Stihl ms441 no tension on pull-start rope.

[SeanO]

Hi. Need troubleshooting tips as my Stihl ms441 wouldn't start. There seems to be no tension in pullstart rope even though it recoils normal, so rope doesn't seem to be engaging the engine. Thanks.

[sawguy21]

Did you remove the starter and inspect the pawls and springs?

[SeanO]

No i didn't. I didn't want to do anything im not familiar with before getting tips from more knowledgeable people and it appears I'll have to buy special tools before I can remove any housing. I'm currently up in the bush far from retail in a land where nothing is open Sundays (quebec).

[sawguy21]

In your situation I would recommend a spare saw.

[SeanO]

Thanks for the suggestion Sawguy21. I have a spare chainsaw, it's smaller with less horsepower, which isn't quite strong enough to power through the size of wood I'm working with right now. I'm hoping other Stihl owners on Forestry Forum have also had same problem with the pull cord lacking tension even though recoil works fine. I appreciate that you answered me so quick but you haven't said you know about this starting problem or experienced the same thing...You just asked if I removed the starter and inspected the pawls and springs but didn't say why it's necessary or you know what's probably happening. If I had the proper torque wrench to open the housing since my Poulan tools aren't compatible, I would still need more troubleshooting help than what you've kindly shared with me to ensure I'm not needlessly disassembling parts.

Has anybody here experienced lack of tension with pull start rope preventing engine start, rope recoil fine?

Thanks

[Texas-Jim]

There are pawls inside the recoil starter, they extend out and grab when you pull the rope. They often break or just get stuck, but its easy fix. You only need one tool remove the cover its a simple torx head driver.

[sawguy21]

The starter may be packed with sawdust but you need to remove it to clean. We welcome you aboard, we will offer what help we can but standing there staring at the saw isn't going to solve anything. You need to be willing to invest in a few basic tools such as a Torx driver and a screwdriver and learn some basics  before going to the job.

[SeanO]

Thank you kindly TexasJim for straight up to the point answer to my question without advice on work ethic or smart aleck jibes. Appreciated.

[Paul_H]

Sawguy answered you properly.Without tools you are hobbled. Roy (Sawguy)is a mechanic and is always willing to help.

[sablatnic]

Sawguy is right, you need a torx wrench size 27. (Size 25 is for Husqvarnas).

[DelawhereJoe]

When you purchased your saw didn't it come with 2 bar tools, 1 has a standard screwdriver end the other a torx end?

[SeanO]

great thank you both for your help.

[SeanO]

Del no i bought it used and was told my poulan chainsaw tools would fit, but they don't. My fault for not double checking myself.

[CTYank]

Del no i bought it used and was told my poulan chainsaw tools would fit, but they don't. My fault for not double checking myself.

You could help your own cause a lot by looking inside the recoil cover while pulling on the starter. Does the flywheel turn? If not, tada, the pawls are not engaging the recoil sheave. What exactly to do about that on a 441? Sorry, don't do stihls. Ask around. If you're wanting/needing to handle saw troubleshooting/repair on your own, there's a learning curve, for all of us. Likewise the necessity of suitable tools. Unavoidable. Can't demand those of others.
As you proceed, you build cognitive map of how the mechanical pieces fit and work. Takes time and conscious thought. M'self I'd have started studying the IPL (illustrated parts list) some time back. Unfortunately stihl sorta embargoes IPLs, but bootlegs can be found from others. IPL will also give you p/n-s to help you obtain repair parts. Good luck.

[ohiowoodchuck]

Sometimes a Allen wrench will work in a pinch, if your in a bind on a torx head.

[Al_Smith]

If you own a Stihl you about have to have a Torx T-27 driver of some sort else you can't hardly work on anything .About like having a bumper jack with no handle .

[joe_indi]

If you have no access to a Trox T27, you could try a regular 'minus' screwdriver. You might need to rub or grind the sides of the business end to get it into the screw. But once it is in, tap the screwdriver lightly while turning it in the anticlockwise direction. Once the four screws are out try what I have shown in the picture below.Joe

[LeeB]

I've solved a similar problem in other equipment with a good shot of penetrating oil.

[joe_indi]

I've solved a similar problem in other equipment with a good shot of penetrating oil.

Not in a Stihl pawl and pawl spring system. Here you need friction for the pawls to work. Oil would eliminate friction

[sharkey]

Joe-Thanks for putting the drawing up and the trick about the string.