I'm that man. In a cold workshop in the UK, swearing at a recoil spring for the last hour. Never had that happen in 30 years but now I know how to sort it. Thanks mate!
I just took apart my Stihl 291ms recoil to install new line and the spring uncoiled so I threw it away. I subscribe to your channel but missed this video, after I watched it I ran to the trash and fished out the spring once I saw how easy it was to reinstall. Thanks so much and keep them coming!
I don’t have any suggestions for what I would like to see, but thought I’d at least say that I really like this kind of video and advice. So thanks for making the video.
I actually did not lose one of those pawls!!! I had the R pin wrong. Flipped her the other way and my saw is back to her glory days!!! Thanks John, the passing of this knowledge is appreciated!!
Good info John! I remember my mentor chuckling at me struggling with recoils when I first started 25+ years ago. Thankfully he took pity on me and showed me the right\easy way! Keep up the good content. Showing support from the Frozen Tundra of GB doing what I can to help you get monetized on here!
I cannot thank you enough for this video. Yesterday the starter rope suddenly came loose on my Stihl 261, so no way I could start it up. I disassemblied it and found the small "duck" pin and plastic thingys had come loose rust rattling around. I could see that part of the pin had snapped, but I tried to put it together and see what would happend. It would start but I could hear them come loose again, and rope lost its tension. Disassembly again, but then the freaking recoil spring came loose and at the time I had no idea what it was or where it came from, haha. So, what does one do? CZcams, had saved me in similar situations and then I stumbled across your video which was EXCACTLY what I needed, every part of the operation well explained. After having identified the problem i went to the dealership and bought a new pin and put everything together, and bang - everything running smoothely again. You can say a lot of bad things about the time we live in but guys like you with the experience putting together quality instruction on DIY kind of stuff is simply so valuable. In the old days I would have to rely on the neighbour or a friend nearby and if they didn't have the knowledge the last resort would be the dealership, expensive and maybe having to wait days. Again, thanks, you save me lots of time, money and frustrations and I learned a lot about my saw 👏👏👏👏
Love a montage man! And great tips on the recoil that will definitely help me out! I was taught at college that if you fold the pull cord handle down and it doesn’t spring up back in the housing then it’s too loose and give it another half turn on the pull cord. But your totally right you definitely get a feel for it! Look forward to the next video!
Thanks man... I appreciate the kind words... that is a good tip definitely... not trying to pick at it either but the only issue with that is that if the spring is worn or something is binding you might have to "over-wind" it to get enough spring tension... really the best way to use that method is to make sure you get the full length of the rope out and get to the knot... AND the handle pops back up... thats probably the best way to do it and I wish I would have thought of that now lol
I have been losing my mind, throwing tools, yelling, cussing and wasting Hours in my garage doing ṭhese the hard (wrong) way for years. You're right, you made my day. Great video, Thank you!
Thanks John, you are awesome. Helps guys like me who buy a new 500i, tear it apart to customize, then put back together before gas is ever put into the saw
Thanks. That was so easy.. mine was just not retracting all the way unless the engine was running. Now fixed thanks to this video.. but might have gone one round too far. So will take it off again next time I am in my workshop. Thanks again.
Thank you so much brother 👍🏻 I have always had the worst luck with recoils to the point where I'd just buy a used OEM or new aftermarket one( 😬 ) I'm pretty sure I got it memorized but I'ma save it j.i.c. I need a reference in the future. Once again great video and thanks for the knowledge 🤜🏻🤛🏻
Thanks for the video. years ago, I had the same problem, except on a push mower, took forever until I realized there must be a different way to do this, and it all fell in place.
John this how-to is great, I struggled getting the 200t seals out, not so going back in, maybe you could do a change out in the future on them tiny seals. Thanks!
Great video and instructions. Was able to replace the palls and properly tension my father-in-law's 034 pull starter with no trouble. Can I ask you what causes the palls to swell at the pivot point so they don't rotate freely? The material the old palls are made of looks like a slightly translucent white nylon. Not sure if it's heat or just age or what exactly.
I appreciate the tip. However, every time I try this, the spring pushes out of the housing and unwinds itself again before I even get a 3rd time around. Trying this on a MS180C, and the housing is at least twice as deep, so I'm having to come at it from a steeper angle. Very frustrating.
That was killer on the painting the muffler heating it up good on the spring tip nice , so is there a dig on the Amazon tool vs the Stijl ? Notice the honing brushes presser gauge to nice clean tool box 👍😎
@@johnscustomsaws you’re doing good buddy. I know how aggravating things can be on these saws. Thankfully it’s a hobby for me and I don’t run out of patience.
About the springtension. I was taught the following for correct tension. The pullropehandle should flip up by it self when you push it down on the cover. If it doesn't flip up by it self it's too loose. Give it a turn (or more) untill it does. After that check that with the rope completely pulled you should still be able to turn the spring half a turn.
That is a good method... the only issue with that is if the spring is worn you might be winding it too tight... if the spring is good then its a good way to do it .. hope that makes sense... not saying its wrong to do that
@@johnscustomsaws That's why you still need to do the half turn. If you can't do that and its still weak, replace the spring. Or make the rope shorter, that way you can still do the half turn😁🤣
John! My man I got a question for you. Why would my starter pulley shatter mid cut 3x on my 390 and now today on my 660 I can't find any info online. I'm totally open to it being my fault but 2 of those pulleys I didn't install. I'm at a loss hopefully you know
Hopefully Stihl did it the same on their leaf blowers. Putting a new spring on mine when the dealer gets my parts in. I'm sure I will be referencing this video when I do it. lol. I know you only work with new saws now but if I want to improve power on my 044 do you have any bolt on suggestions and where I can purchase them? Sorry I don't have instagram if you have a video on this already. Thanks
Leaf blowers can be different... if it has the "Easy start" system it will have an extra spring and pully... what model is the blower? The 044 i would get a maxflow filter kit and a barkbox or dual port muffler cover... 2 easy bolt on upgrades you can't go wrong... will have to adjust the carb usually need to add a 1/8 turn out (counterclockwise) to the low L setting and adjust idle accordingly
@@johnscustomsaws Hey, thanks for all the great info. It's an older model BG55. No easy start that I know of. I'm waiting to take it apart until I get the parts, so I don't forget how to put it back together. Been there done that. :-)
Hey John great vids.always learn something that will help from you.I’m over in Texas and havent found anyone that that would mod or port my ms200..u know anyone?Or can you?thank you again amigo
Do you have Instagram? I know a guy on there that could do it possibly... hes a ways out time wise but he does a good job... won't be cheap... he does it like I used to when I did 200s... new bearings/seals/top end/carb if needed etc... gotta gut it and start fresh all OEM
Could you do a video on fitting one of those WCS universal exhausts? I know it’s probably really basic but it would be handy to know how best to attach it and positions to put it. Thanks man 👍
Definitely a very extensive tuning video coming up 💯 i have had that request by far over anything else so I am planning on doing the most thorough tuning video EVER lol
@@johnscustomsaws yes that would be awesome. I’ve just been tuning my 201t and think I got it right but not sure on the high jet. I’ve seen some guys on here saying you should have it 4 stroking at high rpm then it clean up in the cut 🤷♂️. Look forward to that video!
i have a couple on my instagram i believe... i cant take my insta videos and copy to youtube tho... my phone sucks and shit storage space so the original videos are long gone
Definitely man... those Zama 200t carbs are the worst man... the accelerator pump goes bad all the time and they are usually too fussy to kit and rebuild... live the 200s but the carbs are a fail point... I definitely have some tips for them tho . Good suggestion my man
only works if the recoil hosing is reaaaaaaally flat like one off a chainsaw. Couldn't do this on a string trimmer or blower recoil. A new, wound spring needs to be used
Yessir... been working on small engines over 20 years... certified service tech for just about every small engine manufacturer except Yamaha... as well as stihl and husqvarna/jonsered 👍
@@dominicsapienzaI can definitely put you on a wait list... I have really long wait lists tho... and the saws are hard to get... covid still has the dealerships dry and I hate telling people I will have a saw for them and I might not be able to get it. What model are you looking for?
@@dominicsapienza the 881 i have no idea when I would have any available but I might have a 661 available come spring time possibly... no guarantees tho but I will put you down... wish I had a better answers for ya my man
Been doing tree work for 21yrs and finally someone showed me the correct way to do a rewind spring. Thank you 💪🏾
I'm that man. In a cold workshop in the UK, swearing at a recoil spring for the last hour. Never had that happen in 30 years but now I know how to sort it. Thanks mate!
thanks for the useful tip ! Between the zip tie enthusiasts and the fellow using a drill to wind the spring your method is spot on !
I just took apart my Stihl 291ms recoil to install new line and the spring uncoiled so I threw it away. I subscribe to your channel but missed this video, after I watched it I ran to the trash and fished out the spring once I saw how easy it was to reinstall. Thanks so much and keep them coming!
Dude hell yeah!!! I'm so glad it helped... trust me I used to struggle like no other on those... super easy tho when you start on the outside huh 😂
Just want to say thank-you Sir! Definitely helped 100%. Had a minor panic when the coil unraveled but managed to get er going.
I don’t have any suggestions for what I would like to see, but thought I’d at least say that I really like this kind of video and advice. So thanks for making the video.
I lost one of those pawls and know why my saw wont get going. Gonna buy one Monday morning though. Thanks brother!!
I actually did not lose one of those pawls!!! I had the R pin wrong. Flipped her the other way and my saw is back to her glory days!!! Thanks John, the passing of this knowledge is appreciated!!
Good info John! I remember my mentor chuckling at me struggling with recoils when I first started 25+ years ago. Thankfully he took pity on me and showed me the right\easy way! Keep up the good content. Showing support from the Frozen Tundra of GB doing what I can to help you get monetized on here!
hey my man i truly appreciate the support... we will get there eventually
I cannot thank you enough for this video. Yesterday the starter rope suddenly came loose on my Stihl 261, so no way I could start it up. I disassemblied it and found the small "duck" pin and plastic thingys had come loose rust rattling around. I could see that part of the pin had snapped, but I tried to put it together and see what would happend. It would start but I could hear them come loose again, and rope lost its tension. Disassembly again, but then the freaking recoil spring came loose and at the time I had no idea what it was or where it came from, haha. So, what does one do? CZcams, had saved me in similar situations and then I stumbled across your video which was EXCACTLY what I needed, every part of the operation well explained. After having identified the problem i went to the dealership and bought a new pin and put everything together, and bang - everything running smoothely again. You can say a lot of bad things about the time we live in but guys like you with the experience putting together quality instruction on DIY kind of stuff is simply so valuable. In the old days I would have to rely on the neighbour or a friend nearby and if they didn't have the knowledge the last resort would be the dealership, expensive and maybe having to wait days. Again, thanks, you save me lots of time, money and frustrations and I learned a lot about my saw 👏👏👏👏
Love a montage man! And great tips on the recoil that will definitely help me out!
I was taught at college that if you fold the pull cord handle down and it doesn’t spring up back in the housing then it’s too loose and give it another half turn on the pull cord. But your totally right you definitely get a feel for it!
Look forward to the next video!
Thanks man... I appreciate the kind words... that is a good tip definitely... not trying to pick at it either but the only issue with that is that if the spring is worn or something is binding you might have to "over-wind" it to get enough spring tension... really the best way to use that method is to make sure you get the full length of the rope out and get to the knot... AND the handle pops back up... thats probably the best way to do it and I wish I would have thought of that now lol
@@johnscustomsaws ah yeah I see what you mean. I’ll bare that in mind next time. Thanks the the advice 👍
Putting a saw together i did not take apart. I assumed that's how the spring went but just could not get it. Thank you for showing it. Worked great.
Thanks for this video. Struggled for a while with the spring on a Stihl blower until I saw this. Made it so much easier. 👍🏻
I have been losing my mind, throwing tools, yelling, cussing and wasting Hours in my garage doing ṭhese the hard (wrong) way for years. You're right, you made my day. Great video, Thank you!
Thank you so much I have a recoil to do right now and I've always fought with that damn spring. Bless you.
Awesome man I hope it goes smooth for you
Yep I’m the guy your talking about. Thanks for the tip!!
Hell yeah bro... seems so obvious but hell I did it the hard way for longer than I care to admit lol... glad it helped 💯
I've cut timber for a living for a while. That is a very good way of doing that spring. Thank ya bud 🍻🤙
Thanks John, you are awesome. Helps guys like me who buy a new 500i, tear it apart to customize, then put back together before gas is ever put into the saw
You just made my day thank you. I learned something today. 👍🏻
A New subscriber 😁 thank you for the tips 🙏🏾
Great tip John! !!!! have struggled with recoils .
Thanks. That was so easy.. mine was just not retracting all the way unless the engine was running. Now fixed thanks to this video.. but might have gone one round too far. So will take it off again next time I am in my workshop. Thanks again.
Needed this! Thanks, looking forward to what's next!
Thanks so much that looks really easy to do mine fell to bits tonight and was wondering how to do it. Thanks to the power of you tube. Thanks 🙏
This just helped me a bunch. Saved my day
Thank you so much brother 👍🏻
I have always had the worst luck with recoils to the point where I'd just buy a used OEM or new aftermarket one( 😬 )
I'm pretty sure I got it memorized but I'ma save it j.i.c. I need a reference in the future. Once again great video and thanks for the knowledge 🤜🏻🤛🏻
Love your channel man, awesome recoil spring trick!
Thanks for the video. years ago, I had the same problem, except on a push mower, took forever until I realized there must be a different way to do this, and it all fell in place.
Thanks for the tips John. Great video..
Thanks. I couldn’t get that spring back in. Great explanation.
Good stuff John !
Love the informative /how to videos.
Thanks and happy thanksgiving 🍁🦃
Hope urs was great 👍
Thanks my friend you too 💯
Thanks for the info getting that spring back in, I would never managed it.
I didn't know there was another way besides outside in. That's how my wife does it. LOL
Nice vid John. Good sense of humor also.
Lol .. good one man 😆... yeah it is really concerning to me that I didn't realize this earlier... it is one of those duh moments
That was sooo helpful. Thank you John!
Nice work John!
Thanks brothers... appreciate ya
John this how-to is great, I struggled getting the 200t seals out, not so going back in, maybe you could do a change out in the future on them tiny seals. Thanks!
If I do another 200 I will definitely do a seal removal and install... u can use a seal puller for automotive if you are careful
thank you very much I tried winding first total fail then you tube you made my day thank you.!
Great Channel bud, definitely enjoying the content, keep it coming 👍
Definitely helped me out big time!
Bro that is a bad ass work bench
Made my day.
Great video and instructions. Was able to replace the palls and properly tension my father-in-law's 034 pull starter with no trouble. Can I ask you what causes the palls to swell at the pivot point so they don't rotate freely? The material the old palls are made of looks like a slightly translucent white nylon. Not sure if it's heat or just age or what exactly.
Great info very helpful 👍
It helped me! Thanks
Thanks for the help🤙
Thanks for the video!!!
This was sooo helpful 🔥🔥
Top notch, thank you
Nice tip. Thanks
I appreciate the tip. However, every time I try this, the spring pushes out of the housing and unwinds itself again before I even get a 3rd time around. Trying this on a MS180C, and the housing is at least twice as deep, so I'm having to come at it from a steeper angle. Very frustrating.
Should the recoil spring be greased or oiled? If so with what product? Thanks
Thank you !
That was killer on the painting the muffler heating it up good on the spring tip nice , so is there a dig on the Amazon tool vs the Stijl ? Notice the honing brushes presser gauge to nice clean tool box 👍😎
Thank you 👍💚
I like your sense of humor 🤣🤣🤣
Gotta have a sense of humor otherwise these platforms will chew you up and spit you out 💯
@@johnscustomsaws you’re doing good buddy. I know how aggravating things can be on these saws. Thankfully it’s a hobby for me and I don’t run out of patience.
About the springtension. I was taught the following for correct tension. The pullropehandle should flip up by it self when you push it down on the cover. If it doesn't flip up by it self it's too loose. Give it a turn (or more) untill it does. After that check that with the rope completely pulled you should still be able to turn the spring half a turn.
That is a good method... the only issue with that is if the spring is worn you might be winding it too tight... if the spring is good then its a good way to do it .. hope that makes sense... not saying its wrong to do that
@@johnscustomsaws That's why you still need to do the half turn. If you can't do that and its still weak, replace the spring. Or make the rope shorter, that way you can still do the half turn😁🤣
If you have soft finger tips, wrap some painters tape around them.
John! My man I got a question for you. Why would my starter pulley shatter mid cut 3x on my 390 and now today on my 660 I can't find any info online. I'm totally open to it being my fault but 2 of those pulleys I didn't install. I'm at a loss hopefully you know
Thank you
Hopefully Stihl did it the same on their leaf blowers. Putting a new spring on mine when the dealer gets my parts in. I'm sure I will be referencing this video when I do it. lol. I know you only work with new saws now but if I want to improve power on my 044 do you have any bolt on suggestions and where I can purchase them? Sorry I don't have instagram if you have a video on this already. Thanks
Leaf blowers can be different... if it has the "Easy start" system it will have an extra spring and pully... what model is the blower? The 044 i would get a maxflow filter kit and a barkbox or dual port muffler cover... 2 easy bolt on upgrades you can't go wrong... will have to adjust the carb usually need to add a 1/8 turn out (counterclockwise) to the low L setting and adjust idle accordingly
@@johnscustomsaws Hey, thanks for all the great info. It's an older model BG55. No easy start that I know of. I'm waiting to take it apart until I get the parts, so I don't forget how to put it back together. Been there done that. :-)
Hey John great vids.always learn something that will help from you.I’m over in Texas and havent found anyone that that would mod or port my ms200..u know anyone?Or can you?thank you again amigo
Do you have Instagram? I know a guy on there that could do it possibly... hes a ways out time wise but he does a good job... won't be cheap... he does it like I used to when I did 200s... new bearings/seals/top end/carb if needed etc... gotta gut it and start fresh all OEM
Is your insta Jon’s custom saws ? I just got a new never used dolkita
Could you do a video on fitting one of those WCS universal exhausts? I know it’s probably really basic but it would be handy to know how best to attach it and positions to put it. Thanks man 👍
Definitely a very extensive tuning video coming up 💯 i have had that request by far over anything else so I am planning on doing the most thorough tuning video EVER lol
@@johnscustomsaws yes that would be awesome. I’ve just been tuning my 201t and think I got it right but not sure on the high jet. I’ve seen some guys on here saying you should have it 4 stroking at high rpm then it clean up in the cut 🤷♂️. Look forward to that video!
I would love to see an MS 361 on your channel
i have a couple on my instagram i believe... i cant take my insta videos and copy to youtube tho... my phone sucks and shit storage space so the original videos are long gone
Thank you so much for the video I was pulling my hair out until I found this.
I'm having a difficulty with my pawgs not kicking out and retracting, any ideas
Also John , may I request how to rebuild an ms200t carb with the gasket kit and possibly how to tune it ? That would be great 👍. Thanks John !
Definitely man... those Zama 200t carbs are the worst man... the accelerator pump goes bad all the time and they are usually too fussy to kit and rebuild... live the 200s but the carbs are a fail point... I definitely have some tips for them tho . Good suggestion my man
@@johnscustomsaws awesome , thanks I’ll keep an eye out for the future video 👍
Unfortunately this method doesn't work on the BG56. There's too much plastic in the way on the housing.
👍🏻🤘🏼👌🏻
Your a lifesaver 😂
only works if the recoil hosing is reaaaaaaally flat like one off a chainsaw. Couldn't do this on a string trimmer or blower recoil. A new, wound spring needs to be used
You safes my life lol
Come on keep it clean. Great info got do something keep the ladies around we understand it ok.
Keep it clean? Did I say something offensive or something? I respect women and have quite a few ladies that follow here and Instagram
Just playing your good man. Not going bust you so get YT tech again. Got keep working get that Ford Fiesta. Lol
Have you been doing this a long time ?
Yessir... been working on small engines over 20 years... certified service tech for just about every small engine manufacturer except Yamaha... as well as stihl and husqvarna/jonsered 👍
You just stoped me cussing
Their should be a camera man...
John can u add me to.the waiting list please???
I am not taking on any new customers my man sorry.. unless you are on a wildfire crew or fire and rescue then I can probably do something...
@@johnscustomsaws thought u were selling modded saws also sorry I was gonna buy a alrdy built one from u
@@dominicsapienzaI can definitely put you on a wait list... I have really long wait lists tho... and the saws are hard to get... covid still has the dealerships dry and I hate telling people I will have a saw for them and I might not be able to get it. What model are you looking for?
661 881
@@dominicsapienza the 881 i have no idea when I would have any available but I might have a 661 available come spring time possibly... no guarantees tho but I will put you down... wish I had a better answers for ya my man
Your a chainsaw guy and you can't sharpen a chainsaw 😳
I can bench grind like a boss but I can't hand file... its just a skill I dont have... Its like a arborist that can't tune a saw lol...
My life is a lie.