MS290 starting issue

Well I would say it is time to get a volt meter out and start checking to see if you have voltage to the coil or you could use a dwell meter and see if you get a reading when you turn it over.

 

OK, question for MasterMech and others. Would you suggest buying a new aftermarket recoil or a good used (was told "All in great shape. No problem with them. Very little use") recoil? Price is actually a bit cheaper on the new after market than the used Stihl. There is a return period on the used recoil.

 

I just started the saw and there was no problem with the recoil. I intend to use the saw today and see how it does before I make a decision to replace the recoil or not. Would still appreciate an opinion on new aftermarket or used OEM.

 

I'D buy the used low hour OEM

But didn't you say the issue occurs "sometimes"? Which I would take to mean it does not always do it, which would explain it working now.

 

Well, sort of. I noticed one time after putting in the new spool/pulley and pawls that it was normal, but then it return to the hard. That is why I want to use the saw a bit and see before I make a decision to spend more money on it. It may be OK and not go back to the hard to pull; I tend to cut the saw off when carrying it so I will start it a few times while working. Was getting ready to go cut when it started raining so that may have to wait and I can look at getting the tractor running.

 

You next year if you don't get that saw fixed!

 

Can't like that...too skeery!

 

I am using The Beast today and it was hard to pull; or jammed, twice during the starts. I asked MasterMech and any others opinion on if I should buy a new aftermarket or a good used OEM; prices are about the same.

 

Clearly it seems to me that something is jamming up in the recoil assembly when under pressure of pulling it when attached to the saw. I think if it were me that I would replace the entire recoil assembly because the old one could just be worn out. Replacing parts could be throwing good money after a bad recoil. I would just do an aftermarket recoil. I use aftermarket parts all the time from pistons to cylinders and seals and covers with no issues.

If you can get a good used OEM than go for that.

 

On the fuel lines I will not disagree with you. But there are many aftermarket parts that work just fine and Stihl is not above raking us over the coals for their parts.

 

I went to my sister's house to cut up the dead tree; it turned out to be a tulip poplar; maybe still good, will know more when I split it.
Together with the work at my house I started The Beast maybe a dozen times and had it to jam three times. Should I just wait and see how it does or think about going ahead and replacing the recoil; money is not that available for me.

 

I have had an AM fuel line split right at filter or just above as well. Second one is been doing fine. Have a tank on my 650 I am very happy with fit and quality.

 

That's a 25% failure rate. On your income I would leave it. But if it were me I'd buy the light used OEM. 25% is not that bad really. Not like it's everytime.

 

Easy answer. If no money is available for you, and the saw starts, forget about it until the money is there.

Sorry for my abruptness.

 

yooperdave she more or less gave up the ghost today. I cut up that tree I pulled down and some other things and at the end it didn't do anything but jammed. I could also hear the pawls slipping in the what's it. Could be the aftermarket parts I put in it. So, it time to look at replacing it and the consensus appears to be to get a good used OEM.

 

I purchased a used OEM recoil off of ebay last night, $26.95 with the shipping. The seller said the recoils they sold came of little used saws. My guess looking at what they had for sell is that they take saws; all brands, and strip them down for parts. I will know when I have the part in hand; they offered a 30 day return so I will have time to use the saw and see.

Thanks everyone for your help.