Stihl 181 C Manual

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
29 NGuide the drive link into the bar 
groove (see arrow) and turn the 
tensioning gear to the left as far as 
possible
NFit chain sprocket cover, sliding the 
guide lugs into the engine housing 
openings
When fitting the chain sprocket cover, 
the teeth of the adjusting wheel and the 
tensioning gear must mesh; if 
necessary,Nturn the adjusting wheel (4) a little 
until the chain sprocket cover can 
be slid completely against the 
engine housing
NSwing...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
30 Retensioning during cutting work:
NShut off the engine.
NPull out the hinged clip and loosen 
the wingnut.
NTurn the adjusting wheel (1) 
clockwise as far as stop.
NTighten down the wingnut (2) firmly 
by hand.
NFold down the hinged clip.
NGo to "Checking Chain Tension"
A new chain has to be retensioned more 
often than one that has been in use for 
some time.
NCheck chain tension frequently – 
see chapter on "Operating...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
31
WARNING
To reduce the risk of personal injury 
from loss of control and/or contact with 
the running cutting tool, do not use your 
unit with an incorrect idle adjustment. At 
correct idle speed, the cutting tool 
should not move.
If your machine’s idle speed is 
incorrectly adjusted, have your 
authorized STIHL servicing dealer 
check your machine and make the 
proper adjustments and repairs.
The idle speed and maximum speed of 
the engine change if...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
32
Preparations
NBefore fueling, clean the filler cap 
and the area around it to ensure that 
no dirt falls into the tank.
Always thoroughly shake the mixture in 
the canister before fueling your 
machine.
NPosition the machine so that the 
filler cap is facing up.
WARNING
In order to reduce the risk of fire and 
other personal injury from escaping gas 
vapor and fumes, remove the fuel filler 
cap carefully so as to allow any pressure 
build-up in the...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
33 NPush the filler cap down and twist it 
clockwise until it engages.
NFlip the handle down.
Checking for proper closure
NThe lug on the grip must engage 
entirely in the recess (arrow), and 
the grip must lie completely flush 
with the top of the cap.NGrip the cap and check for 
tightness.
NIf the cap can be moved, it is not 
properly installed.
Misalignment of the cap parts
NIf the cap does not drop fully into the 
opening when the positioning marks...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
34 NTwist filler cap counterclockwise 
(approx. 1/4 turn).
Markings on filler cap and housing must 
align.
NRemove the filler cap.
Refueling
Take care not to spill fuel while fueling 
and do not overfill the tank – leave 
approx. 1/2" (13 mm) air space.Closing
Handle is in an upright position:
NPosition filler cap – markings on filler 
cap and housing must align.
NPush the filler cap down as far as it 
will go.
NPush the filler cap down and twist it...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
35 NWith the filler cap in the filling neck, 
twist it counterclockwise until it 
drops into its seat.
NContinue to twist the filler cap 
counterclockwise (approx. 1/4 turn) 
– this will twist the base of the cap 
into the correct position.
NWhile pushing down on the cap, 
twist the filler cap clockwise and 
close it – see section "Closing."For automatic and reliable lubrication of 
the chain and guide bar – use only an 
environmentally...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
36 for assistance if necessary STIHL 
recommends that you have servicing 
and repair work carried out exclusively 
by an authorized STIHL servicing 
dealer.
The saw chain must always throw off a 
small amount of oil.
NOTICE
Never operate your saw without chain 
lubrication. If the chain runs dry, the 
whole cutting attachment will be 
irretrievably damaged within a very short 
time. Always check chain lubrication and 
the oil level in the tank before...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
37
Releasing the chain brake
NPull the hand guard back toward the 
front handle.
NOTICE
Always disengage chain brake before 
accelerating engine and before starting 
cutting work. The only exception to this 
rule is when you check operation of the 
chain brake.
High revs with the chain brake engaged 
(chain locked) will quickly damage the 
powerhead and chain drive (clutch, 
chain brake).
The chain brake is designed to be 
activated also by the inertia...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
38
NOTICE
At temperatures above +68°F (+20°C), 
return the shutter to the summer 
position. This is necessary to avoid 
engine running problems and 
overheating.
Fitting the cover plate
(Special accessory, not for Easy2Start 
models)
NPlace the cover plate (1) in position 
and secure it with the screws (2).
NIf your saw is very cold, start the 
engine and run it until it reaches 
normal operating temperature.
MS 211 only: When the cover plate is 
fitted,...