How to start a chainsaw correctly: instructions for the saw; Calm

How to start a chainsaw correctly: instructions for the Calm saw

Almost every person who lives in a private house or has a summer cottage uses a chainsaw powered by a gasoline internal combustion engine from time to time. Beginners in this regard often have a question about how to start a chainsaw correctly. It is worth noting here that professional, semi-professional and household tools are started in approximately the same way. How exactly to do this will be described in the material.

• Tool launch features
• Start according to instructions
• Tool Hold
• Starting without a starter
• Reasons why the chainsaw does not start

How to use a chainsaw?

In order for a garden chain tool to last as long as possible, the operator must learn the basic rules for its use.

These include:

• The saw engine must be warmed up before sawing wood. To do this, after starting a cold engine, you need to give it 5-7 minutes to warm up. During this time, the oil will be distributed between the moving parts of the internal combustion engine and ensure their stable operation;
• After warming up, the operator should only be able to see thin branches. It is impossible to immediately increase the engine load, as this can lead to serious damage to the crankshaft and the formation of burrs on the inner surface of the cylinder;
• You need to work with a chainsaw when cutting thick wood. They are needed to cool the engine. The correct interval includes 20 minutes of work and 10 minutes of rest;
• Before each start of work and turning off the chainsaw, it is necessary to breath the engine. To do this, the operator must sharply pull the trigger several times and quickly release it.

READ How to Replace the Drive Sprocket on a Chainsaw

If a garden tool breaks down, the operator must quickly find the cause of the problem and try to fix it. Otherwise, the tool will work under high loads, which can lead to even more serious problems.

How to start a Stihl chainsaw

Do not forget to use protective equipment that not only guarantees your safety, but also ensures comfortable work.
To launch the tool correctly, you need to follow a sequence of certain steps:

1. Activate the chain brake by pulling it forward.

2. Press the button for the decompression valve and fuel pump, if the chainsaw has them.

3. Pull the combination lever all the way down to the cold start position.

4. Place the chainsaw on a surface so that the cutting part does not touch the ground.

5. Step on the rear handle and slowly pull the trigger cable until resistance occurs.

6. Place the combination lever at half throttle to open the throttle.

7. Pull the cable again.

8. After starting the engine, briefly press the throttle lever.

9. Release the chain brake by pulling the handle towards you.

Some models are equipped with ErgoStart

, which provides easier starting. An additional spring located between the coil and the crankshaft minimizes compression pressure. Thanks to this, loads arising from jerking are completely eliminated. This modification allows you to start the engine with a smooth movement.

In addition, there is also an ElastoStart

. This technology features a built-in damping element that absorbs the stress when the trigger rope is pulled back. With the additional use of a manual fuel pump and a decompression valve, the Stihl chainsaw starts smoothly, with virtually no jerking.

A decompression system is also used to ensure an easy start. This allows you to increase the valve opening time, which contributes to less heat consumption, lower compression pressure and minimization of pumping. Due to this, the number of attempts required to start the engine is significantly reduced and the pull of the cable drive is reduced.

Some chainsaws also come with a decompression valve and a manual fuel pump. Both systems have individual advantages.

A decompression valve, for example, releases part of the compressed mixture from the cylinder to the outside, reducing the pulling force of the starting cable. Opens manually and closes automatically when first ignited.

The hand pump is controlled by a button, which is made in the form of a soft cover. Due to timely pumping of fuel, you will need much fewer starting strokes.

In addition, proper startup also implies compliance with safety precautions:

• Make sure that there are no unauthorized persons near the place of work.
• Never work alone. If necessary, your partner will be able to provide you with the necessary assistance.
• Stay at least 3 m away from the refueling site.
• Make sure that the work area is clear of possible obstacles, such as branches and fallen trees. You should also avoid slippery, icy or uneven surfaces.

The fuel supply system in the Stihl MS 211 C-BE chainsaw is additionally equipped with a manual fuel pump, which makes it easier to start the chainsaw when cold.

The instructions for starting this Calm chainsaw model contain one additional point, which is that before starting the chainsaw when cold, you need to pump fuel into the carburetor using a pump. Further, the instructions are no different from launching calm 180 and follow the same algorithm.

What happens when the primer pumps fuel, and how does this help start the saw more efficiently?

At the moment of starting the saw without a primer, several movements of the starter are carried out only so that the fuel pump, under the influence of an impulse from the saw crankcase, pumps fuel into the carburetor.

A pump installed in the fuel line allows you to manually pump gasoline into the carburetor without unnecessary movements of the starter. The effect of this action is obvious; the saw will start much faster.

Many owners of gas-powered tools mistakenly believe that using a hand pump can over-pump fuel into the carburetor and for this reason the spark plug will flood. This is fundamentally wrong, since the system is capable of circulating in a circle. Excess gasoline from the carburetor will be directed through a special hose designed for this purpose back into the tank.

There is no need to use a primer on a hot chainsaw, since the fuel in the carburetor is sufficient for starting.

Work technique

This section will be useful to study for those who are picking up the MS 180 for the first time. The technique of cross-cutting, cutting downed wood and the felling process itself are touched upon and discussed in as much detail as possible.

I would like to note that some points in the section concerning, for example, cutting down trees in a certain direction, cannot be found in the operating instructions of other chainsaw manufacturers; it is for this reason that the instructions for the 180th are unique in their content.

After reading the section, you can learn how to properly cut a tree trunk, how to trim branches and the main points regarding safe work. Moreover, all these recommendations and methods are illustrated with the help of numerous drawings and drawings that reflect the essence in as much detail as possible. Thus, the section will be understandable even to people who have never had experience using a saw.

The Shtil 180 chainsaw is a household tool, and when developing the instructions, the manufacturer took care of inexperienced users and tried to make it as detailed as possible.

Carburetor with compensator provides constant power.

Ematic automatic chain lubrication system.

Air filter easily accessible.

Anti-vibration system, hands do not get very tired from prolonged work.

Very light and easy to handle.

The modern QuickStop brake will protect the operator’s work.

Specifications

Assembling a chainsaw out of the box

The new instrument is supplied unassembled. The main components are a motor in a plastic case with control units, a bar holding the saw chain, and the chain itself.

STIHL offers two mechanisms for securing the bar and chain tensioning - side-mounted (for example, model STIHL MS 180) and quick-release (for example, model Stihl MS 230).

Assembling the saw with a side mechanism

To implement this method, a universal wrench is supplied with the saw, which is also intended for spark plugs and adjusting chain tension.

Unscrew the nuts on the side cover of the chain sprocket and remove the cover.

Rotate the chain tensioner counterclockwise until it contacts the recess in the housing.

Place the chain on the bar. Start from the top. The cutting teeth of the chain should point in a clockwise direction.

Place the loose loop of chain over the sprocket and slide the bar over the shoulder bolts.

The tension element must fit into a special hole in the tire.

Place the plastic cover on the motor housing and tighten the mounting nuts by hand. This is enough to firmly secure the tire.

You will see that the chain is slack at the bottom of the bar. Turn the chain clamp screw until there is just a little slack in the chain. That is, the protrusions of the driving links must fit into the groove of the tire.

Lift the top of the bar and tighten the chain a little more. It should fit against the tire without any gaps.

Tighten the drive sprocket cover nuts

The tire should not sag, but at the same time it can be turned by hand without effort. Check that the chain brake is released and is not blocking the chain.

If the chain is slack or overtightened, loosen the nuts and repeat the adjustment with the tensioner screw or repeat the entire operation again.

Assembling a saw with a high-speed mechanism

This method does not require additional tools.

Pull back the wing nut hook and remove the cover that contains the chain sprocket.

Place the saw chain on the guide bar, starting from the top. Pay attention to how the chain teeth are arranged. The chain rotates clockwise, so the cutting tooth is positioned forward. See photo

The entire chain must fit into the bar, then there will be a reserve left for the shank of the bar.

Replace the plastic cover. Make sure that the cover pins align with the grooves on the motor housing.

Rotate the wing nut until the cap touches the body. No need to tighten the nut!

Turn the clamping screw in the direction of the tire, that is, clockwise. The screw is located directly above the wing nut.

Now tighten the wing nut until the cap is firmly seated in place.

Make sure that the tension has occurred - the chain does not sag from below and accurately follows the groove of the bar along the entire length

Also check that the chain is not overtightened. To do this, release the chain brake (if it was engaged), then turn the chain clockwise at the top. If the chain does not move or moves with difficulty, it is overtightened.

If all the operations described above are carried out correctly, then the chain should be tensioned correctly. If this does not happen, then unscrew the nuts and repeat the procedure again.

After installing the bar and chain, install the chain brake again. This is important for safety!

We looked at the “standard” cases of assembling a chainsaw out of the box. But, if you want to replace the chain with another one in the future

, then you need to be guided by two parameters:

The chain pitch must match the chain sprocket. This size is indicated as a fraction, for example: 3/8; 0.325.

Bar groove width. Indicated in mm. The most common sizes are 1.3 – 1.6 mm.

Starting a chainsaw

Having filled the fuel mixture and lubricated the chain, you can move on to the second stage - starting the chainsaw. You will also find helpful manufacturer's instructions here.

It briefly and easily describes the main stages of this operation:

1. Check the chain tension (pull the upper middle links) . If they give way with some force, it means the chain is quite tight. If the saw chain is slack, use the tensioner and tighten it.
2. Pull the chain along the bar . Under normal voltage it rotates easily. If you have pulled the chain out, you will need to loosen it a little. At the same time, look at the position of the chain brake (wide plastic shield near the front handle). It must be turned on (pressed out of the front handle that holds the saw). At idle, when the engine warms up, we do not need to rotate the chain. So we put the brakes on this.
3. Place the chainsaw on the flat platform . Hold the front handle with your left hand. Place your right foot on the rear handle, turn on the ignition button, press the throttle and pull the starter handle sharply several times. As soon as the engine fires its first spark, we press the throttle and jerk the starter handle again until the engine starts.
4. Disengage the chain brake, making sure there are no objects under the saw that it could lift, and press the gas a few times to warm up the tool.
5. Check the oil supply to the chain. To do this, lift the saw onto any bright object (sheet of paper, board, cut stump). If there are traces of oil on it, it means that enough oil is getting into the chain.

READ How to Measure Chainsaw Chain Length

The above starting procedure is performed with a cold engine. If the saw has been running for a while and has been turned off, it is started using the starter handle without using the throttle.

If you can’t turn on and start the chainsaw

When all actions are performed according to the established order, but the chainsaw does not start working, it means there is a malfunction in its mechanism. Typically, this phenomenon is caused by common and easily fixable problems, such as lack of spark, shutoff of the fuel supply, or clogged air filter. In order to start a chainsaw, you will have to find the cause and take the necessary actions to eliminate it.

Only the right actions should be taken . If a person does not know what to do, there is no need to commit rash acts. It is prohibited to disassemble the device; be especially careful when handling the carburetor. You cannot unscrew any screws on it, because if its device caused a breakdown, then it is impossible to repair the chainsaw without professional equipment.

Actions that must be performed in strict order are listed. Only when moving from one event to another can you determine the exact cause of the malfunction and quickly eliminate it without damaging other parts. Algorithm of actions performed in case of failures in starting a chainsaw:

1. First, just let the device rest. This is especially true for saws that have been in use recently. It is enough to wait no more than 10 minutes, since during this time the mechanism will cool down and, in the absence of other breakdowns, will easily start. Sometimes it happens that during the installation the candle near the device is filled with water. If this unpleasant behavior occurs, then it is enough to wait a very short pause and repeat all the steps again to start the engine.
2. The housing cover is unscrewed from the device to remove the air filter . The process of starting the device is carried out in its absence. Sometimes the reason for no ignition is that the filter is dirty. If ignition occurs without it, then this is the reason. To eliminate these troubles, just wash the filter under running, warm water and soap, then dry it. You can also replace the old element with a new one.
3. The spark plug is removed. The spark is checked. If it does not appear, you need to replace the old spark plug with a new one. Usually this helps and a spark appears, but in some cases there is no spark even when replacing the mixture.

This means that the ignition unit is damaged and the chainsaw needs professional repair. Sometimes there is a malfunction of the ignition unit even if there is a spark, so this criterion cannot be used to eliminate the likelihood of a breakdown.

When a spark appears and you cannot get the device to work, you must continue to follow the steps below.

• There are times when a spark appears, but the spark plug itself is wet. This is possible if gasoline gets on it. To get rid of it, just turn the device over so that the cylinder is facing downwards. Then all the excess liquid will pour out. Next, you should check the combustion chamber, for which you need to pull the starter more than 10 times. You can try to replace a candle damaged by moisture and then check the effectiveness of its operation. If it becomes faulty, you can replace this element with a new one. After these steps, you need to try to activate the device again.
• Sometimes the candle remains dry . In this case, it is necessary to fill the syringe with gasoline mixture and pass it into the cylinder. After this, you should immediately try to start the device. If the reason for a long lack of response to attempts to turn on is debris that has gotten into the carburetor, then when it is removed there should be no interference with the flow of fuel into the combustion chamber. The mechanism for successful garbage collection is determined by the flow of liquid when pouring the gasoline mixture, so you need to pour fuel with force, and then almost immediately try to start the device.
• The muffler is removed. To do this, it is unscrewed and carefully removed so as not to deform the gasket separating it from the engine. You should try to start the mechanism without using an air filter and muffler, which helps to prevent damage to these structural elements.
  

  If there is any damage to the cylinder walls, we can conclude that it will have to be repaired professionally or replaced with a new one. Typically, such malfunctions are caused by insufficient oil concentration in the fuel.

If the chainsaw chain is not lubricated.

When operating a chainsaw, friction occurs between the bar and the chain. To avoid premature wear, constant lubrication of the chain mechanism is necessary. For this purpose, a special pump is provided that supplies lubricant in doses, taking into account the number of engine revolutions.

If the device circuit is not lubricated enough, then you need to look for the cause in channels clogged with sawdust, or in a leaking oil line. In addition, leakage can also be observed in the area of ​​the oil pump fittings. It is advisable to clean the channel from time to time, and also monitor the amount of oil in the tank, which will allow the operator to work with the tool for a long time.

The chainsaw starts and stalls. Why?

There are several simple rules for operating and maintaining a chainsaw, compliance with which will maximize its service life. Preparing the correct fuel mixture, regularly cleaning filters and periodically replacing parts will save you from the need to repair your tool for a long time. If it was not possible to avoid a breakdown, then you can figure out its cause completely on your own. This applies to any brands of chainsaws, from the more complex Husqvarna and Shtil models to the simplest Makita and Patriot models.

The chainsaw immediately stalls

What to do if the chainsaw stalls immediately after starting?
First you need to check the presence of fuel in the gas tank. If its level is not sufficient, then you need to prepare the fuel mixture in strict accordance with the ratio of gasoline and oil prescribed in the operating instructions. Gasoline must have the highest possible octane number, and the required brand of oil is usually indicated in the chainsaw’s data sheet. Next, we check the spark plug, as well as the contact of its tip with the high-voltage wire. The gap between them should be no more than 0.5 mm. If necessary, the candle is cleaned of carbon deposits and dried. It is recommended to occasionally change the spark plug to a completely new one. The reasons why the tool stalls when you press the gas lie in the fuel filter or carburetor jet. Cleaning the gas filter will not take much time and effort, but it is better to entrust the disassembly and cleaning of the carburetor to the service center specialists.

Chainsaw stalls at idle

There are common cases when a chainsaw stalls at idle. First of all, you need to check the muffler, and, if it is dirty, clean it from exhaust tar deposits. Also on carburetors of some models and others there are bolts marked H and L - coarse and fine adjustment, respectively. By adjusting the bolt L while the chainsaw is running so that its speed increases (turning the bolt only half a turn is enough), it is possible to eliminate this problem. Adjusting the carburetor requires an electronic tachometer and is a rather labor-intensive process. That is why in such cases it is better to turn to professionals.

Chainsaw stalls under load

If the chainsaw stalls under load, the cause may be the fuel system or a dirty air filter. Changing the fuel while maintaining the correct gasoline/oil ratio or cleaning the air filter are universal solutions to this problem. An incorrectly prepared mixture of low-quality gasoline and, for example, machine oil is the main reason for the malfunction of a chainsaw, including when it heats up and stalls.

Chainsaw stalls when tilted

When the chainsaw is in a horizontal position, the fuel tube lies at the bottom of the gas tank, but when the tool is tilted, the tube is above the fuel mixture, i.e. in the airspace. This is precisely the reason why a chainsaw stalls on its side.

Chainsaw stalls at high speeds

If the tool stalls at high speeds, you need to check three parts: the air filter, the fuel pump and the gasoline filter. The air filter needs to be cleaned, you can even wash it under water and dry it thoroughly. Then just disconnect the fuel hose from the carburetor and see whether fuel flows out of it or not. If it flows in a full stream, the gasoline filter does not need to be checked. If on the contrary, then a fault has been found. The breather can be cleaned with a regular needle, and the filter can be carefully disconnected from the suction hose, cleaned, or replaced with a new one. The gasoline pump is checked for wear: if fuel does not leak through it, then everything is fine with it. If the problem that your tool stalls at full speed is due to some damage to the pump, then this part simply needs to be replaced with a new one.

About the service center

Repair and service of garden equipment in Moscow.

Specialized service - comprehensive warranty and post-warranty service for gardening and municipal equipment from world manufacturers! We sell spare parts with delivery throughout Russia!

User guide

Operating instructions for the Stihl saw:

• Saw monitoring is the most reliable safety equipment;
• Operation of the chainsaw should begin after a break period (break periods from 5 to 7 hours); until a breakdown occurs, it is forbidden to operate the saw at maximum speed - only under moderate load conditions;
• Be sure to turn off the chainsaw before putting it down;
• Before starting work, make sure that the chainsaw is in good working order;
• The mixing ratio of oil and gasoline is 1:40, this proportion is recommended for the most efficient operation of the engine, dilute gasoline with oil in the correct ratio, according to the instructions;
• You need to refuel your chainsaw with fresh fuel every four weeks;
• Make cuts according to the instructions - longitudinally or sideways of the bar, do not try to put pressure on the saw blade while working, but only orient the chainsaw.

Service:

• Every day, in accordance with maintenance standards, the device is checked for damage, the air filter is cleaned, tires and chains are lubricated, the condition of the spark plug, ignition system, fuel filter is cleaned once a month, a fresh fuel mixture is prepared, and the carburetor is adjusted annually;
• The chain should be tightened when it is loose, if the chain is dull and cannot be sharpened, replace it with a new one, the chain tension is adjusted by a bolt on the outer side edge of the chainsaw body. To sharpen the chain, you can use a special machine or contact a specialist.

READ How to Adjust the Carburetor on a Carver Chainsaw

Product reserve

The Stihl MS 180 C-BE 14 35 cm chainsaw is an improved version of the Stihl MS 180 saw - it has an ErgoStart ease-of-start system and tool-free lateral chain tension. The tool is suitable for collecting firewood, forming tree crowns, knots, erecting wooden structures, sawing tree trunks, as well as performing other simple household work. The Shtil chainsaw has high cutting capabilities, wide functionality and low weight. A high level of ergonomics ensures ease of use regardless of the complexity of the task. The device is equipped with a 14-inch tire (35 cm), providing the ability to work with trees with a diameter of up to 30 cm.

The STIHL MS 180 C-BE petrol saw has a modern vibration protection system. The anti-vibration system is located in the area of ​​the saw handles and significantly dampens the vibration transmitted from the engine. The tool is equipped with a modern lubrication system that regulates the amount of lubricant supplied. The control button for cold and hot start, turning the tool on and off is represented by a separate lever. This makes handling the saw safe, since the operator's hand always remains on the handle.

Features and benefits of Stihl MS 180 C-BE 14 35 cm

• ErgoStart starting aid
• Side pressing of the chain without using a tool
• Light weight
• Convenience
• QuickStop chain brake
• Safety
• Quick chain tension
• Modern vibration protection system
• Modern lubrication system