Manual for Stihl MS 192 TC Chainsaw

The Stihl MS 192 TC is a lightweight, professional-grade top-handle chainsaw designed for arborists and tree care professionals. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine with STIHL M-Tronic engine management for automatic adjustment to fuel quality and environmental conditions, reduced-emission engine technology, a decompression valve for easier starting, a quick chain adjuster, and an anti-vibration system. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & First Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Operation 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 9. Storage 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with M-Tronic, decompression valve, quick chain adjuster, anti-vibration system, side-access chain tensioner, tool-free fuel and oil caps, and ergonomic top handle.

FeatureDescription
Engine2-stroke, single-cylinder with STIHL M-Tronic engine management
Decompression ValveReduces compression for easier starting
Quick Chain AdjusterTool-free chain tensioning from the side
Anti-Vibration SystemReduces vibration to the operator's hands
Fuel and Oil CapsTool-free access for easy refueling and oiling
Chain BrakeInertia-activated for kickback protection
Throttle InterlockPrevents accidental throttle activation
Master Control LeverCombines stop switch, choke, and run positions
Bar Length OptionsTypically 12" to 14" guide bars
Weight (powerhead)Approximately 6.6 lbs (3.0 kg)

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear proper PPE.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear chainsaw chaps, helmet with face shield and hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
  2. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chainsaw for damage, ensure chain is sharp and properly tensioned, check fuel and oil levels.
  3. Safe Operation: Maintain secure footing, keep bystanders away, be aware of kickback zone, never operate above shoulder height.
  4. Transport: Engage chain brake and install scabbard when carrying.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when fatigued or under the influence.

Assembly & First Use

Assemble guide bar and chain, fill with fuel and oil.

  1. Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain onto sprocket and bar groove, adjust tension with side knob.
  2. Fuel Mix: Use STIHL MotoMix pre-mixed fuel or mix high-quality 2-stroke oil with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio).
  3. Fill Chain Oil: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent. Fill oil tank completely.
  4. Starting Procedure (Cold Engine): Set master control lever to choke (full down), press decompression valve, pull starter cord until engine fires, move lever to half-throttle position, pull again to start.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Refuel in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines stop switch (0), run position (I), and choke/fast idle (⏚). Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Throttle Interlock: Must be depressed to activate throttle. Chain Brake Lever: Manual activation; inertia-activated. Decompression Valve: Reduces cylinder pressure for starting. Quick Chain Adjuster: Side knob for tensioning. Fuel/Oil Caps: Tool-free.

Main Components: Engine, carburetor with M-Tronic, air filter, spark plug, muffler, clutch, sprocket, guide bar, chain, anti-vibration springs.

Operation

Starting, cutting techniques, and shutdown.

  1. Starting (Cold): Engage chain brake. Set master control to choke. Press decompression valve. Pull starter handle sharply until engine fires. Move control to half-throttle position. Pull again to start. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.
  2. Starting (Warm): Set control to run position (I). Pull starter cord.
  3. Cutting: Use full throttle in cut. Let chain do the work; do not force. Be aware of pinch points, kickback, and reactive forces.
  4. Shutdown: Release throttle, allow engine to idle briefly. Move master control lever to stop position (0). Engage chain brake.

Tip: Keep the chain sharp. A dull chain increases effort, wear, and risk of kickback.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension and sharpness, fuel/oil levels, air filter, external cleanliness, nuts/bolts for tightness, chain brake function.

Weekly/Every 10 Hours: Clean air filter, check spark plug, clean cooling fins, inspect guide bar for wear and groove condition, clean chain brake band and clutch drum.

Monthly/Every 20 Hours: Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped), check fuel filter, inspect anti-vibration elements.

Annually/Professional Service: Have carburetor adjustment and engine compression checked by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for safety and performance.

  1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts with combination wrench. Turn side adjuster clockwise to tighten until chain fits snugly against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Retighten bar nuts.
  2. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0 mm). Maintain filing angle (usually 30°). File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.

WARNING! Always wear heavy gloves when handling chain. A sharp chain is safer than a dull one.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days, prepare the chainsaw to prevent fuel system issues.

  1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
  2. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  4. Loosen chain tension. Store in a dry, secure place.

CAUTION! Store fuel mix in an approved container, away from living areas, and out of reach of children.

Regulatory Information

This product complies with relevant EPA and CARB emissions standards for handheld engines. It meets ANSI B175.1 safety standards for gasoline-powered chainsaws. The STIHL M-Tronic system is covered by patents. STIHL and the STIHL logo are registered trademarks of Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG. For genuine parts, accessories, and service, contact an authorized STIHL dealer. For support, visit www.stihlusa.com or contact STIHL Incorporated at 1-800-467-8445.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo fuel, flooded, spark plug faulty, master control positionCheck fuel, set control to run, try starting with throttle open (if flooded), check/replace spark plug.
Engine starts but diesClogged air/fuel filter, carburetor adjustment, vent in fuel cap blockedClean/replace air filter, check fuel filter, ensure fuel cap vent is clear.
Loss of powerClogged air filter, dirty spark arrestor, dull chainClean air filter and spark arrestor screen, sharpen chain.
Chain does not turnChain brake engaged, clutch/drum worn, sprocket wornDisengage chain brake, inspect clutch, drum, and sprocket for wear.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chain, damaged anti-vibration mountsTighten all nuts/bolts, balance chain sharpening, inspect AV mounts.
Chain throws oil but does not lubricate barOil passage clogged, wrong oil viscosityClean oil passages on bar and saw, use proper STIHL chain oil.

M-Tronic Reset: If engine runs poorly, let it idle for 3 minutes without touching throttle to allow system to recalibrate.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. 1-800-467-8445; www.stihlusa.com

Manual for Stihl MS 192 TC Chainsaw © - All Rights Reserved 2025