Stihl Ms 180 Doesn't Start

The light and compact model of the tool is used for domestic purposes, but despite the optimized performance, the Stihl chainsaw sometimes does not start. The problems are manifested in the fact that the engine turns on and stalls, works unstably, cannot develop the required power or unexpectedly gains high speed.

Why the Stihl chainsaw won’t start

For a preliminary diagnosis of the causes, the operation of the gas pump, the appearance of the spark plug, fuel intake, carburetor functionality and filter condition are checked. Pay attention to the performance of cylinders, pistons, muffler, crankshaft bearings. After preventive measures, they try to start a chainsaw. Inadequate lubrication of rubbing parts also becomes a factor in poor performance.

Lack of spark

Spark test on spark plug. The functioning of an element is influenced by various factors. When testing the mechanism, the causes are identified:

• insufficient carburetor adjustment;
• large oil in gasoline;
• clogged fuel and air filters.

Due to the work in such conditions, deposits accumulate on the contacts of the candle. Subsequent corrosion of the conductors causes no spark in half of the faults. This is because the gap between the modular contacts changes. To test the sparks, do the following:

• the tip of the high voltage cable is removed;
• the candle is twisted;
• the tip is put in place;
• the candle is propped against the cylinder with a wide end;
• start the starter.

If during start-up a bright spark resembling lightning appears between the electrodes, the ignition unit is in good condition. If there is no flash, they clean the entire element and set the gap between the conductors. Sometimes there is no gap between the flywheel and the ignition coil. When the flywheel is rubbed, scratches are visible on its exterior.

Malfunction of the ignition coil

The module or coil is not disassembled, its suitability is difficult to identify without testing devices. Modern ignition systems are durable, lightweight and small in size. They are characterized by almost failure-free functionality. Chainsaw malfunctions due to the ignition coil can be fixed by yourself.

Test the outlet wires for damage (including internal) that occurs due to vibration leading to friction. If no cracks are found, then the ignition coil needs to be replaced. Sometimes a malfunction of the module is indicated by a faint, barely noticeable flash when the saw is heated. This is due to an increase in coil temperature, which leads to an increase in transistor resistance.

The peculiarity is that at the beginning of the work a spark can appear, but after prolonged use it becomes dull and disappears. Modern ignition coils in the home workshop are not repaired, therefore they are replaced with suitable elements.

Fuel supply

After twisting the candle on its surface, a wet coating is detected. This indicates an excessive supply of gasoline to the combustion chamber. For this reason, the tool does not work or stalls, because the fuel does not ignite.

Another inhibitory factor is clogging of the breather, a small hole in the cap of the gas tank. It is cleaned with a needle, otherwise the Stihl MS 180 chainsaw will not start. To determine the wrong fuel supply, carry out sequential actions:

• remove the candle;
• 2 cubes of gasoline are poured into a hole in a candle with a syringe;
• put the ignition device in place and put on the cap of the high-voltage wire;
• the lever is moved to the hot start position;
• pull the starter handle a couple of times.

If the tool starts and immediately stalls, then the fuel line is tested further. Check the gasoline filter, the surge from the crankcase, the integrity of the septum in the pump when unscrewing the cover.

Crankshaft bearing failure

With bearing defects, a slight play is felt. To identify it, the flywheel of the Stihl MS 180 saw is shaken from one side to the other. The movement indicates that the flywheel is shifted towards the electrodes by its own magnets, as a result of which there is no spark. To remove the mechanism, remove the cutting element, remove the filter cover and clutch. For the crankshaft stopper, remove the manual starter cover and tighten two bolts.

The clutch is unscrewed using a key clockwise. Remove the drum with an asterisk, change the old clutch and spin it all the way. Lock the crankshaft so as not to break the starter. The mechanism is going in the reverse order. To tighten, the brake lever is tilted forward, the tool is turned on, then removed from the brake.

rarely, bearings with defective bearings are detected (the diameter of the holes in the cage is increased). To determine, disassemble and measure using a micrometer. A broken knock indicates broken bearings. In this case, urgent repair is required, because if the integrity of the crankshaft is violated, the piston group and cylinder will fail.

Fills the spark plug

In this case, the spark is not able to ignite the fuel, which in large quantities enters the furnace for burning a combustible mixture. If the candle is filled, then the carburetor is defective or the cold engine does not start correctly. The engine is purged, the procedure is performed with the ignition turned off and far from an open flame. To ensure ignition of the fuel at the time of start-up, clean the mechanism:

• unscrew the candle, wipe it dry, dry for half an hour;
• a large layer of carbon is removed by a file;
• between the contacts regulate the gap;
• the tool is turned upside down and the gasoline is drained;
• in this position, the starter is pulled several times (to remove residual fuel);
• reassemble in the reverse order.

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Stihl chainsaw stalls: reasons

If the tool turns off immediately after start-up, it means that some device or part has broken. To determine the cause, they test the mechanism on their own or in service workshops. Sometimes the reason that the mechanism starts up poorly is the incorrect maintenance of the saw:

• insufficient gasoline;
• poorly prepared fuel mixture;
• poor lubrication quality;
• silencer clogged by combustion products;
• unregulated carburetor;
• air filter obstruction;
• malfunction of the piston or cylinder.

When you press the gas

Sawing units are idling, but the chainsaw stalls when gas is pressed, because the load increases. The tool is heated before use, driving the engine at idle for a minute. If this is neglected, the motor stops after pressing the pedal. Other reasons may include:

• a clogged or unregulated combustible fuel mixing unit;
• a clogged air filter does not provide the desired air flow with increasing load;
• contaminated gasoline filter does not pass the required amount of the mixture;
• the wall of the cylinder and piston rubs.

The low octane number of the fuel causes the brake, because this circumstance does not allow the motor to achieve the required power with increasing load.

At idle

Violation of the functionality of the fuel assembly system leads to air leaks. In this case, the unit stalls at idle and does not hold their number. An additional suction reduces the air pulse to the fuel pump and passes through the membrane of the sump or crankshaft oil seals. Diagnostics is done with a vacuum gauge.

Cessation of engine cold operation occurs for other reasons:

• the candle channel contains an excess amount of a combustible mixture;
• the gap between the tip of the candle and the high-voltage cradle is not adjusted;
• power supply failure.

The seals are checked by pouring gasoline into the crankcase, the leak is visible visually. This means that the engine does not work at idle, and at high frequency, leaky seals will cause the bearings to seize. In case of leakage of elements they are replaced with new ones and sealing is carried out.

At full speed

Sometimes the engine stalls after normal operation. To establish the cause, pay attention to related circumstances:

1. The motor stalls in the middle of work for no apparent reason. The starter is stationary and does not turn. So, the tool is jammed and needs urgent repair.
2. During normal operation, power decreases in a short time and the engine stops, the cylinders are overheated. The situation indicates the occurrence of air leakage under the rubber pipe between the carburetor cylinder, possibly due to a gap. Air depletes fuel; a nozzle replacement is required.

Not gaining momentum

Many systems of the mechanism are involved in the launch, so the loss of speed of the Stihl chainsaw after idling can be a consequence of various factors. Confident idling and interruptions in the engine under load can occur for the following reasons:

• engine resource output;
• wear, deformation and corrosion of the piston group;
• malfunction of the ignition coil or spark plug;
• imbalance of carburetor screws.

If the tool does not develop revolutions, then the conductivity of the hole in the fuel tank cap is broken. The occurrence of vacuum does not provide the required amount of fuel, because the engine does not gain the required power. Turnovers are reduced with the accumulation of carbon monoxide in the muffler, and it is difficult to remove gases from combustion.

Does not slow down

The tool quickly reaches its maximum speed and power does not decrease. This situation is explained by the fact that:

• the throttle does not work due to the weakening of the spring or traction element;
• intermittent failure of the toggle switch;
• no corkscrew on the axis of the throttle;
• clogged carburetor;
• The fuel hose and gasoline filter are not working properly.

What to do

The power tool is operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Only after checking the chain tension does the unit start up. At the same time, the filling of the tanks with a combustible mixture and oil is controlled, the device is securely fixed in your hands. If, when all the rules are followed, the mechanism refuses to work, then the Stihl chainsaw is repaired.

How to start a Stihl chainsaw: instructions

The tool manufacturer took all measures and developed a manual, thanks to which the mechanism starts conveniently. The user will protect himself from injuries if he performs the proposed frequency of actions:

1. The ignition is switched on and the engine handle is set to the lower position. Atmospheric intake from the air filter is blocked by a carburetor damper. To start the chainsaw correctly, the throttle membrane must be open to enrich the combustible mixture.
2. The lever is set to the start gas position. The starter twitches several times until the first spark appears. If the flash passes, the instrument is ready to start. The mechanism operates at high speeds due to the closed throttle membrane. To transfer it to the idle regulation, a gas trigger is pressed and a rhinestone is released. The number of revolutions quickly normalizes.
3. The Stihl MC unit as standard is not equipped with additional devices to start a light chainsaw.

Idle adjustment

Before commissioning, tool maintenance is performed. In order for the idle adjustment to be effective, they do the following:

• carburetor cleaning;
• flushing the engine;
• air filter cleaning;
• warming up the motor.

To adjust the mechanism at idle, the appropriate adjusting screw is used. Its rotation depends on the required setting:

1. In standard setup, the screw is turned counterclockwise to the position where it will turn tight. After that make 2 circles in the direction of the arrow.
2. If the saw operates at low speeds, then the screw is turned clockwise until the moment when the chain starts to move. Then do half a circle in the opposite direction.
3. At high frequency, the regulator is turned counterclockwise until the chain stops. After this, the rotation is continued for another half revolution in the same direction.

It will not be possible to adjust idle operation if there is air leakage into the engine through a gasket, acceleration pump, oil seals or for another reason.

Ignition setting

Gasoline engines are equipped with an ignition system that ignites the fuel. The time the flash occurs affects the operation of the motor. With mass production in the factory, the ignition adjustment of the chainsaw is not done. On the corresponding rotating elements, labels are set, which, when configured, are combined. Incorrect adjustment leads to the fact that the mechanism starts and stalls.

Before adjusting, check the dryness of the spark plug and the performance of the ignition circuit. The voltage supply cable to the candle is brought to the cylinder with a small gap and the starter is started. If there is no flash, test the cable with a probe. Then check the serviceability of the wire to the disconnecting button.

If the cables are undamaged, then check the ignition coil. This is done with a special tester to ring the device. In this case, the indicators on the device must coincide with the technical characteristics of the coil, which are prescribed in the instructions for use. If discrepancies are detected, the ignition unit is changed to a workable device.

The coil may become unusable due to vibration when the tool falls or hits, so work carefully.

Replacing crankshaft bearings

To begin with, the compression is measured, if it is not there, then the reason lies in the breakdown of the piston group.

The required pressure in the cylinder should be 8 atm, if it is lower, then the cylinder and piston, rings, crankshaft bearings may have worn out.

To find out the state of the piston system, you need to completely disassemble the saw and remove all the main components of the mechanism:

• dismantle the headset, remove the cover on the bus;
• remove the tire guide and tool chain with the key from the kit;
• remove the air filter, remove the spark plug;
• the piston stopper is fixed in place of the candle to fix the crankshaft;
• the clutch is removed, then access to the clutch system is opened.

Rings with bearings inspect, identify defects. Replacement can be carried out independently, which will require repair skills, or take the tool to a specialized workshop. Assembly is done in reverse order.