Stihl Ms230c Manual

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
59
Cooling inlets CleanX
Cylinder fins CleanXX
CarburetorCheck idle adjustment – chain must not rotateXX
Readjust idleX
Spark plugReadjust electrode gapX
Replace after 100 hours of operation
All accessible screws and nuts (not adjusting 
screws) 
2)RetightenX
Spark arresting screen in muffler (not all markets)Check
1)X
Clean, replace if necessary
1)X
Chain catcherCheckX
ReplaceX
Safety labels ReplaceX
1)STIHL recommends a STIHL servicing dealer.2)Firmly tighten down the cylinder base screws of professional saws (3.4 kW or more) after 10 to 20 hours of operation. The following maintenance intervals apply for normal operating conditions only. If your daily working 
time is longer or operating conditions are difficult (very dusty work area, resin-rich wood, tropical 
wood, etc.), shorten the specified intervals accordingly. If you only use the saw occasionally, extend 
the intervals accordingly.
before starting work
after finishing work or daily
after each refueling stop
weekly
monthly
every 12 months
if problem
if damaged
if required 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
601Carburetor Box Cover Twist Lock
2Carburetor Adjusting Screws
3Fuel Pump
1)
4Decompression Valve 
(Automatically Resetting)1)
5Chain Brake
6Muffler
7Chain Sprocket
8Chain Sprocket Cover
9Chain Catcher
10Side Chain Tensioner
1)
11Front Chain Tensioner1)
12Guide Bar
13Oilomatic Saw Chain
14Adjusting Wheel for Quick Chain 
Tensioner
1)
15Handle of Wingnut (Quick Chain 
Tensioner1))
16Oil Filler Cap
17Bumper Spike
18Front Hand Guard
19Front Handle (Handlebar)
20Starter Grip
21Spark Plug Boot
22Master Control Lever
23Fuel Filler Cap
24Throttle Trigger
25Throttle Trigger Lockout
26Rear Handle
27Rear Hand Guard
#Serial Number
Main Parts
93
14
56
7
8
910
11
13 12
814
15
2
24
26
27
17
16
18
19
21
20
23
22
25
#
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							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
61
Definitions
1 Carburetor Box Cover Twist Lock
Lock for carburetor box cover.
2 Carburetor Adjusting Screws
For tuning the carburetor.
3 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 Side Chain Tensioner
Permits precise adjustment of chain 
tension.11 Front Chain Tensioner
Permits precise adjustment of chain 
tension.
12 Guide Bar
Supports and guides the saw chain.
13 Oilomatic Saw Chain
A loop consisting of cutters, tie 
straps and drive links.
14 Adjusting Wheel for Quick Chain 
Tensioner
Permits precise adjustment of chain 
tension.
15 Handle of Wingnut (Quick Chain 
Tensioner)
Has to be released to tension chain 
with adjusting wheel.
16 Oil Filler Cap
For closing the oil tank.
17 Bumper Spike
Toothed stop for holding saw steady 
against wood.
18 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.
19 Front Handle (Handlebar)
Handlebar for the left hand at the 
front of the saw.
20 Starter Grip
The grip of the pull starter, for 
starting the engine.
21 Spark Plug Boot
Connects the spark plug with the 
ignition lead.22 Master Control Lever
Lever for choke control, starting 
throttle, run and stop switch 
position.
23 Fuel Filler Cap
For closing the fuel tank.
24 Throttle Trigger
Controls the speed of the engine.
25 Throttle Trigger Lockout
Must be depressed before the 
throttle trigger can be activated.
26 Rear Handle
The support handle for the right 
hand, located at the rear of the saw.
27 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 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
62
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
CARB
The Emission Compliance Period used 
on the CARB-Air Index Label indicates 
the terms:
Engine
STIHL single cylinder two-stroke engineMS 210, MS 210 C
MS 230, MS 230 C
MS 250, MS 250 C
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
Specifications
A = 300 hours
B = 125 hours
C = 50 hours
Extended = 300 hours
Intermediate = 125 hours
Moderate = 50 hoursDisplacement: 2.15 cu.in 
(35.2 cm
3)
Bore: 1.6 in. (40 mm)
Stroke: 1.1 in. (28 mm)
Engine power to 
ISO 7293:2.0 HP (1.5 kW) 
at 9,000 rpm
Idle speed: 2,800 rpm
High speed setting 
when performing 
repairs (with bar and 
chain): 12,500 rpm
Displacement: 2.45 cu.in 
(40.2 cm
3)
Bore: 1.6 in. (40 mm)
Stroke: 1.26 in (32 mm)
Engine power to 
ISO  7293:2.5 HP (1.9 kW) 
at 10,000 rpm
Idle speed: 2,800 rpm
High speed setting 
when performing 
repairs (with bar and 
chain): 14,000 rpm
Displacement: 2.77 cu.in 
(45.4 cm
3)
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
High speed setting 
when performing 
repairs (with bar and 
chain): 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 210: 9.7 lbs 
(4.4 kg)
MS 210 C with quick chain 
adjuster and 
Easy2Start:10.6 lbs 
(4.8 kg)
MS 230: 10.1 lbs 
(4.6 kg)
MS 230 C with quick chain 
adjuster and 
Easy2Start:10.8 lbs 
(4.9 kg)
MS 250: 10.1 lbs 
(4.6 kg)
MS 250 C with quick chain 
adjuster and 
Easy2Start:10.8 lbs 
(4.9 kg) 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
63 Cutting Attachments for MS 210, 
MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C
Recommended cutting attachments 
complying with Section 5.11 of 
ANSI B 175.1-2000.
Observe notes on ANSI B 175.1-2000 
and definition of "low kickback chain" in 
chapter on "Safety Precautions and 
Working Techniques".
Rollomatic E 3/8" guide bars
3/8" P chain
Chain sprocket
Cutting Attachments for MS 250, 
MS 250 C
Recommended cutting attachments 
complying with Section 5.11 of 
ANSI B 175.1-2000.Observe notes on ANSI B 175.1-2000 
and definition of "low kickback chain" in 
chapter on "Safety Precautions and 
Working Techniques".
Rollomatic E 3/8" guide bars
Rollomatic E .325" guide bars
3/8" P chain
.325" saw chainChain sprockets
Cutting Attachments for MS 210, 
MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, 
MS 250 C
To ensure compliance with the kickback 
properties required in Section 5.11 of 
ANSI B 175.1-2000, only use 
replacement chains that, when used 
with this specific powerhead, comply 
with Section 5.11 of the ANSI standard 
or are classed as "low kickback" chains 
according to ANSI B 175.1-2000.
Please ask your STIHL dealer for the 
latest recommendations on new 
bar/chain combinations developed after 
publication of this instruction manual. Reduced kickback STIHL guide bar 
(with green label)
Cutting lengths: 12, 14, 16 cm (30, 
35, 40 cm)
Pitch: 3/8" P (9.32 mm)
Groove width: 0.050 in (1.3 mm)
Nose sprocket: 9-tooth
Low kickback STIHL saw chains (with 
green label)
Picco Micro 3 (63 PM3) Type 3636
Picco Duro (63 PD3) Type 3612
Pitch: 3/8" P (9.32 mm)
Drive link gauge: 0.050 in (1.3 mm)
6-tooth for 3/8" (spur sprocket)Reduced kickback STIHL guide bar 
(with green label)
Cutting lengths: 12, 14, 16, 18 in 
(30, 35, 40, 45 cm)
Pitch: 3/8" P (9.32 mm)
Groove width: 0.050 in (1.3 mm)
Nose sprocket: 9-tooth
Reduced kickback STIHL guide bar 
(with green label)
Cutting lengths: 16, 18 in (40, 
45 cm)
Pitch: .325" (8.25 mm)
Groove width: 0.063 in (1.6 mm)
Nose sprocket: 11-tooth
Low kickback STIHL saw chains (with 
green label)
Picco Micro 3 (63 PM3) Type 3636
Picco Duro (63 PD3) Type 3612
Pitch: 3/8" P (9.32 mm)
Drive link gauge: 0.050 in (1.3 mm)
Low kickback STIHL saw chains (with 
green label)
Rapid Micro 3 (26 RM3) Type 3634
Pitch: .325" (8.25 mm)
Drive link gauge: 0.063 in (1.6 mm)6-tooth for 3/8" (spur sprocket)
7-tooth for 0.325" (spur sprocket) 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
64 Contact your STIHL dealer for 
information regarding special 
accessories that may be available for 
your product.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. Other repair work may be 
performed only by authorized STIHL 
service shops.
Warranty claims following repairs can be 
accepted only if the repair has been 
performed by an authorized STIHL 
servicing dealer using original STIHL 
replacement parts.
Original 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.
Special AccessoriesOrdering Spare Parts
Model
Serial number
Guide bar part number
Chain part number
Maintenance and Repairs 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
65 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.Allocation of STIHL Incorporated 
warranty declarations on compliance 
with emission requirements for the 
following models:
STIHL Incorporated Federal Emission 
Control Warranty Statement
–MS 250
–MS 230 (not for California)
–MS 210 (not for California)
STIHL Incorporated California Exhaust 
and Evaporative Emissions Control 
Warranty Statement
–MS 230 (for California only)
–MS 210 (for California only)
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.
Disposal
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							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
66
Manufacturer's Warranty Coverage
In the U.S., 1997 and later model year 
small off-road equipment engines are 
warranted for two years. If any emission-
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 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 
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 
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 and 
you have signed and sent back the 
warranty card to STIHL.
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 part is 
defective. However, if you claim 
warranty for a 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  
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
67 damages to other engine components 
caused by the failure of a 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
–Clamps
–FastenersWhere to make a Claim for Warranty 
Service
Bring the product to any authorized 
STIHL servicing dealer and present the 
signed warranty card.
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,
and
Nreplacement of parts and other 
services and adjustments 
necessary for required maintenance 
at and after the first scheduled 
replacement point.
For California only
Your Warranty Rights and Obligations
The California Air Resources Board 
(CARB) and STIHL Incorporated are 
pleased to explain the emission control 
system warranty on your 2013 and later 
small off-road equipment engine.
In California, new equipment that uses 
small off-road engines must be 
designed, built, and equipped to meet 
the State's stringent anti-smog 
standards. STIHL Incorporated must 
warrant the emissions control system on 
your small off-road engine for the period 
listed below provided there has been no 
abuse, neglect or improper maintenance 
of your small off-road engine.
Your emissions control system may 
include parts such as the carburetor or 
fuel-injection system, the ignition 
system, and catalytic converter. Also 
included may be hoses, belts, 
connectors or 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, parts 
and labor.
STIHL Incorporated 
California Exhaust and 
Evaporative Emissions 
Control Warranty Statement 
						

							MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
English
68 Manufacturer’s Warranty 
Responsibilities
This emissions control system is 
warranted for two years in California. If 
any emissions-related part on your 
equipment 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 
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 your 
failure to ensure the performance of all 
scheduled maintenance.
As the small off-road equipment engine 
owner, you should however be aware 
that STIHL Incorporated may deny you 
warranty coverage if your small off-road 
equipment engine or a part has failed 
due to abuse, neglect, or improper 
maintenance or unapproved 
modifications.
You are responsible for presenting your 
small off-road equipment engine to a 
STIHL servicing dealer as soon as the 
problem exists. The warranty repairs 
should 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 toSTIHL Inc., 536 Viking Drive,
P.O. Box 2015,
Virginia Beach, VA 23450-2015.
Coverage by STIHL Incorporated
STIHL Incorporated warrants to the 
ultimate purchaser and each 
subsequent purchaser that your small 
off-road equipment engine is designed, 
built and equipped, at the time of sale, to 
meet all applicable emission 
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 
to applicable emission regulations for a 
period of two years.
Defects Warranty Period
The warranty periods will begin on the 
date the utility equipment engine is 
purchased by the initial purchaser. If any 
emission-related part on your engine is 
defective, the part will be replaced by 
STIHL Incorporated at no cost to the 
owner.
Add-on or modified parts that are not 
exempted by CARB may not be used. 
The use of any non-exempted add-on or 
modified parts will be grounds for 
disallowing a warranty claim. STIHL 
Incorporated will not be liable to warrant 
failures of warranted parts caused by the 
use of a non-exempted add-on or 
modified part.The warranty on emissions-related parts 
will be interpreted as follows:
1.Any warranted part that is not 
scheduled for replacement as 
required maintenance in the written 
instructions required in the 
Emission Warranty Parts List (see 
below) must be warranted for the 
warranty period defined in 
Subsection COVERAGE BY STIHL 
INCORPORATED, see above. If 
any such part fails during the period 
of warranty coverage, it must be 
repaired or replaced by the 
manufacturer according to 
Subsection (4) below. Any such part 
repaired or replaced under the 
warranty must be warranted for the 
remaining warranty period.
2.Any warranted part that is 
scheduled only for regular 
inspection in the written instructions 
required by the Emission Warranty 
Parts List (see below) must be 
warranted for the warranty period 
defined in Subsection COVERAGE 
BY STIHL INCORPORATED, see 
above. A statement in such written 
instructions to the effect of "repair or 
replace as necessary" will not 
reduce the period of warranty 
coverage. Any such part repaired or 
replaced under warranty must be 
warranted for the remaining 
warranty period.
3.Any warranted part that is 
scheduled for replacement as 
required maintenance in the written 
instructions required by the 
Emission Warranty Parts List (see 
below) must be warranted for the 
period of time prior to the first 
scheduled replacement point for