EasyManua.ls Logo

Stihl MS 18 - User Manual

Stihl MS 18
44 pages
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Loading...
© STIHL Inc., Virginia Beach, VA 2013
Setup and Service Procedures for the
MS 170, MS 180 Chain Saw
© STIHL Inc., Virginia Beach, VA 2013 US/STR
confidential
Introduction
The MS 170, MS 180 chain saw has a 2-cycle engine
STIHL assigns a 4 digit series number to every product
The MS 170, MS 180 is assigned the 1130 series number
The 1130 series of saw was introduced to the market in
1995 as an 017, and then in 1998 the 018 was added
In 2002 the model designation changed from 017 to MS
170, and 018 to MS 180
1
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Stihl MS 18 and is the answer not in the manual?

Stihl MS 18 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandStihl
ModelMS 18
CategorySaw
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Kickback Safety

Install the Bar and Chain

Handling Chain Safety

Always wear gloves when handling saw chain to protect hands from cutters.

Install Bar & Chain: Cutter Orientation

Install Bar & Chain: Non-QCA Saws

Correct Chain Tension

Chain Rotation Check

Pull chain from top; should rotate freely with no slack when brake is disengaged.

Tension Verification Method

Pull chain at center; bottom drive link should just clear bar groove.

Chain Brake

Quickstop Braking System

Chain stops/locks when hand guard is pushed or via inertia in kickback.

Starting the 1130 Saw: Fuel and Oil

Starting the 1130 Saw: Controls

Instruction Manual: Safe Starting Procedures

Ground Starting Position

Place saw on ground, firm footing, check chain clearance.

Foot Placement for Starting

Put right foot into rear handle, press down firmly.

Alternative Starting Method

Hold rear handle between legs, pull starter grip slowly then pull strongly.

Starter Rope Handling Safety

Guide starter grip slowly back into housing to prevent rope damage.

First Time Start-Up: Initial Pull

False Start Procedure

When engine starts (false start), move lever to #2 (choke open), pull rope again.

First Time Start-Up: Idle Engagement Warning

Overheating Risk at Fast Idle

Leaving saw in fast idle with brake engaged can overheat clutch/brake components.

First Time Start-Up: Warm Up Procedure

Full Throttle Load Warning

Never run engine at full throttle without load for more than a few seconds.

Bar & Chain Oiler Check

Fault Analysis: STIHL Engine Check

Systematic Fault Identification

Use systematic approach to identify and address all present faults for quick diagnosis.

5. Operator Controls: Interlock and Throttle

5. Operator Controls: Master Control Lever

Throttle and Choke Interplay

Squeeze throttle fully open; actuate lever to full choke, then release throttle.

5. Operator Controls: Chain Brake Handle

Chain Brake Handle Click Test

Actuate handle back/forth; an audible 'click' should be heard.

Sprocket Rotation - Forward Position

In the forward position, the sprocket must not turn.

Sprocket Rotation - Backward Position

In the back position, the sprocket must spin easily.

6. Verify Anti-vibration Components: Testing

7. Inspect Starter System

Rope Extension Safety

Pull rope to full length; ensure it is not about to break at the very end.

8. Inspect Air Filter & 9. Inspect Air Filter Housing

10. Carburetor Mixture Screws

10. Carburetor Mixture Screws: 1130 Saw Specifics

1130 Saw: No Mixture Screws

1130 saws lack mixture screws/limiter caps; H/L holes are blocked internally.

1130 Saw: Idle Speed Adjustment

Only adjustment is idle speed screw; affects mixture slightly.

12. Spark Test: Initial Procedure

Spark Tester Procedure

Connect tester, pull rope as if starting; if no spark, try new plug.

12. Spark Test: Advanced Diagnosis

Ground Wire Disconnection Test

If no spark with new plug, disconnect ground wire from ignition module and re-test.

Module vs. Stop Circuit Faults

No spark implies faulty module; spark implies faulty stop circuit.

12. Ignition Shut-Off Function Test

Shut-Off Verification

Place lever in OFF, pull rope; verify no spark is present.

13. Spark Plug Selection and Gapping

13. Spark Plug Appearance Analysis

15. Cylinder Leak Down Test

Two-Stroke Leak Down Test

Tests ring sealing with flywheel blocked; not typically necessary.

Four-Stroke Leak Down Test

Always done on four-stroke as piston/rings aren't visually observable.

Valve Sealing Verification

Leak down test also verifies intake and exhaust valves are sealing properly.

16. Inspect Exhaust Port and Piston Condition

16. Inspect Exhaust Port and Piston: Lubrication Test

18. Magneto Air Gap Adjustment

19. Fuel Tank: Contamination Check

19. Fuel Tank: Fuel Sample Analysis

Fuel Contaminant Identification

Pour fuel into pan; check for trash, debris, or contaminants like water.

20. Fuel Filter: Inspection and Tooling

20. Fuel Filter: Backflow Test

Filter Restriction Backflow Test

Backflow filter with pressure pump to verify it is not restricted.

Flow Verification Procedure

Hook tester, pump tester; no pressure should build; wet filter should flow fuel.

21. Pressure Test Fuel Line

Isolated Fuel Line Pressure Test

Plug one end of fuel line and test through the other; should hold steady at 10 PSI.

Fuel Line Integrity Check

Line is OK if it holds steady; carb also passes if line holds pressure.

Leak Isolation Procedure

If gauge doesn't hold, isolate fuel line and test separately to find fault.

21. Pressure Test Fuel Line: Isolated Test

Isolated Fuel Line Test Procedure

Plug one end of fuel line and test through the other; should hold steady at 10 PSI.

22. Pressure Test Fuel Tank

Tank Pressure Test Preparation

Ensure tank is empty before applying pressure.

Tank Leak Verification

Test verifies tank has no leaks (grommet, seam, cap, hose); apply ~8 PSI max.

23. Vacuum Test Tank Vent

Tank Vent Vacuum Test Procedure

Pump to see negative pressure; needle should move back to zero rapidly.

Vent Replacement Criteria

If needle doesn't leak back to zero quickly, replace tank vent and re-test.

24. Inspect Piston Intake Side

Scoring;Dull Gray Appearance Indicator

Indicates lack of lubrication, dirt ingestion, or other running problems.

25. Impulse Signal Present: 1130 Saw Test

Impulse Test Setup

Remove sealing ring, use adapter, connect tester to impulse port.

Impulse Signal Verification

Rotate flywheel; needle bounce indicates impulse signal is present.

26. Crankcase Vacuum;Pressure Test: Principle

Crankcase Airtight Requirement

Two-stroke needs airtight crankcase; test for leaks at gaskets, seals.

26. Crankcase Vacuum;Pressure Test: Procedure

26. Crankcase Vacuum;Pressure Test: Testing

Vacuum Test Execution

Pull 0.5 bar vacuum; should hold steady or not leak back to 0.3 bar within 20 seconds.

Vacuum Seal Verification

Rotate crankshaft under vacuum; verify seals are holding properly.

Pressure Test Execution

Pump 0.5 bar pressure into engine; should hold steady for at least 20 seconds.

Pressure Test Results Interpretation

Initial Failure Check Points

Check sealing plate, spark plug with soapy water if failing pressure test.

27. Crankshaft and Bearing Condition

28. Carburetor Inspection and Testing

Final Check: Roll Out Test

Related product manuals