MS 261c cranking issues??

[CrystalRiver1]

Hey Studs,

Looks like I'm in a pattern of every 4-5 months having to get this saw worked on, tuned up or something!
I love the power, speed, and what it does, yet this has become aggravating as H@#$!
I used it about 3 days ago and it took literally about 20 freaking pulls for it to fire up and then it ran like a scalded dog!
I keep good fuel, spark-plugs. fuel lines...
Any ideas or feedback that I can troubleshoot?
I know the Stihl M-Tronics are not everyone's favorite, but much more like this and I'll be shopping for a regular carb set-up!

 

[backhoelover]

There is some testing info. I’m pm you the testing info when I get home from work

 

[RI Chevy]

Maybe kit the carb? Vac leak? Just thinking outloud.

 

[CR888]

Yeah some trouble shooting is required, a healthy ms261 should be very predictable.

 

[backhoelover]

Hey Studs,

Looks like I'm in a pattern of every 4-5 months having to get this saw worked on, tuned up or something!
I love the power, speed, and what it does, yet this has become aggravating as H@#$!
I used it about 3 days ago and it took literally about 20 freaking pulls for it to fire up and then it ran like a scalded dog!
I keep good fuel, spark-plugs. fuel lines...
Any ideas or feedback that I can troubleshoot?
I know the Stihl M-Tronics are not everyone's favorite, but much more like this and I'll be shopping for a regular carb set-up!

sorry I didn’t send info yesterday I forgot lol

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Since I use it sparingly I'm seriously considering using the Pre-Mix 40:1 and being done!

 

[farmer steve]

Since I use it sparingly I'm seriously considering using the Pre-Mix 40:1 and being done!

Since I just bought one I have been watching all the threads on the 261.The hard starting seems to be an issue with some guys and no problem for others. One guy's saw would not start well on 40:1 and ran fine on 50:1. One guy said his started fine without using the decomp. I only have about 3 tanks thru mine. Intial startup seems to take a few more pulls than I think it should but after being warmed up it will fire on 1 pull. I'm running about a 45:1 mix. No issuses with my 241 and 462. Both M-tronic.

 

[farmer steve]

There is some testing info. I’m pm you the testing info when I get home from work

Could I get a copy of that if possible? Thanks FS.

 

[RI Chevy]

There is some testing info. I’m pm you the testing info when I get home from work

I'll take a copy too please if you can. Thank you.

 

[huskyboy]

441 mtronic I have here fires within 3 pulls most of the time. 40:1 mix. Saw shouldn’t be taking 20 pulls to start. About 5-7 at the most cold and 1 pull warm.

 

[Powerband78]

I have an ms261 that also takes about 10-12 pulls when it’s sits for a few days or more. Runs just fine when started. Always been that way. My 046 Mag, ms250, and Little ms180 start within 5 pulls. Even my old Jonsered 621 starts in less pulls!

 

[Powerband78]

Did you try a new check valve? I’ve fixed many starting issues with that. If the fuel doesn’t stay up in the lines, it will crank over forever before she gets primed again.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Did you try a new check valve? I’ve fixed many starting issues with that. If the fuel doesn’t stay up in the lines, it will crank over forever before she gets primed again.

Tell me a little more about this?
Here is my current status...going to give it a shot and see what happens!!
If my pull reduction is 50% I'm good!
Yee-Haw!!!

 

[RI Chevy]

It's good stuff. But expensive.

 

[Gypo Logger]

I need a quick answer, does Husky carry a 3/8 rim sprocket that will fit on a 261? My Stihl dealer has none.
Thanks

 

[RI Chevy]

I don't think so...
Stihl 261 is Proprietary, micro spline.

 

[Gypo Logger]

I don't think so...
Stihl 261 is Proprietary, micro spline.

That is not what I wanted to hear!
So what you’re saying is a small spline sprocket off a 346 won’t fit the 261?
The only reason I asked is because I’m in town and not packing my 261 with me.

 

[RI Chevy]

I dont think it will fit. Stihl uses there own proprietary micro-spline rim sprockets for their smaller saws. Smaller than the "standard " spline that many use.

 

[Gypo Logger]

I dont think it will fit. Stihl uses there own proprietary micro-spline rim sprockets for their smaller saws. Smaller than the "standard " spline that many use.

I should have listened to your wisdom ( knowledge in action). I bought two small spline 3/8 from Husky but slightly larger than what is required for the 261.
No biggy, they’ll fit my 346.
Turns out the Stihl dealer exchanged the 325 rims for 3/8 on the two 261’s I bought.
Thanks

 

[RI Chevy]

Good.