How to Repair a Stihl Chainsaw

By isolating your problem in one of these three categories, you will be able to quickly locate the problem and fix the saw.

Ignition Test

1. Remove the spark plug’s rubber adapter and use the spark plug wrench to take out the spark plug. Check to make sure the rubber plug and wire aren’t damaged in any way.

2. Clean the spark plug with the gas and toothbrush. Scrape off all of the deposits from the tip and gap. Wipe down with the rag.

3. Install the spark plug into the rubber plug. Let the wire and spark plug hang loose next to a metal spot on the engine’s body.

4. Pull the starter cord slowly and look for a spark across the metal points. If there isn’t a spark, replace the spark plug and repeat test.

5. Remove the spark plug wire and check the starter coil. Replace them if damaged.

Air Test

1. Remove the air filter cover and the air filter. Clean the air filter with gas, toothbrush and rag. Get rid of as much debris from the air filter’s screen as you can. Replace if old or too dirty to clean.

2. Use the Allen wrench to remove the muffler’s cover. Pull out the spark arresting screen from inside the muffler. Clean the screen and replace if damaged.

3. Pull on the starter cord to determine if your saw has compression. If the saw has compression, the engine will make a whirring and chugging noise. If there is no compression, use the screwdriver to remove the starter cover.

4. Make sure the pull cord is properly attached to the rewind string. Replace the cord if it is heavily frayed or damaged.

5. Clean inside the starter housing area with the gas, toothbrush and rag.

Fuel Test

1. Remove the gas cap and inspect the fuel filter; replace if clogged or dirty. Check the fuel lines for any cracks or holes; replace any damaged lines.

2. Clean the gas tank with the toothbrush and rag if it is dirty.

3. Take off the air filter cover and air filter again. Depress the throttle to open the carburetor (little swinging flap that opens when throttled). Spray starter fluid into the hole.

4. Remove, disassemble and clean the entire carburetor. Replace any worn parts and seals. Replace carburetor if it is heavily damaged.

5. Refill tank with fresh gas with a 50:1 gas-oil ratio.

Bar and Chain Repair

1. Remove the clutch cover, chain and bar from the saw. Inspect the bar’s sprocket tip to ensure it spins freely around the bar.

2. Pull off the E-clip washer that attaches the flywheel to the clutch. Remove the sprocket and washer and replace if heavily worn down.

3. Inspect the clutch drum for heavy damage and replace if necessary.

4. Use clutch removal tool to remove the clutch. Inspect the clutch spring and clutch for any damage. Replace only if necessary.

5. Pull off the clutch assembly and inspect the oil pump for any damage. If extremely dirty or damaged. Unscrew the oil pump's mounting screws and pull off the oil pump. Disassemble and clean the oil pump if there are noticeable problems, like cracks or leaking. Replace the worm drive, drive sprocket and oil plug. Lubricate these parts before reinstalling the oil pump.