Stihl Ms230c Manual

							{
STIHL MS 210, 230, 250
Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones
WARNING 
To reduce the risk of kickback injury 
use STIHL reduced kickback bar and 
STIHL PM3, PD3 (3/8 Picco) or RM3 (0.325“) 
chain depending on sprocket pitch or other 
available low kickback components.
ADVERTENCIA 
Para reducir el riesgo de lesionarse 
como resultado de un culatazo, utilice 
la barra de contragolpe reducido y la cadena 
PM3, PD3 (Picco de 3/8 pulg) o RM3 (0,325 
pulg) de STIHL, dependiendo de la rueda 
dentada usada y de otros componentes 
reductores de contragolpe.
Read and follow all safety precautions in 
Instruction Manual – improper use can cause 
serious or fatal injury.
Lea y siga todas las precauciones de 
seguridad dadas en el manual de 
instrucciones – el uso incorrecto puede causar 
lesiones graves o mortales. 
						

							Instruction Manual
1 - 70
Manual de instrucciones
71 - 146 
						

							Original Instruction Manual Printed on chlorine-free paper
Printing inks contain vegetable oils, paper can be recycled. © ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2012
0458-208-8621-B. VA0.K12. 
0000001880_010_GB
MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
1
{This instruction manual is protected by copyright. All rights reserved, especially the rights to reproduce, translate and process 
with electronic systems.
Contents
Allow only persons who fully understand 
this manual to operate your chain saw.
To receive maximum performance and 
satisfaction from your STIHL chain saw, 
it is important that you read, understand 
and follow the safety precautions and 
the operating and maintenance 
instructions in chapter "Safety 
Precautions and Working Techniques" 
before using your chain saw. For further 
information you can go to 
www.stihlusa.com.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL 
distributor for your area if you do not 
understand any of the instructions in this 
manual.
WARNING
Because a chain saw is a high-speed 
wood-cutting tool, some special safety 
precautions must be observed as with 
any other power saw to reduce the risk 
of personal injury. Careless or improper 
use may cause serious or even fatal 
injury. Guide to Using this Manual 2
Safety Precautions and Working 
Techniques 3
Cutting Attachment 23
Mounting the Bar and Chain (side 
chain tensioner) 24
Mounting the Bar and Chain (front 
chain tensioner) 25
Mounting the Bar and Chain (quick 
chain tensioner) 26
Tensioning the Saw Chain (side 
chain tensioner) 28
Tensioning the Saw Chain (front 
chain tensioner) 28
Tensioning the Saw Chain (quick 
chain tensioner) 29
Checking Chain Tension 29
Fuel 29
Fueling 30
Chain Lubricant 34
Filling Chain Oil Tank 34
Checking Chain Lubrication 35
Chain Brake 35
Winter Operation 36
Starting / Stopping the Engine 37
Operating Instructions 41
Taking Care of the Guide Bar 42
Air Filter System 43
Cleaning the Air Filter 43
Engine Management 44
Adjusting the Carburetor 44
Spark Plug 46Engine Running Behavior 47
Replacing the Starter Rope and 
Rewind Spring 48
Storing the Machine 51
Checking and Replacing the Chain 
Sprocket 52
Maintaining and Sharpening the 
Saw Chain 53
Inspections and Maintenance by 
Dealer 57
Maintenance and Care 58
Main Parts 60
Specifications 62
Special Accessories 64
Ordering Spare Parts 64
Maintenance and Repairs 64
Disposal 65
Allocation of STIHL Incorporated 
Warranty Declarations 65
STIHL Incorporated Federal 
Emission Control Warranty 
Statement 65
STIHL Incorporated California 
Exhaust and Evaporative 
Emissions Control Warranty 
Statement 67
Trademarks 70 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
2
Pictograms
The meanings of the pictograms 
attached to or embossed on the 
machine are explained in this manual.
Depending on the model concerned, the 
following pictograms may be on your 
machine.
Symbols in Text
Many operating and safety instructions 
are supported by illustrations.
The individual steps or procedures 
described in the manual may be marked 
in different ways:
NA bullet marks a step or procedure.
A description of a step or procedure that 
refers directly to an illustration may 
contain item numbers that appear in the 
illustration. Example:
NLoosen the screw (1).
NLever (2) ...
In addition to the operating instructions, 
this manual may contain paragraphs 
that require your special attention. Such 
paragraphs are marked with the 
symbols and signal words described 
below:
DANGER
Indicates an imminent risk of severe or 
fatal injury.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if 
not avoided, could result in severe or 
fatal injury.
NOTICE
Indicates a risk of property damage, 
including damage to the machine or its 
individual components.
Engineering Improvements
STIHL’s philosophy is to continually 
improve all of its products. As a result, 
engineering changes and improvements 
are made from time to time. Therefore, 
some changes, modifications and 
improvements may not be covered in 
this manual. If the operating 
characteristics or the appearance of 
your machine differs from those 
described in this manual, please contact 
your STIHL dealer for assistance.
Guide to Using this Manual
Fuel tank; fuel mixture of 
gasoline and engine oil
Chain oil tank; chain oil
Engaging and disengag-
ing the STIHL Quickstop 
chain brake
Direction of chain rotation
Ematic; chain oil quantity 
control
Tension the chain
Intake air preheating for 
winter operation
Intake air for summer 
operation
Handle heating
Operate decompression 
valve
Operate manual fuel 
pump 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
3
WARNING
Reactive forces, including kickback, can 
be dangerous. Pay special attention to 
the section on reactive forces.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how 
to operate your power tool. All safety 
precautions that are generally observed 
when working with an ax or a hand saw 
also apply to the operation of chain 
saws. Observe all applicable federal, 
state and local safety regulations, 
standards and ordinances. When using 
a chain saw for logging purposes, for 
instance, refer to the OSHA regulations 
for "logging operations" at 29 Code of 
Federal Regulations 1910.266.
WARNING
Do not lend or rent your power tool 
without the instruction manual. Be sure 
that anyone using it understands the 
information contained in this manual.
WARNING
The use of this machine may be 
hazardous.The saw chain has many 
sharp cutters. If the cutters contact your 
flesh, they will cut you, even if the chain 
is not moving.
Use your chain saw only for cutting 
wooden objects.
WARNING
Do not use it for other purposes, since 
misuse may result in personal injury or 
property damage, including damage to 
the machine.
WARNING
Minors should never be allowed to use 
this power tool. Bystanders, especially 
children, and animals should not be 
allowed in the area where it is in use.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders 
and damage to property, never let your 
power tool run unattended. When it is 
not in use (e.g. during a work break), 
shut it off and make sure that 
unauthorized persons do not use it.
Most of these safety precautions and 
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL 
chain saws. Different models may have 
different parts and controls. See the appropriate section of your instruction 
manual for a description of the controls 
and the function of the parts of your 
model.
Safe use of a chain saw involves
1the operator
2the power tool
3the use of the power tool.
THE OPERATOR
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition 
and mental health and not under the 
influence of any substance (drugs, 
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision, 
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate 
this machine when you are fatigued.
WARNING
Be alert – if you get tired, take a break. 
Tiredness may result in loss of control. 
Working with any power tool can be 
strenuous. If you have any condition that 
might be aggravated by strenuous work, 
check with your doctor before operating 
this machine.
WARNING
Prolonged use of a power tool (or other 
machines) exposing the operator to 
vibrations may produce whitefinger 
disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or 
carpal tunnel syndrome.
Safety Precautions and 
Working Techniques
Because a chain saw is a 
high-speed, fast-cutting 
power tool, special safety 
precautions must be 
observed to reduce the 
risk of personal injury.
It is important that you 
read, fully understand 
and observe the following 
safety precautions and 
warnings. Read the 
instruction manual and 
the safety precautions 
periodically. Careless or 
improper use may cause 
serious or fatal injury. 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
4 These conditions reduce the hand's 
ability to feel and regulate temperature, 
produce numbness and burning 
sensations and may cause nerve and 
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
All factors which contribute to white-
finger disease are not known, but cold 
weather, smoking and diseases or 
physical conditions that affect blood 
vessels and blood transport, as well as 
high vibration levels and long periods of 
exposure to vibration are mentioned as 
factors in the development of whitefinger 
disease. In order to reduce the risk of 
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel 
syndrome, please note the following:
–Most STIHL power tools are 
available with an anti-vibration 
("AV") system designed to reduce 
the transmission of vibrations 
created by the machine to the 
operator's hands. An AV system is 
recommended for those persons 
using power tools on a regular or 
sustained basis.
–Wear gloves and keep your hands 
warm. Heated handles, which are 
available on some STIHL 
powerheads, are recommended for 
cold weather use.
–Keep the AV system well 
maintained. A power tool with loose 
components or with damaged or 
worn AV elements will tend to have 
higher vibration levels. Keep the saw chain sharp. A dull chain will 
increase cutting time, and pressing 
a dull chain through wood will 
increase the vibrations transmitted 
to your hands.
–Maintain a firm grip at all times, but 
do not squeeze the handles with 
constant, excessive pressure. Take 
frequent breaks.
All the above-mentioned precautions do 
not guarantee that you will not sustain 
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel 
syndrome. Therefore, continual and 
regular users should closely monitor the 
condition of their hands and fingers. If 
any of the above symptoms appear, 
seek medical advice immediately.
WARNING
The ignition system of the STIHL unit 
produces an electromagnetic field of a 
very low intensity. This field may 
interfere with some pacemakers. To 
reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, 
persons with a pacemaker should 
consult their physician and the 
pacemaker manufacturer before 
operating this tool.
Proper Clothing
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, the operator 
should wear proper protective apparel.Clothing must be sturdy 
and snug-fitting, but allow 
complete freedom of 
movement. Wear long 
pants made of heavy 
material to help protect 
your legs from contact 
with branches or brush. 
To reduce the risk of cut 
injuries, wear pants or 
chaps that contain pads 
of cut retardant material. 
Avoid loose-fitting jack-
ets, scarfs, neckties, 
jewelry, flared or cuffed 
pants, unconfined long 
hair or anything that 
could become caught on 
branches, brush or the 
moving parts of the unit. 
Secure hair so it is above 
shoulder level.
Good footing is very 
important. Wear sturdy 
boots with nonslip soles. 
Steel-toed safety boots 
are recommended.
Wear an approved safety 
hard hat to reduce the 
risk of injury to your head. 
Chain saw noise may 
damage your hearing. 
Wear sound barriers (ear 
plugs or ear mufflers) to 
help protect your hearing. 
Continual and regular 
users should have their 
hearing checked 
regularly. 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
5 Be particularly alert and cautious when 
wearing hearing protection because 
your ability to hear warnings (shouts, 
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
Never operate your power tool unless 
wearing goggles or properly fitted 
protective glasses with adequate top 
and side protection complying with ANSI 
Z 87.1 (or your applicable national 
standard). To reduce the risk of injury to 
your face STIHL recommends that you 
also wear a face shield or face screen 
over your goggles or protective glasses.
THE POWER TOOL
For illustrations and definitions of the 
power tool parts see the chapter on 
"Main Parts."
WARNING
Never modify this power tool in any way. 
Only attachments supplied by STIHL or 
expressly approved by STIHL for use 
with the specific STIHL model are 
authorized. Although certain 
unauthorized attachments are useable 
with STIHL power tools, their use may, 
in fact, be extremely dangerous.
If this tool is subjected to unusually high 
loads for which it was not designed (e.g. 
heavy impact or a fall), always check 
that it is in good condition before 
continuing work. Check in particular that the fuel system is tight (no leaks) and 
that the controls and safety devices are 
working properly. Do not continue 
operating this machine if it is damaged. 
In case of doubt, have it checked by your 
STIHL servicing dealer.
THE USE OF THE POWER TOOL
Transporting the Power Tool
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury from saw 
chain contact, never carry or transport 
your power tool with the saw chain 
moving. Always engage the chain brake 
when taking more than a few steps.
WARNING
Always switch off the engine, and fit the 
chain guard (scabbard) over the chain 
and guide bar before transporting the 
power tool over longer distances. When 
transporting it in a vehicle, properly 
secure it to prevent turnover, fuel 
spillage and damage to the unit.
It may be carried only in a horizontal 
position. Grip the front handle in a 
manner that the machine is balanced horizontally. Keep the hot muffler away 
from your body and the cutting 
attachment behind you.
Fuel
Your STIHL power tool uses an oil- 
gasoline mixture for fuel (see the 
chapter on "Fuel" of your instruction 
manual).
WARNING
Fueling Instructions
WARNING
Fuel your power tool in well-ventilated 
areas, outdoors. Always shut off the 
engine and allow it to cool before 
refueling. Gasoline vapor pressure may 
build up inside the fuel tank depending 
on the fuel used, the weather conditions 
and the tank venting system.
In order to reduce the risk of burns and 
other personal injury from escaping gas 
vapor and fumes, remove the fuel filler 
cap on your power tool carefully so as to  Always wear gloves 
when handling the 
machine and the cutting 
tool. Heavy-duty, nonslip 
gloves improve your grip 
and help to protect your 
hands.
001BA115 KN
*DVROLQHLVDQH[WUHPHO\
IODPPDEOHIXHO,IVSLOOHG
DQGLJQLWHGE\DVSDUNRU
RWKHULJQLWLRQVRXUFHLW
FDQFDXVHILUHDQGVHUL-
ous burn injury or 
property damage. Use 
extreme caution when 
handling gasoline or fuel 
mix. Do not smoke or 
bring any fire or flame 
near the fuel or the power 
tool. Note that combusti-
ble fuel vapor may 
escape from the fuel 
system. 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
6 allow any pressure build-up in the tank 
to release slowly. Never remove the fuel 
filler cap while the engine is running.
Select bare ground for fueling and move 
at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling 
spot before starting the engine. Wipe off 
any spilled fuel before starting your 
machine.
WARNING
WARNING
In order to reduce the risk of fuel spillage 
and fire from an improperly tightened 
fuel cap, correctly position and tighten 
the fuel cap in the fuel tank opening.
Different models may be equipped with 
different fuel caps.Toolless cap with grip
To do this with this STIHL cap, raise the 
grip on the top of the cap until it is upright 
at a 90° angle. Insert the cap in the fuel 
tank opening with the raised positioning 
marks on the grip of the cap and on the 
fuel tank opening lining up. Using the 
grip, press the cap down firmly while 
turning it clockwise as far as it will go 
(approx. 1/4 turn).
Misaligned, damaged or broken cap
NIf the cap does not drop fully into the 
opening when the positioning marks 
line up and/or if the cap does not 
tighten properly when twisted, the 
base of the cap may be prematurely 
rotated (in relation to the top) to the 
closed position. Such misalignment can result from handling, cleaning 
or an improper attempt at 
tightening.
NTo return the cap to the open 
position for installation, turn the cap 
(with the grip up) until it drops fully 
into the tank opening. Next, twist the 
cap counterclockwise as far as it will 
go (approx. 1/4 turn) – this will twist 
the base of the cap into the correct 
position. Then, twist the cap 
clockwise, closing it normally.
NIf your cap still does not tighten 
properly, it may be damaged or 
broken; immediately stop use of the 
unit and take it to your authorized 
STIHL dealer for repair. Check for fuel leakage 
while refueling and during 
operation. If fuel leakage 
is found, do not start or 
run the engine until the 
leak is fixed and any 
spilled fuel has been 
wiped away. Take care 
not to get fuel on your 
clothing. If this happens, 
change your clothing 
immediately.
Fold the grip flush with 
the top of the cap. Grip 
the cap and check for 
tightness. If the grip does 
not lie completely flush 
with the cap and the 
detent on the grip does 
not fit in the correspond-
ing recess in the filler 
opening, or if the cap is 
loose in the filler opening, 
the cap is not properly 
seated and tightened and 
you must repeat the 
above steps.
001BA220 KN
/HIW %DVHRIFDSLQFORVHGSRVL-
tion (with open space)
Right: Base of cap correctly posi-
tioned for installation
001BA227 KN
001BA226 KN 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
7 Screw Cap
WARNING
The screwdriver end of the STIHL 
combination wrench or other similar tool 
can be used as an aid in tightening 
slotted fuel filler caps.
See also the "Fueling" chapter in your 
Instruction Manual for additional 
information.
Before Starting
Take off the chain guard (scabbard) and 
inspect the saw for proper condition and 
operation. (See the maintenance chart 
near the end of the instruction manual.)
WARNING
Always check your power tool for proper 
condition and operation before starting, 
particularly the throttle trigger, throttle 
trigger lockout, stop switch and cutting 
tool. The throttle trigger must move 
freely and always spring back to the idle 
position. Never attempt to modify the 
controls or safety devices.
WARNING
Never operate your power tool if it is 
damaged, improperly adjusted or 
maintained, or not completely or 
securely assembled.
WARNING
Check that the spark plug boot is 
securely mounted on the spark plug – a 
loose boot may cause arcing that could 
ignite combustible fumes and cause a 
fire.
For proper assembly of the bar and 
chain follow the procedure described in 
the chapter "Mounting the Bar and 
Chain" of your instruction manual. 
STIHL Oilomatic chain, guide bar and 
sprocket must match each other in 
gauge and pitch. Before replacing any 
bar and chain, see the chapter entitled 
"Specifications" in the instruction 
manual and the section "Kickback" and 
the "ANSI B 175.1-2000 chain saw 
chain saw kickback standard" below.
WARNING
Proper tension of the chain is extremely 
important. In order to avoid improper 
setting, the tensioning procedure must 
be followed as described in your 
manual. Always make sure the 
hexagonal nut(s) for the sprocket cover 
is (are) tightened securely after 
tensioning the chain in order to secure 
the bar. Never start the saw with the 
sprocket cover loose. Check chain 
tension once more after having 
tightened the nut(s) and thereafter at 
regular intervals (whenever the saw is 
shut off). If the chain becomes loose while cutting, shut off the engine and 
then tighten. Never try to adjust the 
chain while the engine is running!
Keep the handles clean and dry at all 
times; it is particularly important to keep 
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, fuel mix, 
grease or resin in order for you to 
maintain a firm grip and properly control 
your power tool.
Starting
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire and burn 
injuries, start the engine at least 10 feet 
(3 m) from the fueling spot, outdoors 
only.
Start and operate your saw without 
assistance. For specific starting 
instructions, see the appropriate section 
of the instruction manual. Proper starting 
methods reduce the risk of injury.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury from chain 
contact and / or reactive forces, the 
chain brake must be engaged when 
starting the saw.
WARNING
Do not drop start. This method is very 
dangerous because you may lose 
control of the saw.
There are two recommended methods 
for starting your chain saw. Unit vibrations can cause 
an improperly tightened 
fuel filler cap to loosen or 
come off and spill quanti-
ties of fuel. In order to 
reduce the risk of fuel 
spillage and fire, tighten 
the fuel filler cap by hand 
as securely as possible. 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
8 With the first recommended method, the 
chain saw is started on the ground. 
Make sure the chain brake is engaged 
(see "Chain Brake" chapter in your 
instruction manual) and place the chain 
saw on firm ground or other solid surface 
in an open area. Maintain good balance 
and secure footing.
Grip the front handlebar of the saw firmly 
with your left hand and press down. For 
saws with a rear handle level with the 
ground, put the toe of your right foot into 
the rear handle and press down. With 
your right hand pull out the starter grip 
slowly until you feel a definite resistance 
and then give it a brisk, strong pull.
The second recommended method for 
starting your chain saw allows you to 
start the saw without placing it on the 
ground. Make sure the chain brake is 
engaged, grip the front handle of the 
chain saw firmly with your left hand. 
Keep your arm on the front handle in a 
locked (straight) position. Hold the rear handle of the saw tightly between your 
legs just above the knees. Maintain 
good balance and secure footing. Pull 
the starting grip slowly with your right 
hand until you feel a definite resistance 
and then give it a brisk, strong pull.
WARNING
Be sure that the guide bar and chain are 
clear of you and all other obstructions 
and objects, including the ground. When 
the engine is started, the engine speed 
with the starting throttle lock engaged 
will be fast enough for the clutch to 
engage the sprocket and, if the chain 
brake is not activated, turn the chain. If 
the upper quadrant of the tip of the bar 
touches any object, it may cause 
kickback to occur (see section on 
reactive forces). To reduce this risk, 
always engage the chain brake before 
starting. Never attempt to start the chain 
saw when the guide bar is in a cut or 
kerf.
As soon as the engine is running, 
immediately blip the throttle trigger, 
which will disengage the starting throttle 
lock and allow the engine to settle down 
to idle.
WARNING
When you pull the starter grip, do not 
wrap the starter rope around your hand. 
Do not let the grip snap back, but guide 
the starter rope to rewind it properly. 
Failure to follow this procedure may 
result in injury to your hand or fingers 
and may damage the starter 
mechanism.Important Adjustments
WARNING
To reduce the risk of personal injury 
from loss of control and / or contact with 
the running cutting tool, do not use your 
unit with incorrect idle adjustment. At 
correct idle speed, the cutting tool 
should not move. For directions on how 
to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate 
section of your instruction manual.
If you cannot set the correct idle speed, 
have your STIHL dealer check your 
power tool and make proper 
adjustments and repairs.
During Operation
Holding and Controlling the Power Tool
Always hold the unit firmly with both 
hands on the handles while you are 
working. Wrap your fingers and thumbs 
around the handles.
Your right hand should grip the rear 
handle. This also applies to left-handers. 
With your hands in this position, you can 
best oppose and absorb the push, pull 
and kickback forces of your saw without 
losing control (see section on reactive 
forces).
001BA113 KN
001BA114 KN
001BA087 LÄ