Having a reliable chainsaw is essential for anyone who works with wood regularly. However, things can go wrong often, and you may begin experiencing difficulties operating your Stihl MS 211 Chainsaw.
Fortunately, while these issues can be problematic, they aren’t insurmountable, and it may take some troubleshooting to identify the cause and find an appropriate solution.
This blog post will discuss how to diagnose and resolve common issues experienced with the Stihl MS 211 Chainsaw so you can get back to cutting through logs in no time!
The Most Common Problems with Stihl MS 211
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You may have noticed some common problems with the machine if you’ve recently purchased a Stihl chainsaw. Don’t worry, though—most of these issues are easy to resolve.
Here are the most common Stihl MS 211 problems and their solutions.
1. Chain oil not coming out
People often have trouble with Stihl MS 211 running out of or leaking chain oil. This can be for many reasons, a few being:
- Low levels of chain oil in your tank
- Clogged filter or chain oil reservoir
- Damaged chain lubrication system components (e.g., O-ring seal)
To solve this issue, you may need to take the following steps to ensure that your chain oil reservoir is appropriately filled and filtered:
- Check your chain oil supply levels by looking at the dipstick on your chainsaw Stihl. If there is not enough oil, top it up using a high-quality lubricant designed for chainsaws.
- Remove and clean the engine’s chain oil filter or reservoir to remove any blockages or debris. You can do this by pouring out the old chain oil and wiping down the filter or reservoir with a clean cloth.
- Inspect your chainsaw’s chain lubrication system components to look for signs of damage or wear, including cracks, tears, or holes in hoses and seals. If you notice any issues here, it’s best to take your chainsaw to a professional for further inspection and repair.
2. Engine won’t start
An issue usually causes this with the spark plug or fuel line. To troubleshoot this problem and get your Stihl MS 211 chainsaw running again, try the following steps:
- Check the spark plug to ensure it is not damaged or soiled. If needed, clean the spark plug using a wire brush and replace it if there are any signs of wear or damage.
- Check the fuel line for any signs of clogs, leaks, or damage. If you find anything suspicious, try cleaning out the fuel tank and other components using a clean cloth or pouring in some fresh fuel to remove debris and dilute any old deposits.
3. Chain saw is hard to start
Hard starting can often be attributed to an overly rich fuel-air mixture, so check your carburetor settings and adjust them if necessary.
It could also be due to an issue with the spark plug so inspect it for any signs of wear or damage before replacing it if necessary.
And if your chainsaw is still hard to start, it is worth taking your machine in for a professional inspection to identify the source of the issue and get it fixed as soon as possible.
4. Chain won’t turn
If your chain doesn’t turn when you start up your Stihl MS211, it could be due to different issues, including:
- Damaged recoil starter or housing
- Clogged air filter
- Low fuel levels in the tank
To solve this issue, you may need to take the following steps:
- Inspect the chain’s recoil starter or housing to look for any signs of damage. If you notice any cracks, holes, or tears in the recoil starter or housing, this may cause your chain not to turn. In this case, you will likely need to have it replaced by a professional mechanic.
- Remove and clean your chainsaw’s air filter to remove any blockages preventing the chain from turning. You can do this by pouring out old fuel, removing the air filter, then cleaning it with a high-quality air filter cleaner or degreaser.
- Check your fuel levels to ensure the chainsaw is not running low. If you find insufficient fuel in your tank, top it up with a fresh supply of high-quality fuel.
5. Chain is loose or bending
If your chain is loose or bending when you use your Stihl MS211, there are a few possible causes. These may include:
- Worn or damaged chain tensioner
- Loose chain bolts or screws
- Damaged guide bar groove
To address this issue and ensure that your chain remains secure and doesn’t bend or twist, you may need to take the following steps:
- Inspect the chain tensioner on your chainsaw to look for any signs of damage. If the tensioner is worn or damaged in any way, it will likely need to be replaced by a professional mechanic.
- Check your chain’s bolts or screws to ensure they are tight and secure. If any of these are loose, tighten them using the appropriate tools and ensure they stay properly secured.
- Inspect the guide bar groove on your chainsaw to see any damage or wear. If you find any issues, it may be necessary to have the guide bar replaced by a professional mechanic to avoid further damage.
6. Poor cutting performance
If you are experiencing issues with poor cutting performance when using your Stihl MS211, several factors could contribute to this problem. These may include:
- Dull or incorrectly sharpened chainsaw blades
- Damaged guide bar groove
- Clogged air filter
To improve your chainsaw’s cutting performance and ensure that your blades are sharp and effective, you may need to take the following steps:
- Inspect your chainsaw’s chain blades to see if they are dull or incorrectly sharpened. If this is the case, you will likely need to take them to a professional mechanic who can properly sharpen and tune them according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Inspect your chainsaw’s guide bar groove for signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues, it may be necessary to have it replaced by a professional mechanic to avoid further damage and ensure optimal cutting performance.
- Remove and clean your chainsaw’s air filter to remove any blockages preventing your blades from cutting effectively.
You can do this by pouring out old fuel, removing the air filter, then cleaning it with a high-quality air filter cleaner or degreaser. Once you have done this, reinstall the air filter securely and fully before using your chainsaw again.
7. Excessive vibration
This can be caused by worn-out blade bearings, incorrectly sharpened blades, improper chain tensioning, damaged drive sprockets, etc.
To solve this issue, you may need to take the following steps:
- Inspect your chainsaw’s blade bearings and other moving parts. If any of these parts appear worn or damaged, it is best to have them replaced by a trained mechanic who can ensure that they are properly aligned and functioning optimally.
- Check your chainsaw’s blade tension to ensure it is tight and secure. If you notice that the chain is loose or bending, this may be a sign of improper chain tensioning and will likely need to be adjusted by a professional mechanic to resolve the issue.
- Inspect your chainsaw’s drive sprockets to look for any signs of damage. If you notice any issues, it may be necessary to have them replaced by a professional mechanic to avoid further vibration and ensure optimal performance.
8. Leaking oil
If you notice a lot of oil leaking from your chainsaw, it could be a sign that the engine is not operating as efficiently as it should.
There are a lot of potential factors that may be contributing to this issue, including:
- Faulty or damaged O-rings and seals
- Damaged chain tensioner
- Clogged or damaged air filter
To resolve this issue and prevent further oil leaks, you may need to take the following steps:
- Inspect your chainsaw’s O-rings and seals for any signs of damage. If these parts appear worn or damaged, a professional mechanic will likely need to replace them to prevent further leaks or damage to your chainsaw.
- Inspect your chainsaw’s chain tensioner for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, it may be necessary to have it replaced by a professional mechanic to avoid further oil leaks and ensure optimal performance.
- Clean and replace your chainsaw’s air filter to remove any blockages in the engine and improve its overall efficiency.
You can do this by pouring out old fuel, removing the air filter, then cleaning it with a high-quality air filter cleaner or degreaser. Once you have done this, reinstall the air filter securely and fully before using your chainsaw again.
Stihl MS 211 problems: Are they a deal breaker?
While several issues may arise with your Stihl MS 211 chainsaw, they are typically not a deal breaker.
If you notice that your chainsaw Stihl is leaking oil, vibrating excessively, or producing poor cutting performance, there are steps you can take to address these issues and get your chainsaw back up and running smoothly.
This may include inspecting the blade bearings, chain tension, and drive sprockets for signs of wear or damage, cleaning your air filter to remove blockages, and replacing O-rings or other seals.
With proper care and maintenance, you can continue using your Stihl chainsaw effectively and enjoy its many benefits.
Marvin is an expert in farming equipment with a strong background in agricultural engineering. He graduated from Kansas State College of Agriculture, where he received a degree in Agricultural Engineering and specialized in farm equipment design and maintenance.
