261C stalls at idle

[tallguys]

So I got this used 261c to try out which fires up well enough, nice and responsive on the trigger, but sputters out and stalls while idling. Changed the plug, made sure fuel is fresh and still no better. Took it to the local dealer and the tech wants to hook it up to the diagnostic, meaning he can't figure it out either, but I'm not thrilled about paying the shop $69/hr plus parts when I always just buy the parts and do it myself.
No carb screws to play with and I'm kind of stumped. Any ideas, guys?

 

[fastLeo151]

Clean the carb, and throw a fuel filter at it.

 

[tallguys]

Thanks fastleo, that was one of my questions to the tech. I asked about the fuel hose and filter but he claimed that wouldn't be it. Says he needs to hook it up.
Which is why I'm a bit leery...

 

[fastLeo151]

Do a factory reset. Which involves a cold start and leaving the choke on for 60 sec without touching the throttle then shutting it off. Make sure the carb is clean and disphrams are not hard.

 

[tallguys]

Factory reset? Thanks! I didn't know about that one. Will try it tomorrow after checking the carb, hopefully that does the trick.

 

[Knobby57]

+1 on the factory reset . Make sure your air filter is clean . Double check your fuel and proper mix . And be sure it's in Sumer mode not winter

 

[blsnelling]

Is it running rich or lean at idle? How about at WOT? A tweak to the needle height might help.

 

[tallguys]

Thanks Knobby57, air filter is clean and fuel is fresh mix 93 octane. Didn't know this 261c had summer and winter modes. How does one find out?

 

[tallguys]

Thanks for that suggestion Brad.

 

[Knobby57]

Pull the air filter cover . The little orange slide on the right side . When you look behind the carb that area should not be open but be closed by the slider.
I can tell you a 441cm will stall all over and run like crap if your cutting at 5 deg f in Sumer mode


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[pro94lt]

Blame it on autotune

 

[Knobby57]

Always check the simple stuff before you go ripping things apart . I have had to adjust the needle on a few but they where off from the start . They do not need periodic adjustment
Also I found if your chain is really jumpy or grabby that will throw your auto tune out of wack. Fix the chain and reset the saw
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[SNOWNORTH]

Will it actually run for 60sec with the choke on and not touching throttle,to do the reset?

 

[blsnelling]

Yes. It'll run indefinitely like that.

 

[treesmith]

Reset worked for me

 

[pantelis]

So I got this used 261c to try out which fires up well enough, nice and responsive on the trigger, but sputters out and stalls while idling. Changed the plug, made sure fuel is fresh and still no better. Took it to the local dealer and the tech wants to hook it up to the diagnostic, meaning he can't figure it out either, but I'm not thrilled about paying the shop $69/hr plus parts when I always just buy the parts and do it myself.
No carb screws to play with and I'm kind of stumped. Any ideas, guys?

You do the best and dont leave the dealer to put the saw in the diagnostic tool . THIS TOOL IS A REAL GARBAGE . another stihl's mistake.
Theese stupids Germans always make mistakes.
The blsnelling have find the problem and give the solution, i just say take a look and to the seals if you want.
good luck

 

[SawTroll]

Blame it on autotune

Most people would. at least if it was a Husky - but that very seldom is the culprit, if ever....

 

[Ronaldo]

Pull the air filter cover . The little orange slide on the right side . When you look behind the carb that area should not be open but be closed by the slider.
I can tell you a 441cm will stall all over and run like crap if your cutting at 5 deg f in Sumer mode


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Good information to know. Didnt think the summer/winter slider would make that much difference.