170 a FLOP!

They all make a stinker or two Brad. No shame, it's just the way it is.

 

It starts every time all the time. Easy too with the easy start. My dad bought the cbq model with the quick adjust chain tensioner. That's nice to adjust when you need it, but it adds complexity when you have to change chains.

 

My 2012 170's carb isn't adjustable. Try burning out the muffler screen with a propane torch. It's stainless, won't melt. The screen nuts are 8mm -- 5/16".

 

I do not think I would like having a saw that did not have adjustments on the carb. There are all kinds of different things that can affect the tuning on these small carbs. I am surprised there is no tuning.

 

I'm sure the adjustment screws are just hidden under a "tamper proof" seal. That's typically how they've done it for years

Edit.. I see that there are others complaining about the lack of adjustment screws.

 

I always pull the choke out just far enough for it to stop on my little ryobi. I don’t know if it would start otherwise.
Also “fixed” my neighbors stihl when it was not starting by reconnecting the wires to the spark plug.

 

I have worked on small Stihl saws before but not a MS 170. I have seen where there was just one adjustment screw for the low side but never I have I seen one with absolutely no adjustments at all.
It could have the limiters on it or some tamper proof seal like you said.

 

my ms210 acted the same way. But I picked it up from my moms deceased husband so who knows the fuel history on it.
All I know is, when I picked it up, it didn't like being ran sideways, it would stall and other issues as you mentioned.
Finally it just wouldn't start anymore after tanks of good fuel, good oil, MMO and mechanic in a bottle.
I been meaning to buy a carb for it but my 350 works well enough really..

 

My 170 is 6 years old, and Brad is right, it can be fussy in some temps, hot w humidity especially.
But it's the saw I use for trail work, fits well in a backpack w 14" bar, and is light for the seniors.
The muffler is opened up, I use non ethanol gas, and cold start carefully with choke for the quiet "pop".
The saw ( and the 180 ) is definatly non pro, but reliable. The tiny tiny carb is a pain; try carb cleaner.
Also, the fuel filter clogs easily in dust/debris.
Change the bar and chain to non safety.

 

The 170’s are a crap shoot as far as carb’s..

If you get a good one, they’re good little rigs..

A bad one, and you may just need to replace the carb.. I’m not impressed with the stihl mother company when it comes to these saws.
I have 2...

 

Me too. Im mad for buying a homeowner saw and it came back to bite me. Wish i got a 193 or 194 rear handle. Still might.

 

I won mine at a couple different saw races..

Good news is, the carb to replace it is only $20

 

Don’t get me started on the oilers...

 

The saw was new as of April. Maybe 15 tanks of gad through it. Shouldnt have to replace anything.

 

Did you buy it on April 1st?

 

Nope. B-day present to myself...bought on April 18th!

 

I had thought of buying a 193 before I bought the 170 but really wanted the rear handle. I had watched one arborist with the Stihl T handle and was impressed with the saw's performance when warm - only one pull to start! I have not yet had the chance to put the 220 to the test but I am confident it's going to workout in the dry weather.

 

I agree...
Stihl should have been a little more concerned with QC on a model that was gonna sell so many units.
Instead, they put a cheesy, Chinese, non adjustable carb on it.. took an otherwise decent performing, light, and affordable saw, and made its reliability akin to a Walmart wood shark...

 

They make a 193 rear handle. Same weight as a 170. My next saw. I did get a 194 top handle same time i got the 170 and love that saw It hot starts in one pull. Great little saw.

 

Sorry to hear your issues with the MS170. My dad and I both have one of these saws and love them. No problems with either saw to date. If you just bought the saw this past April isn't it still under warranty? Especially if you bought the extra oil and got the extended warranty.