FS 160, FS 220, FS 280, FS 290
English
87
The carburetor comes from the factory 
with a standard setting.
This setting provides an optimum fuel-air 
mixture under most operating 
conditions.
It ensures your machine will deliver 
maximum power, be fuel efficient and 
operate reliably.
Standard Setting
N Stopping the engine
N Mount the cutting attachment.
N Check the air filter and clean or 
replace as necessary.
N Check that the throttle cable is 
properly adjusted – readjust if 
necessary – see chapter on 
"Adjusting the Throttle Cable".
N Carefully turn the high speed 
screw (H) and low speed screw (L) 
clockwise down onto their seats.
N Turn the high speed screw (H) one 
full turn counterclockwise.
N Turn the low speed screw (L) one 
full turn counterclockwise.
N Start and warm up the engine.
N Adjust idle speed with the idle speed 
screw (LA) so that the cutting 
attachment does not rotate.
Fine tuning (adjusting maximum RPM)
A slight correction of the setting of the 
high speed screw (H) may be necessary 
if engine power is not satisfactory when 
operating at high altitude, sea level or 
after changing the cutting attachment.
Fine tuning is performed with the high 
speed screw (H). It influences the 
machine's power and maximum RPM 
and must not be closed beyond the 
basic setting.
Fine tuning with mowing head
The mowing lines must extend as far as 
the blade on the deflector.
N Carry out the standard setting.
N Warm up the engine for 
about 1 minute at full throttle, then 
return to idling speed.  
N Turn the high speed screw (H) a 1/2 
turn counterclockwise.
N Open the throttle wide.
At high altitude
N Turn the high speed screw (H) 
clockwise (leaner) until there is no 
further noticeable increase in 
engine speed.
N Turn the high speed screw (H) 1/8 
turn counterclockwise.
At sea level
N Turn the high speed screw (H) 
counterclockwise (richer) until there 
is no further noticeable increase in 
engine speed.
It is possible that maximum engine 
speed may be reached with the standard 
setting.
Fine tuning with metal cutting 
attachment
NOTICE
This adjustment may only be performed 
by trained personnel with the aid of a 
tachometer. STIHL recommends a 
STIHL servicing dealer.
Adjusting the Carburetor