Dropped chainsaw, won't start

[Jdb.ent]

Nearly two months ago, I fell out of a tree with a non running stihl ms170 (2011). The handle, not the one with the throttle, took what appears to be the impact (while crushing two of my fingers). Now I can not get it to crank. The rope pulls, but no trying to actually turn over. I've only got about a dozen hours on it, just replaced the spark plug (someone suggested it may have broken in the fall). Still no luck. Ima beginner when it comes to small engines... But this is a $200 saw and don't want to pay 40% of its value to have it diagnosed... Any ideas?

 

[howard270]

A few months ago I could not get my ms361 to pull over so I took the cover off and was able to pull the flywheel off by hand. Turns out the dealer didn't tighten the nut to specs and it slowly came loose over time. Now I should have checked this when I checked the saw over during routing maintenance, but didn't.

Now, I am a newby when it comes to chainsaws, but have worked on a lot of motorcycles and atvs. Check you flywheel and see if it was knocked loose or broken somehow. I had to get a new flywheel and now it runs like it should, actually better cause while I was working on it I did a muffler mod and it really livened up.

Maybe someone with more experience will chime in, but this is a start.

Also, describe what you see when you are in there. And Pics really help.

 

[stinkbait]

It may be possible that the intake boot got messed up if the av flexed too much on impact. If the boot is tore or disconnected the saw would be drawing in too much air.

 

[nmurph]

You need to get a Torx T-27 driver and remove the starter cover. The problem shouldn't be too hard to spot at that point. You may have damaged the pawls, the rotor, or less likely, the flywheel.

 

[Dan_IN_MN]

Nearly two months ago, I fell out of a tree with a non running stihl ms170 (2011). The handle, not the one with the throttle, took what appears to be the impact (while crushing two of my fingers).



Now I can not get it to crank. CRANK? = doesn't run or the crankshaft doesn't turn?


The rope pulls, but not trying to actually turn over. TURN OVER = doesn't run or the crankshaft doesn't turn?



I've only got about a dozen hours on it, just replaced the spark plug (someone suggested it may have broken in the fall). Still no luck. By you saying that your replaced the spark plug give me the thought that you're using the words 'crank' and 'turn over' for not running. IMO both of these terms are highly misused! Both are referring to the crankshaft turning.


Ima beginner when it comes to small engines... But this is a $200 saw and don't want to pay 40% of its value to have it diagnosed... Any ideas? I hear you there!

.

First off....Welcome to AS!

I know there are different terms used around the world for a engine running. I just have to clarify. Does the crankshaft turn when you pull the rope?

I take it the crankshaft does turn and you're having trouble with the saw running. Post back.

 

[Guido Salvage]

Could it be in the switch? I don't own a 017 so I know nothing of the design, but possibly a tang got bent or broken or a wire came loose in the fall.

 

[jus2fat]

Nearly two months ago, I fell out of a tree Any ideas?

If you fell out of a tree..and survived..you should consider yourself very fortunate..!!

Screw the saw problem...take measures that insure this doesn't happen again..!!

You're up in a tree with NO safety line..??...R U NUTS..??

J2F

 

[Jdb.ent]

Ok... Forgive me... No, no safety line.. I was only standing about 10-12 feet up the ladder. Ive been much higher, but have definitely learned my lesson. And yes... I was VERY fortunate I didn't impale myself, land on my head or back.

Second, the motor turns, it has the "purring" sound as if its trying to start, but wont fire. It looks like there is no spark (pulled rope in dark with plug out but attached to boot, did not see any sparking. There is very minimal visible damage to the plastic housing. The ?front handle? looks like it slammed into the gridded area that covers the pull cord coil. Forgive me for not knowing the correct names for parts. The pull cover grid has a small >3/4" area that the plastic was broken, but is not impeding the ability to pull the starting cord. There appears to be no loose wires or anything affecting the choke/power switch (there is no separate on/off switch) the choke is on/off/half/full choke all in one switch.

 

[Bigdgb]

Ok... Forgive me... No, no safety line.. I was only standing about 10-12 feet up the ladder. Ive been much higher, but have definitely learned my lesson. And yes... I was VERY fortunate I didn't impale myself, land on my head or back.

Glad to hear you learned that Lesson:msp_tongue: Ladders and Chainsaws do not Mix

 

[Jdb.ent]

.

First off....Welcome to AS!

I know there are different terms used around the world for a engine running. I just have to clarify. Does the crankshaft turn when you pull the rope?

I take it the crankshaft does turn and you're having trouble with the saw running. Post back.

Im new to forums (welcome to the 21st century) and just realized that I needed to reply to you so youll know I posted back

 

[ArboristCraneGuy]

Nearly two months ago, I fell out of a tree with a non running stihl ms170 (2011). The handle, not the one with the throttle, took what appears to be the impact (while crushing two of my fingers). Now I can not get it to crank. The rope pulls, but no trying to actually turn over. I've only got about a dozen hours on it, just replaced the spark plug (someone suggested it may have broken in the fall). Still no luck. Ima beginner when it comes to small engines... But this is a $200 saw and don't want to pay 40% of its value to have it diagnosed... Any ideas?

I would seriously asses my skills, and safety. Buy at least a 194 for $400 or at best a 210 for $800. This saw is not worth the time to post this honestly. Get more training and climb safely and invest in a real saw. Im not being a ****, just my honest advice.

 

[OM617YOTA]

11 year old thread.

 

[PV Hiker]

OMG really!!! .... got suckered in reading without looking at the dates. Time in my life I'll never get back....

 

[heimannm]

...as far as we know he's still trying to get the saw started...