Stihl MS201tc cutting out

[matt padden]

I have a 2020 Stihl ms201tc which cuts out when tipped forwards and down. It starts up and idles fine. If I hold it up as if to cut a branch it's fine, but I tip it down it gets to about a 45 degree angle and cuts out.

I've had it looked at and they're at a loss. Carb has been overhauled ( disassembled, ultrasonic clean and overhaul kit fitted), fuel screen replaced, new impulse hose fitted, fuel tank vent replaced, crank seals inspected, m-tronic reset. Fresh fuel used.

I've since swapped a known good carb and same issue, so can rule out carb problem. As it's been sat on the bench for a few weeks now I noticed its pooling oil, so although crank seals were inspected maybe have since failed? - I don't know (tbh I don't even understand how that effects it)

If anyone has any ideas it would be appreciated??  

Thanks

[kram]

You say fuel screen and impulse hose, but has the fuel hose been replaced? I'd replace that and be sure theres no kinks when it moves around in the tank.

[Stubby]

As it moves slightly on the AV when you tip it forward it could be opening a split in the fuel hose . As Kram says replace that just to eliminate it . 

[spudulike]

Did the "good carb" have a different solenoid fitted or the same one,? 

If it isn't the solenoid, it is probably one of the wires broken or the sheath worn where they enter the saw from the handle.

[Mark_Skyland]

Does it cut out like you have just switched it off, ie it doesn't splutter or slowly die or if you right the saw it will keep running, it just flat out stops? If so Spud is probably on the right track with a wiring issue. Try pushing down and rotating the top handle while its idling. If it cuts out check the wiring under the front of the top handle as Ive seen quite a few 201s where the wiring either shorts on itself or shorts on the crankcase.

 

There are a couple of different wiring looms for the 201 so just make sure you get the correct one if you do need to replace it.

 

 

[matt padden]

Thanks for your replies. I'll have a closer look at those in the coming days.

[matt padden]

For who's interested, I finally got some time to strip the saw down and have a closer look at it.  

 

All the flexible fuel lines etc. were fine and on initial inspection so was all the wiring. It was only because I had dismantled the saw and the top handle assembly was hanging off the body did the problem show itself. The black wire coming into the handle had broken about an inch inside the sheath and the weight of the dangling handle pulled it out. Otherwise I'd have never spotted it. Luckily just enough wire left to solder the two halves together and it's running fine again.

If the fix doesn't last I'll replace the loom but I surprised myself solving it, so I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts.

Happy New Year!

 

[Dan Maynard]

On 29/10/2025 at 09:52, matt padden said:

As it's been sat on the bench for a few weeks now I noticed its pooling oil,

Chain oil? My 201 is always a bit incontinent like that, don't know why it's worse than other saws.