Carburetor Settings for a Stihl Chainsaw SCREW(H) CAUTION!

Adjustment of the high speed adjusting screw(H)not only affects the poweroutput but also the maximum off-load engine speed. If the setting is too lean(screw tur ned too far clockwise), the maximum permissible engine speed willbe exceeded. Th is can cause engine damage, brought about by lack of lubrication and overheating in particular. Corrections to the setting of thehigh speed adjusting screw may be carried out only if an accuratetachometer is available to check the maximum e ngine speed of 13,000 rpm(with bar and correctly tensioned chain).When the engin e is tested at the factory the carburetor is set to obtain a slightly richer mix ture toensure that the cylinder bore and the bearings receive additional lubrica tion during the break-inperiod. This setting should be left as it is for the fir st three tank fillings. The high speed adjustingscrew may then be turned no more than 1/4 turn clockwise (leaner mixture). Caution: Theengine s maximum permissibl e rpm must not be exceeded! Note that even slight alterations onthe adjusting sc rews have a noticeable effect on the engine s running behavior. Only carry outcarb uretor adjustments after cleaning the air filter and warming up the engine.If yo u have no means of checking the maximum engine speed, do not set the high speeda djusting screw (H) any leaner by turning it (clockwise) beyond the basic setting below! Safe Basic Setting For Screws (H) & (L) Carefully screw the two adjusting Screws (H) & (L) down onto their seats (clockw ise). Then:High speed adjusting screw (H): back off 1 complete turnLow speed adj usting screw (L): back off 1 complete turn Basic Setting For Screw (LA) Turn idle speed adjusting screw (LA) until the chain stops. Then turn counter-cl ockwise onequarter of a turn. Fine Tuning Screw(L)Erratic idling behavior; poor acceleration Idle setting too lean; turn low speed adjusting screw (L) counterclockwise until engine runs andaccelerates smoothly. Now readjust screw (LA). Exhaust smokes at idle speed Idle speed setting too rich; turn low speed adjusting screw (L) clockwise until engine speed drops. Then turn screw back one quarter turn and check that engine still accelerates smoothly when youopen the throttle. Now readjust screw (LA). Stihl ChainsawTroubleshootingGuide 1. Compression Test Can you lift the saw off the ground with the pull rope?2. Fu el Test- Remove air filter and cover and spray starter fluid in thecarburetorand try to start.Use a 50:1fuel mixture with premium fuel3. Spark Test Removespark plugclean with solvent & wire brush. Reconnect plug wire and letplug hang close to engine block (away from any gas) pull starter rope and look for spark, dimlig hting makes it easier to see. If no spark replace plug and try again. Check off/ on switch andwire coming from coil. If still no spark replace coil. (Older saws clean and adjust points first)4. Saw runs on starter fluid (see reply from David below) not on gas in tank. Check gas tank forold gas, empty old gas look for syr up gunk in the bottom of the tank, if present clean and rinseseveral times until clean (I use carburetor cleaner & gas and any brush that can reach in and notmel t) Try to start with fresh gas mix. If it doesn t start check and replace fuel lin e and pick-up. If itstill doesn t start remove carburetor and check manifold boot (tube between carburetor andengine) replace if needed and try to start. If it st ill doesn t start removecarburetor, disassemble and clean carburetor, you may have to disassemble and soak in solvent over night try not to getsolvent or carburet or cleaner on gaskets. Check gaskets, diaphragm gasket should be smoothand puffy not wrinkled or wilted if in doubt replace. Carburetor kits are around $8-$15 a nd includeall gaskets, needle and spring. Reassemble (making sure all gaskets ar e positioned properly) andtry to start if it still doesn t start replace carbureto r.