71FS 240 C, FS 260 C, FS 360 C, FS 410 C, FS 460 C-M
8. Rewind starter
8.1 General
If the action of the starter rope 
becomes very stiff and the rope 
rewinds very slowly or not 
completely, it may be assumed that 
the starter mechanism is in order 
but plugged with dirt. At very low 
outside temperatures, the 
lubricating oil on the rewind spring 
may thicken and cause the spring 
windings to stick together. This has 
a detrimental effect on the function 
of the starter mechanism. 
To clean the rewind spring, it is 
sufficient to apply a few drops of a 
standard solvent-based degreasant 
not containing any chlorinated or 
halogenated hydrocarbons to the 
rewind spring.
Carefully pull out the starter rope 
several times and allow it to rewind 
until its normal smooth action is 
restored.
Before installing, lubricate the 
rewind spring and starter post with 
STIHL special lubricant, b 14.
If clogged with dirt or pitch, the 
entire starter mechanism, including 
the rewind spring, must be removed 
and disassembled. Take particular 
care when removing the rewind 
spring.
– Clean all components
ErgoStart
– Relieve the tension of the rewind 
spring, b 8.4
8.2 Starter
: Take out the screws (arrows) and 
remove the starter (1)
Installation
The shroud must be attached.
: Position starter (1) and insert and 
tighten screws (2)
5904RA188 TG
1
2 2
2
2
8.3 Pawls
– Remove starter, 
b 8.2
: Carefully ease the spring (1) off 
the starter post
– Remove pawls
Installation
: Press new pawls into 
holes (arrows) and grease the 
pegs (1), b 14
5904RA189 TG
1
5904RA190 TG
1
1