Stihl Ms 250 C Manual

							MS 250
English
49
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 refilled
Weekly
Monthly
Yearly
If faulty
If damaged
As required
Complete machineVisual inspection (condition, leaks)XX
CleanX
Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, choke 
lever, choke control, stop switch, master control 
lever (dependent on equipment)Function testsXX
Chain brakeFunction testsXX
Have checked by a specialist dealer
1)X
Manual fuel pump (if present)CheckX
Have repaired by a specialist dealer
1)X
Fuel pick-up body / filter in fuel tankCheckX
Clean, replace filter insertXX
ReplaceXXX
Fuel tank CleanX
Lubricating oil tank CleanX
Chain lubrication CheckX
Saw chainCheck, pay attention to sharpnessXX
Check chain tensionXX
SharpenX
Guide barCheck (wear, damage)X
Clean and turn overX
DeburrX
ReplaceXX
Chain sprocket CheckX
Air filterCleanXX
ReplaceX 
						

							MS 250
English
50
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 checked by a specialist dealer
1)X
Have cleaned by a specialist dealer, or replaced 
if necessary
1)X
Chain catcherCheckX
ReplaceX
Exhaust boreDecarbonise after 139 hours of operation, subse-
quently after every 150 hours of operationX
Safety information label ReplaceX
1)STIHL recommends STIHL servicing dealers2)During initial use of professional chain saws (with a power output of 3.4 kW or more), tighten the cylinder block screws after 10 to 20 hours of operation 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 refilled
Weekly
Monthly
Yearly
If faulty
If damaged
As required 
						

							MS 250
English
51 1Carburetor Box Cover Twist Lock
2Carburetor Adjusting Screws
3Manual Fuel Pump
1)
4Decompression Valve 
(Automatically Resetting)1)
5Chain Brake
6Muffler
7Chain Sprocket
8Chain Sprocket Cover
9Chain Catcher
10Chain Tensioner
11Guide Bar
12Oilomatic Saw Chain
13Oil Filler Cap
14Bumper Spike
15Front Hand Guard
16Front Handle (Handlebar)
17Starter Grip
18Spark Plug Boot
19Master Control Lever
20Fuel Filler Cap
21Throttle Trigger
22Throttle Trigger Lockout
23Rear Handle
24Rear Hand Guard
#Serial Number
Main Parts
24
23
22
20
3
14
56
7
8
910
12 11
2
21
14
13
15
16
18
17
19
#
208BA026 KN
HSHQGLQJRQ0RGHO 
						

							MS 250
English
52
Definitions
1 Carburetor Box Cover Twist Lock
Lock for carburetor box cover.
2 Carburetor Adjusting Screws
For tuning the carburetor.
3 Manual Fuel Pump
Provides additional fuel feed for a 
cold start.
4 Decompression Valve 
(Automatically Resetting)
Releases compression pressure to 
make engine starting easier – when 
activated.
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 Muffler
Reduces engine exhaust noises 
and diverts exhaust gases away 
from operator.
7 Chain Sprocket
The toothed wheel that drives the 
saw chain.
8 Chain Sprocket Cover
Covers the clutch and chain 
sprocket.
9 Chain Catcher
Helps to reduce the risk of operator 
contact by a chain when it breaks or 
comes off the bar.
10 Chain Tensioner
Permits precise adjustment of chain 
tension.11 Guide Bar
Supports and guides the saw chain.
12 Oilomatic Saw Chain
A loop consisting of cutters, tie 
straps and drive links.
13 Oil Filler Cap
For closing the oil tank.
14 Bumper Spike
Toothed stop for holding saw steady 
against wood.
15 Front Hand Guard
Provides protection against 
projecting branches and helps 
prevent left hand from touching the 
chain if it slips off the handlebar. It 
also serves as the lever for chain 
brake activation.
16 Front Handle (Handlebar)
Handlebar for the left hand at the 
front of the saw.
17 Starter Grip
The grip of the pull starter, for 
starting the engine.
18 Spark Plug Boot
Connects the spark plug with the 
ignition lead.
19 Master Control Lever
Lever for starting, operating and 
stop-engine positions.
20 Fuel Filler Cap
For closing the fuel tank.
21 Throttle Trigger
Controls the speed of the engine.
22 Throttle Trigger Lockout
Must be depressed before the 
throttle trigger can be activated.23 Rear Handle
The support handle for the right 
hand, located at the rear of the saw.
24 Rear Hand Guard
Gives added protection to 
operator's right hand.
Guide Bar Nose
The exposed end of the guide bar. 
(not illustrated, see chapter 
"Tensioning the Saw Chain")
Clutch
Couples engine to chain sprocket 
when engine is accelerated beyond 
idle speed. (not illustrated)
Anti-Vibration System
The anti-vibration system includes a 
number of anti-vibration elements 
designed to reduce the 
transmission of vibrations created 
by the engine and cutting 
attachment to the operator's hands. 
(not illustrated) 
						

							MS 250
English
53
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
Engine
STIHL single cylinder two-stroke engine
MS 250
Ignition System
Electronic magneto ignition
Fuel System
All position diaphragm carburetor with 
integral fuel pump
Chain Lubrication
Fully automatic, speed-controlled oil 
pump with rotary piston
Weight
Cutting Attachments
Recommended cutting attachments 
conforming with the 45 degree 
computed kickback angle requirement 
of Section 5.11 of 
ANSI/OPEI B175.1-2012 when used on 
this model chain saw (see the chapter 
on "Safety Precautions and Working 
Techniques"):
Rollomatic E guide barsActual cutting length will be less than 
listed bar length.
Saw chain .325"
Chain sprocket
To comply with the 45 degree computed 
kickback angle requirement of Section 
5.11 of ANSI/OPEI B175.1-2012, use 
replacement saw chains listed above or 
elsewhere by STIHL as conforming with 
that requirement when used on this 
model chain saw or use saw chains 
classified as "low kickback" in 
accordance with 
ANSI/OPEI B175.1-2012.
Since new bar/chain combinations may 
be developed after publication of this 
Manual, ask your STIHL dealer for the 
latest STIHL recommendations.
Specifications
A = 300 hours
B = 125 hours
C = 50 hours
Displacement: 2.77 cu. in 
45.4 cc
Bore: 1.7 in (42.5 mm)
Stroke: 1.26 in (32 mm)
Engine power to 
ISO 7293:3.0 hp (2.2 kW) at 
10,000 rpm
Idle speed: 2,800 rpm
Max. permissible 
speed (with cutting 
attachment): 14,000 rpmSpark plug (resistor 
type): Bosch WSR 6 F
Electrode gap: 0.02 in (0.5 mm)
Fuel tank capacity:15.9 fl.oz (0.47 l)
Oil tank capacity: 6.8 fl.oz (0.2 l)
dry, without bar and chain
MS 250: 10.1 lbs 
(4.6 kg)
Reduced kickback STIHL guide bars 
(with green label)
Bar lengths: 40, 45 cm (16, 18 in.)Pitch: .325" (8.25 mm)
Groove width: 1.6 mm (0.063 in.)
Sprocket nose: 11-tooth
Low kickback STIHL saw chain (with 
green label)
Rapid Micro 3 (26 RM3) Type 3634
Pitch: .325" (8.25 mm)
Drive link gauge: 1.6 mm (0.063 in)
7-tooth for .325" (spur sprocket) 
						

							MS 250
English
54 Please enter your saw model, serial 
number as well as the part numbers of 
the guide bar and saw chain in the 
spaces provided. This will make re-
ordering simpler.
The guide bar and saw chain are subject 
to normal wear and tear. When 
purchasing these parts, always quote 
the saw model, the part numbers and 
names of the parts.
See "Specifications" in this manual for 
the recommended reduced kickback 
cutting attachments.Users of this unit should carry out only 
the maintenance operations described 
in this manual. STIHL recommends that 
other repair work be performed only by 
authorized STIHL servicing dealers 
using genuine STIHL replacement parts.
Genuine STIHL parts can be identified 
by the STIHL part number, the 
{ logo and, in some cases, by 
the STIHL parts symbol K. The 
symbol may appear alone on small 
parts.
For repairs of any component of this 
unit’s air emissions control system, 
please refer to the air emissions 
systems warranty in this manual.Observe all country-specific waste 
disposal rules and regulations.
STIHL products must not be thrown in 
the garbage can. Take the product, 
accessories and packaging to an 
approved disposal site for environment-
friendly recycling.
Contact your STIHL servicing dealer for 
the latest information on waste disposal.
Ordering Spare Parts
Model
Serial number
Guide bar part number
Chain part number
Maintenance and RepairsDisposal
000BA073 KN 
						

							MS 250
English
55 STIHL Incorporated Limited Warranty 
Policy
This product is sold subject to the STIHL 
Incorporated Limited Warranty Policy, 
available at 
http://www.stihlusa.com/warranty.html.
It can also be obtained from your 
authorized STIHL dealer or by calling 
1-800-GO-STIHL (1-800-467-8445).Your Warranty Rights and Obligations
The U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) and STIHL Incorporated 
are pleased to explain the Emission 
Control System Warranty on your 
equipment type engine. In the U.S. new 
1997 and later model year small off-road 
equipment engines must be designed, 
built and equipped, at the time of sale, to 
meet the U.S. EPA regulations for small 
non road engines. The equipment 
engine must be free from defects in 
materials and workmanship which 
cause it to fail to conform with U.S. EPA 
standards for the first two years of 
engine use from the date of sale to the 
ultimate purchaser.
STIHL Incorporated must warrant the 
emission control system on your small 
off-road engine for the period of time 
listed below provided there has been no 
abuse, neglect or improper maintenance 
of your small off-road equipment engine.
Your emission control system includes 
parts such as the carburetor and the 
ignition system. Also included may be 
hoses, and connectors and other 
emission-related assemblies.
Where a warrantable condition exists, 
STIHL Incorporated will repair your 
small off-road equipment engine at no 
cost to you including diagnosis (if the 
diagnostic work is performed at an 
authorized dealer), parts and labor.
Manufacturer's Warranty Coverage
In the U.S., 1997 and later model year 
small off-road equipment engines are 
w a r r a n t e d  f o r  t w o  y e a r s .  I f  a n y  e m i s s i o n -
related part on your engine is defective, 
the part will be repaired or replaced by 
STIHL Incorporated free of charge.
Owner's Warranty Responsibilities
As the small off-road equipment engine 
owner, you are responsible for the 
performance of the required 
maintenance listed in your instruction 
manual. STIHL Incorporated 
recommends that you retain all receipts 
covering maintenance on your small off-
road equipment engine, but STIHL 
Incorporated cannot deny warranty 
solely for the lack of receipts or for your 
failure to ensure the performance of all 
scheduled maintenance.
Any replacement part or service that is 
equivalent in performance and durability 
may be used in non-warranty 
maintenance or repairs, and shall not 
reduce the warranty obligations of the 
engine manufacturer.
As the small off-road equipment engine 
owner, you should be aware, however, 
that STIHL Incorporated may deny you 
warranty coverage if your small off-road 
equipment engine or a part has failed 
due to abuse, neglect, improper 
maintenance or unapproved 
modifications.
You are responsible for presenting your 
small off-road equipment engine to a 
STIHL service center as soon as a 
Limited WarrantySTIHL Incorporated Federal 
Emission Control Warranty 
Statement 
						

							MS 250
English
56 problem exists. The warranty repairs will 
be completed in a reasonable amount of 
time, not to exceed 30 days.
If you have any questions regarding your 
warranty rights and responsibilities, 
please contact a STIHL customer 
service representative at 1-800-467-
8445 or you can write to
STIHL Inc.,
536 Viking Drive, P.O. Box 2015,
Virginia Beach, VA 23450-2015
www.stihlusa.com
Coverage by STIHL Incorporated
STIHL Incorporated warrants to the 
ultimate purchaser and each 
subsequent purchaser that your small 
off-road equipment engine will be 
designed, built and equipped, at the time 
of sale, to meet all applicable emissions 
regulations. STIHL Incorporated also 
warrants to the initial purchaser and 
each subsequent purchaser that your 
engine is free from defects in materials 
and workmanship which cause the 
engine to fail to conform with applicable 
emissions regulations for a period of two 
years.
Warranty Period
The warranty period will begin on the 
date the utility equipment engine is 
purchased by the initial purchaser. 
Product registration is recommended, 
so that STIHL has a means to contact 
you if there ever is a need to 
communicate repair or recall information 
about your product, but it is not required 
in order to obtain warranty service.If any emission-related part on your 
engine is defective, the part will be 
replaced by STIHL Incorporated at no 
cost to the owner. Any warranted part 
which is not scheduled for replacement 
as required maintenance, or which is 
scheduled only for regular inspection to 
the effect of "repair or replace as 
necessary" will be warranted for the 
warranty period. Any warranted part 
which is scheduled for replacement as 
required maintenance will be warranted 
for the period of time up to the first 
scheduled replacement point for that 
part.
Diagnosis
You, as the owner, shall not be charged 
for diagnostic labor which leads to the 
determination that a warranted 
emissions part is defective. However, if 
you claim warranty for an emissions 
component and the machine is tested as 
non-defective, STIHL Incorporated will 
charge you for the cost of the emission 
test. Mechanical diagnostic work will be 
performed at an authorized STIHL 
servicing dealer. Emission test may be 
performed either at STIHL Incorporated 
or at any independent test laboratory.
Warranty Work
STIHL Incorporated shall remedy 
warranty defects at any authorized 
STIHL servicing dealer or warranty 
station. Any such work shall be free of 
charge to the owner if it is determined 
that a warranted part is defective.Any manufacturer-approved or 
equivalent replacement part may be 
used for any warranty maintenance or 
repairs on emission-related parts and 
must be provided without charge to the 
owner. STIHL Incorporated is liable for 
damages to other engine components 
caused by the failure of an emissions 
warranted part still under warranty.
The following list specifically defines the 
emission-related warranted parts:
–Air Filter
–Carburetor (if applicable)
–Fuel Pump
–Choke (Cold Start Enrichment 
System) (if applicable)
–Control Linkages
–Intake Manifold
–Magneto or Electronic Ignition 
System (Ignition Module or 
Electronic Control Unit)
–Fly Wheel
–Spark Plug
–Injection Valve (if applicable)
–Injection Pump (if applicable)
–Throttle Housing (if applicable)
–Cylinder
–Muffler
–Catalytic Converter (if applicable)
–Fuel Tank
–Fuel Cap
–Fuel Line
–Fuel Line Fittings 
						

							MS 250
English
57 –Clamps
–Fasteners
Where to Make a Claim for Warranty 
Service
Bring the product to any authorized 
STIHL servicing dealer.
Maintenance Requirements
The maintenance instructions in this 
manual are based on the application of 
the recommended 2-stroke fuel-oil 
mixture (see also instruction "Fuel"). 
Deviations from this recommendation 
regarding quality and mixing ratio of fuel 
and oil may require shorter maintenance 
intervals.
Limitations
This Emission Control Systems 
Warranty shall not cover any of the 
following:
Nrepair or replacement required 
because of misuse, neglect or lack 
of required maintenance,
Nrepairs improperly performed or 
replacements not conforming to 
STIHL Incorporated specifications 
that adversely affect performance 
and/or durability, and alterations or 
modifications not recommended or 
approved in writing by STIHL 
Incorporated,
andNreplacement of parts and other 
services and adjustments 
necessary for required maintenance 
at and after the first scheduled 
replacement point.
STIHL Registered Trademarks
STIHL
®
{
K
The color combination orange-grey 
(U.S. Registrations #2,821,860; 
#3,010,057, #3,010,058, #3,400,477; 
and #3,400,476)
AutoCut
®
FARM BOSS®
iCademy®
MAGNUM®
MasterWrench Service®
MotoMix®
OILOMATIC®
Trademarks 
						

							MS 250
English
58 Rock Boss
®
STIHL Cutquik®
STIHL DUROMATIC®
STIHL Quickstop®
STIHL ROLLOMATIC®
STIHL WOOD BOSS®
TIMBERSPORTS®
WOOD BOSS®
YARD BOSS®
Some of STIHL’s Common Law 
Trademarks
4-MIX ™
BioPlus ™
Easy2Start ™
EasySpool ™
ElastoStart ™
Ematic ™
FixCut ™
IntelliCarb ™
Master Control Lever ™
Micro ™
Pro Mark ™
Quiet Line ™
STIHL M-Tronic ™STIHL OUTFITTERS ™
STIHL PICCO ™
STIHL PolyCut ™
STIHL PowerSweep ™
STIHL Precision Series ™
STIHL RAPID ™
STIHL SuperCut ™
TapAction ™
TrimCut ™
This listing of trademarks is subject to 
change.
Any unauthorized use of these 
trademarks without the express written 
consent of 
ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 
Waiblingen is strictly prohibited.
TMSTIHLInjection