MS200T STIHL Repair Manual

The STIHL MS200T is a professional-grade top-handle chainsaw designed for arborists and tree care professionals. This repair manual covers essential procedures for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of the engine, fuel system, ignition, chain brake, clutch, guide bar, and cutting chain. Below are key sections for safety, specifications, disassembly, component repair, reassembly, and troubleshooting.

1. Safety Precautions 2. Specifications & Technical Data 3. Tools Required 4. Engine Disassembly 5. Cylinder & Piston Service 6. Carburetor Adjustment & Repair 7. Ignition System 8. Chain Brake & Clutch Assembly 9. Guide Bar & Chain Maintenance 10. Reassembly Instructions 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Safety Precautions

Before performing any repair, ensure the chainsaw is completely cool, the spark plug wire is disconnected, and all fuel has been drained. Always wear cut-resistant gloves and safety glasses.

HazardPrecaution
Fuel & OilWork in well-ventilated area; no open flames.
Sharp ComponentsHandle cutting chain and guide bar with extreme care.
Spring-Loaded PartsClutch and brake springs are under tension; use proper tools.
ElectricalDisconnect spark plug before working on ignition or engine.
FastenersUse correct torque values to avoid stripping or breakage.

Specifications & Technical Data

Tools Required

Standard and STIHL-specific tools needed for repair.

  1. Torx screwdrivers (T10, T15, T27).
  2. Socket set (8mm, 10mm, 13mm).
  3. Feeler gauge set (0.10mm, 0.15mm).
  4. Piston stop tool (STIHL 1129 893 4500).
  5. Clutch holding tool (STIHL 1129 893 4501).
  6. Compression tester (0-300 psi).
  7. Spark tester.
  8. Vacuum/pressure pump for fuel system testing.

WARNING! Use genuine STIHL tools or equivalents to prevent damage.

Engine Disassembly

Step-by-step procedure to disassemble the powerhead.

  1. Remove top cover, air filter, and carburetor cover.
  2. Disconnect fuel line and impulse line from carburetor.
  3. Remove muffler and spark plug.
  4. Install piston stop; remove clutch and flywheel.
  5. Separate crankcase halves after removing all screws.
  6. Extract crankshaft, connecting rod, and bearings.

CAUTION! Mark all components and fasteners for correct reassembly.

Cylinder & Piston Service

Inspection and repair of cylinder, piston, rings, and wrist pin.

ComponentInspectionService Limit
Cylinder BoreCheck for scoring, wearMax diameter 35.24 mm
Piston SkirtMeasure diameterMin diameter 35.00 mm
Piston RingsCheck end gap in cylinder0.15-0.30 mm
Wrist PinCheck for playReplace if loose
Cylinder CompressionTest with gaugeMinimum 120 psi

Note: Replace cylinder and piston as a matched set if damaged.

Carburetor Adjustment & Repair

Zama C1Q-S carburetor adjustment and diaphragm replacement.

  1. Remove carburetor from engine.
  2. Disassemble: Remove cover, diaphragm, metering lever, and gaskets.
  3. Clean all passages with carburetor cleaner; inspect for wear.
  4. Set metering lever height flush with carburetor body.
  5. Reassemble with new diaphragm and gasket kit.
  6. Adjust idle (L) and high-speed (H) screws: Initial setting 1 turn open from lightly seated.
  7. Fine-tune with tachometer: Idle 2,800 RPM, max 13,500 RPM.

Tip: Always pressure-test carburetor after repair.

Ignition System

Testing and replacement of ignition module, spark plug, and wiring.

WARNING! Never crank engine with spark plug removed and wire connected.

Chain Brake & Clutch Assembly

Disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of the chain brake and clutch.

  1. Remove side cover, chain, and guide bar.
  2. Use clutch holding tool to remove clutch (left-hand thread).
  3. Inspect clutch drum, shoes, and springs for wear.
  4. For chain brake: Remove handle, inspect band, spring, and mechanism.
  5. Replace band if thickness below 1.5 mm.
  6. Reassemble with new grease on bearings.

CAUTION! Clutch springs are under tension; wear eye protection.

Guide Bar & Chain Maintenance

Maintaining and servicing the guide bar and cutting chain.

Note: A dull chain increases wear and risk of kickback.

Reassembly Instructions

Critical steps for reassembling the MS200T powerhead.

  1. Install crankshaft bearings with proper sealant.
  2. Join crankcase halves; torque screws to 10 Nm (88 in-lb).
  3. Install piston with arrow toward exhaust; use ring compressor.
  4. Mount cylinder; ensure piston rings seat properly.
  5. Install flywheel and clutch to specified torques.
  6. Reconnect fuel system; prime carburetor.
  7. Final check: All fasteners tight, no fuel leaks.

WARNING! Perform compression test after reassembly.

Troubleshooting Guide

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, fuel, or compressionCheck spark, fuel lines, carburetor, compression.
Engine runs poorlyClogged filter, bad diaphragmClean air filter; rebuild carburetor.
Loss of powerExhaust clog, air leakClean spark arrestor; pressure test crankcase.
Chain won't turnClutch, sprocket, or brake issueInspect clutch shoes, drum, and brake band.
Excessive vibrationUnbalanced flywheel, loose partsCheck flywheel key; tighten all mounts.
Oil leakageSeals, gaskets, oil lineReplace crank seals; check oil line connections.

Service Note: For technical support, contact STIHL at 1-800-467-8445 or visit www.stihlusa.com.

MS200T STIHL Repair Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025