Chainsaw Repair

Husqvarna - Stihl - Poulan - Jonsered - Dolmar chainsaws and more => Stihl => Topic started by: mastercraftka on January 08, 2014, 08:47:29 am

Title: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 08, 2014, 08:47:29 am
I used it about a month ago with no problems and then took it out this weekend to use and could barely pull the chord.  I took the plug out same problem, put some sea foam in and let it soak pulled again without the plug in same result.  I took the starter off and it is free nothing binding. I can turn the flywheel by hand easily as well.  I took the muffler off to inspect and do not see anything glaring. 

Any ideas?

Mike
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on January 08, 2014, 09:31:08 am
Maybe it is cold?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 08, 2014, 09:36:29 am
Thought that myself it is cold here in south texas but not that cold.  plus the starter spins free when removed and the flywheel as well.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on January 08, 2014, 09:47:26 am
I have a latter 025 and a MS-250 and though I have not started one since around Christmas, I have not experienced this hard pull phenomena.

You didn't mention if you had changed the pull cord or made any other improvements to your chainsaw?

When starting one cold for the first time, I have to start these on the ground for they are not exactly saws for the little lady if not the easy start version.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 08, 2014, 10:20:22 am
I have had it a little over a year and has started ok nothing like this, I can't pull the chord far enough out to get it started.  No changes to the original machine.

Like I said when you take the starter off it is free and easy to pull and I can turn the flywheel with ease.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: fordfairlane78 on January 08, 2014, 10:25:28 am
I am not familiar with the starter on these. Are you able to pull it over at all or is it just extremely hard? sounds like something is loose or not lining up correctly causing a binding condition. Possibly the fastener holding the starter on to the cover? Is this saw new enough to have that very fun easystart system?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 08, 2014, 10:40:46 am
It was never taken off until I had this problem, I can turn the engine over just barely with it on.  I did take it off blow it all out and then stuck it back on and it was better for a few pulls and then got worse with each pull until it got to the point where I can barely pull it.  I am 6 foot 1 in and 240 pounds and it takes everything I have to pull, it will move but barely. 

Maybe right about lining up but I have nothing to compare to is my problem.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on January 08, 2014, 11:00:10 am
We've been through this story before around here. Search around a little and see what you come up with.

Seems like it got down to a problem with the rope pulley itself?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 08, 2014, 11:08:57 am
Ok I searched some and didn't find it yet but I guess I need the right search phrase.

thanks,
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on January 08, 2014, 11:23:26 am
Instead of using the search function, just look in the Stihl forum and look for hard to start or starter?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: fordfairlane78 on January 08, 2014, 11:46:35 am
Maybe try pulling the starter cover off again and really inspect the pulley for play or wobble. ...put a little pressure on it and then pull it to see what happens. ...While the cover is off check the pawls on the flywheel for proper movement as well. ...
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: KilliansRedLeo on January 08, 2014, 11:54:46 am
May or may not have anything to do with your problem however, I had an old Roper/Craftsman 3.7 come in that was doing the same thing. Just as you said starter worked great off the saw and saw turned easily without starter.

Turned out that the back of the starter pulley had a hairline crack in the back, which would not force the starter cord to wind up on top of itself between the sides of the pulley. Cord would wind up parallel to itself, forcing the pulley sides to flair out and bind against the starter housing, locking the saw up tight! Not immediately evident that the pulley was damaged because the crack was right at the hub and on the side facing away from the saw. And this was a pot metal pulley not plastic, when it would lock up it was metal against metal and there was no way to pull the saw over it would just stop dead!

Installed new pulley, big PITA on this saw, everything worked fine with new pulley installed.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: rayvil01 on January 08, 2014, 12:16:52 pm
I had the samething happen with a plastic pulley on a Poulan Pro 375.  The rope would double up and bind under strain given the space that the hair line ccrack opened up. May have to pull it completely out of the starter housing to see it.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: KilliansRedLeo on January 08, 2014, 12:34:51 pm
+1 on that Rayvil01!
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 08, 2014, 12:53:10 pm
ok I will look at that today, sounds like I need to take the pulley off and inspect more closely.

thanks I will let yall know what happens.

Did you just have to order a new pulley?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: KilliansRedLeo on January 08, 2014, 01:07:32 pm
Be careful removing the pulley, the rewind spring can jump out and run all over the shop, as well as hit you in the face causing great harm. If it does jump out also be careful replacing it because it can jump out during the installation process and cut your fingers and hands!
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: rayvil01 on January 08, 2014, 01:43:27 pm


In my case I had bought a spare saw for parts off ebay a long time ago.  It's an old saw.  So yes to new part. 
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: Fish on January 08, 2014, 02:33:23 pm
Just take the tension off of the pulley by unlooping the rope and let the spring tension ease off, then unhook the clip over the axis and pawl, and inspect.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 08, 2014, 04:01:08 pm
awesome I will do that.

thanks for the pictures.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 09, 2014, 11:06:09 am
I looked and inspected and finally gave up and took it to the shop, the guy doesn't know for sure either and I told him what I learned here.  He is swamped so it might be a couple of days before he looks at it.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: KilliansRedLeo on January 10, 2014, 12:36:17 pm
Don't forget to let us all know what the solution is to this mystery!
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: Cut4fun . on January 10, 2014, 01:45:59 pm
+1 on that. Would like to know what the dealer finds wrong too.

 Just so I can save it to the trouble shooting part of the noggin and here for other folks.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 13, 2014, 10:43:52 am
ok just got the dreaded phone call, the pin was sheared on the flywheel and he hasn't opened it up but says when turning the engine it has rough spots.  He is saying that to open up and check out and possible bearing replacements I am looking at 200 and if the crank is bad could be more. 

Any thoughts?  He says he will sell me a Dolmar that has a 2 year warranty for $306.  I don't know anything about them, this just sucks because I have only had this MS 250 for a little over a year. 
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on January 13, 2014, 11:05:02 am
I don''t believe I would let go of the MS250? If it was my MS250, I could put a whole new engine plus a new starter pulley in it for less cost than that to me. But I'm not a dealer.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 13, 2014, 11:24:45 am
Well if I bought a new one I would definitely try to rebuild it myself.  I have rebuilt jeep engines before I guess I could take a swing at that.  Where is the best place for replacement parts.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on January 13, 2014, 11:31:07 am
It must be taken into account that many of the people that give chainsaw advice on the Internet work on their own chainsaws.

It is difficult to diagnose a problem over the Internet for we only have your input as to what the problem is.

Your MS 250 may have only a minor problem and yet, it could have major problems and only be worth a few exterior parts?

It is a big game that some chainsaw dealers play on chainsaw owners that bring in their pride and joy chainsaw with a problem. The end scenario is that your chainsaw is always not worth fixing and he'll sacrifice and sell you a new saw with a two year warranty for little more than what he'll charge to fix your old chainsaw.

This is a win win situation for you have a new saw that is covered for repairs for 2 years. The dealer has turned over some quick cash and he has your saw to refresh and resell when business gets slow.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on January 13, 2014, 11:36:04 am
I would bet that the $308 for the new chainsaw is for you to give him your Stihl.

$308 outright is a pretty good price for a 421 but I'm thinking that is not what he had in mind for the saw generally goes out the door for $25 - $50 more than that?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 13, 2014, 11:36:28 am
I understand, I spend a lot of time on the jeep forums helping and getting advice.  I just need the chainsaw soon and with my real job not sure how fast I could pull apart and find out what was up. 

Kinda gun shy now with what I thought was the "best" in stihl saws and it didn't last barely one year.  I took care of it so wasn't like It screwed up that I know of.

Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on January 13, 2014, 11:42:30 am
You need two saws anyway. One would be a spare for the other?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 13, 2014, 11:45:37 am
Wouldn't go unused for sure.

Do you know where I can get parts for the stihl? Do need to get them from a dealer or is there other sources?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: Fish on January 13, 2014, 11:49:32 am
What state do you live in?  You probably don't need a new saw, and most guys here have several ms210-250 flywheels laying around.  Get it back from the dealer.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 13, 2014, 11:54:06 am
texas

I am going to get it back for sure, just was wondering best place for parts when I tear into it.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on January 13, 2014, 11:59:52 am
I have a Stihl 025 and a MS250. They are homeowner saws but are just right for what you use yours for. I like them.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 13, 2014, 12:44:32 pm
Do you think I would have any luck complaining to Stihl, since it was so soon after the warranty expired?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on January 13, 2014, 01:01:03 pm
I'm thinking that there is not so much actually wrong with that saw.

I doubt you'll get much out of Stihl?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 13, 2014, 01:13:42 pm
I understand what you are saying about the shop guy trying to sell me a new chainsaw but I know him pretty well and not positive he has that angle but I could be wrong.

So with what you know what could be causing the hard turn? In other words with the flywheel removed turning it, it has spots where it is hard to turn then gets easy and then real hard again.  My limited knowledge I know that during compression stroke that it is hard to turn but this is not that at all.  Could the bearings be out? Crank bent?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on January 13, 2014, 01:24:31 pm
So with what you know what could be causing the hard turn? In other words with the flywheel removed turning it, it has spots where it is hard to turn then gets easy and then real hard again.  My limited knowledge I know that during compression stroke that it is hard to turn but this is not that at all.  Could the bearings be out? Crank bent?
I would want to feel that myself? I would take out the spark plug and remove the starter housing and feel of the engine itself without compression?

I would try to move the flywheel in and out and up and down for play?

I would remove the clutch cover, bar, and chain, then check that side for excess play and unusual movement also.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on January 13, 2014, 01:27:27 pm
I have the parts list and diagrams as well as the service manual for this chainsaw if you would like for me to email them to you, I would be glad to send them on the way.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: JohnG28 on January 13, 2014, 02:38:49 pm
You should ask the dealer to contact Stihl about it. I had a bg86 leaf blower that died on me last year running WOT. I tried to get it going for some time with no luck. I finally took it in to the shop who found out the crank bearings had gone on one side. I would have never thought to even look at the internals of the engine, it had maybe 15 hrs on it and was a little less than 2 years old. The shop diagnosed the issue free of charge, btw, but did take them a while to get to it.  After some time going back and forth with Stihl I ended up getting $200 credit on a machine that cosr I think $240 new. I realize that this doesn't help you get it replaced right now, but if you are thinking you will keep this one and buy another maybe it would be worth pressing Stihl to fix it, especially since the warranty just ran out.  BTW, Stihl had been giving 2 year residential use warranties in recent years if you bought a 6 pack of HP ultra. Any chance you got that deal when you bought it?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 13, 2014, 02:57:49 pm
I have the parts list and diagrams as well as the service manual for this chainsaw if you would like for me to email them to you, I would be glad to send them on the way.

That would be awesome! thanks!
mastercraftka@hotmail.com
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 13, 2014, 02:58:36 pm
You should ask the dealer to contact Stihl about it. I had a bg86 leaf blower that died on me last year running WOT. I tried to get it going for some time with no luck. I finally took it in to the shop who found out the crank bearings had gone on one side. I would have never thought to even look at the internals of the engine, it had maybe 15 hrs on it and was a little less than 2 years old. The shop diagnosed the issue free of charge, btw, but did take them a while to get to it.  After some time going back and forth with Stihl I ended up getting $200 credit on a machine that cosr I think $240 new. I realize that this doesn't help you get it replaced right now, but if you are thinking you will keep this one and buy another maybe it would be worth pressing Stihl to fix it, especially since the warranty just ran out.  BTW, Stihl had been giving 2 year residential use warranties in recent years if you bought a 6 pack of HP ultra. Any chance you got that deal when you bought it?

No I wish! I did email stihl and they are supposed to get back with me haven't heard anything yet. 
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: KilliansRedLeo on January 13, 2014, 06:04:05 pm
660MAGNUM is not steering you wrong, get the saw back, get the IPL and service manual and check it out yourself! Not saying that your dealer friend is blowing smoke up your azz but it is always good to check it out for yourself. In your original post you said:
Quote
I took the starter off and it is free nothing binding. I can turn the flywheel by hand easily as well. I took the muffler off to inspect and do not see anything glaring.

I'm having a hard time understanding how it now turns hard, when you removed the plug and the starter and the engine turned freely! Something does not compute here.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 13, 2014, 06:06:49 pm
turns but not what I would say freely, it turns gets really hard and then will turn and get really hard.  When it does turn it does not feel smooth.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on January 13, 2014, 06:31:15 pm
turns but not what I would say freely, it turns gets really hard and then will turn and get really hard.  When it does turn it does not feel smooth.


I'm only guessing as I'm not there doing the turning but . . .

This sounds like the crankshaft is twisted at the crank pin?

Something caused the saw to come to a very sudden stop?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on January 13, 2014, 06:34:20 pm
Anything goes on this kind of stuff with long distance diagnosis.

You best take the muffler off and see what the piston looks like and report back to us before you go any farther? The piston could just be galled?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: H 2 H on January 13, 2014, 07:17:12 pm
If worst comes to worst you can pick up a new motor on freebay or under $75

Here is one I picked up I also bought new piston; bearings and seals

(http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g317/H2H_PHOTOS/MS%20250/003.jpg)
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: jmester on January 13, 2014, 08:11:03 pm
I would be interested to know why the flywheel key is sheared on a saw that is only a little over a year old, I am leaning toward what 660 is saying on a sudden stop. That would explain the hard to pull by the cord issue. I would also lean towards a galled piston. 210 and 250 are known to me to have air leak issues.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: jmester on January 13, 2014, 08:12:46 pm
Maybe one of the bearings did come apart and is rattling around the bottom of the motor.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 14, 2014, 01:39:02 pm
If worst comes to worst you can pick up a new motor on freebay or under $75

Here is one I picked up I also bought new piston; bearings and seals

(http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g317/H2H_PHOTOS/MS%20250/003.jpg)

Is that the Chinese knock of engine? Are they any good if so?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 14, 2014, 01:39:56 pm
I am trying to remember back couple months ago if I did that hard stop, I just can't remember.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 14, 2014, 01:45:09 pm
H 2 H can you point me to where you got that new engine?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: H 2 H on January 14, 2014, 06:22:35 pm
H 2 H can you point me to where you got that new engine?

Freebay = ebay
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: bustedknuckles on January 14, 2014, 10:48:01 pm
This is a case where having two of the same model saw is useful for troubleshooting. Switch parts and see if the problem moves. I do think it is going to be related to the starter. Nothing else would make sense. You did take off the chain brake right? lol
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 15, 2014, 08:18:48 am
Lol yes the brake is free and the chain spins. 

I got it back from the shop I am going to tear it down tonight and see what it looks like inside before I go buying parts I don't need.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: JohnG28 on January 15, 2014, 12:16:11 pm
You should ask the dealer to contact Stihl about it. I had a bg86 leaf blower that died on me last year running WOT. I tried to get it going for some time with no luck. I finally took it in to the shop who found out the crank bearings had gone on one side. I would have never thought to even look at the internals of the engine, it had maybe 15 hrs on it and was a little less than 2 years old. The shop diagnosed the issue free of charge, btw, but did take them a while to get to it.  After some time going back and forth with Stihl I ended up getting $200 credit on a machine that cosr I think $240 new. I realize that this doesn't help you get it replaced right now, but if you are thinking you will keep this one and buy another maybe it would be worth pressing Stihl to fix it, especially since the warranty just ran out.  BTW, Stihl had been giving 2 year residential use warranties in recent years if you bought a 6 pack of HP ultra. Any chance you got that deal when you bought it?

No I wish! I did email stihl and they are supposed to get back with me haven't heard anything yet. 

Keep on Stihl, that's what it took for me. Like I said, it was a process, literally months of waiting. But in the end it worked out for me. Having over $2k in Stihl pro saws didn't hurt either I'm sure, but that's new and I only got I new.  ;) A good shop willing to go that distance for you is important too. In the mean time though I would definitely be looking for the answer. I went the opposite, did all I could think of on my own first thrn went to the shop. Hope you get it figured out!
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 15, 2014, 12:32:05 pm
I finally got a call today but missed it and called back and left a message so I am waiting again.  I am not hopeful that anything will be done because it is my first and only machine.  I just trying to play their emotions by saying it was supposed to be my last chainsaw.  We will see. thanks,
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: Longshot on January 16, 2014, 05:40:18 pm
I had a like new MS250 with the same problem and indeed it was a crank bearing. Pieces got suck up and scored the cylinder. More than likely your crank will be ok but I would just buy a whole engine.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: GCC on January 19, 2014, 04:21:02 am
   From my experience I can tell that Stihl MS 230/250 are very good and reliable chainsaws, designed for domestic use but often used as a professional tool. As you described the symptoms, it can be a bearing problem and if it is you can consider it a bad lock. I have never seen such a problem on a so young 250. The bearings are good quality onces, and this kind of problems appear only on very used chainsaws. However if that is the problem it worths to fix it. This also could be caused by the incorrect  tensioning of the chain, too much tension pulls the crankshaft ahead a very little bit, but at 9,000-10,000 rpm  it counts. Try to remove the clutch to see if the problem is not there. Watch out: the clutch has revers threat so you loosen it as you would tighten a normal screw and you have to block the piston first. Anyway I am sure it worth to fix it.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on January 20, 2014, 03:56:15 pm
Update!

Well I talked the guy finally and he had me take it to the local serviceman and he is going to send it to Dallas to inspect.  I am sure this is just a drag it out as long as they can thing. Probably will get a phone call in weeks saying sorry it was your fault somehow and will get stuck with freight and stuff.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: countryhog on January 21, 2014, 04:51:33 pm
well ya never know. could just as easily be good news. can't really see a dealer spending the time and expense to just drag it out. definitely a loosing proposition.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: JohnG28 on January 21, 2014, 10:57:56 pm
Well at least they are looking at it. Can't hurt, especially if the damage was not I f your doing. Good luck!
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on February 07, 2014, 10:37:30 am
Final update, I called about a week ago to see what was going on and they said they would find out.  I then received a call Tuesday saying that they were going to replace the saw.  The local dealer took it apart and found that one of the main bearings had failed.  Of course I was very happy and surprised to hear this.  The local guy that has 30 years experience said this was only the 3rd one he had ever seen do this.  I was happy to know I didn't screw it up.  So anyway I am back on with stihl products they made it right even when it was out of warranty a couple months. 
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on February 07, 2014, 10:44:39 am
So good to hear the good news . . .

Had a major bearing fail in a Ford Ranger auto transmission with 32,000 miles but out of warranty. The truck was never miss treated. It was one of those situations where the cage failed and all the metal went through everything. Made a mess.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on February 07, 2014, 12:16:03 pm
I bet it did.

One of the ball bearings dislodged and bounced around in the crankcase and screwed it all up.  That is why when the crank rotated the place where the ball was missing would get out of round and cause it to stick and not turn. 

I am just thankful they made good on it. 
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on February 07, 2014, 12:17:44 pm
I have a 250 and a 025 and I like them very well.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on February 07, 2014, 03:12:20 pm
Well it was good saw when it worked! lol
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: Cut4fun on February 07, 2014, 03:41:23 pm
Very Cool outcome   8)
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: SDB777 on February 07, 2014, 07:23:37 pm
Sounds like we'll be seeing some 'new saw photos' from you soon!

Congrats on an acceptable outcome, considering you were without the saw for awhile.....glad to hear that Stihl 'stepped up' and did the right thing!






Scott (you getting another one) B
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 3000 FPS on February 07, 2014, 10:28:02 pm
That shows it is not always the brand but a good dealer that stands behind his product.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: KilliansRedLeo on February 08, 2014, 10:32:53 am
+1 on a good dealer!  ;D and now you don't have to buy another saw unless you want to. ::)
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on February 10, 2014, 12:01:38 pm
Yes good dealer and stihl stood behind their product even when it was out of warranty. 

I was without for awhile luckily where I live we don't cut as much as some of you guys.  This month is usually my month to cut wood for the upcoming year, deer season is over and it is still somewhat cool so we cut and then pick it up as we go throughout the year.  Mostly bbq from now until November then it will go into the fire place.  Like I said in south texas the fire place is rarely used but the mesquite for the bbq is a must.  Took my first tree down with it this weekend and it worked like a champ.

I will get a photo up asap.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: KilliansRedLeo on February 11, 2014, 10:09:03 am
They allow you to cut screwbean mesquite in Texas? I was under the understanding that it was a protected species! That wood can fetch in excess of $1200 for a piece big enough to make the stock for a custom rifle! Must be nice to have enough to BBQ with! Or are you talking about Texas Honey mesquite (prosopsis glondulosa)?
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on February 11, 2014, 10:48:57 am
I honestly had to research that just now because growing up here all my life I just know it as mesquite.  It is not screwbean mesquite and it looks like that is only found in the big bend area up to El Paso and in Southern Cali. 

I do know that this "honey bean" mesquite is everywhere here and it make awesome bbq wood especially for those that like a lot of smoke on their bbq.  Those that don't like so much smoke usually wrap it or use live oak which burns longer but less pungent. 

Also there is a pretty good market for mesquite here to make furniture out of but you must find trees that are straight and with a very large circumference which is a hard find sometimes.

All I know is we have it everywhere more than I could ever cut especially since this 4 year drought we have had more trees are just falling over every year. 
I learned something again today that I wish I have screw bean mesquite trees growing at the ranch instead of honey mesquite.  ;D
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: KilliansRedLeo on February 12, 2014, 09:07:18 am
I believe that if screw bean is growing on your private property you cannot cut it without government permission. The way I understand this came about is that during the US participation in the second world war; so much was cut to make guns that the tree was on the verge of extinction in the US. So, the government protected it and still does.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on February 12, 2014, 09:51:01 am
Interesting, but no you would have to drive at least 3 hours west of me to see any.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: Cut4fun . on February 12, 2014, 02:10:53 pm
I had to know what it was and what it looked like on a stock. Seems to be in use still for stocks?  Screwbean Mesquite is discontinued, none available at this time. Gordon will be cutting new screwbean blanks winter 2011. Must be using it again.

http://www.oldtreegunblanks.com/shotgunblanks.html?woodid=6

We custom cut our screwbean mesquite blanks out of half sections of logs.

Screwbean Mesquite is some of the rarest gun wood in the world. It has to be approved for cutting in 3 of the 5 states it grows in by the US Government. It is illegal to cut in the other two. For every 10 blanks that are cut, after the drying process we will end up with 1.

Our screwbean mesquite is obtained from private landowners who are clearing trees for new housing developments. As a result, there is always only a quite limited supply of this beautiful wood.

Blues, reds, yellows, oranges, browns, and some chocolates can be found throughout this indescribably beautiful wood. Birds-eye siece poket markes, smaller than a pea, are common in this type of wood, just like flaws in emeralds and diamonds. It is simply a pain to cut and dry, is very hard on equipment, and only a small percentage of the blanks cure properly, but when cured, the wood is very hard and extremely stable, excellent for big caliber rifles. The beauty is hard to beat, and the extremely tight grain allows for excellent checkering.


Is this what you all are talking about?

(http://www.oldtreegunblanks.com/gallery/screwbean_buttstock3.JPG)

Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: JohnG28 on February 12, 2014, 02:50:31 pm
Glad they took care of you. Good shop for staying on it and getting you a new saw. ;D
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: KilliansRedLeo on February 13, 2014, 08:47:37 am
Yes, that is screw bean mesquite. Do you see the tiny black pock mark on the bottom trailing edge of the cheek piece? The pocks are usually filled with a mix of epoxy and graphite or powdered nickel before final sanding and finishing. Looks to be on a T/C contender.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: 660magnum on February 13, 2014, 09:05:02 am
Need to go hunting with that rifle and get a big ole barbed wire fence scratch across that stock. Then you will not notice that pock mark anymore.
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: KilliansRedLeo on February 13, 2014, 10:48:27 am
Need to go hunting with that rifle and get a big ole barbed wire fence scratch across that stock. Then you will not notice that pock mark anymore.

Well said!
Title: Re: MS 250 Very hard to pull wont start!!
Post by: mastercraftka on February 13, 2014, 02:37:33 pm
Glad they took care of you. Good shop for staying on it and getting you a new saw. ;D

Yes I am very happy!