Stihl 362 C Manual

							MS 362 C-M
English
29 To meet the requirements of EPA and 
CARB we recommend to use STIHL HP 
Ultra oil.
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.).
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 any 
moisture that gets into the mixture.
The machine‘s fuel tank should be 
cleaned as necessary.
STIHL MotoMix
STIHL recommends the use of STIHL 
MotoMix. STIHL MotoMix has a high 
octane rating and ensures that you 
always use the right 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
Fuel mix ages
Only mix sufficient fuel for a few days 
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 mixing of the oil 
with the fuel.
Dispose of empty mixing-oil containers 
only at authorized disposal locations.
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 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
Fueling
001BA229 KN 
						

							MS 362 C-M
English
30
Opening
NRaise handle.
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.
001BA236 KN
001BA232 KN
001BA234 KN
001BA237 KN
001BA234 KN
001BA233 KN
001BA231 KN
001BA235 KN 
						

							MS 362 C-M
English
31 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.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. 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.
001BA241 KN
1
001BA238 KN
001BA239 KN
&KDLQ/XEULFDQW 
						

							MS 362 C-M
English
32
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 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".
Filling Chain Oil Tank
001BA158 KN
&KHFNLQJ&KDLQ/XEULFDWLRQ
143BA024 KN 
						

							MS 362 C-M
English
33
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.
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:
Chain Brake
143BA011 KN
143BA012 KN
)XOOWLPHXVDJH HYHU\
PRQWKV
3DUWWLPHXVDJH HYHU\
PRQWKV
2FFDVLRQDOXVDJH HYHU\
PRQWKV 
						

							MS 362 C-M
English
34
Preheating the carburetor
NRemove the shroud – see "Shroud".
At temperatures below +50°F (+10°C)
NPull the shutter (1) out of the 
summer position (s).
NPlace the slide in the position r 
(winter operation)
NInstall the shroud – see "Shroud".
Heated air is now drawn in from around 
the cylinder to warm the carburetor – this 
helps prevent carburetor icing.At temperatures above +70°F (+20°C)
NAlways return the shutter to the 
summer position (s ) to avoid 
engine running problems and 
overheating.
At temperatures below +14°F (-10°C)
It is advisable to fit the cover plate kit 
(special accessory) if you use your saw 
in extremely cold conditions 
(temperatures below +14 °F (-10°C), in 
powder or drifting snow).
Cover plate
The cover plate (special accessory) 
helps prevent snow being sucked into 
the machine.
When the cover plate is fitted, the 
shutter must be in the winter position.
In the event of engine running problems, 
first check that conditions for use of the 
cover plate still apply.
Fitting the cover plate
NPlace the cover plate (1) in position, 
engage the two tabs (arrows), and 
secure it with the screws (2).Switching on handle heating (depending 
on model)
NMove the switch to F – move switch 
back to 0 to switch off.
There is no risk of overheating during 
long periods of operation. The heating 
system is maintenance-free.
Winter Operation
0000-GXX-1157-A0
0000-GXX-1158-A022
0001BA004 KN
1
(OHFWULF+DQGOH+HDWLQJ
0001BA031 
						

							MS 362 C-M
English
35
Positions of Master Control Lever
STOP or † – Master Control lever must 
be pushed in direction of STOP or † to 
switch off ignition. The Master Control 
lever springs back to the run positionF 
when it is released.
WARNING
The ignition is switched on again 
automatically after the engine stops. 
Engine can be started by operating the 
rewind starter.
Run positionF – a hot engine is started 
in this position or the engine runs in this 
position.
Start position} – a cold engine is 
started in this position.
Setting the Master Control Lever
To move the Master Control lever from 
the run positionF to start}, depress 
the trigger lockout and the throttle trigger 
and hold them in that position – set the 
Master Control lever to start} and let 
go of the throttle trigger and trigger 
lockout.
The Master Control lever moves from 
the start position (}) to the run 
position (F) when you press down the 
throttle trigger lockout and squeeze the 
throttle trigger at the same time.
To switch off the engine, move the 
Master Control lever in the direction of 
STOP o r  † – when released, the Master 
Control lever springs back to the run 
positionF.
Holding the Saw
There are two ways of holding the saw 
when starting.On the ground 
NPlace your saw on the ground. 
Make sure you have a firm footing – 
check that the chain is not touching 
any object or the ground.
NHold the saw firmly on the ground 
with your left hand on the front 
handle – your thumb should be 
under the handle.
NPut your right foot into the rear 
handle or your right heel on the rear 
hand guard and press down.
Starting / Stopping the 
Engine
1166BA025 AM
0001BA036 KN 
						

							MS 362 C-M
English
36 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.
Cranking
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 or if the tank has 
been run dry (engine stops), it may be 
necessary to pull the starter rope several 
times to prime the fuel system.Starting the Saw
Decompression valve
NPress in the button to open the 
decompression valve.
The decompression valve closes as 
soon as the engine fires. For this reason 
you must press in the button before each 
starting attempt.
WARNING
Bystanders must be well clear of the 
general work area of the saw.
0001BA037 KN
0001BA038 KN
5902BA006 KN 
						

							MS 362 C-M
English
37 NPush the hand guard (1) forward – 
the chain is locked.
The Master Control lever is in the normal 
run positionF.
NIf the engine is cold: Press down the 
trigger lockout (2) and pull the 
throttle trigger (3) at the same time. 
Hold both levers in that position and 
set the Master Control lever to start 
symbol }.
NHold your saw firmly.
NPull the starter grip quickly and 
firmly as often as necessary until the 
engine starts.
NIf the engine does not start: Move 
the Master Control lever to start 
position} and repeat starting 
procedure.
As soon as the engine runs
NIf the engine was started in the start 
position}: Press down trigger 
lockout (2)  and the pull the throttle 
trigger (3) at the same time – the 
Master Control lever (4) moves to 
the run positionF and the engine 
settles down to idling speed.
NPull the hand guard back towards 
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
NChange over to winter operation if 
necessary – see “Winter Operation”.
Stopping the engine
NMove the Master Control lever in the 
direction of STOP or † – when 
released, the Master Control lever 
springs back to the normal run 
positionF.
If the engine does not start
NCheck that all settings are correct.
NCheck that there is fuel in the tank 
and refuel if necessary.
NCheck that the spark plug boot is 
properly connected.
NRepeat the starting procedure.
or:
It is possible that the fuel-air mixture in 
the combustion chamber is over-rich 
and has flooded the engine.
NRemove the spark plug – see 
"Spark Plug".
NDry the spark plug.
3
2
1
4
0001BA039 KN
4
3
2
0001BA040 KN
STOP
001BA186 KN
4
0001BA041 KN
STOP 
						

							MS 362 C-M
English
38 NHold the saw on the ground.
NPush the Master Control lever as far 
as stop in direction of STOP or † 
and hold it there.
WARNING
An ignition spark may occur if the Master 
Control lever is not held against STOP 
or †.
NOperate the rewind starter several 
times.
NRelease the Master Control lever – it 
springs back to the run positionF.
NInstall the spark plug – see "Spark 
Plug".
NHold and start your saw as 
described.
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
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 
engine 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.
Operating Instructions