Stihl MS 170 / 171 MiniBoss Questions & Answers

I bought a cheap chain from China which claimed to be specifically for this model. Looked OK but, like you, the bar groove was too narrow. So I bought another on Ebay at 1 X TITAN CHAINSAW CHAIN 3/8LP .043 50DL 14” FOR STIHL MS170 MS180 MS171 MS181 SOLD BY carby_doctor. They asked me for info on bar and chain fits.

Never used it.

Presumably, if you've switched it off you are re- starting after a period of time: how long off.? Is the engine still hot? If it is move the choke lever to the run position (next to bottom) and pull. If there is no problem with fuel or spark it should start. If cold use normal start procedure.

35 cm bar with a standard chain 3/8 think

Yes you can! It is the same bar/chain combo on the MS211.
Bar part number: 30050004813
Chain part number: 63PM55E

Your running a .043 bar and chain, u can go with a .050 bar and chain.. wouldnt recommend though because you power to bar and chain are mediocre you put on larger, it will require more power to run the loop and there for cut slower

Sure can though dealers are instructed to tell you it can’t be done.
Some say it will void the warranty but if you spend the extra on Stihl parts you can argue the case easily provided you don’t go overboard.
Contrary to a couple of comments I’ve seen it’ll improve your saw a great deal though you’ll have to be mindful of bearing down on it, it’s just a baby after all, just take a little time & get used to its new & greatly improved character, you won’t be sorry.
See my review for details.

Make sure you have the correct size file for the chain and are sharpening at the proper angle. Sharpen from inside to outside of tooth using a forward motion only. I initially had the wrong size file and it wouldn't sharpen the chain at all.

Hi Rick,the problem is the rakers, those bumpy things in front of the teeth. Get a small flat file and give each one a couple strokes, file in the same direction as if sharpening. Try cutting again, there should be chips not dust. Repeat this process, until chips are achieved. The more you file, the more the chain digs in. You don't need to do this every time you sharpen your chain, only when you notice dust or the problem you have now. Good luck and may you spit chips.

Stihl makes a offset file that has a flat file and 2 round files in the tool. Ie as you sharpen the tooth the flat file also takes the rake down to proper height. If rakes are not correct, sharp cutters will not be able to penetrate wood

Yes MS230/MS250 are same with the chain tensioner,
1123 007 1000 chain tensioner kit

Hey, Stihl ms170 vs ms171 is the 171 is a cleaner emission saw & has better vibration system. But basically the same.
I would save money and just buy the MS170

Thanks Watto. Ended up going with the 181 for the longer length bar!

Stihl dealers deliver on the spot !

Sorry John O, hard to describe need to be there.

On the rubber which made it slip in place. This worked for me
Have a great day
John o

Thanks for answer
Lost first part of my answer.
Removing rubber intake tube seamed to be the only safe way. See second part of answer. Use silicone to install rubber tube and plastic ring on engine.
This worked for me.
Thanks
John o

I have never broken a chain and I cut Black Wattle, which is very hard. I suggest your chains are breaking because (a) you are over-tightening the chain tension (you should be able to turn the chain around the bar by hand) or (2) you are not getting enough lubrication to the chain (hold the bar over a rock, rev engine, and see if a fine spray of oil forms on the rock below the bar .. if not, something is wrong).

Stihl says used motor oil gives you skin cancer and it does not have the tackiness needed to stop sling off of oil from chain.

Sump oil will also damage or even kill living trees you cut or prune. Use canola oil, like many professional chainsawyers do

No only use bar oil best value in a 5 litre as has the stickiness required therefore the best lube for bar and chain

Hi, no switches just the starting switch to the left of the trigger, if you haven't used it for quite a few months it's possible the petrol has gone sour, which makes life very difficult, also make sure the air filter is clean and remove and clean the spark plug, its entirely possible that you simply flooded it. hope this helps, good luck.

Empty out old fuel, add new fuel mixed 50:1 with the correct 2-stroke oil. Then read manual on how to start this machine. It's an incredibly easy-starting, reliable machine. If you are still having a problem, see dealer, it's still under warranty most likely.

I think all chainsaws do this. It weeps out from where lubes the chain when in use

mine doesn't, but i dont know how, as as far as i can see its a gravity feed, which means it probably should, so i can only surmise its not a problem, if all else fails, consult the dealer- sorry can't be more help.

I think all chainsaws do this unless the oil holes are blocked. A blocked oil hole may result in damage to saw parts.

There is no chain oil adjustment on this machine. It has not been a problem for me (I use canola oil). Never store your machine for more than a week or two with canola oil inside it; change the oil to a mineral oil (e.g. SAE 30) and run it for a while to get it onto the chain before storing. Drying biological oils (like canola) can dry into a resin and wreck the machine.

Gday, when I worked in the small engine repair industry we found the number one problem that came up, when a machine was stored for a while is.
1. stale fuel, as you have done that
2. check for a wasp nest in the exhaust, or a blocked exhaust screen (with oily carbon, black gunk), clean the screen by removing the single screw, then the screen, rinse in a bit of solvent and brush until clean,( just like a bit of fly screen), replace in reverse order.
3. check the spark plug is clean, no carbon build up, clean if dirty, again solvent and brush.
Now with a few pulls and it should start.
Good idea to use a quality fuel stabiliser when you store any small machine for a few months, your local mower or motorbike shop will help you out

Hope I have been of some help.