Stihl MS290 Issue

[Mike_Mulcahy]

This saw is about 5 years old. Just pulled it out to fire it up and it compresses hard, almost like hydraulic lock in the cylinder. Removed the spark plug to clear the cylinder in case it was flooded and pulled it through several dozen times. Reinstalled the plug and it's still pulls hard and won't start.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Mike

[sawguy21]

Welcome!! Remove the muffler to see if there is heavy carbon buildup on the piston.

[mike_belben]

X2.  Or a smoked jug.