MS290 to MS390 hard pull

[Big-Cigar]

A few years ago I purchased an older Stihl MS290 chainsaw. It ran decently. I think I scorched the cylinder while cutting stumps low to the ground and creating excessive heat and stress.

In any event I was advised to replace the cylinder with the MS390 cylinder kit. Make it more powerful.
I had my guy do it and it kicks ass and really pulls. Once started it's a beast for me anyway.

My other saw is a MS261 so I am not a pro. I mainly drop some medium trees and cut firewood.

Question. Its very hard pulling the cord to start. Takes a lot of pulls and hard.
Is that normal or is there some adjustment I can make?

 

[Wood Doctor]

Note that the MS290 has no decompression valve. The 390 does. Are you using that decomp valve that could/should have been installed with the P/C kit? Perhaps not because the 290 shroud has no opening on top to use it. Your repair "guy" would have to have drilled a hole in the top of the 290 shroud and then installed the decomp valve.

Many upgrades to the 390 include only a plug installed in the cylinder's decomp opening because the upgrade installer figures you can live without it.

 

[user 122190]

Hard? Is it still hard with the spark plug removed?

 

[Big-Cigar]

Note that the MS290 has no decompression valve. The 390 does. Are you using that decomp valve that could/should have been installed with the P/C kit? Perhaps not because the 290 shroud has no opening on top to use it. Your repair "guy" would have to have drilled a hole in the top of the 290 shroud and then installed the decomp valve.

Many upgrades to the 390 include only a plug installed in the cylinder's decomp opening because the upgrade installer figures you can live without it.

That is what I figured. Definitely did not install any decompression button. My 261 has that so I get it. So I do just have to live with it. I used it this morning and have to get used to it. Thank you
Bruce

 

[Lightning Performance]

That is what I figured. Definitely did not install any decompression button. My 261 has that so I get it. So I do just have to live with it. I used it this morning and have to get used to it. Thank you
Bruce

Roll the engine to TDC and start your pull from there.

 

[thompsoncustom]

This saw should not be hard to start at all even with no decomp. I had a 290 that I did the same thing to and it was super easy to pull over with 150psi. I currently have one saw (026) that's 240psi and don't use a decomp with it (not a option) but if you use the method Lightning Performance mentioned above it's still not bad.

 

[stihltech]

A couple things will help. As stated before, pull to TDC, then pull to start. I do like the Elastostart handles. The flex of the rubber gives that little help that may be needed.

 

[mountainlake]

Make sure the rewind spool is full , no short starter rope. Steve