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I haven't worked a day since I had a crap job at the age of 17. Since then I've been lucky enough to get paid for having fun.

If nothing else, the premix is much prettier with Red Armor than the blue stuff. :D

Well, dadgummit! You're right. And sometimes the best tool in your toolbox is your checkbook.

Personally never used canned fuel but there are people who report problems with it. I don't know about the truthiness of said reports. The other half of the mix-your-own equation is the oil... and you'll hear as many opinions about that as there are people with two-strokes. My own recommendation...

If the carb is the problem on a MS-170, it might not be economically feasible to have a mechanic fix it, but it's a 5 minute job to replace it. A replacement carb (off brand) is less than $20. I've been running one on my MS-250 for this entire year and IMO, it runs better than with the original.

Sounds like the problem is the mechanic, as you've found out. While there are things about some Stihl models I don't like, and I've found some parts break fairly easily, I've not had a problem with the engines. Just curious... what do you use for fuel?

I am so chronologically enhanced that any time is break time! 😃

Well, now you've got your first saw... welcome to the addiction. There will be more. :D

I don't use premix. Just that I've heard from people who have had problems... saws that don't start; put fresh fuel/different fuel in and the saw starts. Not saying it's the answer, but I am a firm believer in trying the things that are easy to try first. Can't get much easier than changing...

Or it's as simple as a bad can of premix. Some people report very spotty results.

My Stihl is my least favorite saw. It's a consumer grade saw and my list of dislikes are longer. And they're all related to things Stihl did to make the saw "easier" to use. The caps, the "easy" chain tensioner, the "easy" start. I bought it because the Homelite was too big and heavy and I...

Either Homelite 410 or Echo CS-590. Although the one in the back of the truck is the Chinesium 25cc top-handle ... just for emergencies.

I've been using an Echo CS-590 (24" bar). It's the nicest saw I've had. There are enough similarities between the 590 and the 620 that I am sure that it would be even more likeable with the upgrades from the 590. Don't have an Husqvarna, so I can't offer a direct comparison. My favorite thing...

Clutching at straws ... how do you know there is no fire? Not doubting, but maybe there is a clue in your testing method. Using a spark tester? As I recall, you've tested the magnets are at least strong enough to attract a screwdriver... Couldn't be a dead plug, could it? I reread your post #7...

That wire resistance seems awfully high. I don't know about chainsaws in particular, but in other engines, typically a spark plug wire has about 5kΩ/ft., and a non-resistance wire is ~50Ω/ft., so unless that wire is 2' long, either there is something I don't understand about the system in that...

You have checked the spark plug wire for continuity?

Echo, Husqvarna, Stihl. Other opinions will vary. A very important consideration is dealer support. Who has a servicing dealer near you? And do you like them?

I'm pretty new (to the forum) myself. Otherwise an old geezer. I have no brand loyalty. I probably have the most hours on an old Homelite and newer Stihls. But my favorite is the Echo 590. In any case, welcome from the midwest.

Ask 5 people who sharpen chains and you'll get 6 or 7 recommendations. Everything (almost) works and it comes down to personal preference. Project Farm did a fairly complete video on the subject: Note that some have a quicker learning curve; others may take a while to get excellent results.

Ran it again for an hour or so. Temperature was in mid 20s. Started on 3rd pull. For that reason alone, I am starting to really like this little saw. Used it brushing. Cleaned about 200' of brushline. It's the best I've done in that short a time in years. Now I've got to clean up the mess... 🙄