Stihl 181 C Manual

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
49 NRemove chain sprocket cover, saw 
chain and guide bar.
NRelease chain brake – pull hand 
guard against the front handle
Fit new chain sprocket
–after use of two saw chains or 
earlier
–if the wear marks (arrows) are 
deeper than 0.02 in (0.5 mm) – 
otherwise the service life of the saw 
chain is reduced – use check gauge 
(special accessory) to test
Using two saw chains in alternation 
helps preserve the chain sprocket.
Use only STIHL original chain...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
50 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...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
51
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...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
52 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...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
53 Sharpening tools (special accessories)
Chain pitch Round file ^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...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
54
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...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
55
Anti-vibration elementsCheck XX
Have them replaced by a servicing dealer1)X
Air intake on fan housing CleanXX X
Cylinder fins CleanXX
CarburetorCheck idle adjustment – saw chain must not 
rotateXX
Set the idle speed, have the chain saw repaired 
by a servicing dealer
1)X
Spark plugAdjust electrode gapX
Replace after 100 hours of operation
All accessible screws, nuts and bolts (not adjusting 
screws)Tighten
2)X
Spark arresting screen in mufflerHave...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
561Shroud Twist Lock
2Carburetor Adjusting Screws
3Manual Fuel Pump (Easy Start
1))
4Shutter (Summer and Winter 
Position, only MS 211)
5Chain Brake
6Chain Sprocket
7Chain Sprocket Cover
8Chain Catcher
9Chain Tensioner (lateral)
10Bumper Spike
11Guide Bar
12Oilomatic Saw Chain
13Adjusting Wheel for Quick Chain 
Tensioner
1)
14Handle of Wingnut (Quick Chain 
Tensioner1))
15Oil Filler Cap
16Muffler
17Front Hand Guard
18Front Handle (Handlebar)
19Spark Plug...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
57
Definitions
1 Shroud Twist Lock
Lock for shroud.
2 Carburetor Adjusting Screws
For tuning the carburetor.
3 Manual Fuel Pump
Provides additional fuel feed for a 
cold start.
4Shutter
With summer and winter positions. 
Carburetor is heated in winter 
position.
5Chain Brake
A device to stop the rotation of the 
chain. Is activated in a kickback 
situation by the operator's hand or 
by inertia.
6 Chain Sprocket
The toothed wheel that drives the 
saw...

MS 171, MS 181, MS 181 C, MS 211, MS 211 C
English
58
EPA / CEPA
The Emission Compliance Period 
referred to on the Emissions 
Compliance Label indicates the number 
of operating hours for which the engine 
has been shown to meet Federal 
emission requirements.
Category
CARB
The Emission Compliance Period used 
on the CARB-Air Index Label indicates 
the terms:
Engine
STIHL single cylinder two-stroke engine
MS 171MS 181, MS 181 C
MS 211, MS 211 C
Ignition system
Electronic magneto ignition 
(breakerless)...