The STIHL MS 271 is an excellent chainsaw for day-to-day activities with a 3.49 horsepower motor and excellent features.
But like any other chainsaw on the market, it’s bound to encounter some problems in the long run, especially if you use it continuously.
Luckily, most of the STIHL MS 271 problems are minor and relatively easy to fix if you’re handy enough, and in today’s guide, we’ll walk you through a troubleshooting guide with the most common issues. Let’s jump right in!
1. The Chainsaw Won’t Start
Failure to start is one of the most common issues among gas-powered chainsaws. This happens due to various causes from lack of fuel to a faulty engine.
If the ignition switch is stuck in the wrong position, the chainsaw won’t start, so make sure that you check that and adjust it so that it works.
You also need to check the fuel indicator and make sure that there’s enough fuel above the line. Also, make sure that the ratios between gas in the tank and oil in the lubrication reservoir are appropriate. The ideal ratio here should be 50:1.
You should also check the ignition plugs. If they’re covered in soot, they’re damaged and you’ll need to buy new ones.
2. The Brakes Are Failing
The chainsaw brake system is a major part of its safety mechanisms and shouldn’t be ignored when it’s not functioning properly. This happens when the brakes are stuck or keep engaging while working.
This problem typically happens when the springs responsible for engaging the brakes start to fail or get stuck. Fixing this problem isn’t only important for safety but also for the health of the engine.
The solution to this problem is to take the chainsaw apart to clean and lubricate the whole brake system or replace broken parts, so you’ll probably need the help of a professional if you don’t know your way around the chainsaw.
3. The Chainsaw isn’t Cutting Through Wood
“Chainsaw isn’t cutting” is a very broad term, and the problem can happen due to various reasons in different chainsaw models.
But since the STIHL MS 271 is decently powerful and durable, it happens in this specific model when the chains are not sharp enough and become rusty.
While rusty and dull chains are two different things. They both have the same effects on the chainsaw output and even have the same solution.
Faulty saw chains in the STIHL MS 271 will produce a lot of sawdust without actually cutting through wood logs. If you see that, it’s an obvious sign that your chains are rusty or dull.
Ideally, all saw chains will become dull and accumulate rust at some point when they’re used consistently. The solution in both of these cases is to simply sharpen the chains of the STIHL saw.
To do that, you’ll need a sharpening file and a depth gauge or a file guide to sharpen the teeth of the chain to a consistent length. Make sure that you run the file in the same direction every time.
If you want to keep the chains sharper for longer, avoid storing the chainsaw with other tools or use the guide bar cover.
4. The Oil Doesn’t Lubricate the Guide Bar
Lubrication is extremely important for chainsaws because it protects the saw chain from overheating while cutting through wood and prevents the chain from getting stuck.
If the oiler isn’t working properly, the chains will overheat, which will make them dull and ineffective. Also, the wood shavings stuck to the chain will eventually block the chainsaw.
To fix this problem, you first need to remove the chains as well as the guide bar to clean the clogged oil tubes.
If the problem persists or the tubes aren’t clogged, you probably need to change the oiling tube or the pump pushing it.
5. The Gas is Leaking from the Tank
Some people reported that their STIHL chainsaw’s tank is leaking fuel. However, the leakage is caused because the fuel tank cap isn’t tightened properly after refueling, so make sure that you check that first.
Fuel leakage can also happen because the carburetor is malfunctioning or due to fuel lines breaking off at some point.
Ideally, when that happens, the safest thing to do is to replace the faulty part altogether rather than trying to fix it. This typically requires an expert, so you shouldn’t try to do it yourself unless you have the proper tools and skills to get the job done.
6. The Chain Tensioning System Doesn’t Work
One of the good features of the STIHL MS 271 chainsaw is that it has an automatic chain tensioning system.
However, in some cases, this tensioning system won’t be able to tension itself properly, and you’ll be able to tell due to the loose chain.
First, you should know that this is a pretty common issue among all chainsaws with a self-tensioning system, so it’s not something you need to worry about.
In fact, most self-tensioning problems are solved simply by doing it manually once every now and then. If the problem persists, you’ll need some professional help to find and replace the culprit.
7. The Chainsaw Keeps Stalling
Last but not least, in some cases, you might notice that your chainsaw is stalling mid-use or performing erratically. This problem can simply happen because you have too little or too much fuel in the tank.
Stalling problems are also associated with the carburetor, which is responsible for mixing the fuel and air together during the combustion process. If the carburetor isn’t working properly, you’ll need to replace it.
Wrap Up
There you have it! A brief guide with everything you need to know about the STIHL MS 271 most common problems and how to solve them to keep your chainsaw working for longer!
As you can see, fixing many of these problems is relatively simple and shouldn’t be a dealbreaker if you’re planning to buy the chainsaw, as it’s actually a hardy one that would last a lifetime!