The 3 Stihls have a tough time starting in the low singles F . I tried using Canola oil for lube from a poster here --great suggestion. I've tried higher octane, no ethanol, but it is the same hard starts. Am I weak pulling ? Ideas ?
Are your saw in tip top shape? If your not running your saws often your fuel lines may need to be primed. I run my quite often. In temps down to say -20 it’s full choke for 1-2 pulls the it fires on half choke. As it approaches-50 add a pull per 10*. If the saws are running daily then subtract a pull. For bar lube I run Stihl attic for cold temps and whatever is the cheapest bar oil in the summer. Bars and chain are to expensive not to run bar oil. I use Stihl light for the bar and either Stihl or Oregon for chain both are square grind. Have you changed spark plugs lately and how’s your filter?
New plugs, saws run clearing blowdowns and firewood harvesting mostly in late Fall and Winter ( ~ 8 cords ). Local Stihl dealers says I have to pull " hard and fast "; no drop pulls. Good ideas.
I find that a pre excursion starting at home when it's warm helps. I second the it's to lean comment.
As a saw builder, Mr. John has good advise. I have been doing a fair amount of cutting lately, so my saw starts quick. I use more of a drop-push down-pull on the rope start. If I can get to the choke and get it to half choke, its a one start, if not then a 2 pull start. Once its warm a one pull start.
Mr may be a bit of a stretch. Op, the colder dense air just requires more fuel both for starting and wide open throttle. Your saws just need some more squirt.
SIR Redfin ............................... "You gotta know what you don't know." Re: higher octane is harder to ignite . Kuddos to Tim. SWMBO will not permit saws indoors. Good thot though. Drop down start may ( only may ) be safe IF the chain brake is engaged. My CLP instructor said "no" to drop starts. Lots of torque in saw starts that could move the saw towards your errrrrrr.......privates. I like them BTW. So, being the safe one, starts are either held saw between the thighs, or, more common for me at least, foot or leg holding the saw on the ground. YMMV
Okay..... you need to open a thread "how to get saws past wives ?" Heck, I stashed a new push mower behind a couch once.
Ha, no she never found out. Although a echo with a 36" bar has been under the dining room table for over a week now. I think she is mind numb now.
