170 a FLOP!

Bought a new Stihl 170 back in April when on sale. $170 out the door. Wanted a small lightweight saw for limbing and i thought this would fit the bill...not. Worked well after first few tank fulls...WHEN it works. In early August while using it it wouldnt start after being run and shut off for maybe 20 minutes. Aggravating, especially when its 90* out. Next time using it i didnt shut it down and let it idle rather than shut off and restart. Worked fine.
Yesterday, it wouldnt get up to full speed when cutting and stalled a few times when set down to idle. Started it today and let it idle to warm up. I had started the other saw and bucked a few rounds. Went to get it and had stalled. Ive had enough. CL here it comes. Its rare you'll hear me bad mouth "my brand" of saw and this is one of those cases. Looking to get a 193, 194 or 201 rear handle. My 194 top handle fills in nicely for the 170, but want a "two hander" lightweight saw.
Maybe ill ask the dealer about it when i go PU the 361 & 460.
Anyone else have these issues with a new 170? I understand its a cheap homeowner saw but wasnt expecting this.

 

I really like the ms211 that my dad bought a couple years ago. Super light, even with a 16" b&c. It really cuts well.

 

Any issues like i spoke of with the 211? I like the saw...when it does work! I need consistency though

 

My old man has a 170, zero issues, it’s been a great little saw. Maybe you should get your guy to take a look at it before ditching it. Possible crud in the carb? I was ready to scrap a pressure washer i was so frustrated with it, had never been right, my old man opened up the carb and much to my embarrassment found the gasket was installed during assembly folded over and ever since it’s run well. I was ready to smash it, I was so sick of it, I never took it apart to see, just figured it was typical homelite junk.

 

Bought the 251 a couple months ago and it's a good lightweight saw. 16” and it cuts really nice. That easy start system is a great thing. Starts every time. So far so good.

 

I would pull the carb, disassemble & clean it.

My 661 acted up & after flushing the tank, letting a jar of fuel set to check separation & possible water content. I pulled the carb & it had a small amount of what appeared to be fine sawdust in the carb screen. I believe it came in around the air filter. No problems now.

You may also want to check your tank vent.

 

Is it the easy start Brad? Brand new? Take it back to the dealer! I have read about running issues in various brands in the high temps this summer on several forums. Higher humidity can affect how a 2 stroke can run. Good luck buddy.

 

Wow, sorry you are having problems. We got the MS180 with easy start and it runs great. It does seem to a bit cold natured, but not bad. Yours is less than 1 yr old, still under warranty. Have dealer check it out.

 

I agree...tiny little carb takes only tiny little dirt/etc to foul the carb up...unless you are just looking for a good excuse to upgrade...

 

I don't know Brad. You look to be a pretty big guy in your pics. The little rear handle versions of the top handles may be too small for your mitts.

I'd just use the 194 and save your money for a better toy, like a dump trailer, or a winch. Its already lighter and more powerful than the 170. Don't you also have a 250?

 

How much wood do you cut with it? Lots of use or spoardic?

No 250, sold my 290 in June. I was at my OPE dealer last week and picked up the display 193 rear handle. Loved it and same weight as the 170.

Thanks! 361 & 460 at OPE dealer where i bought the 170. When i PU them ill bring it in.

Thanks. Will bring it in. Still disappointed though.

 

Makita Makita (twice the saw for the price). An EA3200. Or get yourself one of the cordless battery op ones if you want to stick to that size of saw.

 

The not starting issue last month i thought might be heat related. The current issues happened Saturday so it will be going back.

 

I had a 170 with very similar starting problems. Took it to my dealer and they said there was nothing wrong with the saw. Took it to a second dealer and he said throw away the starting instructions in the manual. My manual said use full choke to start when cold. As soon as the saw fires, go to partial choke to start and when warm use partial choke to start. The second dealer said only use choke for cold starts which partially solved the problem but it was still guess work on cooler days when the saw had sat for 30 minutes or more whether to use full choke or partial choke or no choke. It was better to start with no choke and work up to full choke as the saw is very easy to flood.

 

Yes, but it’s usually solved by going through the fuel system and checking the muffler screen.

Disclose any issues with the new buyer so he/she can make an informed purchase.

 

I have a 180 that Gary_602z donated at the last GTG at the Backwoods Savage estate. My son and nephew have run the heck out of it with not a single issue.

 

I would richen up the low side of the carb. If you see improvement then richen up the high side too. It sounds lean to me.