can become kinked or blocked.
- Primer bulb not working: If the primer bulb is cracked or not drawing fuel, it needs replacement.
Carburetor Issues (Stihl Chainsaw Carburetor Adjustment)
The carburetor mixes fuel and air. A dirty or incorrectly adjusted carburetor is a frequent cause of starting problems.
- Dirty carburetor: If the saw has been sitting for a while, or if you used old fuel, the carburetor can get gummed up. Cleaning the carburetor typically involves disassembly and using carburetor cleaner. This is a task best left to experienced users or a service center if you’re not comfortable.
- Stihl chainsaw carburetor adjustment: Most modern Stihl chainsaws have non-adjustable carburetors, meaning they are pre-set at the factory. Tampering with them can cause more harm than good. However, some older models or specific units might have adjustment screws for idle speed. Do not attempt adjustments unless you have the specific instructions for your model.
Air Intake Blockage
- Dirty air filter: As mentioned earlier, a dirty air filter severely impacts starting.
- Blocked muffler: Carbon buildup in the muffler can restrict exhaust flow.
Compression Issues
If the engine has low compression, it won’t start. This can be due to worn piston rings, cylinder damage, or a faulty decompression valve. This usually requires professional repair.
Flooded Engine
If you’ve pulled the cord too many times with the choke fully engaged, you might have flooded the engine with too much fuel.
- How to fix a flooded Stihl chainsaw:
- Engage the chain brake.
- Move the choke lever to the “run” or “start” position (no choke).
- Turn the engine on/off switch to the “on” position.
- Pull the starter cord several times (5-10) without engaging the throttle. This should help clear excess fuel.
- Then, try starting again using the normal Stihl chainsaw starting procedure, perhaps with the choke in the half position if the engine still feels a bit cold.
Stihl Chainsaw Maintenance: Preventing Problems
Regular Stihl chainsaw maintenance is the best way to prevent starting issues and ensure safe operation.
After Each Use:
- Clean the exterior: Wipe down the chainsaw to remove sawdust and debris.
- Check the chain brake: Ensure it’s functioning correctly.
- Inspect the air filter: A quick check for significant clogging.
- Check chain tension and sharpness: Make adjustments as needed.
Regular Maintenance (Monthly or as needed):
- Clean the air filter thoroughly.
- Check and clean the spark arrestor screen in the muffler. This prevents sparks from exiting the muffler, reducing the risk of forest fires.
- Inspect the guide bar: Ensure it’s clean and lubricated.
- Clean the cooling fins on the cylinder: Dust and debris can impede cooling.
- Check all screws and bolts: Ensure they are tight.
Annual Maintenance (or as recommended by your manual):
- Replace the spark plug.
- Replace the air filter.
- Replace the fuel filter.
- Inspect and clean the carburetor.
- Have the chainsaw professionally serviced if you are not comfortable performing these tasks.
Advanced Stihl Chainsaw Troubleshooting
When you encounter a Stihl chainsaw won’t start scenario that isn’t covered by the basic troubleshooting, you might need to delve deeper.
Stihl Chainsaw Ignition Coil and Magneto
The ignition coil and magneto generate the electrical current for the spark plug. If these components fail, you’ll have no spark. This is a more complex repair and often requires a qualified technician.
Stihl Chainsaw Fuel Pump
Some chainsaws have a small fuel pump integrated into the carburetor or as a separate unit. If this fails, fuel won’t reach the carburetor.
Piston and Cylinder Wear
Over time, the piston rings and cylinder can wear, leading to a loss of compression. Symptoms include difficulty starting, loss of power, and a smoky exhaust. This is a major engine overhaul and requires professional attention.
Operating Your Stihl Chainsaw Safely
Beyond starting, safe operation is paramount.
Wearing Protective Gear:
- Helmet with face shield and hearing protection: Essential for protecting your head, eyes, and ears.
- Chainsaw chaps or trousers: Made of special material that stops the chain if it contacts your legs.
- Heavy-duty gloves: For grip and protection.
- Steel-toed boots: For foot protection.
Proper Cutting Techniques:
- Maintain a firm grip: Hold the front handle with your left hand and the rear handle with your right hand.
- Two-handed operation: Always operate the chainsaw with both hands.
- Watch for kickback: This is a sudden, violent upward and backward motion of the chainsaw that can occur when the tip of the guide bar hits an object or the wood closes in and pinches the chain. Be aware of the kickback zone on the bar tip.
- Never cut above shoulder height.
- Keep the chain brake engaged when moving from one cutting area to another or when the engine is running but not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many times should I pull the starter cord to start a Stihl chainsaw?
A1: For a cold start, it typically takes 3-5 pulls to get the engine to “pop” and then another 1-3 pulls after adjusting the choke. For a warm start, it might only take 1-2 pulls. Over-pulling can flood the engine.
Q2: Can I use automotive gasoline in my Stihl chainsaw?
A2: No. Always use fresh, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 89 or higher. Never use gasoline that is more than 30 days old.
Q3: My Stihl chainsaw starts but then dies. What could be the problem?
A3: This is often a sign of a fuel delivery issue, a clogged air filter, or an incorrect idle speed setting (on older models). Ensure your fuel mixture is correct and fresh, clean the air filter, and check if the chain brake is fully disengaged. If the problem persists, the carburetor might need attention.
Q4: How often should I clean the air filter on my Stihl chainsaw?
A4: It’s best to check and clean the air filter after every use, or at least daily for frequent users. For less frequent use, clean it before each operational session.
Q5: What is the correct Stihl chainsaw fuel and oil mixture?
A5: The recommended Stihl chainsaw fuel and oil mixture is 50:1. This means 5 liters of gasoline to 100 ml of high-quality 2-stroke engine oil.
By following these comprehensive steps and adhering to safety guidelines, you can confidently start your Stihl chainsaw quickly and safely, ensuring efficient and reliable performance for all your cutting tasks. Regular Stihl chainsaw maintenance is your best defense against starting problems and ensures your tool remains in top condition.