Getting back to the OP about the 311 starting issues and no disrespect for the owner but stihls can/are a little different in starting. My story. I went to look at/buy an 036. The owner told me it was always hard starting and had it back to the dealer numerous times but they could never find a problem. Only reason he was selling it was because he was moving to FL. I put the saw on choke,pulled it and heard it burp,flipped the lever up and pulled again and it fired right up. The owners jaw about hit the floor. He said he had about pulled his shoulder out of joint trying to get it started.