Hickahollar
ArboristSite Operative
Yeah my ms250 can be hard to start. My ms362 starts better than the 250 without using the decomp. My 250 always pops on the 2nd try unless it's been sitting for few months then it's 3. Then I always have to pull 4 more times on high idle before it starts. At Santa Jim have you figured out what is/was wrong with your 250. I agree it sounds like a recoil issue but maybe the carb is flooding when you pull the cord mix that with a weak spark and trouble. Do you think the other person could have abused it and maybe it has a bent crank or rod. I probably would start by replacing the carb or at least trying to readjust it. With the plug out can you see gas mist spraying out?