Got a question about an MS250 chain saw. It no longer kills when turned offa t switch. I have to choke it to get it to kill.

Got a question about an MS250 chain saw. It no longer kills when turned offa t switch. I have to choke it to get it to kill.

Mikes' starting procedure definitely works.

On my 2-Strokes: primer bulb 4 times, trigger throttle 3 times, push the de-compression button in, set choke to wide open, pull 2-3 times Summer, 3-6 times Winter. Soon as it lights, tap the throttle to disengage the choke and take it off high-idle. Works every time. Let it idle until the cylinder fins are warm to the touch, do light cuts at half throttle for 5 minutes. Then run it as hard as you want.

Few things to try Guitar that have worked for Me in no particular order:

a) Pull the fuel hose out of the tank and check it. If it's not pliable and starting to harden they can crack and cause starting issues. Not noticable with a full tank of fuel, this usually shows up after you have been working the machine for an hour. I keep extra fuel line around for this reason.

b) The air breather element on my Husky is the same color as SAWDUST. Brilliant idea, a visual inspection and it looks like the filter is perfect condition. It isn't. Mine was getting miserable to start like yours, and the filter was plugged. Even after cleaning and seeing sawdust come out of it, it still looked the same. So, blow out your element whether it needs it or not.

c) The spark arrestor screen will get plugged with 2 Stroke oil, clean it. When it's plugged they are stubborn to start.

d) Pull the spark plug and hit it with a wire brush to freshen it up and start quicker.

e) Crack the fuel cap to introduce air to the fuel tank. My Husky breathes through a tiny port in the fuel cap, it has been plugged in the past and needed clearing to get fuel to the engine.

f) Like the fuel line issue above, the primer bulbs will also get brittle and develop a leak in the fuel system. Have a look for fuel drooling from the bulb under the plastic cover.

Cold isn't the problem, 2-Strokes ALWAYS start.
Generally if the carb has a plugged passage it shows up as a stumble off idle. This happens all the time, I pull the carb off once a year and blow it out.

I don't want to say "buy a Husky", because I have looked at Stihl before........

Hope these suggestions help You.

I've got an old 026, an 029 and an MS290. Have never had starting issues with any of them. Lock the trigger, fully choked, pull it until it just fires, release the choke and pull it one more time. Good to go.

My issue is with how many times I have to yank on it to get that first fire. Maybe I didn't describe it well enough. It is never 1 or 2 pulls, and probably not even 10. I have emphysema so I am out of breath pretty easily. So by the time I get it to fire I am already worn out and out of breath. I was just looking for an easier way to start it. Sorry for any confusion.

My current Stihl has a I'll say "spring loaded" mechanism so that the engine turns over after you release the pull rope. I don't remember what the marketing name they threw at it but it is IMO better that the traditional pull rope start, especially if the engine kicks back. Another good feature is being able to tighten the chain without using tools. I really like those two Stihl features. With that said my current Stihl can be sluggish to start and run, especially if it has sat for awhile. The afore mentioned starting mechanism makes it not as bad an ordeal as compared to the regular rope pull starting. In the past I have had a Homelite, McColloch, (sp), Pollan, Huskvarna, and a Timber Bear. The best one all around was the Huskvarna which I bought used at an estate sale for $75.
The bottom line...two stroke engines are finicky and add to that Emissions BS and the fact that they sometimes sit for long intervals between use, you just have to pick your poison. I've got a friend that really likes his electric chainsaw thus far...rant over.

"Easy2Start"