Stihl MS230 not starting fix

[Coreytroy]

Recently, looking for another backup saw while I am waiting for parts for my MS380, came across a MS230 nearby.
It was advertised as parts, as it stopped and would not start.
AU$100 later it was mine.
Looked in pretty good shape.
1st thing I looked at was the air filter. Clogged up with fines.
Also noted the plug was removed.

Found fuel still in the tank.
Fitted the plug from my 380, as it was the same type.
Dusted off the air filter, and gave it a wash in fresh fuel, and let dry. Came up like new.
Then the fun started.
Pull, pull, pull.......... Etc
Take a few breathes, pull,pull pull.... Etc

No go. Choke on, choke off, trigger on trigger off.

Checked for spark, and was good.
Pulled carby off, and inspected, looks clean to me.
Checked fuel line to carby and sucked, spat out horrible fuel. (Not drinkable like beer).
Removed the old fuel, and replaced with fresh fuel.
Refitted carby, and tried to start again, no go......

Removed the pull starter, and made up a drill jig to replace pulling on the cord, still no go....
Place saw back together and in shed, with tail between my legs.
Googled some starting probs by others.
One mentioned the muffler being clogged.
So I removed the muffler, and tried a few pulls.
Up till this point no almost starts, or even pops.
But with 2-3 pulls with no muffler, I got a few pops.

So slid the baffle off the muffler, and cleaned down the wire gauze.
Refitted the muffler, and began pull starting again.
BANG, it fires up, but would not idle.

Screwed both Hi & Lo screws in, then back out 1-1.5 turns as per readings on side cover.
Presto, fires up and idles beautifully.

After a chain sharpen, all seem good. Happy camper now, as I have a MS230 and a Husky 137e as backup saws, and can now cut timber for the colder months.

Just wanted to post my result, as I am stoked with the saw for the $$ paid.

[ladylake]

The muff screen is the first thing to check on the smaller Stihl saws.   Steve