Stihl MS 260 won't start??

[Artos]

Any of you guys work on your own saws?? Has run like a champ & always starts on the 2nd or 3rd pull. I'm guessing it's gummed up gas??

Last time I used was back during the season. It's gone longer between starts but now won't even hint to turning over.

Something I can do myself or just take her in??

[bowhuntntxn]

Pull the plug, pour a small amount of fuel into the cylinder, replace plug and give it a tug. Might be air in the lines, and gummy fuel. Popping it off like that should get it going enough to pull fresh fuel into the carb and keep it going.

[az2tx]

Run the tank bone dry every time you use it, the ethalnol is terrible
Check the plug, verify it has spark, get new fuel, dump out the old stuff, spray some carb cleaner thru it and give it a try,
It that doesn't work, clean the carb

[Tilladaddy]

I have three of these and you have a carb problem more than likely. You can pull the carb and dip it in chem-tool and then clean the jets with a wire cleaner like the one you use for a welder.
I have been using a lot Seafoam in the gas when they are sitting for anytime. This lovely ethanol that they are polluting our gas with is playing heck with small engines!
Make sure that you drain all lines and clean the air filter really good.
Good Luck!

[Artos]

I'll try the plug trick first...never tore into a carb before.

maybe there are some yt vids to help with a visual.

thanks!!

[Booger74]

Run the tank bone dry every time you use it, the ethalnol is terrible
Check the plug, verify it has spark, get new fuel, dump out the old stuff, spray some carb cleaner thru it and give it a try,
It that doesn't work, clean the carb

^^^^This^^^^

[Stolle]

I would start with a new plug. My carb on my MS310 sat for 2 years with gas in it until I rebuilt the engine a month ago. I slapped a new plug into it and same old carb and it fired right up. If that doesn't work I would take apart the carb and soak it in carb cleaner over night. Just make sure you take every piece of rubber and plastic off the main body before you dunk it.

[Hart8]

Rip the spark arrestor out of it with a pair of needle nose pliars,if it came with one.Takethe air filter off of it,and fill the tank completely full of New 2 stroke fuel.If you've ran it in the last 6 months it'll bust off....Mixed fuel,takes forever to go bad.

[Dave_S]

Try Sta-Bil fuel stablizer in the future,really keeps the fuel in good shape.

[BrianL]

I wouldn't mess with inspecting spark plug, just get a new one. Dump all gas out and put fresh mix in. add a little cleaner, like SeaFoam.

[Artos]

Do I need to get to the Stihl dealer for an OEM spark plug or are there after markets more readily available??

[Howard]

my weedeater wouldnt crank a while back, messed with it and still couldnt crank it. Dang Spark arrestor was so clogged it had no exhaust. Ran great after cleaning that.

[rubydog]

All the above AND use nothing but premium gas. It has less ethanol and will last longer in the tank..

[BrianL]

Do I need to get to the Stihl dealer for an OEM spark plug or are there after markets more readily available??

Most likely a NGK plug. Call dealer and ask which one for that model, and you should be able to get at most any auto parts store. If you have dirt dobbers in your area, check muffler for nest, and make sure air filter is clean too.

[blacksunshine]

Artos, have you checked the gas line inside the tank, see if it has collapsed....they do not like the ethanol....what you are describing is exactly what happened to my two stihls....