How To Start A Stihl Farm Boss Chain Saw: Easy Steps

What is the best way to start a Stihl Farm Boss chainsaw? The best way is to follow a step-by-step starting procedure that varies slightly depending on whether the engine is cold or warm. This guide provides easy-to-follow instructions for starting your Stihl Farm Boss chainsaw, along with tips for troubleshooting common problems.

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Getting Ready to Start Your Stihl Farm Boss

Before you even think about pulling the starter cord, a few essential steps are crucial for a safe and successful start. Ignoring these can lead to frustration, damage to your chainsaw, or even injury.

Safety First!

• Wear appropriate safety gear: This includes safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and sturdy boots.
• Clear the area: Make sure there are no obstacles or people nearby. You need enough space to operate the chainsaw safely.
• Secure footing: Find a stable, flat surface to stand on. This prevents slips and falls while starting.

Fuel and Oil Check

• Fuel Mixture: The Stihl Farm Boss requires a precise fuel mixture of gasoline and 2-cycle engine oil. What is the correct fuel mixture for chainsaw? A common ratio is 50:1 (50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil). Always use a high-quality 2-cycle engine oil specifically designed for air-cooled engines. Using the wrong fuel mixture can damage the engine.
  • Gasoline: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 89 or higher.
  • Mixing: Mix the fuel and oil in a separate, clean container. Shake well to ensure proper blending.
• Fuel Tank: Check the fuel tank level. If it’s low, refill it with the premixed fuel. Be careful not to spill any fuel.
• Chain Oil: Check the chain oil tank. This lubricates the chain and bar. Can I use regular motor oil? No, use only bar and chain oil specifically designed for chainsaws. Refill if necessary.

Inspect the Chainsaw

A quick inspection can prevent problems down the line.

• Chain Tension: Check the chain tension. It should be snug but still able to be pulled around the bar by hand.
• Chain Sharpness: Ensure the chain is sharp. A dull chain makes cutting difficult and increases the risk of kickback.
• Spark Plug: Inspect the spark plug. A fouled or damaged spark plug can prevent the chainsaw from starting.
• Air Filter: Check the air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow and can cause starting problems.

Starting Procedure: Cold Start

A cold start means the engine has been sitting for a while and is completely cool. This procedure requires a few extra steps to get the fuel flowing. These Stihl Farm Boss chainsaw starting instructions will help you through the process.

1. Master Control Lever:
   • Engage the chain brake by pushing the handle forward.
   • Move the master control lever (often a single lever controlling choke, throttle, and on/off switch) to the “choke” position. This is usually indicated by a symbol of a partially closed choke.
2. Primer Bulb (If Equipped):
   • Some Stihl Farm Boss models have a primer bulb. Press it several times (usually 5-6 times) until you see fuel flowing through the clear fuel line. This primes the carburetor.
3. Starting Position:
   • Place the chainsaw on the ground, ensuring the chain is not touching anything.
   • Grip the front handle firmly with your left hand. Place your right foot on the rear handle to stabilize the saw.
4. Pull the Starter Cord:
   • Gently pull the starter cord until you feel resistance. This engages the starter mechanism.
   • Give the cord a sharp, full pull. Do not pull the cord all the way out.
   • Repeat this several times until the engine sputters or briefly starts.
5. Move the Master Control Lever:
   • Once the engine sputters, move the master control lever to the “half choke” or “fast idle” position. This is usually one position down from the “choke” position.
6. Pull the Starter Cord Again:
   • Pull the starter cord again until the engine starts and runs smoothly.
7. Disengage the Chain Brake:
   • Once the engine is running smoothly, disengage the chain brake by pulling the handle back towards you.
8. Warm-Up:
   • Let the engine warm up for a few minutes before using the chainsaw.

Starting Procedure: Warm Start

A warm start is when the engine has been running recently and is still warm. This procedure is simpler than a cold start. The starting procedure is a little different when the engine is already warm.

1. Master Control Lever:
   • Engage the chain brake.
   • Move the master control lever to the “run” or “on” position. This is usually the position where the chainsaw will operate normally.
2. Starting Position:
   • Place the chainsaw on the ground, ensuring the chain is not touching anything.
   • Grip the front handle firmly with your left hand. Place your right foot on the rear handle to stabilize the saw.
3. Pull the Starter Cord:
   • Gently pull the starter cord until you feel resistance.
   • Give the cord a sharp, full pull.
   • The engine should start quickly. If it doesn’t, repeat the process a few times.
4. Disengage the Chain Brake:
   • Once the engine is running smoothly, disengage the chain brake.
5. Warm-Up:
   • Let the engine warm up briefly before using the chainsaw.

Chainsaw Troubleshooting: Common Starting Problems

Even with the best intentions, sometimes your Stihl Farm Boss chainsaw won’t start. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

The Chainsaw Won’t Start

• No Fuel:
  • Problem: The fuel tank is empty, or the fuel line is blocked.
  • Solution: Refill the fuel tank with the correct fuel mixture. Check the fuel line for kinks or blockages. Replace the fuel filter if necessary.
• Spark Plug Issues:
  • Problem: The spark plug is fouled, wet, or damaged.
  • Solution: Remove the spark plug and inspect it. Clean it with a wire brush or replace it if necessary. Ensure the spark plug gap is correct (refer to your owner’s manual for the correct gap).
• Air Filter Problems:
  • Problem: The air filter is dirty or clogged.
  • Solution: Remove the air filter and clean it with soap and water. Allow it to dry completely before reinstalling. Replace the air filter if it’s damaged.
• Ignition Problems:
  • Problem: There is no spark at the spark plug.
  • Solution: Check the spark plug wire and ensure it’s securely connected. If there’s still no spark, the ignition module may be faulty and require replacement.
• Flooding:
  • Problem: Too much fuel in the engine.
  • Solution: See the section on “Dealing with a Flooded Engine” below.

Dealing with a Flooded Engine (Flooding Stihl Farm Boss)

• What is flooding on a chainsaw? Flooding occurs when too much fuel enters the engine cylinder, preventing it from starting.
  1. Master Control Lever: Set the master control lever to the “run” or “on” position.
  2. Chain Brake: Engage the chain brake.
  3. Pull the Starter Cord: Pull the starter cord repeatedly with the throttle fully open. This helps to clear the excess fuel from the cylinder.
  4. Patience: It may take several pulls to clear the flood.
  5. Retry Starting: Once you’ve cleared the flood, try starting the chainsaw again using the warm start procedure.

Pull Cord Problems

• Problem: The pull cord is hard to pull, or it won’t retract.
  • Solution:
    • Hard to Pull: This could be due to a tight engine. Remove the spark plug and try pulling the cord. If it pulls easily, the problem may be with the engine itself. Add a small amount of oil to the cylinder through the spark plug hole and try again.
    • Won’t Retract: The recoil spring may be broken or tangled. You’ll need to disassemble the starter assembly and inspect the spring. This may require specialized tools and knowledge.

Chainsaw Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your Stihl Farm Boss chainsaw running smoothly and extending its lifespan.

Regular Cleaning

• Air Filter: Clean the air filter regularly, as described above.
• Cylinder Fins: Keep the cylinder fins clean to ensure proper cooling.
• Chain and Bar: Clean the chain and bar after each use. Remove any sawdust or debris.

Chain and Bar Maintenance

• Chain Sharpening: Sharpen the chain regularly. A dull chain is dangerous and inefficient.
• Bar Maintenance: Clean the bar groove and oil holes regularly. Flip the bar periodically to ensure even wear.
• Chain Tension: Check and adjust the chain tension before each use.

Fuel and Storage

• Fuel Stabilizer: If you’re not going to use the chainsaw for an extended period, add fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank. This prevents the fuel from going bad and clogging the carburetor.
• Empty the Fuel Tank: For long-term storage, it’s best to empty the fuel tank completely.
• Storage Location: Store the chainsaw in a dry, safe place.

Other things to consider

• Who is qualified to repair a chainsaw? It is best to have a qualified technician handle complex chainsaw repairs to prevent injury and further damage.
• What is the lifespan of a Stihl Farm Boss? With proper care, a Stihl Farm Boss can last for many years of reliable service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Why won’t my Stihl Farm Boss start after sitting for a long time?
  • The fuel may have gone bad, or the carburetor may be clogged. Try draining the old fuel and replacing it with fresh fuel. You may also need to clean or rebuild the carburetor.
• How often should I sharpen my chainsaw chain?
  • Sharpen the chain whenever it starts to cut slowly or unevenly. This could be as often as after every few hours of use.
• What type of oil should I use for the chain?
  • Use only bar and chain oil specifically designed for chainsaws. Regular motor oil is not suitable.
• Can I use ethanol-free gasoline in my Stihl Farm Boss?
  • Yes, ethanol-free gasoline is recommended, as ethanol can damage the fuel system over time.
• What do I do if the chainsaw starts and then stalls immediately?
  • This could be due to a clogged fuel filter, a dirty air filter, or a carburetor problem. Check these components and clean or replace them as needed.
• Is it normal for a chainsaw to smoke?
  • A small amount of smoke is normal, especially during startup. However, excessive smoke could indicate a problem with the fuel mixture or the engine.
• How do I know if my chainsaw is getting enough chain oil?
  • You should see a light spray of oil coming off the chain while it’s running. You can also test it by holding the bar a few inches above a piece of wood and running the chain briefly. If the wood gets splattered with oil, the chain is getting enough lubrication.

By following these easy steps and maintenance tips, you can keep your Stihl Farm Boss chainsaw running smoothly for years to come. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations.