Stihl 441 Cm Manual

							MS 441 C-M
English
39
As soon as the engine runs
NIf the engine was started in the start 
position } Press down trigger 
lockout and the pull the throttle 
trigger (2) at the same time – the 
Master Control lever (1) moves to 
the run position F and the engine 
settles down to idling speed.  
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
NChange over to winter operation if 
necessary – see “Winter Operation”.
Stopping the engine
NMove the Master Control lever to the 
stop position (0).
If engine does not start
You may have pulled the starter grip too 
fast and too vigorously. The combustion 
chamber is probably flooded.
NMove the Master Control lever the 
run positionF.
NHold and start your saw as 
described.
or:
NRemove the spark plug – see 
"Spark Plug".
NDry the spark plug.
NMove the Master Control lever to the 
stop position (0).
NCrank the engine several times with 
the starter to clear the combustion 
chamber.
NRefit the spark plug – see "Spark 
Plug".
NMove the Master Control lever the 
run positionF.
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".
2
219BA040 KN
1
STOP
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001BA186 KN
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							MS 441 C-M
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40 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"
Varying cutting lengths, types of wood 
and working techniques require varying 
quantities of oil.
Standard oil pump
The oil delivery rate can be adjusted as 
needed using the adjusting screw (1) 
(on the bottom of the machine).
Ematic setting (E), moderate oil delivery 
rate –
NTurn adjusting screw to "E" (Ematic 
setting)
Increase oil delivery rate –
NTurn the adjusting screw clockwise
Reduce oil delivery rate –
NTurn the adjusting screw 
counterclockwise
NOTICE
The saw chain must always be coated 
with chain oil.
Oil Quantity Control
001BA157 KN
1 
						

							MS 441 C-M
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41 Oil pump with increased delivery rate 
(available option)
The oil pump with increased delivery 
rate can be identified by the groove (2) 
in the adjusting screw.
With this oil pump, in setting rangea, the 
oil tank can run empty before the fuel 
tank, thus causing the saw chain to run 
dry.
Nin setting rangea, fill the fuel tank 
only half full or refill the oil tank 
when the fuel tank is approximately 
half emptyNTurn 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.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.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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							MS 441 C-M
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42 The air filter system can be adapted to 
different operating conditions by the 
insertion of different air filters. 
Retrofitting is simple.
NHD2-Filter (black filter frame. folded 
filter fabric) Universal filter for 
almost all conditions of use (from 
very dusty to wintry conditions etc.)
NWire mesh filter (green filter 
housing) Use in extra-ordinary 
conditions e.g. extremely wintry 
conditions of use - such as powder 
snow or drift snow. Rather 
unsuitable in very dusty conditions.
When dry, STIHL filters attain a long 
service life.
NAlways use STIHL filters dryFouled air filters will impair engine 
performance, increase fuel consumption 
and make the machine more difficult to 
start.
NMove the Master Control lever to the 
stop position0
NUse a combination wrench to open 
the clamps (1) in the direction of the 
arrow
NRemove the carburetor box 
cover (2)
NUnscrew the twist lock (3) in the 
direction of the arrow
NRemover filter
Air Filter System
001BA210 KN
001BA212 KN
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							MS 441 C-M
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43 If there is a noticeable loss of engine 
power:
NWash the filter in STIHL special-
purpose cleaner (special 
accessory) or a clean, non-
flammable cleaning liquid (e.g., 
warm soapy water) – rinse the filter 
from inside to out under a water jet 
– do not use high-pressure cleaners
NDry all filter parts – do not expose to 
extreme heat
NDo not oil the filter
NReinstall 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
M-Tronic regulates the fuel quantity and 
ignition timing for all operating states 
electronically.
M-Tronic stands for easy, fast starting, 
constant optimum engine performance, 
outstanding acceleration and automatic 
adaptation to changes in operating 
conditions.
Manual carburetor adjustments are no 
longer required – the carburetor does 
not have any adjusting screws.
Automatic adjustment
Under extremely changed operating 
conditions, attainment of the optimal 
setting can be accelerated as follows:
NCarry out five uniform cuts to length 
under full load
Cleaning the Air FilterEngine ManagementM-Tronic 
						

							MS 441 C-M
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44 In some countries, the muffler is fitted 
with a spark arresting screen.
NIf engine performance deteriorates, 
check the spark arresting screen in 
the muffler
NLet the muffler cool down
NRemove screw (1)
NPull out spark arresting screen (2)
NClean the dirty spark arresting 
screen, replace if damaged or 
heavily carbonized
NRefit the spark arresting screen
NInsert and tighten down the screwIf 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
NMove the Master Control lever to the 
stop position (0).
NUse the combination wrench to 
open the fasteners (1) in the 
direction of the arrow.
NRemove the carburetor box 
cover (2).NPull off the spark plug boot (3).
NUnscrew the spark plug.
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.
Spark Arresting Screen in 
MufflerSpark Plug
000BA039 KNA 
						

							MS 441 C-M
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45
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
NScrew home the spark plug, fit the 
boot and press it down firmly.
NFit the carburetor box cover.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.
2
0000-GXX-1830-A0
3
1
219BA033 KN
6WRULQJWKH0DFKLQH 
						

							MS 441 C-M
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46 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 sprockets 
to help ensure reliable functioning of the 
chain brake.NUse a screwdriver to remove the E-
clip (1)
NRemove the washer (2)
NRemove rim sprocket (3) (if so 
equipped), clutch drum (4) and 
needle cage (6).
NInspect transport profile for rim 
sprocket on the clutch drum (4) – if 
there are also heavy signs of wear, 
also replace the clutch drum
NRemove clutch drum with integrated 
spur chain sprocket (5) (if so 
equipped) including needle cage (6) 
from the crankshaft – for 
powerheads with Quickstop Plus 
chain brake system, depress 
throttle trigger lockout beforehand
Install spur chain sprocket / rim sprocket
NClean crankshaft stub and needle 
cage and lubricate with STIHL 
lubricant (special accessory)
NSlide needle cage onto the 
crankshaft stub
NAfter refitting, turn the clutch drum 
and/or spur chain sprocket approx. 
1 full turn so that the carrier for the 
oil pump drive engages
NRefit the rim sprocket – cavities 
toward the outside
NRefit washer and E-clip on the 
crankshaftChecking and Replacing the 
Chain Sprocket
001BA121 KN
001BA122 KN
1 2
45
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							MS 441 C-M
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47 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!
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.Maintaining and Sharpening 
the Saw Chain
Marking (a)Chain pitch
Inches mm
71/4P6.35
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
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689BA021 KN 
						

							MS 441 C-M
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48
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.
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 
m a t e r i a l  –  t w o  o r  t h r e e  s t r o k e s  o f  t h e  
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.
689BA025 KN
001BA203 KN
689BA018 KN
90°
689BA043 KN
689BA023 KN
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