How did I fix my MS180 chainsaw?
Discussion
I've got an MS170 chainsaw.
From start it wouldn't tickover today and would only start with choke.
I used it for a while processing wood just keeping it revving and starting it with the choke when it was off. Then I took a break for lunch. It was still playing up when I stopped.
After lunch I removed the baffle becaise you tube said a clogged spark inhibitor might be the problem. In fact there was no spark inhibitor so I put it back together. i saw no sign of blockage but there was plenty of coke about.
To my astonishment when I put it back together it ticked over strongly as normal, and started normally.
How did it get fixed by what I did?
(I now realize UK chainsaws do not require spark inhibitors.)
From start it wouldn't tickover today and would only start with choke.
I used it for a while processing wood just keeping it revving and starting it with the choke when it was off. Then I took a break for lunch. It was still playing up when I stopped.
After lunch I removed the baffle becaise you tube said a clogged spark inhibitor might be the problem. In fact there was no spark inhibitor so I put it back together. i saw no sign of blockage but there was plenty of coke about.
To my astonishment when I put it back together it ticked over strongly as normal, and started normally.
How did it get fixed by what I did?
(I now realize UK chainsaws do not require spark inhibitors.)
Edited by BikeBikeBIke on Sunday 3rd November 18:56
2 Stroke issues are nearly always carb/fuel related.
I'd hazard a guess that the gunge in the carb has cleared through a combination of fresh fuel going through it and heat soak whilst you were enjoying lunch.
Removing the 'zorst and replacing it probably was unrelated, other than giving the clean fuel/heat more time to resolve the underlying issue.
I'd hazard a guess that the gunge in the carb has cleared through a combination of fresh fuel going through it and heat soak whilst you were enjoying lunch.
Removing the 'zorst and replacing it probably was unrelated, other than giving the clean fuel/heat more time to resolve the underlying issue.
M11rph said:
2 Stroke issues are nearly always carb/fuel related.
I'd hazard a guess that the gunge in the carb has cleared through a combination of fresh fuel going through it and heat soak whilst you were enjoying lunch.
Removing the 'zorst and replacing it probably was unrelated, other than giving the clean fuel/heat more time to resolve the underlying issue.
I think you must be correct. Thanks for commenting.I'd hazard a guess that the gunge in the carb has cleared through a combination of fresh fuel going through it and heat soak whilst you were enjoying lunch.
Removing the 'zorst and replacing it probably was unrelated, other than giving the clean fuel/heat more time to resolve the underlying issue.
softtop said:
Remembering to change the air filter is an important part. Now specifically to you but don't neglect it.
Yeah, I'm very good at changing plugs and air filters. (And chain oil and petrol). It's a small amount of effort to save the hassle of a chainsaw that won't start.
I also periodically blow the air filter clean (ish) with a compressor.
I've never cleaned or serviced the carb though.
Edited by BikeBikeBIke on Sunday 3rd November 07:53
I too have an MS180 as well as a number of other small two stroke machines.
The problem is the Ethanol in petrol, when left it will dry out in a carburettor and form a silicone like substance, a garden machinery guy said that even their ultrasonic machine won't clean it, a new carb is the only solution.
I think that its because of the very small drillings in these carbs, bigger engines are not so affected.
In addition the fuel pipe may break down and get blocked because of the Ethanol.
I do several things to avoid problems;
I only buy E5 petrol from a leading brand , Shell, Esso, BP Texaco etc; I the additional cost per annum compared with the cheapest supermarket E10 is for me insignificant
I treat each fresh can of fuel with Ethanol guard available from Toolstation for example.
When the machine is not going to be used for more than about 3 weeks I empty the unused fuel back into my container, put a small amount of Aspen fuel into the machine and run it for a couple of minutes.
The Aspen fuel is expensive at about £24/ 5 litres but this will last me well over a year, and it's better than having a heart attack trying to start an uncooperative machine
HTH
The problem is the Ethanol in petrol, when left it will dry out in a carburettor and form a silicone like substance, a garden machinery guy said that even their ultrasonic machine won't clean it, a new carb is the only solution.
I think that its because of the very small drillings in these carbs, bigger engines are not so affected.
In addition the fuel pipe may break down and get blocked because of the Ethanol.
I do several things to avoid problems;
I only buy E5 petrol from a leading brand , Shell, Esso, BP Texaco etc; I the additional cost per annum compared with the cheapest supermarket E10 is for me insignificant
I treat each fresh can of fuel with Ethanol guard available from Toolstation for example.
When the machine is not going to be used for more than about 3 weeks I empty the unused fuel back into my container, put a small amount of Aspen fuel into the machine and run it for a couple of minutes.
The Aspen fuel is expensive at about £24/ 5 litres but this will last me well over a year, and it's better than having a heart attack trying to start an uncooperative machine
HTH
I have three 2T engines and I'm pretty careful with fuel and only put Esso Supreme 5% Ethanol in (which before last Sept was 0% enthnol despite the label). Pretty careful doesn't include running the chainsaw dry after use beciase it doesn't have a tap, although from now on I will pour excess fuel out of the tank and run it dry every time.
I have to confess I used to to be absolutely careless with stored fuel and never had any problems with stale fuel, I strongly suspect this might be my first example.
I have to confess I used to to be absolutely careless with stored fuel and never had any problems with stale fuel, I strongly suspect this might be my first example.
Wicker Man said:
My crystal ball says you have a carb problem, possibly plastic parts have been turned to mush by the ethanol, and that you carb is factory sealed so you can’t service it. I’ve rejuvenated a couple of 2-stoke tools with replacement carbs off eBay for ~£15.
Carb service kits are available as is the fuel pipe. It all pretty simple, I'd go as far as to say I'd enjoy doing it.I've yet to buy a Chinese carb but people who've bought them for outboards tell me they're good.
dmsims said:
I had an MS180 with endless issues
I had it returned twice to the dealer for fixing
It never worked and I put it on Freecycle (as spares or repair)
I now have a battery chainsaw which always works.............................
Mines a 170 - I got the model wrong.I had it returned twice to the dealer for fixing
It never worked and I put it on Freecycle (as spares or repair)
I now have a battery chainsaw which always works.............................
I had a cheap Titan cabled electric chainsaw and it was brilliant except for lack of mobility so I'd have no problem with a battery chainsaw. (It's not like range is an issue as it is with cars and ouboards.)
Maybe next time.
BikeBikeBIke said:
dmsims said:
I had an MS180 with endless issues
I had it returned twice to the dealer for fixing
It never worked and I put it on Freecycle (as spares or repair)
I now have a battery chainsaw which always works.............................
Mines a 170 - I got the model wrong.I had it returned twice to the dealer for fixing
It never worked and I put it on Freecycle (as spares or repair)
I now have a battery chainsaw which always works.............................
I had a cheap Titan cabled electric chainsaw and it was brilliant except for lack of mobility so I'd have no problem with a battery chainsaw. (It's not like range is an issue as it is with cars and ouboards.)
Maybe next time.
Metric Max said:
I too have an MS180 as well as a number of other small two stroke machines.
The problem is the Ethanol in petrol, when left it will dry out in a carburettor and form a silicone like substance, a garden machinery guy said that even their ultrasonic machine won't clean it, a new carb is the only solution.
I think that its because of the very small drillings in these carbs, bigger engines are not so affected.
In addition the fuel pipe may break down and get blocked because of the Ethanol.
I do several things to avoid problems;
I only buy E5 petrol from a leading brand , Shell, Esso, BP Texaco etc; I the additional cost per annum compared with the cheapest supermarket E10 is for me insignificant
I treat each fresh can of fuel with Ethanol guard available from Toolstation for example.
When the machine is not going to be used for more than about 3 weeks I empty the unused fuel back into my container, put a small amount of Aspen fuel into the machine and run it for a couple of minutes.
The Aspen fuel is expensive at about £24/ 5 litres but this will last me well over a year, and it's better than having a heart attack trying to start an uncooperative machine
HTH
I was told to not mix normal petrol with Aspen, ok to run it out of fuel then top up with aspen to stand, The problem is the Ethanol in petrol, when left it will dry out in a carburettor and form a silicone like substance, a garden machinery guy said that even their ultrasonic machine won't clean it, a new carb is the only solution.
I think that its because of the very small drillings in these carbs, bigger engines are not so affected.
In addition the fuel pipe may break down and get blocked because of the Ethanol.
I do several things to avoid problems;
I only buy E5 petrol from a leading brand , Shell, Esso, BP Texaco etc; I the additional cost per annum compared with the cheapest supermarket E10 is for me insignificant
I treat each fresh can of fuel with Ethanol guard available from Toolstation for example.
When the machine is not going to be used for more than about 3 weeks I empty the unused fuel back into my container, put a small amount of Aspen fuel into the machine and run it for a couple of minutes.
The Aspen fuel is expensive at about £24/ 5 litres but this will last me well over a year, and it's better than having a heart attack trying to start an uncooperative machine
HTH
trickywoo said:
Slightly linked I have a strimmer that runs like crap if I warm it up gently but is great if I cane it from the off. I guess I've got a mixture problem leading to plug fouling but it runs nicely and doesn’t have any adjustment screws.
I'm not sure but one thing I've learned about 2T engines that I wish I'd realized as a kid is that spark plugs are cheap and save endless frustration. I know people who replace them after every use. Personally I don't go that far but I don't hesitate to invest the £3 to stick a new plug in and I never waste my time cleaning plugs.Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff