MS 194 C
English
9
the idle position. The Master Control 
Lever / stop switch must move easily to 
STOP, 0 or †. Never attempt to modify 
the controls or safety devices.
WARNING
Check fuel system for leaks, especially 
the visible parts, e.g., filler cap, hose 
connections, manual fuel pump (only for 
chain saws equipped with a manual fuel 
pump). Do not start the engine if there 
are leaks or damage – risk of fire. Have 
the chain saw repaired by a STIHL 
servicing dealer before using it.
WARNING
Check that the spark plug boot is 
securely mounted on the spark plug – a 
loose boot may cause arcing that could 
ignite combustible fumes and cause a 
fire.
For proper assembly of the bar and saw 
chain follow the procedure described in 
the chapter "Mounting the Bar and 
Chain" of your instruction manual. 
STIHL Oilomatic saw chain, guide bar 
and sprocket must match each other in 
gauge and pitch. Before replacing any 
bar and chain, see the chapter entitled 
"Specifications" in the instruction 
manual and the chapter "Reactive 
Forces including Kickback".
Since longer bars add weight and may 
be more difficult to control, select the 
shortest bar that will meet your cutting 
needs.
WARNING
Proper tension of the chain is extremely 
important. In order to avoid improper 
setting, the tensioning procedure must 
be followed as described in your 
manual. Always make sure the 
hexagonal nut(s) for the sprocket cover 
is (are) tightened securely after 
tensioning the saw chain in order to 
secure the bar. Never start the chain 
saw with the sprocket cover loose. 
Check chain tension once more after 
having tightened the nut(s) and 
thereafter at regular intervals (whenever 
the saw is shut off). If the saw chain 
becomes loose while cutting, shut off the 
engine and then tighten. Never try to 
adjust the saw chain while the engine is 
running.
WARNING
After adjusting a saw chain, start the 
chain saw, let the engine run for a while, 
then switch engine off and recheck saw 
chain tension. Proper saw chain tension 
is very important at all times.
Keep the handles clean and dry at all 
times; it is particularly important to keep 
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, fuel mix, 
grease or resin in order for you to 
maintain a firm grip and properly control 
your chain saw .
WARNING
Be sure that the guide bar and saw chain 
are clear of you and all other 
obstructions and objects, including the 
ground. If the upper quadrant of the tip of 
the bar touches any object, it may cause 
kickback to occur (see section on 
reactive forces). Never attempt to start 
the chain saw when the guide bar is in a 
cut or kerf.
For specific starting instructions, see the 
appropriate section of your instruction 
manual.
Starting
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire and burn 
injuries, start the engine at least 10 feet 
(3 m) from the fueling spot, outdoors 
only.
Start and operate your chain saw 
without assistance. For specific starting 
instructions, see the appropriate section 
of the instruction manual. Proper starting 
methods reduce the risk of injury.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury from saw 
chain contact and / or reactive forces, 
the chain brake must be engaged when 
starting the chain saw. If your chain saw 
is equipped with the Quickstop Plus 
chain brake system, it is not sufficient to 
engage that brake only for starting, 
because the saw chain may begin to 
rotate at high speed when the throttle 
trigger lockout is depressed (releasing 
the brake) in order to blip the throttle 
trigger after starting.
WARNING
Do not drop start. This method is very 
dangerous because you may lose 
control of the chain saw.
There are two recommended methods 
for starting your chain saw.