Still saw fill caps

[fixerupper]

Do only of you guys have trouble with those 1/4 turn gas and chain oil fill caps on The newer Stihl saws? I spend too darned much time trying to get those caps to catch in the groove and turn shut right. The saw is Five or six years old and these caps have been fickle since new. This evening the bar oil cap wouldn’t turn shut right again. It was doing a good job of testing my religion. I finally got it half closed so,the oil doesn’t leak out but I don’t know how I will get it back open when the time comes. It’s stuck where it won’t turn closed all the way but I can’t get it opened either. GRRRR!

 

[Stephen Newell]

Yes, it's worth not buying stihl again to get away from them.

 

[Dean]

No problems with any of my 3 Stihl saws.

I do find it necessary to keep the O ring and seating area clean to prevent leaks.

Dean

 

[Janicholson]

Use a 6 inch adjustable wrench on them. Remember (or mark) where they start to thread. Jim

 

[JohnS1970]

Yes I have trouble with them not a fan of the caps. I find myself picking the saw up by the lever lock on the cap to make sure its locked and tight after I fill but the one time you forget they ain't closed right and the oil or gas ends up on me.

 

[Brendon-KS]

I've never given them a second thought on my well-used, ~15-year old MS290 - neither the fuel or
oil cap has ever given me any problems at all. Until seeing this post and doing some internet
searching I wasn't aware that they can have problems but from what I learned their reputation isn't
the best. This is certainly not my experience, though.

 

[JMOR]

Yes, a pain in the A!

 

[D beatty]

I have saws that have that cap from day they came out and have no problems with them after you get use of them. I have 4 saws and 2 weed
eaters with them. The only Stihl I have that doesn't have that type of cap is the MS170. The two saws that I have to use the screw driver
wrench to open caps is my Echo and Husky saws.

 

[MarkB_MI]

My 029 was recalled twice because of problems with the older style fuel tank caps not sealing properly, leading to fires. The second recall they installed a cap with a thumb tab on it so it's easier to tighten. But I ended up replacing THAT cap because you couldn't tighten it all the way after the gasket got old and the tab would hit the engine cover.

My guess is problems with the older-style caps lead them to replace them with quarter-turn caps. I have no problems with the quarter-turn caps on my Stihl pole saw.

 

[flembo]

I agree I have heard others complain but I have no problem, my husky and jonsereds needs the screwdriver end of the spark plug screwdriver tool. I prefer the Stihl 1/4 turn cap.

 

[flembo]

I wipe them all off before opening so the saw chips, dust and dirt don't get in.

 

[bjb in TX from Ne]

Yes, mine has the problem too. I usually pull on the tab gently to check that it got seated in the groove. Have lost two tanks of oil (one while cutting) when the cap fell off.

 

[JML755]

I originally had some problems with the caps on my 361 and 193T to the point that I lost gas/oil due to not sealing and had at least 3 LOST caps (The tether seems to come off very easily). I've since gotten used to them. One tip I'd pass along is now when I go to put them back on, I turn then backwards until they drop into the opening. Then I tighten them shut. They also seem to have gotten easier to close over time. Originally they were VERY hard to get that last twist.

 

[Adirondack case guy]

I have the same problem with my 251C. Dealer service guy gave me a new oil cap, and showed me how to re-clock the 2 halves of my old cap. The tab on one half slides by the stop on other half when the gasket sticks. It takes a pocket knife to get them back in place.
Loren

 

[Keith True]

I bought a new MS270 a few years ago,and those caps are the sole reason I won't buy another Stihl.Rassling around with those caps in the cold,snow,trying to clean the wood chips out of the locks when they are filled with sawdust and snow is not fun.Plus,trying to operate them with gloves is almost impossible.I can't seem to line the caps up to get them started with gloves on.I knock more chips and ice into the tanks while trying to line them up.I have to take the gloves off to do it,then I wind up with bar and chain oil inside of my gloves.all the saws I bought new have their original screw caps.Jonsereds 49SP,120 Sachs-Dolmars,Stihl 038,all original caps.On top of that the little plastic lanyard that holds the cap to the saw so you don't lose it is too short on the bar oil tank.I have to hold it forced back to pour oil into it.It won't just hang to the side out of the way like the gas tank one.

 

[Dean]

Bingo, Brendon.

Didn't know that anyone was having issues.

Dean

 

[PJH]

I bought a new 039, and the local small town dealer insisted that I start it before I left his shop. I drop started it like I had done all of my life, and he went berserk and insisted that I let him show me how to start it properly. He set it on the concrete floor about two feet from a lit kerosene heater, stuck his foot in the rear handle loop and popped the gas cap off with the sole of his boot. He had just filled the tank and gasoline ran everywhere, including under that lit heater. I figured it would flash and burn the whole place down, but we got it mopped up quick with no incident. He seemed to forget about his "starting instructions", and I left with my new saw. A few weeks later I received a new improved gas cap in the mail from Stihl.

 

[fixerupper]

(quoted from post at 20:06:03 08/06/18) Do only of you guys have trouble with those 1/4 turn gas and chain oil fill caps on The newer Stihl saws? I spend too darned much time trying to get those caps to catch in the groove and turn shut right. The saw is Five or six years old and these caps have been fickle since new. This evening the bar oil cap wouldn’t turn shut right again. It was doing a good job of testing my religion. I finally got it half closed so,the oil doesn’t leak out but I don’t know how I will get it back open when the time comes. It’s stuck where it won’t turn closed all the way but I can’t get it opened either. GRRRR!

Well, this morning I surgically removed the oil fill cap in pieces. I don't know if the dealer will have one on hand or if he will have to order one. Anyway, it's removed. I'm envious of you who don't have trouble with these caps.

 

[Mike M]

A long time ago I bought a new 032 saw and that cap didn't vent right. I monkeyed with it and got it venting but then it would always leak a bit.

 

[D beatty]

Your caps have a valve in them called the duck bill valve and some caps you can replace just the valve and others you have to replace the whole cap.

 

[D beatty]

Of all the guys that have had trouble with caps how many have taken saw to dealer and explained the problem ? How many that have the early
saws with flip caps took them back for recall on early caps that ethanol gas made gas cap seal swell up ?

 

[D beatty]

I know a lot of us do it but drop starting is not a safe way to start a chainsaw. I wear chaps so I don't worry about it but have known guys that cut their legs from drop starting. I can't use the toe of my boots because they are to large but have cut a 3ft. piece of 2x4 and stick it through handle and put foot on 2x4 to start it.

 

[fixerupper]

I just got the new cap at the dealer and vented on him while I was there. He said he doesn't like them. If the saw was in a clean environment and the user had warm clean fingers this cap would be OK but in the real world it's less than adequate. I do use ethanol and I feel uneasy about it but so far so good. The gas cap is finicky too but it's larger, cleaner and in a more accessible location. The oil cap isn't in a real difficult location but when you get bar oil on the cap and your fingers sometimes getting it to fit right is a trick when you are hot and sweaty and not in a particularly patient mood.

 

[Keith True]

I took mine back to the dealer right off,I was thinking maybe they had defects of something.He handed me two new caps and said I probably wouldn't like them any better.He doesn't like them any better than I do.He said I might have to use a jacknife to clean the mung out of the flippers in cold weather.The idea of having to fumble around in my pocket,find the knife,clean,probe,wipe,and blow around the cap in 15 degree weather doesn't excite me.I've had more wood in the tank of this new saw in four years than I've had in my 49SP in 40.I just realized I've owned that saw for 40 years now.I've never had a problem with a screw cap,wipe them off,take them out and put them back.The new caps do work OK in the summer,but I doubt I use a tank of gas in warm weather.When it's too cold to do other things,I cut wood.

 

[D beatty]

How do you get that much dirt and crud on cap ? I use mine all day long and have no problems but at the end of day saw goes in shop and gets totally cleaned and checked out before next day use. When I refuel and put bar oil in even in cold weather I take my gloves off and carry several old rags to wipe up any spill and clean hands and clean around caps before opening caps. I do this on all my saws not just the Stihls.

 

[Oliver 500 Wa]

IMO those flip caps are about the best thing around. Super easy to use. Never need to remember to carry the effing screwdriver with you, one less thing to lose. I wish they would put them on their blowers and brushcutters too.

 

[D beatty]

Stihl does use them on their weed eaters but don't know if they use them on leaf blowers.

 

[Keith True]

I don't get the dirt from the cap,I get it from my glove,sleeve,and from rubbing on other parts of the saw fumbling around trying to fit that cap back on.I don't really have a problem doing it in the shop.With the old screw on caps I just find a sliver of wood,carve around the cap,blow the junk away and loosen it.Blowing on it again before removing has always been enough.I really like the saw,it is balanced like my old Sach Dolmars.I have a Stihl weed eater that has the quarter turn cap,I have not had any trouble to notice with that.Probably because I am not up to my knees in the snow trying to fuel and oil it up.I don't quite understand the need for a screwdriver,are there caps made to be removed by screwdrivers?I just use my fingers,with gloves on.

 

[IHC pickups]

I have both the old threaded type and the new style. Like them both and have no trouble with either.

 

[D beatty]

I cut my wood when its cold but get enough cut and to the yard before the deep snow hits. I try to get 3 hay racks and 1 trailer loaded and another 3 cord stacked and covered and pull one wagon at a time and set it by back door.

 

[Adirondack case guy]

I prefer to cut my wood in May, June , and July. Don't need to adorn my body with all kinds of heavy cumbersome cloths, boots and gloves, plus having to mount tire chains on my tractors and brave winter storms.
In the winter, I just walk out in my totally enclosed woodshed a grab some more wood to toss into the boiler and set back and enjoy the heat.
You winter wood cutters are out of your minds!!!!.
Loren

 

[Stephen Newell]

You can include me in the group that didn't take the saw to the dealer. I never heard about a recall, I just saw it as a design flaw I would just have to get used to and endure. Mine doesn't work any worse after years of use than it did the very first time.

 

[D beatty]

The only time I put any thing heavy on is when I am done cutting wood in winter.All I wear in winter is a flannel shirt, chaps,logger boots, safety hat,and gloves. I do carry a heavy winter coat because when I am done cutting in winter Iam ringing wet with sweat. In summer the only thing I don't wear is the flannel shirt.

 

[Moonlite37]

Broke one last week. Cost $6,29

 

[D beatty]

When the first chainsaws and weed eater came out with those caps there was a recall. I got a card from Stihl to take them back. Did you send in the card (Warranty) that came with new saw. I just bought a new weed eater for niece and warranty is done at time of purchase on dealers computer.

 

[Mule Meat]

I have found the best cure for those gas and oil caps. I even found a cure for every single problem related to all Stihl products..


Pitch them in the dump and go buy an Echo.

 

[D beatty]

I have an older Echo and is a good machine but in our area their dealers don't stock many parts and dealers are far and few between. What
has hurt them through here is the big box stores sell them with no parts or service. The same thing has happen to Husky. Our stihl dealer was
also a Husky and Echo dealer at one time but when big box stores started selling them the local could not buy in quantity to be competitive
with big box stores.

 

[fixerupper]

(quoted from post at 19:37:38 08/07/18) I have found the best cure for those gas and oil caps. I even found a cure for every single problem related to all Stihl products..


Pitch them in the dump and go buy an Echo.

This will be my last Stihl saw if they keep these screwy fill caps. Today I put the new oil cap in the hole, turned it and it worked fine. I was in the shop where I could blow it clean and dry. Then I filled it with gas. When I put the gas cap on I carefully looked it over for cleanliness and alignment. I snapped the cap in place, laid the saw on the back of the four wheeler and gas was coming out of the cap. It took me a full minute or more of messing around with it till it closed nice and tight and straight. The saw itself is OK, no complaints. I limbed up five 35 foot evergreens with 24 inch trunks and cut the trunks in eight foot lengths in three hours, maybe a little longer so the saw itself is no slouch. The guy handling the saw is the one who’s soft!

 

[sammydwm]

Bought a new MS310 a few years back. Have never had a problem with those caps.

 

[Bill in IL]

Never knew there was a recall on them caps either. I had some trouble for a while with my ms260 that would have had early caps. My newest 3 yr old saw they work flawlessly.