Stihl MS 271 Problems ((Main Causes & Possible Fixes))

The STIHL MS 271 chainsaw comes with a 3.49 HP motor and several excellent features, making it highly reliable for day-to-day DIY activities.

However, you may encounter some STIHL MS 271 chainsaw problems in the long run due to operating continuously.

Fortunately, most of these problems are minor and considerably easy to solve. In the following, we have listed the most common STIHL MS 271 problems and mentioned simple ways to fix them.

STIHL MS 271 Problems And Most Effective Solution

The Chainsaw Won’t Start

The most common problem with this gas-powered chainsaw is its failure to turn on. It can happen due to a faulty engine or lack of fuel.

The chainsaw may also not start if its ignition switch is in the wrong position. So, initially, check the ignition switch and adjust it so the chainsaw starts properly.

Then check the fuel indicator and make sure it is above the line. The ratio of the oil in the lubrication reservoir and the gas in the tank should also be appropriate, which is 1:50. Lastly, check the ignition plugs. If you find it covered in soot, then you

The Brakes Are Failing

The chainsaw brake system is one of the key functions of the safety system of this chainsaw. So you shouldn’t overlook it if it doesn’t function ideally.

Otherwise, your safety and the longevity of the engine will be put at risk. The brakes can fail if they get stuck or engaged. To solve this difficulty, you have to take the chainsaw apart.

This will let you clean and lubricate the entire brake system efficiently. But if you need to replace the broken parts, hire a professional.

The Chainsaw isn’t cutting through Wood

The STIHL MS 271 is quite durable and powerful. But if the chain gets dull and rusty, it can stop cutting through wood.

Even though dull and rusty are two different conditions, they have the same effect on the chainsaw and can be solved in the same way.

The sign of a faulty chainsaw is getting lots of sawdust instead of cutting through the wood logs. Chainsaws get dull or accumulate rust if you use them continuously.

No matter if it is dull or rusted, sharpen the chainsaw to fix both of them. To sharpen the teeth of your STIHL MS 271 chainsaw, you’ll need a sharpening file and a file guide.

While sharpening, you must run the file in the same direction consistently. Lastly, don’t store the chainsaw along with other tools to retain its sharpness.

The Oil Doesn’t Lubricate the Guide Bar

Lubrication is a vital maintenance task to protect the saw from overheating while working and prevent it from getting jammed.

Your chainsaw can get overheated if the oiler doesn’t perform properly. It can also make the chainsaw dull and useless. The chainsaw can also get blocked eventually if the wood shavings get stuck.

You have to remove the chains and guide the bar to clean the jammed oil tubes to solve the problem. If the tubes aren’t the source of the problem, then you have to replace the oiling tube or the pump that pushes it.

The Gas is Leaking from the Tank

Some users complain that the tank of their STIHL chainsaw leaks fuel. It can also happen to your chainsaw if you don’t tighten the cap of the fuel tank properly after refueling.

The fuel tank can also leak due to a malfunctioning carburetor or damaged fuel lines. If it happens again, replacing the faulty part will be the safest solution. It’s a tough task for an inexpert as it requires proper tools and skills.

The Chain Tensioning System Doesn’t Work

An automatic chain tensioning system is an attractive feature of the STIHL MS 271 chainsaw. But sometimes, this function can become unable to work properly due to a loose chain.

Before fixing this issue, you should remember that it’s quite a common problem among typical chainsaws. So don’t fret about it.

Still, you can fix this self-tensioning problem by adjusting it manually. If the issue still exists, talk to professional enthusiasts.

The Chainsaw Keeps Stalling

Some users also reported erratic performance from their Stihl ms 271 chainsaws. It can happen if you keep too little or too much fuel in the tank.

A carburetor can also cause stalling problems as it mixes the air and fuel together during the combustion process. If the carburetor doesn’t perform ideally, replace it.

Rough running of chainsaw

The key intention of using a chainsaw, including the Stihl ms 271, is to get a smooth and precise cut.

But your Stihl chainsaw can cause rough cuts due to inconsistent fuel flow. It can happen if the air gets stuck in the fuel tank. To avoid this problem, drain out the oil after running the chainsaw.

But if your chainsaw causes a rough cut, add oil, maintain the right ratio, and drain out before storing to get a smooth cut.

Bad Airflow

Proper airflow is essential to burn fuel efficiently and maintain the efficiency of an engine.

In this case, the air filter plays a vital role in preventing dirt from entering the engine. But if the air filter gets dirty, it can ruin the combustion process.

Therefore, the engine can emit excessive smoke and make it difficult to start up. So if the air filter gets clogged, change it immediately. Though it’ll be expensive, it is still easy to install.

How to avoid Stihl MS 271 Chainsaw Problems?

Despite all of that troubleshooting, you can avoid Stihl ms 271 problems with a little extra care. Avoiding those means you can enjoy extreme cutting power in the long run.

The following are some helpful Stihl ms 271 maintenance tips to prevent those problems:

Clean your chainsaw before storing it. Cleaning will lower the risk of clogging the fuel tubes of the chainsaw.

If you notice any kind of inconsistent performance, clean or replace the spark plugs. Don’t wait until your chainsaw stops functioning. Regularly checking the saw will keep it in optimum condition.
The fuel flow can change along with the presence of air. Therefore, it’s better to drain the fuel periodically to prevent changing its flow.
Fill the oil and gas, maintaining the proper ratios. This way, you will get the required density for consistent fuel flow.

After refueling the tank, tighten the filler cap firmly and replace it immediately if you get a crake.
Protect the air filter system from dirt, dust, or debris. Lastly, tighten all the nuts, bolts, and screw firmly before operating your Stihl ms 271 chainsaws.

Final words

Many woodworkers believe that this Stihl ms 271 chainsaws are a revolutionary woodcutting tool. It is cut at the deepest diameter while its anti-vibration system lowers the user’s fatigue.

Still, it’s not surprising to experience some Stihl ms 271 problems like all other power tools.

But if you keep those listed problems in mind and maintain the saw properly, you can avoid most of them. And rest of them may require parts replacement through professional DIYers.