Problem starting Stihl MS361

[treeman73]

I got a brand new Stihl MS 361 last fall. I've only put about 4-5 tanks of gas into it. The problem is that when I take it out to use it, I have the hardest time starting it. Some how the saw gets flooded in transit to the job. I take the spark plug out and clear it and give about 5 minutes of pulling before it finally starts. Once it starts it runs fine and no issues restarting.

I though it might be a bad gas mix or the fact that it sat inside over winter but once it starts it runs great and I have put new mix into it.

Any ideas?

 

[capetrees]

I think you've answered your own questions. Old gas goes bad and gums up the fuel system. Get rid of the remaining fuel at the end of your season and run the saw dry. Buy and mix your fuel in small quantities so you don't end up wasting gas.