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MS290 starting issue

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by Kimberly, Apr 10, 2016.

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  1. Kimberly

    Kimberly

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    We were using my MS290 saw today and several times trying to pull the starter rope, the rope would not pull out resulting in jerking the saw around. It is almost as if the piston was locked. However, afterwards it would pull and start and run fine. We bucked a tree we felled the other day and cut down some stumps without issue. It was just starting I had the problem and it did this enough times that I am concerned and thus seeking help.
     
    Kimberly, Apr 10, 2016
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  2. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    :popcorn:
     
    Eric VW, Apr 10, 2016
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  3. thewoodlands

    thewoodlands

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    I use method number 1 when I start my saws, it's on page 8.
    http://www.stihlusa.com/WebContent/CMSFileLibrary/InstructionManuals/MS290_310_390_Manual.pdf
    Do you pull the starter rope out until you feel resistance and then pull hard.
     
    thewoodlands, Apr 10, 2016
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  4. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    These saws can do this if the rope pulley and/or the pawls become worn. Especially the pawls. Cheap and easy fix.
     
    MasterMech, Apr 10, 2016
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  5. Kimberly

    Kimberly

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    Yes, I do when I start the saw. My friend was using the saw today because I hurt my left arm and until it heals I can not use the saw. At one point when he started, it jerked the saw over.
     
    Kimberly, Apr 10, 2016
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  6. Kimberly

    Kimberly

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    Yes, that is the way I start my saw as well.
     
    Kimberly, Apr 10, 2016
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  7. Kimberly

    Kimberly

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    My friend seems convinced that it is the decompression valve; opinion on this?
     
    Kimberly, Apr 10, 2016
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  8. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Does not exist on an 029/MS290
     
    MasterMech, Apr 10, 2016
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  9. Kimberly

    Kimberly

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    Thanks, so what do you think is the source of the issue?
     
    Kimberly, Apr 10, 2016
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  10. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

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    Yup, a 50cc saw shouldn't need a decompression button..... sounds like user error.
     
    bobdog2o02, Apr 10, 2016
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  11. Kimberly

    Kimberly

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    I have never had any issues starting the saw; I choke and then when it sputters, I open the choke and then pull and it starts on the first or second pull. If the saw is hot, then it needs no choking and starts without issues. I have not been starting the saw because of my hurt arm. I did witness the problem when tried to start but I am unsure how he pulls the rope.
     
    Kimberly, Apr 10, 2016
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  12. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

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    Exactly, sounds like he was kinda..... outside his skillset.
     
    bobdog2o02, Apr 10, 2016
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  13. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    My 445 has decomp, and my shoulder thanks Husky for it.....:whistle:
    :thumbs:
    :rofl: :lol:
     
    Eric VW, Apr 10, 2016
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  14. Kimberly

    Kimberly

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    Not at all. He knows how to start and operate saws and I saw him try to start the saw and it acting as if the piston was locked.
     
    Kimberly, Apr 11, 2016
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  15. Kimberly

    Kimberly

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    I am going to try starting the saw myself so I can see and better describe the issue.
     
    Kimberly, Apr 11, 2016
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  16. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    See below. Check the pawl(s). Heck, just replace them for less than 5 bucks and ten minutes of your time.

    When the pawls get worn, they do not engage the flywheel properly and can make the saw feel like it has a lot more compression than it really does.
     
    MasterMech, Apr 11, 2016
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  17. Kimberly

    Kimberly

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    OK, will check the pawls. Thanks everyone.
     
    Kimberly, Apr 11, 2016
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  18. jon1212

    jon1212

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    Could the muffler being carboned up cause a back pressure issue?

    Also the statement about 50cc saws and decomp valves not being necessary is a little misleading. Easier to start means more potential customers.......
     
    jon1212, Apr 13, 2016
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  19. yooperdave

    yooperdave

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    Just buy yourself a can of Dinty Moore beef stew! Check out the footage around 00:11

     
    yooperdave, Apr 13, 2016
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  20. pantelis

    pantelis

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    I agree
     
    pantelis, Apr 13, 2016
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