Stihl chainsaw 036 will not start and cannot pull cord more than about 8 inches. feels like compression brake is on

pull rope just pass compression piston top dead center release rope let it rewind fully .then pull rope quick and firm.

The gas / oil ratio should be 50 to 1. The manual calls for Stihl or equivalent oil with the classification TC, and gasoline with octane rating 89 or above (USA/Canada).

Sounds like the engine decompressor is stuck shut remove it clean up with carb cleaner and try again.

It could be the recoil is stuck. a couple of things to check. Take the clutch and chain cover off, remove the spark plug and manually try to turn the motor over by turning the clutch. If the motor/engine is not seized, take the pull start/recoil cover off and pull on the cord to see if it will work and that the cord returns back into the recoil automatically. Don't take the nut off the inside of recoil holding the cord spool on. If the engine is not seized, and the recoil now goes in and out by pulling the start cord handle reassemble and pull over the engine a few times. This a good time to check the spark plug is working, now put the spark plug back in and start the engine. It's a good time to clean the air filter as well while the chainsaw is mostly apart and clean all oily sawdust off the chainsaw in the crevices etc..

How is the compression? Pull the start cord without trying to start and you will be able to feel the compression.

1st add fuel/oil mix to fuel tank , then top off oil tank with bar oil , place saw down on flat surface , press 'ON" button above trigger handle to ON (its marked on case) then pull out blue choke handle till it clicks and stays out , press primer bulb with thumb 8 to 10 times bulb will become harder to press as it fills carb , push chain brake forward (on) ` place left hand on top of saw and right hand on start cord , hold saw down firmly and pull cord vigorsly several times till it sort of starts (sound) , squeeze trigger in and pull cord once more , saw should take off running , chain wont move ,walk to wood pile then disengage the chain brake and cut wood , if saw fails to start after this procedure then there must be a fault in saw , consult a exp small engine dealer for repairs

try taking plug out to see if it turns then.if not take off pull cord assembley to see if something has come loose and jammed flywheel, failing that could possibly have snapped the piston ring and jammed. oh yes one last thing check clutch if you have chain brake on and clutch is jammed obviously wont turn.

Chances are good that the compression is not to blame. I would look at:
1. Bad Fuel
2. Fuel Line/filter
3. Carb dirty/mis adjusted
3. Spark Plug
4. Ignition

Did you remember to mix oil with the fuel before you put in the tank?

Remove the spark plug wire and the spark plug. Remove the muffler. Shine a light through the spark plug hole and inspect the cylinder through the hole where the muffler was. Is it smooth and shiny? Use the starter to move the piston up and down slowly. Is it smooth or does it appear scratched and gouged?

I suspect parts of your piston are adhered to the cylinder wall. If that is true it will probably cost more to repair it than to replace it.

You needn't take it to a poulan repair center. Most Stihl outlets employ good mechanics and can repair any saw. HTH
Lou
Shh... my Husqvarna gets serviced by a Stihl dealer... The Husqvarna dealer is actually closer to me. I feel better about the Stihl mechs.

i had the same thing with a stihl hedgecutter its a part in the centrefruge that locks if you pull to hard pull slow and let all the cord come out let it in half way full choke on start just where it used to lock and it will start . the bad news .it wont last for long before you smash the wheel thats plastic and if its over about 5 years old they dont have a replacement part hope this helped