It seems like most Stihls I know (including my Farm Boss), have startup quirks. I find that starting mine up for a few minutes a month in the offseason keeps it running fine. I keep the tank topped off with gas in the winter, even though it's 10% ethanol. Haven't had any real problems. I'm tickled to see your bar upside down. I flip my bar every time I sharpen my chain. My buddy was giving me grief once, telling me I installed by bar upside down. I explaining that flipping the bar evens out the wear. The next time we cut wood, I noticed his bar was flipped. I quietly smiled and bucked logs with no further comment.