Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have a Stihl TS460 cut-off saw and it is very difficult to start once it starts it works perfect. I did replace the spark NO Change, If I pour a bit of gas in the spark plug hole it will start in 4 or 5 pulls. Next I removed and cleaned the carburator and installed a new carb kit. No change. The compression is 90 with the decompression plug pushed in. Any thoughts. Thanks

#1 did u adjust the carb??  #2  90 psi of compression is getting a little low for that saw...which leads me to believe the piston rings are worn, which in turn could make for hard starting because 2 cycle engines dont like blow by.. they need crankcase pressure to run the fuel pump properely....whats happens is the compressed air pushs past the rings while cranking in turn throws the crankcase pressure outta wack and pushs the fuel pump closed when it should be open...causing a lean conidition/hard starting espically when cold. 

symtoms of the above

Does it start better when it warms up!! When it does start does it bog at all when accelerating!!... if the above is true, i would try and richin the low speed adjustment (turn outward) thats sometimes will give it enough fuel to start a bit easier.. 

Update: I did take the compression with the decompression valve out and it was 125 this is like new. I also removed and cleaned the ignition coil. Buttom line no change. I am stumped. If money was no object I would buy a new carb. if that did not work then a new ignition coil if that did not work. I have a nice big hammer.

2 cycle engines do not like old spark plugs or poor gas/oil mix. I had hell with mine too. Check your fuel lines for cracks. Change your fuel filter. Mine was sucking air. Clean or replace your exhaust , it can be clogged , that will restrict  flow and cause problems. but in a new spark plug  9 make sure it is gaped properly. Let us know how you make out.

Check the vacuum ports that feed the carb that are about 1/8" hole .the gasket normally has two holes with one being active. It could be blocked.also once you have it running and warmed up spray some Deep Creep into carb I've had good luck using this Sea Foam in spray can. I do have a Stihl cut off  parts saw not sure of model no, can check if you want.

edgenet wrote:

have u adjusted the carb yet??