Stihl MS181 problems

[JayD]

Hi all, I'm hoping someone can maybe point me in the vague direction of potentially being able to fix a starting problem with my Stihl MS181, otherwise it's going on eBay for spares..... Basically it's a sod to start and sometimes just won't start at all. When it does start it takes 12-15 pulls and revs its tits off until you touch the throttle, when it dies. Its been fully serviced with a carb re build and ultrasonic clean. My Stihl dealer that did the work said it may need a new carb, but that seems ridiculous seeing as its only 3 years old and the cost without fitting is £100!!! i could buy another saw second hand for that, nearly. So before I resign it to the scrap heap of eBay, any ideas anybody???

Much appreciated in advance.

[wisecobandit]

The ms181 should have an adjustable carb. Make sure you note where the position of the L adjustment screw is and then unwind it 1/4 of a turn and see if that makes a difference in starting it. You will have to reset the tickover screw if it helps.

 

Other possibility could be the fuel line especially if its been stored with fuel in it constantly for 3 years like most small hobby saws are.

[NFG]

Hi

 

Did it run OK after the carb re-build & ultrasonic clean? as it would seem unacceptable to receive it post repair to me.

 

The fuel line is a common problem, my 250 leaked fuel when filling it due to the grommet hardening and once replaced required a carb tweak.

 

If you have to replace the carb then there are plenty of cheap ones to be had.

 

 

N

[JayD]

Hi

 

Did it run OK after the carb re-build & ultrasonic clean? as it would seem unacceptable to receive it post repair to me.

 

The fuel line is a common problem, my 250 leaked fuel when filling it due to the grommet hardening and once replaced required a carb tweak.

 

If you have to replace the carb then there are plenty of cheap ones to be had.

 

 

N

 

Yes it ran and started fine straight after the carb clean/service but then gradually became a sod again... I would have thought the dealer would have checked the fuel line?! A new one of these is around £220 so need to draw a line on spending any more money on it as its had about £100 spent on it already....

[JayD]

The ms181 should have an adjustable carb. Make sure you note where the position of the L adjustment screw is and then unwind it 1/4 of a turn and see if that makes a difference in starting it. You will have to reset the tickover screw if it helps.

 

Other possibility could be the fuel line especially if its been stored with fuel in it constantly for 3 years like most small hobby saws are.

 

I always empty any fuel thats left and it gets used every 2/3 weeks anyhow. I thought these saws didn't have an adjustment on the carb??

[wisecobandit]

Certainly the zama c1q 268 they put on them 181 is adjustable. (same as the 211)

[cornish wood burner]

I always empty any fuel thats left and it gets used every 2/3 weeks anyhow. I thought these saws didn't have an adjustment on the carb??

 

Work's ms181 and my 211 certainly have adjustment. Both needed a slight tweak after bedding in but start very well. Presumably you are using this technique

Pull with choke on until it coughs

Choke off then they normally start next pull.

Blip throttle to return to normal tick over speed.

Both saws have needed nothing apart from chains. Might soon be time for plugs but they are running perfectly. Good little saws imo

 

Presumably the air filter is clean ? Do you clean around the fillers before

refilling?

[JayD]

Work's ms181 and my 211 certainly have adjustment. Both needed a slight tweak after bedding in but start very well. Presumably you are using this technique

Pull with choke on until it coughs

Choke off then they normally start next pull.

Blip throttle to return to normal tick over speed.

Both saws have needed nothing apart from chains. Might soon be time for plugs but they are running perfectly. Good little saws imo

 

Presumably the air filter is clean ? Do you clean around the fillers before

refilling?

 

Yep that's the way Ive always started it and air filter ok and always cleaned after use so no crap can get into fuel! The Stihl dealer that serviced it has taken it back today to look at it again, no charge apparently! Has said he'd give me £50 for it towards a band new one (£225) so see what happens now.... I might get more on eBay tho as a non starter as there's plenty of compression.

[JayD]

Certainly the zama c1q 268 they put on them 181 is adjustable. (same as the 211)

 

Stihl dealer said there is a small amount of adjustment on these but probably wouldn't make any difference.....

[wisecobandit]

Sounds like you may want to change your dealer. If theres an L and H screw then they are fully adjustable. There maybe limiters fitted but they are bypassable and ive never seen them on a 181.

Don't accept the offer of £50 either. you will make double that on ebay. You could prob get a new carb for £50 on ebay.com from America.