MS461 hard to pull rope

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I went to use the saw the other day and could hardly move the rope, so hard that I started to pull the handle apart. The only thing done since last using it was to change to a wrap around handle. The wrap around has thicker handle for the screws to go through on the side, now I’m wondering if I used screws that are too long and ran into something. Dunno.
 
Back em out and see. Not trying to be a smartass. I don't think there's anything behind it that could cause your issue. If pull the plug and see if anything changes also. Flooding one really bad can cause it to pull over hard.
 
I was gonna say the same, might be hydo locked with fuel
 
This thing very recently had a rotten tree go its way and damage it, felled another five trees afterwards though. Then changed the handle and went to use it again, and here we are. I had different length bars and chains with me, that’s how I was able to keep using it. After straightening the handle some.

F1AF4EFB-7ADD-43DC-9C77-CC152C66C05D.jpeg

I think it’s almost 4-1/2 feet.
5BAC3650-F82A-4265-830E-8ECCBF61BF86.jpeg
 
Try slowly turning the flywheel backwards and see if the turning resistance stAys the same through a full revolution of the flywheel.

If it stays the same felt resistance through 1 turn, take the saw apart for inspection.

If it briefly frees up going backwards with the flywheel, get back to us.

That saw took some serious damage during the tree squish.
 
The plug is pretty black, no fuel in the cylinder. I had someone pull the rope while I looked in with a flashlight, nothing out of place. Removed the recoil cover, I can turn the flywheel with my fingers with some resistance, not sure how much there should be.

With the spark plug out, and of course the bar and chain off, there should be like zero resistance turning the flywheel both directions.

Reason I told you to try turning it backwards and get back to us: IS I HAD A STIHL WITH SIMILAR SYMPTOMS AWHILE BACK! It required a take apart but was easily and cheaply repaired. It would have self destruct if I had kept using it with those symptoms.
 
I went to use the saw the other day and could hardly move the rope, so hard that I started to pull the handle apart. The only thing done since last using it was to change to a wrap around handle. The wrap around has thicker handle for the screws to go through on the side, now I’m wondering if I used screws that are too long and ran into something. Dunno.
I'll venture to make a guess... maybe you smashed it with a fuggin tree?
o_O
 

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