Getting a chainsaw running again after its been sitting for years

Pulling a chainsaw out of mothballs and getting it to run again is not just a simple 'put-in-gas-and-start-it-up' type. Here are the steps needed to get it running in perfect shape (at least from a mechanical perspective). Example here is a Stihl MS-210C that has been sitting in mothballs for years, thought to have a cracked gas tank. Turns out that's not the case, so this thing has a second chance at life. Your chainsaw models will vary, but the procedures here are identical.

[markgreen]

I had done everything you did except for pouring fuel in the cylinder. I cracked up laughing at the end of the video when you did NOT start your saw. Then I went out and poured fuel in cylinder, cycled a couple of dozen times. Re-installed the plug. After close to a dozen pulls, it fired right up, awesome, thanks!

[garygarner]

Thanks for the info---after i followed the steps you showed--a chainsaw that has been sitting in my shed for 10 years--i got it to run---thanks again

[drewsquickfix]

How about a demo of it starting so we know this worked??

[vrv]

you posted this 8 years ago and it helped me out today, buddy needed help starting the jawnt did everything you did three pull mf was running

[Davilow]

He seems very confused at the end, as though he suddenly realizes that he has no idea how to start a chainsaw. This would make a good ExpertVillage video.

[billwilson]

"make sure to put in correct mixture" proceeds to pour in 40:1 and never started it.

[biophiliac]

Thank you! My saw hasn’t had a lot of use and is relatively new but sat with gas for about 5 years and wouldn’t start. I thought I was going to have to pull and clean the carb which intimidated me having never done that. Added fresh fuel and a bit to the cylinder and after about 5 pulls with the choke it fired up and is running well.

[samtate]

Can fuel can break down faster than good old gasoline I don’t like can fuel problems with it a lot

[tomhenderson]

Hey, it never started! What's the deal with that?

[qlimaxbass]

Right lube cylinders? how many this thing have those ? 2 or 3 maybe 6? V8 will be great?

[XBoysAtWorkX]

Why did you engage you engage the chain before "starting" the saw?

[CHIEF]

you for got to put oil to seal ring when you put it up the season

[TerrariumFirma]

i have a stihl. Damn thing i hate it. When i got it last year it was a devil to start, now after lying around unused for a while, it won't start at all. Damn thing.

[DanbyDoo]

This video is totally useless...…..like watching grass grow.

[ghantechmobile]

I noticed you were using the 40:1 mix not the 50:1. I assume these old Stihls can use either or?

[kylelandor]

thx been trying to fix my broken chain spent 2 hours fixing it and the engine would not start thx you saved me

[prostreetgsxr]

So when your chainsaw has been sitting for years you don’t have to go through the carburetor? Cool story bro!

[haroldmiller]

Stihl fuel mix is 50:1 ratio not 40:1 Just saying

[alanlanghorn]

Say would got a hydraulic lock form the fuel in the spark plug hole someone else did that the other day on a video to so maybe that's why he did not show it starting up .

[DavidSmith-lrqx]

Well first off, all stihl equipment uses 50:1 mix. And second, you never pour fuel directly into the cylinder.