Stihl shutting off

[Saiso]

Hi guys, I’m behind our cabin cutting some firewood and my MS250 keeps shutting off on me whenever I don’t give it gas. To start it back up, even if warm, I have to put it on half choke.

I know this should be an easy fix but rather than bringing it to the shop, I’d like to learn.

This has only just started today. 2 days ago was fine.

New plug? Filter? It’s newly mixed gas as of 2 days ago. Just a cleaning issue? (Although I try to clean/wipe most of anything after each use)

I’ll keep cutting for now.

Thank you!

 

[Westboastfaller]

How about air filter? is it clear? clutch springs? clean the air filter and turn up the throttle screw a bit if needed?
It may be temps you are dealing with and you may need to tune the saw. If it seems to run good otherwise then throttle advance should be fine.

 

[farmer steve]

Hi guys, I’m behind our cabin cutting some firewood and my MS250 keeps shutting off on me whenever I don’t give it gas. To start it back up, even if warm, I have to put it on half choke.

I know this should be an easy fix but rather than bringing it to the shop, I’d like to learn.

This has only just started today. 2 days ago was fine.

New plug? Filter? It’s newly mixed gas as of 2 days ago. Just a cleaning issue? (Although I try to clean/wipe most of anything after each use)

I’ll keep cutting for now.

Thank you!

New plug and a clean air filter to start. Have you switched your shutter to winter operation? You may need to adjust your LA adjustment screw a bit.

 

[Natster]

Clogged low jet. Gently turn it IN (clockwise) til it bottoms. Count turns as you do. Spray carb cleaner down hole. Replace, and put it back where it was. Counting turns from bottom. Typical is 1-3/4 turns out from bottom.
There may be some plastic adjustment limited on the Lo and Hi adjusters. Clamp on and crush them with vise grips. Then secretly dispose of them. They are just stuff from EPA, to hinder the working man
N

 

[Saiso]

I didn’t know I had to adjust anything for winter cutting. I’m running winter bar oil though. This is my first real winter that I have to cut - I normally do it in summer months.

It has been cold here as well. I’ll tune it and adjust what is needed when I get back to the cabin.

My air filter is a little dirty. Can I rinse it in water and wipe it with anything? What’s the best way to clean it.

I’m still cutting and it seems to be better as the saw gets hotter. I still have to give it extra gas most of the time though.

Thank you all for your replies! I’ll try to look at it later if I have time

 

[Trapper_Pete]

did it drop in temp since your last cutting?

 

[Saiso]

A little, yes.
It seems to be idling much better after the third tank.

 

[Natster]

Open the low needle 1/8 turn.
See what happens.

 

[Trapper_Pete]

leave it out in the cold and see if it was a minor blockage of the low jet or if the low jet needs to be opened a bit more for the cold.

I had a saw that did this when it went from 30s and 40s to the 20s and lower, if warm out now it idles a little high but the chain does not move.

it used to be very common to have to adjust the carb regular less so with new carbs but changes in weather still have an effect.

 

[Saiso]

Thanks guys!
I’m home now, I’ll read your replies again later and maybe tomorrow I can get out and try a few things.

Attached are pictures of where I was when I made this thread. A quick 5 min walk behind the cabin and I found my new home for the next 2 hours. The trail leads to what will be our future homestead so it has to be cut wider in order to fit the truck anyway, perfect!

 

[Westboastfaller]

Do you say clean in water? (air filter)
Sounds funny. Yes I bang them out first (tap them with my bar wrench) and then put them in very hot water with powder laundry soap for best results.
Generally you can just tap then out and rinse with mix gas on site in the absense of non mix. then hot bath once in a
while. Dirty filter will bring the revs down and make it run richer.

 

[Saiso]

Do you say clean in water? (air filter)
Sounds funny. Yes I bang them out first (tap them with my bar wrench) and then put them in very hot water with powder laundry soap for best results.
Generally you can just tap then out and rinse with mix gas on site in the absense of non mix. then hot bath once in a
while. Dirty filter will bring the revs down and make it run richer.

Thank you! I’ll do that

 

[Westboastfaller]

Since you are off the grid, there is much to be said about leaving you saw out side in the winter to keep it climatized or since it's around the property then its cool to have it in a warm area and thoroughly dry it out. (like by a shop fire with top and filter off) BUT fire it up as soon as you go outside and reclimatize it by keeping it running for some time then it's a done deal.

I'm raised on Vancouver Island. Born in Liverpool England but MADE in Canada's north.

I thought that stuff was witch craft and would not hear of it.

I'll follow up with a great story you guys will like.

probably tomorrow

 

[farmer steve]

A little, yes.
It seems to be idling much better after the third tank.

Couple of pics of the winter/summer shutter on my 250.not sure what filter you have. Shutter is in front of the filter

 

[Woody912]

Hi guys, I’m behind our cabin cutting some firewood and my MS250 keeps shutting off on me whenever I don’t give it gas. To start it back up, even if warm, I have to put it on half choke.

I know this should be an easy fix but rather than bringing it to the shop, I’d like to learn.

This has only just started today. 2 days ago was fine.

New plug? Filter? It’s newly mixed gas as of 2 days ago. Just a cleaning issue? (Although I try to clean/wipe most of anything after each use)

I’ll keep cutting for now.

Thank you!

might want to pull your muffler and take a look at the cylinder. Low compression will cause these symptoms.

 

[Saiso]

Since you are off the grid, there is much to be said about leaving you saw out side in the winter to keep it climatized or since it's around the property then its cool to have it in a warm area and thoroughly dry it out. (like by a shop fire with top and filter off) BUT fire it up as soon as you go outside and reclimatize it by keeping it running for some time then it's a done deal.

I'm raised on Vancouver Island. Born in Liverpool England but MADE in Canada's north.

I thought that stuff was witch craft and would not hear of it.

I'll follow up with a great story you guys will like.

probably tomorrow

The saw is actually inside the cabin for tonight. I’d like to have it inside all the time but with 2 kids in a small cabin, I don’t blame my wife for not liking the idea. I’m fairly new to all this so I’m learning as I go.

Really, thank you to all who have replied. You guys are great and I appreciate it. When I have the chance (I didn’t his afternoon, probably Saturday morning), I’ll bring up all these replies and have my saw in front of me.

I’m a little intimated as I didn’t grow up with stuff like this. Born and raised a city boy for 25 years until I decided I want to get my hands dirty.

Unfortunately we are just starting off so I’m not fortunate enough to have a heated garage or shop. We’re currently planning our off grid homestead so hopefully in a couple years max. Have a lot to do before then.

 

[Saiso]

Couple of pics of the winter/summer shutter on my 250.not sure what filter you have. Shutter is in front of the filter
View attachment 700938 View attachment 700939 View attachment 700940 View attachment 700941

Is there a summer and winter “shutter”? Having the snowflake toward the bottom means it’s for winter? I don’t have my saw with me ATM so I can’t compare. Sorry

 

[farmer steve]

@Sasio. Info on the shutter should be in your manual if you have one.

 

[Saiso]

@Sasio. Info on the shutter should be in your manual if you have one.

Perfect, thanks. Just found it

 

[Natster]

Small flat screwdriver to access the H and L carb screws. To access the EPA limiters, it's on the side of the carburetor, under and behind the air filter.
N