The other day I got the MS290 out to do a bit of cutting. I started the saw several times; I would stop the saw between cuttings as it starts so easily. Then I go to start it and can't pull the recoil. It isn't just hard to pull, it is impossible to pull; as if something is locked up. I played around with it and if I pulled the rope slowly, it would pull and I could feel each time the piston went to compression. Go to pull it quickly to start it and it "locks up." It is strange. MasterMech actually looked at the saw and could find nothing wrong, the flywheel looked good; he also ported the muffler while he had it and even replaced the recoil. After I mucked around with it for a bit, whatever is the problem went away and I started the saw and used it; although I didn't stop the saw until I finished all the cutting I needed to do. It is strange. I like the saw and will continue to use it and if it happens again, just muck around with it and see if it goes away. However, I may start looking for another Stihl of comparable size; nothing bigger as it is as heavy as I want to use.
I’m not one of the experts on here by any means but the next time it did it, I would see if the chain moves by hand with switch OFF and then immediately pull the spark plug and try it so you could rule out whether it’s compression related or mechanical like chain brake/clutch/pull handle recoil stuck etc. Running without mix will cause this also. Piston to cylinder clearance gets too tight. But I’d thought your master mechanic would see evidence of that on piston skirt as he ported it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well Kimberly sounds like some good ideas posted here. Pulling the starter and seeing if you can turn the flywheel by hand is good and you could also pull the starter rope independent of the saw itself. I would inspect the flywheel around the magnet real close and that means even on the backside to see if something is stuck to it. Or like has already been suggested pull the plug right away and pull it fast to see if it compression related.
MasterMech is a member here. That was done years ago. There could be damage between then and now. For sure there was no problem then. I do not think this is a scuffing or scored issue. It may be something in the recoil itself. But I agree pull out the plug and see if the clutch has any issues or chain.
Really?...any saw that Stihl can sell 5 bazillion of and 95% of them are still alive and kicking can't be too "pathetic"...are there newer models with better power to weight ratio...yes, but that doesn't make them pathetic...
Well not everyone is in a position to go out and pay a 1,000.00 dollars for a saw. I know I never would.
I have a 290 and maybe not the best power to weight ratio and not the best saw in the line-up nor is it a pro saw but is reliable and has cut a lot of wood and is still kicking. Done nothing to it with the exception of routine maintenance. Could Kimberly's 290 issue be a piston to cylinder wall clearance issue ? I don't know but when things get hot and expand and contract they do funny things .
What I found strange was that a slow pull worked but a quick pull to start didn't. And MasterMech replaced the recoil. I am just going to use the saw until it won't start at all. However, I may keep a look out for a good used replacement saw in the same line.
Mine did something similar a few years back (no longer own it) and it was the clutch bearings seizing (i think thats the right term.) Roller bearings went and starter rope would not pull out or retract. Simple $10 fix. Got new OEM from OPE dealer. I did some research and a "common" problem for well used 290's. I cant say a bad thing about my 290. Had it for ten years and it was the only "major" issue i ever had with it other than basic stuff. A 261 was a nice upgrade from the 290. Just my 2c.
