Stihl Chainsaws Ms 180 C Manual

							MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English
39
During the break-in period
A factory new machine should not be run 
at high revs (full throttle off load) for the 
first three tank fillings. This avoids 
unnecessarily high loads during the 
break-in period. As all moving parts 
have to bed in during the break-in 
period, the frictional resistances in the 
shortblock are greater during this period. 
The engine develops its maximum 
power after about 5 to 15 tank fillings.
During work
NOTICE
Do not make the mixture leaner to 
achieve an apparent increase in power – 
this could damage the engine – see 
"Adjusting the Carburetor".
NOTICE
Open the throttle only when the chain 
brake is off. Running the engine at high 
revs with the chain brake engaged 
(chain locked) will quickly damage the 
shortblock and chain drive (clutch, chain 
brake).
Check chain tension frequently
A new saw chain must be retensioned 
more frequently than one that has been 
in use already for an extended period.Chain cold
Tension is correct when the chain fits 
snugly against the underside of the bar 
but can still be pulled along the bar by 
hand. Retension if necessary – see 
"Tensioning the Saw Chain".
Chain at operating temperature
The chain stretches and begins to sag. 
The drive links must not come out of the 
bar groove on the underside of the bar – 
the chain may otherwise jump off the 
bar. Retension the chain – see 
"Tensioning the Saw Chain".
NOTICE
The chain contracts as it cools down. If it 
is not slackened off, it can damage the 
crankshaft and bearings.
After a long period of full-throttle 
operation
After a long period of full-throttle 
operation, allow engine to run for a while 
at idle speed so that the heat in the 
engine can be dissipated by flow of 
cooling air. This protects engine-
mounted components (ignition, 
carburetor) from thermal overload.
After finishing work
NSlacken off the chain if you have 
retensioned it at operating 
temperature during work.
NOTICE
Always slacken off the chain again after 
finishing work. The chain contracts as it 
cools down. If it is not slackened off, it 
can damage the crankshaft and 
bearings.
Short-term storage
Wait for engine to cool down. Keep the 
machine with a full tank of fuel in a dry 
place, well away from sources of 
ignition, until you need it again.
Long-term storage
See "Storing the machine"
Operating Instructions 
						

							MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English
40 NT u r n  t h e  g u i d e  b a r  o v e r  –  e v e r y  t i m e  
you sharpen the chain and every 
time you replace the chain –  this 
helps avoid one-sided wear, 
especially at the nose and 
underside of the bar.
NRegularly clean the oil inlet hole (1), 
the oilway (2) and the bar groove 
(3).
NMeasure the groove depth – with the 
scale on the filing gauge (special 
accessory) – in the area used most 
for cutting.If groove depth is less than specified:
NReplace the guide bar.
The drive link tangs will otherwise 
scrape along the bottom of the groove – 
the cutters and tie straps will not ride on 
the bar rails.
Removing the shroud
NUse a suitable tool to open the catch 
by turning it 90° to the left
NLift off the shroud
Refitting the shroud
Install parts in reverse order.
Taking Care of the Guide Bar
Chain 
typeChain pitch Minimum 
groove depth
Picco 1/4" P 0.16" (4.0 mm)
Rapid 1/4" 0.16" (4.0 mm)
2
3 1
143BA026 KN
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5DSLG  PP6KURXG
207BA039 KN 
						

							MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English
41 If there is a noticeable loss of engine 
power
NSimultaneously press the throttle 
trigger lockout and throttle trigger 
and set the Master Control lever to 
cold startl
NClean away loose dirt from around 
the filter
NRemove the shroud – see "Shroud"
NPull the filter upwards to remove
NKnock out the filter or blow it clear 
with compressed air from the inside 
outwards - do not wash
Do not clean fleece filters with a brush!
If the filter cannot be cleaned or is 
damaged, replace the filter
NReinstall air filterExhaust emissions are controlled by the 
design of the fundamental engine 
parameters and components (e.g. 
carburation, ignition, timing and valve or 
port timing) without the addition of any 
major hardware.
Basic information
The carburetor has been factory-
adjusted to provide the engine with a 
optimal fuel-air mixture in all operating 
states.
Standard setting
NCheck the air filter - replace if 
necessary
NCheck spark arresting screen – 
clean or replace it if necessary
NCarefully screw the idle speed 
screw (LD) down counterclockwise 
(left-hand thread) until it is firmly 
seated, then 2 turns clockwise 
(standard setting LD = 2)
Setting the idle speed
NStart and warm up the engine
NUsing the idle speed screw (LD), set 
the idle speed correctly: The saw 
chain must not rotate
Engine speed too low when idling:
Cleaning the Air Filter
207BA037 KN
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207BA029 KN 
						

							MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English
42 NTurn the idle speed adjusting 
screw (LD) slowly clockwise until 
the saw chain begins to rotate – 
then back off 1/2 turn
Saw chain rotates at idle speed:
NTurn the idle speed adjusting 
screw (LD) slowly counterclockwise 
until the saw chain stops rotating – 
then turn an additional 1/2 turn in 
the same direction
WARNING
If the saw chain continues to keep 
rotating in idle even after adjustment, 
have the chain saw checked by a 
servicing dealer.In some countries the muffler is 
equipped with a spark arresting screen.
NIf the engine is down on power, 
check the spark arresting screen in 
the muffler.
NWait for the muffler to cool down.
NTake out the screws (1) and remove 
the cover (2).
NRemove the spark arresting screen 
(3) from the muffler (4).
NClean the spark arresting screen. If 
the screen is damaged or heavily 
carbonized, fit a new one.
NRefit the spark arresting screen – 
place the cover in position and 
secure it with the screws.If the engine is down on power, difficult 
to start or runs poorly at idling speed, 
first check the spark plug.
Install a new spark plug after approx. 
100 operating hours or earlier if the 
electrodes are badly eroded/corroded.
The wrong fuel mix (too much engine oil 
in the gasoline), a dirty air filter and 
unfavorable running conditions (mostly 
at part throttle etc.) affect the condition 
of the spark plug. These factors cause 
deposits to form on the insulator nose 
which may degrade performance.
Removing the spark plug
NSimultaneously press the throttle 
trigger lockout and throttle trigger 
and set the Master Control lever to 
cold startl
NRemove the shroud – see "Shroud"
NPull off the spark plug boot
NUnscrew spark plug
Spark Arresting Screen in 
Muffler
3
2 1
1
4
143BA029 KN
6SDUN3OXJ
207BA036 KN 
						

							MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English
43
Checking the spark plug
NClean the spark plug if it is dirty
NCheck the electrode gap (A) and 
readjust if necessary – see 
"Specifications"
NUse only resistor type spark plugs of 
the approved range
Correct the problems that have caused 
fouling of the spark plug:
–too much oil in fuel mix,
–dirty air filter,
–unfavorable running conditions, e.g. 
operating at part throttle.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire and burn injury, 
use only spark plugs authorized by 
STIHL. Always press the spark plug 
boot (1) snugly onto the spark plug 
terminal (2).
Do not use a spark plug with a 
detachable SAE adapter terminal (3). 
Arcing may occur that could ignite 
combustible fumes and cause a fire. 
This can result in serious injuries or 
damage to property. 
NOnly use resistor type spark plugs 
with solid, non-threaded terminals
Installing the spark plug
NInstall the spark plug and connect 
the spark plug boot (press it down 
firmly) – reassembly all other parts 
in the reverse sequence.For periods of 3 months or longer
NDrain and clean the fuel tank in a 
well ventilated area.
NDispose of fuel properly in 
accordance with local 
environmental requirements.
NRun the engine until the carburetor 
is dry – this helps prevent the 
carburetor diaphragms sticking 
together.
NRemove the saw chain and guide 
bar, clean them and spray with 
corrosion inhibiting oil.
NThoroughly clean the machine – pay 
special attention to the cylinder fins 
and air filter.
NIf you use a biological chain and bar 
lubricant, e.g. STIHL BioPlus, 
completely fill the chain oil tank.
NStore the machine in a dry, high or 
locked location, out of the reach of 
children and other unauthorized 
persons.
000BA039 KNA
2
0000-GXX-1830-A0
3
1
6WRULQJWKH0DFKLQH 
						

							MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English
44 NRemove the chain sprocket cover, 
chain and guide bar.
NDisengage the chain brake: Pull the 
hand guard toward the front handle.
Replace the chain sprocket
–after using two saw chains or 
sooner
–if the wear marks (arrows) are 
deeper than 0.02 in (0.5 mm) since 
this would reduce the life of the 
chain. Use a gauge (special 
accessory) to check the depth of the 
wear marks.
It is best to use two saw chains in 
rotation with one sprocket.
STIHL recommends the use of original 
STIHL sprockets to ensure correct 
operation of the chain brake.NUse a screwdriver to remove the E-
clip.
NRemove the washer.
NPull the sprocket and needle cage 
off the crankshaft.
Installing the chain sprocket
NClean the crankshaft stub and 
needle cage, and lubricate with 
STlHL grease (special accessory).
NPush the needle cage on to the 
crankshaft.
NAfter fitting the chain sprocket, 
rotate it about one turn to engage oil 
pump drive.
NRefit the washer and E-clip on the 
crankshaft.Sawing effortlessly with a properly 
sharpened saw chain
A properly sharpened saw chain cuts 
through wood effortlessly even with very 
little pushing.
Never use a dull or damaged saw chain 
– this leads to increased physical strain, 
increased vibration load, unsatisfactory 
cutting results and increased wear.
NClean the saw chain
NCheck the saw chain for cracks and 
damaged rivets
NReplace damaged or worn chain 
components and adapt these parts 
to the remaining parts in terms of 
shape and level of wear – rework 
accordingly
Carbide-tipped (Duro) saw chains are 
especially wear-resistant. For an optimal 
sharpening result, STIHL recommends 
STIHL servicing dealers.
WARNING
Compliance with the angles and 
dimensions listed below is absolutely 
necessary. An improperly sharpened 
saw chain – especially depth gauges 
that are too low – can lead to increased 
kickback tendency of the chain saw – 
risk of injury!
Checking and Replacing the 
Chain Sprocket
143BA042 KN
001BA086 KN
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WKH6DZ&KDLQ 
						

							MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English
45
Chain pitch
The chain pitch marking (a) is embossed 
in the area of the depth gauge of each 
cutter.
The diameter of file to be used depends 
on the chain pitch – see table 
"Sharpening tools".
The angles of the cutter must be 
maintained during resharpening.Sharpening and side plate angles
ASharpening angle
STIHL saw chains are sharpened with a 
30° sharpening angle. Ripping chains, 
which are sharpened with a 10° 
sharpening angle, are exceptions. 
Ripping chains have an X in the 
designation.
BSide plate angle
The correct side plate angle results 
automatically when the specified file 
holder and file diameter are used.
The angles must be identical for all 
cutters in the saw chain. Varying angles: 
Rough, uneven running of the saw 
chain, increased wear – even to the 
point of saw chain breakage.File holder
NUse a file holder
Always use a file holder (special 
accessory, see table "Sharpening tools") 
when sharpening saw chains by hand. 
File holders have markings for the 
sharpening angle.
Use only special saw chain files! Other 
files are unsuitable in terms of shape 
and type of cutting.
To check the angles
STIHL filing gauge (special accessory, 
see table "Sharpening tools") – a 
universal tool for checking sharpening 
and side plate angles, depth gauge 
setting, and tooth length, as well as 
cleaning grooves and oil inlet holes. Marking (a) Chain pitch
Inches mm
7 1/4 P 6.35
1 or 1/4 1/4 6.35
6, P or PM 3/8 P 9.32
2 or 325 0.325 8.25
3 or 3/8 3/8 9.32
4 or 404 0.404 10.26
689BA027 KN
a
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H J 30 50
 50 
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H J 36 56
 56 
5LSSLQJFKDLQH J
 30; 50; 
A
B
689BA021 KN689BA025 KN
001BA203 KN 
						

							MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English
46
Proper sharpening
NSelect sharpening tools in 
accordance with chain pitch
NClamp guide bar if necessary
NBlock saw chain – push the hand 
guard forward
NTo advance the saw chain, pull the 
hand guard toward the handlebar: 
The chain brake is disengaged. 
With the Quickstop Plus chain brake 
system, additionally press the 
throttle trigger lockout
NSharpen frequently, removing little 
material – two or three strokes of the 
file are usually sufficient for simple 
resharpening
NGuide the file: horizontally ( a t  a  r i g h t  
angle to the side surface of the 
guide bar) in accordance with the 
specified angle – according to the markings on the file holder – rest the 
file holder on the tooth head and the 
depth gauge
NFile only from the inside outward
NThe file only sharpens on the 
forward stroke – lift the file on the 
backstroke
NDo not file tie straps and drive links
NRotate the file a little periodically in 
order to avoid uneven wear
NTo remove file burr, use a piece of 
hardwood
NCheck angle with file gauge
All cutters must be equally long.
With varying cutter lengths, the cutter 
heights also vary and cause rough 
running of the saw chain and chain 
breakage.
NAll cutters must be filed down equal 
to the length of the shortest cutter – 
ideally, one should have this done 
by a servicing dealer using an 
electric sharpener
Depth gauge setting
The depth gauge determines the depth 
to which the cutter penetrates the wood 
and thus the chip thickness.aRequired distance between depth 
gauge and cutting edge
When cutting softwood outside of the 
frost season, the distance can be 
increased by up to 0.2 mm (0.008").
Lowering the depth gauges
The depth gauge setting is lowered 
when the cutter is sharpened.
NCheck the depth gauge setting after 
each sharpening
NLay the appropriate file gauge (1) 
for the chain pitch on the saw chain 
and press it against the cutter to be 
checked – if the depth gauge 
protrudes past the file gauge, the 
depth gauge must be reworked
689BA018 KN
90°
689BA043 KN
689BA023 KN
a
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2
689BA061 KN
1 
						

							MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English
47 Saw chains with humped drive link (2) – 
upper part of the humped drive link (2) 
(with service mark) is lowered at the 
same time as the depth gauge of the 
cutter.
WARNING
The rest of the humped drive link must 
not be filed; otherwise, this could 
increase the tendency of the chain saw 
to kick back.
NRework the depth gauge so that it is 
flush with the file gaugeNAfterwards, dress the leading edge 
of the depth gauge parallel to the 
service mark (see arrow) – when 
doing this, be careful not to further 
lower the highest point of the depth 
gauge
WARNING
Depth gauges that are too low increase 
the kickback tendency of the chain saw.NLay the file gauge on the saw chain 
– the highest point of the depth 
gauge must be flush with the file 
gauge
NAfter sharpening, clean the saw 
chain thoroughly, removing any 
filings or grinding dust – lubricate 
the saw chain thoroughly
NIn the event of extended periods of 
disuse, store saw chains in cleaned 
and oiled condition
689BA051 KN
689BA044 KN689BA052 KN
6KDUSHQLQJWRROVVSHFLDODFFHVVRULHV
&KDLQSLWFK 5RXQGILOH^Round file File holder File gaugeTaper square file Sharpening set 
1)
Inches (mm) mm (Inches) Part number Part number Part number Part number Part number
1/4 P (6.35) 3.2 (1/8) 5605 771 32065605 750 4300 0000 893 4005 0814 252 3356 5605 007 1000
1/4 (6.35) 4.0 (5/32) 5605 772 40065605 750 4327 1110 893 4000 0814 252 3356 5605 007 1027
3/8 P (9.32) 4.0 (5/32) 5605 772 4006 5605 750 4327 1110 893 4000 0814 252 3356 5605 007 1027
0.325 (8.25) 4.8 (3/16) 5605 772 4806 5605 750 4328 1110 893 4000 0814 252 3356 5605 007 1028
3/8 (9.32) 5.2 (13/64) 5605 772 5206 5605 750 4329 1110 893 4000 0814 252 3356 5605 007 1029
0.404 (10.26) 5.5 (7/32) 5605 772 5506 5605 750 4330 1106 893 4000 0814 252 3356 5605 007 1030
1)consisting of file holder with round file, taper square file and file gauge 
						

							MS 170, MS 170 C, MS 180, MS 180 C
English
48
Maintenance and Care
The following information applies under normal operating conditions. The specified intervals must be 
shortened accordingly when working for longer than normal each day or under difficult conditions 
(extensive dust, highly resinous lumber, lumber from tropical trees, etc.). If the machine is only used 
occasionally, the intervals can be extended accordingly.
Before starting work
At the end of work and/or 
daily
Whenever tank is refilled
Weekly
Monthly
Yearly
If faulty
If damaged
As required
Complete machineVisual inspection (condition, leaks)XX
CleanX
Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, choke 
lever, choke control, stop switch, master control 
lever (dependent on equipment)Function testsXX
Chain brakeFunction testsXX
Have checked by a specialist dealer
1)X
Manual fuel pump (if present)CheckX
Have repaired by a specialist dealer
1)X
Fuel pick-up body / filter in fuel tankCheckX
Clean, replace filter insertXX
ReplaceXXX
Fuel tank CleanX
Lubricating oil tank CleanX
Chain lubrication CheckX
Saw chainCheck, pay attention to sharpnessXX
Check chain tensionXX
SharpenX
Guide barCheck (wear, damage)X
Clean and turn overX
DeburrX
ReplaceXX
Chain sprocket CheckX
Air filterCleanXX
ReplaceX