New Stihl MS311 is hard to start

[Ky Boy 33]

I have a new MS311 purchased last month and I find it hard to start. My fuel mix is about five weeks old and maybe that is my problem. Also, I used a bottle of the regular Stihl mix instead of the new synthetic that I bought with saw to double my warranty. I just hated to waste that bottle. I have followe instructions and when saw does start it is running fine and idling fine. Just seems too many pulls to get it going. I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks, Kent

 

[jus2fat]

Likely your fuel is not good...E-10 goes downhill fast.

And use the NEW synthetic to mix after purchasing NEW FRESH gas.

Only mix up enough fuel mix to last a few days...Not weeks..!!

Use the "orange bottle" oil in something else..like a weed-eater or such.

J2F

 

[Ky Boy 33]

Hard to start

Thanks for the advice. I was thinking along that line, but wasn't sure. It seems like my old 032 would run on mix for a long time but I realize that gas formulas have changed and I guess that means that saws have changed as well. I have heard that new EPA regs make it tough on small engines.

 

[woodie5]

I have a Stihl MS311, was an absolute bast$$d to start. Brand new straight from the factory, cant be the Spark Plug 'right'...

Anyway, long story short, finely got around to checking the plug, damned if the Stihl factory fitted Bosch Spark plug's Electrode was WAY too short!

New NGK BPMR7A, problem solved, starts now like it should always have.

Real pi$$ed with Steil about that.

 

[Rockjock]

I have a Stihl MS311, was an absolute bast$$d to start. Brand new straight from the factory, cant be the Spark Plug 'right'...

Anyway, long story short, finely got around to checking the plug, damned if the Stihl factory fitted Bosch Spark plug's Electrode was WAY too short!

New NGK BPMR7A, problem solved, starts now like it should always have.

Real pi$$ed with Steil about that.

I tried to start the 311 we have on the sales floor, no issues at all. I think perhaps you did not hear the false start? But your theory on the spark plug is spot on, not that 100 pulls of the recoil would have anything to do with it not starting.