How to Start a Stihl Chain Saw: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Start
A Stihl chain saw is an essential tool for many homeowners and professionals alike. Whether you need to trim a few branches or cut down a tree, having a well-maintained chain saw that starts easily is crucial. However, starting a chain saw can be intimidating, especially if you’re a beginner. In this article, we’ll go through the steps to start your Stihl chain saw like a pro, discuss tips and tricks for success, and address common mistakes to avoid.
5 Steps to Properly Starting Your Stihl Chain Saw
Before we delve into the details of starting your chain saw, it’s important to understand the basic steps. Follow these simple steps to get your Stihl chain saw started:
Step 1: Check the fuel and oil levels
Before starting your chain saw, make sure you have enough fuel and oil. Check the fuel level by looking at the gas tank’s gauge and the oil level by looking at the oil tank’s window. If you’re running low on either, top them up.
Step 2: Set the chain brake and deactivate the throttle lock
Setting the chain brake prevents the chain from spinning while starting the engine, ensuring your safety. To activate the chain brake, push the handguard forward until you hear it click. Then, deactivate the throttle lock by pressing the throttle trigger and releasing it. You should hear a click sound indicating that the throttle lock is now deactivated.
Step 3: Prime the engine
Priming the engine is essential to get fuel into the carburetor before starting the engine. Locate the primer bulb and press it six times to ensure enough fuel reaches the carburetor. If your chain saw has a decompression valve, press it once to reduce the engine’s compression and make pulling the starter cord easier.
Step 4: Choke the engine
Choking the engine restricts airflow, helping to enrich the fuel mixture, making the engine easier to start. Move the choke lever to the full choke position, usually marked with an icon of a closed butterfly.
Step 5: Pull the starter rope
Pull the starter rope firmly and smoothly until the engine fires. Then, move the choke lever to the half-choke position, also marked with a butterfly icon. Pull the starter cord again until the engine starts. Once it starts, move the choke lever to the off position, and the engine will settle into a smooth idle.
How to Easily and Safely Kickstart Your Stihl Chain Saw in No Time
If your Stihl chain saw is difficult to start using the starter cord, you might try kickstarting it. Although kickstarting a chain saw requires more effort, it can be an excellent option for people with reduced mobility in their arms or simply prefer this starting method. To safely and successfully kickstart your chain saw, follow these steps:
Step 1: Secure the saw
Secure the saw’s bar between your feet, ensuring that the chain brake is engaged and the throttle is locked. Hold the handlebar with one hand and the starter handle with the other.
Step 2: Push down with your foot
Push down firmly and quickly with your foot onto the starter handle until you near the compression stroke. You’ll feel the engine tighten up when it’s ready to fire.
Step 3: Pull up on the starter handle
While continuing to hold the handlebar, pull the starter handle up. Repeat this motion until the engine starts running.
It’s critical to stay safe while starting your chain saw, whether kicking or using the starter cord. Wear proper protective gear, such as eye and ear protection, gloves, and sturdy clothing, and keep bystanders at a safe distance.
Mastering the Art of Starting Your Stihl Chain Saw: A Beginner’s Guide
Starting a chain saw can be daunting, especially if you’re a beginner. Follow these tips to ensure you get a successful start every time:
Tip 1: Warm up the engine
Before you start your chain saw, let it warm up for a few minutes, particularly if it’s cold. A warm engine is easier to start and less likely to stall, so let the engine idle before you begin cutting.
Tip 2: Check the air filter
If your air filter is dirty, your engine will not start or will run poorly. Check the air filter before starting your chain saw and keep it clean. Remove the air filter from the case, clean it with warm, soapy water, let it dry, then reattach it once it’s completely dry.
Tip 3: Handle the saw correctly
Proper handling of a chain saw is critical for a successful start. Hold the saw firmly with both hands, making sure the chain brake is engaged, and the throttle lock is deactivated. Be sure to keep your feet secure and avoid standing close to the saw’s bar or chain.
Tip 4: Use fresh fuel and oil
Old or contaminated fuel and oil can cause your chain saw not to start or run poorly. Make sure to replace your fuel and oil every season to ensure the engine runs smoothly. Use a high-quality fuel and oil mix, and ensure the mix ratios are correct for your saw. Typically, Stihl recommends a 50:1 fuel to oil ratio.
A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Your Stihl Chain Saw Like a Pro
If you’re familiar with the basics of starting your Stihl chain saw and looking to level up your starting skills, follow these advanced tips:
Tip 1: Keep the saw clean
A clean chain saw is essential for a successful start, so make sure to keep it clean and free of debris. Wipe down the saw’s exterior after each use, and remove the chain and bar to thoroughly clean them with warm water and soap. Dry them and reattach them before storing your saw.
Tip 2: Use the proper starting technique
Start your chain saw in a sequence that works for you, and once it starts, keep the throttle locked open for a few seconds. This helps clear out any debris and allows the engine to warm up. After a few seconds, release the throttle to let the saw idle.
Tip 3: Adjust the carburetor correctly
If your Stihl chain saw is challenging to start, the carburetor may need adjustment. Stihl recommends having a professional adjust the carburetor, but if you’re familiar with the process, you can do it yourself. To adjust the carburetor, refer to your saw’s owner manual, and use carburetor adjusting tools.
Tip 4: Keep your spark plug clean
The spark plug plays a crucial role in starting the engine, so make sure it’s clean and functioning properly. Check the gap and clean the spark plug with a wire brush regularly. Replace the spark plug once a season or after 100 hours of use.
Stihl Chain Saw Starting: Tips, Tricks, and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Starting a chain saw can be tricky, even for seasoned professionals. Here are some additional tips to ensure you get a successful start:
Tip 1: Avoid flooding the engine
Priming the engine too much or pulling the starter cord too quickly can flood the engine, making it challenging to start. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely and prime the correct number of times. Pull the starter cord smoothly and slowly to prevent flooding the engine.
Tip 2: Keep the fuel fresh
Ethanol fuel can cause problems with your chain saw’s carburetor, so use fresh fuel every season or fast-improving fuel that contains no ethanol. Add fuel stabilizer to your fuel for better performance and longer shelf life.
Tip 3: Avoid kickback
Kickback can occur when the chain comes into contact with an object or when the nose of the guide bar is pinched. To avoid kickback, maintain a good grip on the saw, keep the chain sharp, and avoid cutting in the nose of the bar.
Conclusion
Starting a Stihl chain saw doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the manufacturer’s instructions, maintaining your saw, and adopting the tips and tricks we’ve discussed, you can easily start your chain saw like a pro. Remember always to prioritize safety, wear the appropriate gear, and take the necessary measures to maintain your saw.
