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Stihl 181 C Manual

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    							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 grip (5) into position (until it 
    engages)
    NFit wing nut and tighten lightly
    NNext step: see "Tensioning the Saw 
    Chain"
    Retensioning during cutting work:
    NSwitch off the engine.
    NLoosen the nut.
    NHold the bar nose up.
    NUse a screwdriver to turn the 
    tensioning screw (1) clockwise until 
    the chain fits snugly against the 
    underside of the bar.
    NWhile still holding the bar nose up, 
    tighten down the nut firmly.
    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 
    Instructions".
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    							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 
    Instructions".NShut off the engine.
    NWear work gloves to protect your 
    hands.
    NThe chain must fit snugly against 
    the underside of the bar and it must 
    still be possible to pull the chain 
    along the bar by hand when the 
    chain brake is released.
    NIf necessary, retension the chain.
    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 
    Instructions".This engine is certified to operate on 
    unleaded gasoline and the STIHL two-
    stroke engine oil at a mix ratio of 50:1.
    Your engine requires a mixture of high-
    quality gasoline and two-stroke air 
    cooled engine oil.
    Use mid-grade unleaded gasoline with a 
    minimum octane rating of 89 ((R+M)/2) 
    and no more than 10% ethanol content.
    NOTICE
    Fuel with an octane rating below 89 may 
    increase engine temperatures. This, in 
    turn, increases the risk of piston seizure 
    and damage to the engine.
    The chemical composition of the fuel is 
    also important. Some fuel additives not 
    only detrimentally affect elastomers 
    (carburetor diaphragms, oil seals, fuel 
    lines, etc.), but magnesium castings and 
    catalytic converters as well. This could 
    cause running problems or damage the 
    engine. For this reason STIHL 
    recommends that you use only quality 
    unleaded gasoline!
    NOTICE
    Gasoline with an ethanol content of 
    more than 10% can cause running 
    problems and major damage in engines 
    and should not be used.
    For further details, see 
    www.STIHLusa.com/ethanol
    The ethanol content in gasoline affects 
    engine speed – it may be necessary to 
    readjust the carburetor if you use fuels 
    with various ethanol contents.
    Tensioning the Saw Chain 
    (quick chain tensioner)
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    							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 you switch from a 
    fuel with a certain ethanol content to a 
    fuel with a much higher or lower ethanol 
    content.
    This problem can be avoided by always 
    using fuel with the same ethanol 
    content.
    To ensure the maximum performance of 
    your STIHL engine, use a high quality 2-
    cycle engine oil. To help your engine run 
    cleaner and reduce harmful carbon 
    deposits, STIHL recommends using 
    STIHL HP Ultra 2-cycle engine oil or ask 
    your dealer for an equivalent fully 
    synthetic 2-cycle engine oil. 
    To meet the requirements of EPA and 
    CARB we recommend to use STIHL HP 
    Ultra oil.
    STIHL MotoMix
    STIHL recommends the use of STIHL 
    MotoMix. STIHL MotoMix has a high 
    octane rating and ensures that you 
    always use the right gasoline/oil mix 
    ratio.STIHL MotoMix uses STIHL HP Ultra 
    two-stroke engine oil suited for high 
    performance engines.
    For further details, see 
    www.STIHLusa.com/ethanol
    If not using MotoMix, use only STIHL 
    two-stroke engine oil or equivalent high-
    quality two-stroke engine oils that are 
    designed for use in air cooled two-cycle 
    engines.
    The use of non-seasonal gasoline 
    blends may increase the potential for 
    pressure to build in the fuel tank during 
    operation. For example, using a winder 
    blend during the summer will increase 
    pressure in the fuel tank. Always use 
    gasoline blends appropriate to the 
    season, altitude and other 
    environmental factors.
    Do not use BIA or TCW rated (two-
    stroke water cooled) mix oils or other 
    mix oils that state they are for use in both 
    water cooled and air cooled engines 
    (e.g., outboard motors, snowmobiles, 
    chain saws, mopeds, etc.).
    WARNING
    Take care when handling gasoline. 
    Avoid direct contact with the skin and 
    avoid inhaling fuel vapor. When filling at 
    the pump, first remove the container 
    from your vehicle and place the 
    container on the ground before filling. To 
    reduce the risk of sparks from static 
    discharge and resulting fire and/or 
    explosion, do not fill fuel containers that 
    are sitting in or on a vehicle or trailer.
    The container should be kept tightly 
    closed in order to limit the amount of 
    moisture that gets into the mixture.The machine‘s fuel tank should be 
    cleaned as necessary.
    Fuel mix ages
    If not using MotoMix, only mix sufficient 
    fuel for a few days of work, not to exceed 
    30 days of storage. Store in approved 
    fuel-containers only. When mixing, pour 
    oil into the container first, and then add 
    gasoline. Close the container and shake 
    it vigorously by hand to ensure proper 
    mix of oil and gasoline.
    Dispose of empty mixing-oil containers 
    only at authorized disposal locations. Gaso-
    lineOil (STIHL 50:1 or equiva-
    lent high-quality oils)
    US gal. US fl.oz.
    12.6
    2 1/2 6.4
    5 12.8 
    						
    							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 tank to release slowly
    Filler cap markings
    Filler caps and fuel tanks may be 
    marked in different ways.Depending on the version, your unit may 
    be equipped with a filler cap and fuel 
    tank with or without symbols.
    Filler cap without symbols
    Opening
    NRaise handle.
    NTwist filler cap counterclockwise 
    (approx. 1/4 turn).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:
    NInsert the cap – positioning marks 
    on the cap and the fuel tank opening 
    must line up.
    NThe cap should drop fully into the 
    opening in this position.
    Fueling
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    							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 
    line up and/or if the cap does not 
    tighten properly when twisted, the 
    base of the cap may be rotated out 
    of position vis-à-vis the top.
    NSuch misalignment can result from 
    handling, cleaning or an improper 
    attempt at tightening.NTo correct a misalignment, turn the 
    cap (with the grip up) until it drops 
    fully into the tank opening.
    NTwist the cap counterclockwise as 
    far as it will go (approx. 1/4 turn) – 
    this will twist the base of the cap into 
    the correct position.
    NTwist the cap clockwise, closing it 
    normally – see the sections 
    "Closing" and "Checking for proper 
    closure."
    NIf your cap still does not tighten 
    properly, it may be damaged or 
    broken; immediately stop use of the 
    unit and take it to your authorized 
    STIHL dealer for repair.
    Filler cap with markings and symbols
    Opening
    NRaise handle.
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    							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 
    clockwise until it engages.
    Then the markings on filler cap and 
    housing will align.NFlip the handle down.
    Filler cap is now closed.
    If the filler cap will not engage into the 
    tank housing
    The base of the filler cap is rotated in 
    relation to the upper part.
    NLook at the black alignment marks 
    on the top of the filler cap.
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    							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 compatible quality 
    chain and bar lubricant. Rapidly 
    biodegradable STIHL BioPlus is 
    recommended.
    NOTICE
    Biological chain oil must be resistant to 
    aging (e.g. STIHL BioPlus),  since it will 
    otherwise quickly turn to resin. This 
    results in hard deposits that are difficult 
    to remove, especially in the area of the 
    chain drive and chain. It may even cause 
    the oil pump to seize.
    The service life of the chain and guide 
    bar depends on the quality of the 
    lubricant. It is therefore essential to use 
    only a specially formulated chain 
    lubricant.
    WARNING
    Do not use waste oil. Renewed contact 
    with waste oil can cause skin cancer. 
    Moreover, waste oil is environmentally 
    harmful.
    NOTICE
    Waste oil does not have the necessary 
    lubricating properties and is unsuitable 
    for chain lubrication.
    Preparations
    NThoroughly clean the oil filler cap 
    and the area around it to ensure that 
    no dirt falls into the tank.
    NPosition the machine so that the 
    filler cap is facing up.
    NOpen the filler cap.
    Filling chain oil tank
    NRefill the chain oil tank every time 
    you refuel.
    Take care not to spill chain oil while 
    refilling and do not overfill the tank.
    NClose the filler cap.
    There must still be a small amount of oil 
    in the oil tank when the fuel tank is 
    empty.
    If the oil level in the tank does not go 
    down, the reason may be a fault in the oil 
    supply system: Check chain lubrication, 
    clean the oilways, contact your dealer  Left: Base of filler cap is rotated – 
    interior marking (1) is aligned 
    with the exterior marking.
    Right: Base of filler cap is in the cor-
    rect position – interior 
    marking is below the clip. It 
    does not align with the exte-
    rior marking.
    1
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    							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 starting 
    work.
    Every new chain has to be broken in for 
    about 2 to 3 minutes.
    After breaking in the chain, check chain 
    tension and adjust if necessary – see 
    "Checking Chain Tension".
    Locking chain with chain brake
    –in an emergency
    –when starting
    –at idling speed
    The chain is stopped and locked when 
    the hand guard is pushed toward the bar 
    nose by the left hand – or when brake is 
    activated by inertia in certain kickback 
    situations.
    Checking Chain Lubrication
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    							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 of the front 
    hand guard
    if the forces are sufficiently high. The 
    hand guard is accelerated toward the 
    bar nose - even if your left hand is not 
    behind the hand guard, e.g. during a felling cut. The chain brake will operate 
    only if it has been properly maintained 
    and the hand guard has not been 
    modified in any way.
    Check operation of chain brake
    Before starting work: Run engine at idle 
    speed, engage the chain brake (push 
    hand guard toward bar nose). 
    Accelerate up to full throttle for no more 
    than 3 seconds – the chain must not 
    rotate. The hand guard must be free 
    from dirt and move freely.
    Chain brake maintenance
    The chain brake is subject to normal 
    wear. It is necessary to have it serviced 
    and maintained regularly by trained 
    personnel, such as your STIHL servicing 
    dealer, at the following intervals:
    Winter shutter (MS 211 only)
    At temperatures below +50°F (+10°C):
    NRemove the shroud – see "Shroud".
    NUse the combination wrench to turn 
    the shutter, next to the spark plug, 
    45° counterclockwise.
    NInstall the shroud – see "Shroud".
    Heated air is now drawn in from around 
    the cylinder to warm the carburetor – this 
    helps prevent carburetor icing.
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    							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, the winter shutter may be in either 
    the winter or summer positions. Move it 
    to the winter position when temperatures 
    drop below +50°F (+10°C).
    Versions with Easy2Start
    WARNING
    This machine is extremely simple and 
    easy to start, even for children.
    To reduce the risk of serious or fatal 
    injury:
    –do not allow children or other 
    unauthorized persons to attempt to 
    start or otherwise use the machine
    –never allow children or 
    unauthorized persons access to the 
    machine
    –never leave the machine 
    unattended while working or during 
    work breaks
    –after work, store in a safe, secure 
    location out of the reach of children 
    and other unauthorized persons
    Positions of Master Control lever
    Stop 0 – engine off – the ignition is 
    switched off.
    Normal run positionF – engine runs or 
    can fire.
    Starting throttle?n – this position is 
    used to start a warm engine. The Master 
    Control lever moves to the normal run 
    position as soon as the throttle trigger is 
    squeezed.
    Choke shutter closedl – this position 
    is used to start a cold engine.
    Setting the Master Control lever
    To move the Master Control lever from 
    the normal run position (F) to choke 
    closed (l), press down the throttle 
    lockout and squeeze the throttle trigger 
    22
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