Stihl ms 261 m-tronic

[Stihl John]

My dad bought a 261 c several years ago. He has been complaining it takes too many pulls to start it hot or cold. I brought it home tonight but have not worked on an m-tronic before. He did not know where his owners manuel was so how do you reset the 261. I want to do that and look for any air leaks in the fuel line. Thanks for any advise and I will be gone most of the week so if I do not respond it is because i'm not home and haven't worked on it.

 

[Wood Doctor]

Likely the calibration is the same as my MS661 C service manual presents:

(1) Remove saw chain and guide bar and refit the sprocket cover.
(2) Start engine without touching throttle trigger. Move Master Control lever to start position.
(3) Allow engine to run 60 seconds in start position.
(4) Move Master Control lever to Stop without operating throttle trigger.

Apparently the control unit is adapted to the carb during the run in the start position and an immediate engine shutdown is needed for the info. to be saved in the control unit.

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

It wouldn't be a bad idea to start with removing the carb to inspect the diaphragm. After several years it's likely you'll need a new kit. Once that diaphragm starts getting a little stiff over time the lever ends up needing enough extra force to cause hard starting.
I forgt to mention the spark screen or air filter may be adding to the trouble.

 

[Cobby08]

Likely the calibration is the same as my MS661 C service manual presents:

(1) Remove saw chain and guide bar and refit the sprocket cover.
(2) Start engine without touching throttle trigger. Move Master Control lever to start position.
(3) Allow engine to run 60 seconds in start position.
(4) Move Master Control lever to Stop without operating throttle trigger.

Apparently the control unit is adapted to the carb during the run in the start position and an immediate engine shutdown is needed for the info. to be saved in the control unit.

Then slide to run position and let run for 60 seconds...

Then shut off

Then 5 consecutive cuts and shut off.

If it's a few years old if that doesn't fix it might not be a bad idea to replace the solenoid. Sometimes stuff (hey look I didn't swear) will get in the solenoid and not let it seat right. Maybe we can try to get @Mastermind to make a sticky on the reset.

 

[Mastermind]

Then slide to run position and let run for 60 seconds...

Then shut off

Then 5 consecutive cuts and shut off.

If it's a few years old if that doesn't fix it might not be a bad idea to replace the solenoid. Sometimes stuff (hey look I didn't swear) will get in the solenoid and not let it seat right. Maybe we can try to get @Mastermind to make a sticky on the reset.

Maybe. When y'all get it right. Lol

 

[MustangMike]

I never found any reason to remove the B&C during a reset. I think they just recommend it for safety.

Also, I think they say "at least 60 seconds", so I always just do 90 seconds.

 

[blsnelling]

Then slide to run position and let run for 60 seconds...

Then shut off

Then 5 consecutive cuts and shut off.

Where does this come from?

 

[Adirondackstihl]

Where does this come from?

That's always been the procedure that I was aware of.

 

[Cobby08]

Where does this come from?

That was how I was taught. Stihl Tech Advisor taught me.

 

[Mastermind]

Just shutting the saw off without touching the trigger is impossible on some models. What do we do on those?

 

[Cobby08]

Just shutting the saw off without touching the trigger is impossible on some models. What do we do on those?

Simple... take a screwdriver and short it out duh... No I've noticed that too. I just blip and shut off.

 

[blsnelling]

What model can't you shut straight off?

 

[Mastermind]

What model can't you shut straight off?

MS441

 

[Wood Doctor]

This all seems too technical for me and that includes the Stihl instructions that I posted from the service manual. They need to simplify. That's what my algebra teacher taught me years ago about fractions. I cannot imagine buyers of M-Tronics putting up with all this when all they are trying to do is run a chainsaw to drop tees and cut logs. Just MHO.

 

[Adirondackstihl]

Yes, but how many (other than the 1% of us here) are actually recalibrating?

I work with a guy who has a 562.
Until I told him 3 weeks ago, he had no clue that it could be plugged into diagnostic software.

 

[backhoelover]

here you go guys

 

[Duane(Pa)]

here you go guys

DUDE! Thank You!!!

 

[blsnelling]

MS441

It's been too long since I had one here to remember.

 

[bikemike]

It wouldn't be a bad idea to start with removing the carb to inspect the diaphragm. After several years it's likely you'll need a new kit. Once that diaphragm starts getting a little stiff over time the lever ends up needing enough extra force to cause hard starting.
I forgt to mention the spark screen or air filter may be adding to the trouble.

Very true and never know what gas was used in it. It's the guys the rely on there saws everyday that pay attention to good fuel vs fuel that works for a bit

 

[Stihl John]

I finally got a chance to look at the 261. It started for me cold with 5 pulls and once warm 1 pull. Seemed normal to me. I think my Dad is just getting older and not pulling it as fast a he used to. I spent some much meeded time on his chain and bar. kinda sad seeing how he is getting older. Chain was a mess and the bar needed some rail dressing. He just doesn't tools like he used to.