Stihl MS 310 very hard to crank

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TooSoonOld

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My Stihl, once it's running is just like new, but when I try to start it, it feels almost like the cylinder is full of water. When I remove the spark plug, the engine turns over completely easily, and the spark plug is dry. Put the plug back in, still pull rope real hard to get one revolution of engine. Do this for a very long time, and finally, though nothing seems different, the engine cranks normally and starts right up. What's going on? This saw does not have a manual compression relief knob. Any chance it has a fully automatic release that is fouled???
 
Well I gave up trying to diagnose the problem and took my saw to the local Stihl dealer. I showed the repairman the problem by trying to pull the rope and having the engine refuse to turn. He asked for the saw, and easily started it on the first pull.
Guess there's nothing wrong with the saw; the problem is my 73 year old right arm. Wonder how much cut, split, delivered, and stacked oak costs in this part of the world. And firewood cutting is something i've always looked forward to.
 
At 75 with health issues (cancer) I have to overcome, I to have starting issues. I just drop start mine and use the compression release to get them to pop. Never had an EZ start saw, don't need one....Yet. When and if it gets to that point, I'll; invest in a battery powered saw as much as I dislike battery powered anything, but an alternative to getting old I guess. My 075 and 090 I would never attempt to start anyway. I don't have the 'gumption' to start them in the first place. Inoperable cancer took a lot of wind out of my sails.
 
I would guess that with a little adjustment of how you position the saw, you could find a better way to pull it. If you are still able to handle it otherwise, starting it isn't out of the question. At work, we have to teach new employees how to run a chain saw. A fair share don't have the ability to pull over our 026/260/261 size saws. With a little adjustment, they soon learn.

I've had to adapt my starting methods, too. I don't have compression releases on any of my saws, including the 066. I always start the saw with the chain brake engaged. For me, I find I am best able to pull with the saw sitting flat on the ground, with my toe on the bottom of the tank handle. Sometimes I start it with the bar resting on a log, and the trigger in my right hand. I pull with the left hand. That's a little odd feeling, but with a little practice works well. With my ported high compression 036, I don't do that, I have pulled the starter apart several times. To keep from breaking things, I start it upright, with the tank handle in my crotch. I don't get as long a pull that way. I am also 10 years younger than you, and while short, have long arms and am a bit of a bull. So what works for me may not be best for you.

Good luck, and if you enjoy wood getting, don't give it up. It seems to me loading, moving and splitting is more work than starting the saw. Worst case, you could switch to a better battery saw, no starting required. Sell the MS310, and you could probably cover much of the cost of an EGO, Husqvarna or other quality saw. I am looking at the EGO saw for in my garage, to shorten pieces that are too long for my stove. My wife purchased their string trimmer and a spare battery through work, it seems like the saw is pretty well reviewed.
 
I despise that stupid ez start thingy BUT saw came with it and does run/cut wood so I use it for now but the first day ez start dont,----it gets deep sixed!
I will NEVER buy a battery power saw---- cant use them for the logging that I do. For casual use you probably get by with them. Battery always dead when you want to use them,---so a 5 min. saw job ends up taking 2 days by the time you get the saw charged! --- NOT something I could tolerate!
 

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