Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - STIHL Chainsaw Troubleshooting & Long Term Storage Questions

I recentley invested in a STIHL MS250 Chainsaw and have a couple of related questions for those more in the know than me...

1. When I first attempted to start it up, I managed to flood the engine and was unable to correct the problem without the STIHL certified repair tech at my local hardware store. Can anyone tell me how to fix a flooded engine on the spot without having to bring it in for service. (I have since been able to start it multiple times since without issue. This is just for my future reference.)

2. The manual directs you to "Remove the saw chain and guide bar, clean them, and spray them with corrosion inhibiting oil." when storing the tool long term (3 months +). Can anyone recommend an appropriate cleaning product and/or corrosion inhibiting oil for these purposes?

3. I've heard you should discard unused fuel mixture after 30 days. Anyone know where and how this is done properly? Actually, since I'm posting, I'd like to know where to dispose of unused pesticides as well.

Thanks in advance, y'all. Very appreciative of all the knowledge I get in these forums.

Mix StaBil with your fuel to avoid fuel break down when stored. No need to discard fuel at 2+ bucks a gallon.

When the engine floods, remove the air filter to aid in starting. Be sure the ignition switch is on. I once cranked a saw for 30 minutes before I discovered the switch was off.

The chain should have sufficient oil on it for storage. Soak a new chain in oil over night and then remove the excess oil before installing.

I'll second Wirepuller's advice. Also, a sure way to fix a flooded cylinder is to remove the spark plug and shake the saw upside down a couple of times. Wipe the plug too. Be careful as you pull the boot off the plug, it might have a clamp spring in it that likes to pop out. On proper disposal - check the local law.

Thanks for the tips y'all. Can I get StaBil at Home Depot or Lowes or do I need to go somewhere more specialized like a repair shop or dealer?

Also, in reference to the spark plug boot, I managed to pop out the clamp spring and then the entire boot when I was initially dealing with the flooded engine as well. I believe the repair tech replaced the boot for me in addition to de-flooding the engine when I brought it in.

I think confusion about the ignition switch was what got me into the flooding situation in the first place. I'd had limited experience with a chainsaw before buying this one, so I was relying heavily on the operators manual to ensure I was doing everything exactly right especially since I spent alot of money on a really good tool and want to take care of it. The switch position icon shown in the starting procedures is 'choke' and not 'run' according to the STIHL repair tech. Essentially the startup procedures in the manual direct you to badly flood the engine right off the bat if you follow them perfectly.

Working fine now, as I said before, and i love the saw alot, just not the operator's manual that came with it.

Thanks again!

The Sta-Bil web site lists both home centers as dealers.