I had starting problems too, took it back to dealer complaining, and they showed me the correct way. If you do it properly, it starts every single time. Once going, it is awesome. Tons of power, uses little fuel or oil. I rotate 5 chains, and keep them razor sharp. Initially we butted heads, now we're buddies ;) The backup from the Stihl dealer here is amazing too.

Bought this saw just over a year ago. It's only been used a few times to clear some storm damage. On the last occasion it started smoking. I took it to the dealer and they said the oil pump needed to be replaced at a cost of $114. I complained to Stihl but they wouldn't cover the repair cost.

125 face cords so far, No problems, Has worked perfectly not even a sparkplug change!! High power, Low fuel consumption,

Saw has more power than some cars i have driven !

I have had one issue with the saw not starting, but once i worked out how to start a flooded carb. it was all good. (tie throttle wide open, do not use any choke at all, just turn to "I" (on) and give it a few pulls)

I found it interesting that the manual only suggested taking out the spark plugs and clearing the gap as a solution to a non-starting saw. I could not find a reference to starting a flooded carb.

Lesson is : never use the choke or half-choke if the engine has been used in last 12 hours or so.

This saw was design to be one big problem to the average timber cuter who just likes to cut wood and not rebuild a saw that never wonts to start and if or when it dose the maintenance that the Carburetor and air filter need is one big joke only a few hours work requires the same time to keep it running again if it will one big lemon from the sthil range of chainsaw that you should run from!!

It's a lemon.

This is my first saw and I cant stop using it! have 5 acres and used it on a 2ft diameter dry, dead tuart and it cut through like butter. it has the 20" bar so i can cut good sized logs in one pass. starts very easily when choke and decomp valve are used correctly, i have had no issues with reliability whatsoever. if i had read the previous revis prior to purchase i would not have gotten one but so glad i did, it is freakin awesome!! :-D
Good power and weight, easy start, cuts toughest woods like butter

Once started, this saw is a great tool to use. Well balanced, powerful and efficient.
My only concern is that it has been difficult to start on occassion.
Strong, well balanced, good on fuel.
Sometimes hard to start.