Stihl Ms230c Manual

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
29 Retensioning during cutting work:
NShut off the engine.
NPull out the hinged clip and loosen 
the wingnut.
NTurn the adjusting wheel (1) 
clockwise as far as stop.
NTighten down the wingnut (2) firmly 
by hand.
NFold down the hinged clip.
NGo to "Checking Chain Tension"
A new chain has to be retensioned more 
often than one that has been in use for 
some time.
NCheck chain tension frequently – 
see chapter on "Operating 
Instructions".NShut off the engine.
NWear work gloves to protect your 
hands.
NThe chain must fit snugly against 
the underside of the bar and it must 
still be possible to pull the chain 
along the bar by hand.
NIf necessary, retension the chain.
A new chain has to be retensioned more 
often than one that has been in use for 
some time.
NCheck chain tension frequently – 
see chapter on "Operating 
Instructions".This engine is certified to operate on 
unleaded gasoline and the STIHL two-
stroke engine oil at a mix ratio of 50:1.
Your engine requires a mixture of high-
quality gasoline and two-stroke air 
cooled engine oil.
Use mid-grade unleaded gasoline with a 
minimum octane rating of 89 ((R+M)/2) 
and no more than 10% ethanol content.
Fuel with a lower octane rating may 
increase engine temperatures. This, in 
turn, increases the risk of piston seizure 
and damage to the engine.
The chemical composition of the fuel is 
also important. Some fuel additives not 
only detrimentally affect elastomers 
(carburetor diaphragms, oil seals, fuel 
lines, etc.), but magnesium castings and 
catalytic converters as well. This could 
cause running problems or even 
damage the engine. For this reason 
STIHL recommends that you use only 
high-quality unleaded gasoline!
Gasoline with an ethanol content of 
more than 10% can cause running 
problems and major damage in engines 
with a manually adjustable carburetor 
and should not be used in such engines.
The ethanol content in gasoline affects 
engine running speed – it may be 
necessary to readjust the carburetor if 
you use fuels with various ethanol 
contents.
Tensioning the Saw Chain 
(quick chain tensioner)
1
2
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							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
30
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.
If your power tool shows an incorrect idle 
adjustment, have your STIHL dealer 
check your power tool and make proper 
adjustments and repairs.
The idle speed and maximum speed of 
the engine change if you switch from a 
fuel with a certain ethanol content to 
another fuel with a much higher or lower 
ethanol content.
This problem can be avoided by always 
using fuel with the same ethanol 
content.
Use only STIHL two-stroke engine oil or 
equivalent high-quality two-stroke 
engine oils that are designed for use 
only in air cooled two-cycle engines.
W e  r e c o m m e n d  S T I H L  H P  U l t r a  2 - C y c l e  
Engine Oil since it is specially 
formulated for use in STIHL engines.
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.).
WARNING
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 
moisture that gets into the mixture.
The machine‘s fuel tank should be 
cleaned as necessary.
Fuel mix ages
Only mix sufficient fuel for a few days 
work, not to exceed 3 months 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
Filler cap markings
Filler caps and fuel tanks may be 
marked in different ways. 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
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							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
31 Depending on the version, your unit may 
be equipped with a filler cap and fuel 
tank with or without symbols.
Filler cap without symbols
Opening
NRaise handle.
NTwist filler cap counterclockwise 
(approx. 1/4 turn).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:
NInsert the cap – positioning marks 
on the cap and the fuel tank opening 
must line up.
NThe cap should drop fully into the 
opening in this position.NPush the filler cap down and twist it 
clockwise until it engages.
NFlip the handle down.
Checking for proper closure
NThe lug on the grip must engage 
entirely in the recess (arrow), and 
the grip must lie completely flush 
with the top of the cap. Left: Filler cap without symbols.
Right: Filler cap with markings and 
symbols on cap and tank.
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							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
32 NGrip the cap and check for 
tightness.
NIf the cap can be moved, it is not 
properly installed.
Misalignment of the cap parts
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 rotated out 
of position vis-à-vis the top.
NSuch misalignment can result from 
handling, cleaning or an improper 
attempt at tightening.NTo correct a misalignment, turn the 
cap (with the grip up) until it drops 
fully into the tank opening.
NTwist 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.
NTwist the cap clockwise, closing it 
normally – see the sections 
"Closing" and "Checking for proper 
closure."
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.
Filler cap with markings and symbols
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. Left: Base of improperly aligned 
cap (with open space)
Right: Base of cap correctly posi-
tioned for installation
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							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
33 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.
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."
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							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
34 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.
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.
Chain LubricantFilling Chain Oil Tank
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							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
35 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".
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 Checking Chain Lubrication
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							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
36 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:
At temperatures below +50°F (+10°C):
NSqueeze the throttle trigger lockout 
and move the Master Control lever 
to l (cold start).
NTurn the knob above the rear handle 
90° counterclockwise.
NLift off the carburetor box cover 
vertically.NLift out the shutter (in front of spark 
plug) vertically.
NTurn the shutter 180°.
NRefit the shutter.
NRefit the carburetor box cover and 
secure it with the knob.
Heated air is now drawn in from around 
the cylinder to warm the carburetor – this 
helps prevent carburetor icing.
NOTICE
At temperatures above +70 °F (+ 20°C), 
always close the shutter again. This is 
necessary to avoid engine running 
problems and overheating. Full-time usage: every 3 
months
Part-time usage: every 6 
months
Occasional usage: every 12 
months
Winter Operation
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							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
37
Versions with Easy2Start
WARNING
This machine is extremely simple and 
easy to start, even for children.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal 
injury:
–do not allow children or other 
unauthorized persons to attempt to 
start or otherwise use the machine
–never allow children or 
unauthorized persons access to the 
machine
–never leave the machine 
unattended while working or during 
work breaks
–after work, store in a safe, secure 
location out of the reach of children 
and other unauthorized persons
Positions of Master Control lever
Stop 0 – engine off – the ignition is 
switched off.
Normal run positionF – engine runs or 
can fire.
Starting throttlen – this position is 
used to start a warm engine. The Master 
Control lever moves to the normal run 
position as soon as the throttle trigger is 
squeezed.
Choke closedl – this position is used 
to start a cold engine.
Setting the Master Control lever
To move the Master Control lever from 
the normal run position (F) to choke 
closed (l), press down the throttle 
trigger lockout and squeeze the throttle trigger at the same time and hold them in 
that position – now set the Master 
Control lever.
To select the starting throttle 
position (n), move the Master Control 
lever to choke closed (l) first, then 
push it into the starting throttle 
position (n).
The Master Control lever must be in the 
choke closed position (l) before it can 
be moved to to the starting throttle 
position (n).
The Master Control lever moves from 
the starting throttle position (n) to the 
normal run position (F) when you press 
down the throttle trigger lockout and blip 
the throttle trigger at the same time.
To switch off the engine, move the 
Master Control lever to Stop0. 
Choke closed (l)
–if the engine is cold 
–If the engine stalls when you open 
the throttle after starting.
–If the fuel tank was run until empty 
(engine stopped).
Starting throttle position (n)
–If the engine is warm, i.e. if it has 
been running for about one minute.
–When the engine begins to fire.
–After clearing a flooded combustion 
chamber. 
Starting / Stopping the 
Engine
STOP
0
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							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
38
Fuel pump
Press the fuel pump bulb several times – 
even if the bulb is already filled with fuel: 
–When starting for the first time.
–If the fuel tank was run until empty 
(engine stopped).
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 and press down.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.
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