Stihl Ms230c Manual

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
39
Starting
Standard versions
NPull the starter grip slowly with your 
right hand until you feel it engage – 
and then give it a brisk strong pull 
and push down the front handle at 
the same time. Do not pull out the 
starter rope to full length – it might 
otherwise break. Do not let the 
starter grip snap back. Guide it 
slowly back into the housing so that 
the starter rope can rewind properly. 
Machines without additional manual fuel 
pump: If the engine is new or after a long 
out-of-service period, it may be 
necessary to pull the starter rope several 
times to prime the fuel system.Models with Easy2Start
The Easy2Start stores the energy 
required to start the saw. For this reason 
there may be a delay of a few seconds 
between cranking the engine and it 
actually starting.
There are two ways of starting machines 
with Easy2Start:
NHold the starter grip with your right 
hand and pull it out slowly and 
steadily – or – hold the starter grip 
with your right hand and give it 
several short pulls, using only a 
short length of rope for each pull.
NPush down the handle while 
cranking. Do not pull out the rope to 
its full length – it might otherwise 
break.
NDo not let the starter grip snap back. 
Guide it slowly back into the housing 
so that the starter rope can rewind 
properly.
Starting the saw
WARNING
Bystanders must be well clear of the 
general work area of the saw.
NObserve safety precautions.Versions with manual fuel pump
NPress the fuel pump bulb at least 
five times – even if the bulb is 
already filled with fuel.
143BA020 KN
135BA027 KN 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
40 Versions with decompression valve
NPress in the button to open the 
decompression valve.
The decompression valve closes as 
soon as the engine fires.
NFor this reason you must press in 
the button before each starting 
attempt.All models
NPush the hand guard (1) forward – 
the chain is locked.
NPress down trigger lockout (2) and 
pull the throttle trigger at the same 
time. Set Master Control lever (3) to:
Choke closed (l)
–If the engine is cold (also use this 
position if the engine stopped when 
you opened the throttle after 
starting) 
Starting throttle position (n)
–If the engine is warm, i.e. if it has 
been running for about one minute.
NHold and start your saw as 
described. 
When the engine begins to fire:
NSet the Master Control lever to the 
starting throttle position (n ).
NHold and start your saw as 
described. 
As soon as the engine runs
NPress down the trigger lockout and 
the blip the throttle trigger (4) – the 
Master Control lever (3) moves to 
the run positionF and the engine 
settles down to idling speed.
NOTICE
As the chain brake is still engaged, the 
engine must be returned to idling speed 
immediately – or the engine housing and 
chain brake might otherwise be 
damaged.
135BA015 KN
2 1
208BA000 KN
0
3
3
45
0
208BA001 KN 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
41 NPull the hand guard back toward the 
front handle.
The chain brake is now disengaged – 
your saw is ready for operation.
NOTICE
Always disengage chain brake before 
accelerating the engine. High revs with 
the chain brake engaged (chain locked) 
will quickly damage the clutch and chain 
brake.
At very low outside temperatures
NAllow engine to warm up at part 
throttle.
Stopping the Engine
NMove the Master Control lever to the 
stop position (0).
If the engine does not start
If you did not move the Master Control 
lever from the choke closed 
position (l) to the starting throttle 
position (n) quickly enough, the engine 
may be flooded.
NMove the Master Control lever to the 
stop position (0).
NRemove the spark plug – see 
"Spark Plug".
NDry the spark plug.
NCrank the engine several times with 
the starter to clear the combustion 
chamber.
NRefit the spark plug – see "Spark 
Plug".
NSet Master Control lever to the 
starting throttle position (n) – even 
if the engine is cold.
NNow start the engine.
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.143BA012 KN
2SHUDWLQJ,QVWUXFWLRQV 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
42 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"
NTurn the guide bar over – every time 
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.
Taking Care of the Guide Bar
2
3 1
143BA026 KN 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
43 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.The air filter system can be adapted to 
suit different operating conditions by 
installing a choice of filters. Changing 
the filter is quick and simple.
The saw comes standard with either a 
fabric filter or a fleece filter.
Fabric filter
For normal operating conditions and 
winter operation.
Fleece filter
For dry and very dusty work areas.If there is a noticeable loss of engine 
power
NPress down the throttle trigger 
lockout and move the Master 
Control lever to choke closedl.
NTurn the knob 90° to the left.
NLift off the carburetor box cover 
vertically.
NAlways replace damaged filters.
NClean away loose dirt from around 
the filter.
NPlace fingers behind the air filter (1), 
press thumbs against the housing 
and swing the filter in direction of 
rear handle.  Chain 
typeChain pitch Minimum 
groove depth
Picco 1/4" P 0.16" (4.0 mm)
Rapid 1/4" 0.16" (4.0 mm)
Picco 3/8" P 0.20" (5.0 mm)
Rapid 3/8"; 0.325" 0.24" (6.0 mm)
Rapid 0.404" 0.28" (7.0 mm)
Air Filter System
208BA001 KN
&OHDQLQJWKH$LU)LOWHU
208BA005 KN
1
135BA035 KN 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
44 NOTICE
To avoid damaging the filter, do not use 
tools for removing and installing the air 
filter.
NBlow out the filter with compressed 
air from the clean air side.
If the filter fabric is caked with dirt or no 
compressed air is available:
NWash the filter in a clean, non-
flammable solution (e.g. warm 
soapy water) and then dry.
NReinstall the air filter.Exhaust 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.
General Information
The carburetor comes from the factory 
with a standard setting.
This setting provides an optimum fuel-air 
mixture under most operating 
conditions.
Preparations
NShut off the engine.
NCheck the air filter and clean or 
replace if necessary.
NCheck the spark arresting screen 
(not in all models, country-specific) 
i n t he m uf f ler  an d c le an o r r e plac e  if  
necessary.
Different Standard Settings
Different carburetors are installed at the 
factory. A different standard setting is 
necessary for each of these carburetors.
Standard setting A
–High speed screw (H) = 3/4
–Low speed screw (L) = 1
Standard setting B
–High speed screw (H) = 3/4
–Low speed screw (L) = 1/4
Engine ManagementAdjusting the Carburetor 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
45 NDetermine the required standard 
setting as follows: Turn the low 
speed screw (L) carefully clockwise 
as far as stop, then turn it 
counterclockwise.
Is range of adjustment more than 1 turn?
NContinue with "Standard setting A"
Is range of adjustment less than 1 turn?
NContinue with "Standard setting B"
Standard setting A
NTurn high speed screw (H) 
counterclockwise as far as stop (no 
more than 3/4 turn).
NTurn the low speed screw (L) 
carefully clockwise until it is against 
its seat, then turn it back 1 full turn
Standard setting B
NTurn high speed screw (H) 
counterclockwise as far as stop (no 
more than 3/4 turn).
NTurn the low speed screw (L) 
carefully clockwise as far as stop, 
then turn it back 1/4 turn.
Adjusting Idle Speed
NCarry out the standard setting.
NStart and warm up the engine.
Engine stops while idling
NTurn the idle speed screw (LA) 
clockwise until the chain begins to 
run –  then back it off 1/4 turn.Saw chain runs while engine is idling
NTurn the idle speed screw (LA) 
counterclockwise until the chain 
stops moving –  then turn it another 
1/4 turn in the same direction.
WARNING
If the chain continues moving when the 
engine is idling, have your saw checked 
and repaired by your servicing dealer.
Erratic idling behavior, poor acceleration 
(even though standard setting of low 
speed screw is correct)
Idle setting is too lean
NTurn the low speed screw (L) 
counterclockwise, no further than 
stop, until the engine runs and 
accelerates smoothly.
It is usually necessary to change the 
setting of the idle speed screw (LA) after 
every correction to the low speed 
screw (L).
Fine Tuning for Operation at High 
Altitude
A slight correction of the setting may be 
necessary if engine does not run 
satisfactorily:
NCarry out the standard setting.
NWarm up the engine.
NTurn high speed screw (H) slightly 
clockwise (leaner) – no further than 
stop.
NOTICE
After returning from high altitude, reset 
the carburetor to the standard setting.
208BA023 KN
L
208BA024 KN
HL
208BA024 KN
HL
208BA025 KN
LA 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
46 If the setting is too lean there is a risk of 
engine damage due to insufficient 
lubrication and overheating.
If engine is down on power, difficult to 
start or runs poorly at idling speed, first 
check the spark plug.
Fit a new spark plug after approx. 100 
operating hours or earlier if the 
electrodes are badly eroded.
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 result in trouble in operation.
Removing the Spark Plug
NDepress throttle trigger lockout and 
throttle trigger at the same time and 
move the Master Control lever to 
choke closedl.
NTurn the knob 90° to the left.
NLift off the carburetor box cover 
vertically.NPlace fingers behind the air filter (3), 
press thumbs against the housing, 
swing the filter in the direction of the 
rear handle and remove it. 
NRemove the shutter (4).
NPull off the spark plug boot.
NUnscrew the spark plug.
Spark Plug
208BA005 KN
4
3
135BA001 KN
208BA020 KN 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
47
Checking the Spark Plug
NClean dirty spark plug.
NCheck electrode gap (A) and 
readjust if necessary – see 
"Specifications."
NUse only resistor type spark plugs of 
the approved range.
Rectify problems that have caused 
fouling of spark plug:
–too much oil in fuel mix,
–dirty air filter,
–unfavorable running conditions, e.g. 
operating at part load.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire and burn injury, 
use only spark plugs authorized by 
STIHL. Always press spark plug boot (1) 
snugly onto spark plug terminal (2) of the 
proper size. (Note: If terminal has 
detachable SAE adapter nut, it must be 
securely attached.) A loose connection 
between spark plug boot and ignition 
wire connector in the boot may create 
arcing that could ignite combustible 
fumes and cause a fire.
Installing the spark plug
NScrew home the spark plug, fit the 
boot and press it down firmly.
NInstall the shutter and air filter.
NFit the carburetor box cover.If engine running behavior is 
unsatisfactory even though the air filter 
is clean and the carburetor is properly 
adjusted, the cause may be the muffler.
Have the muffler checked for 
contamination (carbonization) by your 
servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have 
servicing and repair work carried out 
exclusively by an authorized STIHL 
servicing dealer.
000BA039 KNA
1
2
000BA071 KN
(QJLQH5XQQLQJ%HKDYLRU 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
48 NTake out the screws (1).
NPush the hand guard upwards.
NPull the underside of the fan 
housing away from the crankcase 
and remove it downwards.Versions with Easy2Start
NUse circlip pliers to carefully remove 
the circlip (2).
NPull off the washer (3), carrier (4), 
spring housing (5) and washer (6).
If suitable circlip pliers are not available, 
have the starter rope or rewind spring 
replaced by your servicing dealer.
Standard versions
NRemove the spring clip (7).
NCarefully remove the rope rotor with 
washer (8) and pawl (9).
WARNING
The rewind spring may pop out and 
uncoil during this operation – take care 
to avoid the risk of injury.
Versions with Easy2Start
NRemove the spring clip (7).
NCarefully remove the rope rotor with 
washer (8) and pawls (9).
WARNING
The rewind spring may pop out and 
uncoil during this operation – take care 
to avoid the risk of injury.
Replacing the Starter Rope 
and Rewind Spring
1
11
1
133BA014 KN
208BA012 KN
23 4 5
6
7
8
9
208BA013 KN
7
8
9
208BA017 KN
9