Scooter68
New member
Have a Stihl MS261 (not a "C-M" model) In the past few months it's become very difficult to use. Will start when cold (outside temps in the 80s-90s) using full choke with 5-6 pulls, then one or two pulls at 1.2 choke, but will not idle.
After warming up more than a 10-30 seconds it will not restart
Checked spark arrestor screen - perfectly clean
Gas used is always 91 octane non-ethanol
Cold weather 'shutter' solid side is in as per Stihl directions
Tried to do LA screw adjustment with about a 1/8 turn but still stalls out
Acts flooded (Strong gas smell)
Will restart after it sits for at least 45 - 60 mins but still won't idle
The carburetor H & L screws are covered with concave silver metal inserts.
From what I have read it appears to need a 2mm allen wrench in those openings (yes/No)
I cannot see the vent tube even after removing the cover and air filter - probably looking in the wrong place
Spark plug has been replaced once.
Total run time on this one is around 25-30 tanks full
About to take it to the shop but want to see if anyone has any ideas. Can take photos and send/attach if that would help.
My experience level is moderate. Over 70 yrs old started really using chain saws about 22 years ago. Started with some Craftsmen chainsaws because I did't want to tear up a really good chainsaw. Finally outgrew those as they just didn't do that well. Moved on to a Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss and after about 12-14 years finally made the terminal mistake of gas with no oil. That's when I bought the MS261. With 17+ acres that is about 60 woods I use a chainsaw multiple times a month for some project. I have a gas powered backpack blower (husquvarna) a Stihl weed wacker, a Stihl battery chainsaw and my milling chainsaw an MS362 >>> That sums up my chainsaw experience.<<<
After warming up more than a 10-30 seconds it will not restart
Checked spark arrestor screen - perfectly clean
Gas used is always 91 octane non-ethanol
Cold weather 'shutter' solid side is in as per Stihl directions
Tried to do LA screw adjustment with about a 1/8 turn but still stalls out
Acts flooded (Strong gas smell)
Will restart after it sits for at least 45 - 60 mins but still won't idle
The carburetor H & L screws are covered with concave silver metal inserts.
From what I have read it appears to need a 2mm allen wrench in those openings (yes/No)
I cannot see the vent tube even after removing the cover and air filter - probably looking in the wrong place
Spark plug has been replaced once.
Total run time on this one is around 25-30 tanks full
About to take it to the shop but want to see if anyone has any ideas. Can take photos and send/attach if that would help.
My experience level is moderate. Over 70 yrs old started really using chain saws about 22 years ago. Started with some Craftsmen chainsaws because I did't want to tear up a really good chainsaw. Finally outgrew those as they just didn't do that well. Moved on to a Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss and after about 12-14 years finally made the terminal mistake of gas with no oil. That's when I bought the MS261. With 17+ acres that is about 60 woods I use a chainsaw multiple times a month for some project. I have a gas powered backpack blower (husquvarna) a Stihl weed wacker, a Stihl battery chainsaw and my milling chainsaw an MS362 >>> That sums up my chainsaw experience.<<<