Stihl 181 C Manual

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
39 at the same time and hold them in that 
position – now set the Master Control 
lever.
To select the starting throttle 
position (n), move the Master Control 
lever to choke closed (l) first, then 
push it into the starting throttle 
position (n).
The Master Control lever must be in the 
choke closed position (l) before it can 
be moved to to the starting throttle 
position (n).
The Master Control lever moves from 
the starting throttle position (n) to...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
40 Between knees or thighs
NHold the rear handle tightly between 
your legs, just above the knees.
NHold the front handle firmly with 
your left hand – your thumb should 
be under the handle.
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...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
41 Versions with manual fuel pump
NPress the fuel pump bulb at least 
five times – even if the bulb is 
already filled with fuel.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 shutter closed (l)
–If the engine is cold (also use this 
position if the engine stopped when 
you opened the throttle after 
starting)...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
42 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...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
43 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...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
44 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
NSqueeze the throttle trigger and 
move the Master Control lever to l 
.
NSlide the lock to the rear.
NRemove the shroud upwards to the 
rear.
Installing the shroud
NRefit the shroud and secure it with 
the lock.The air filter system...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
45 One-piece fabric filter (special 
accessory)
For damp and extremely cold operating 
conditions.If there is a noticeable loss of engine 
power
NRemove the shroud – see "Shroud".
NAlways replace damaged filters.
NClean away loose dirt from around 
the filter.
NPush the two locking tabs upwards, 
tilt the air filter towards the rear 
handle and remove.
NOTICE
To avoid damaging the filter, do not use 
tools for removing and installing the air...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
46
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) 
in the muffler and clean or replace if 
necessary.
Standard Setting
NTurn high speed screw (H) 
counterclockwise as far...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
47
Spark arresting screen in muffler
NIf the engine is down on power, 
check the spark arresting screen in 
the muffler.
STIHL recommends that you have 
servicing and repair work carried out 
exclusively by an authorized STIHL 
servicing dealer.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...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
48
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...