STIHL 009 Chainsaw Service Manual

The STIHL 009 is a lightweight, professional-grade chainsaw featuring a single-cylinder, two-stroke engine with electronic ignition, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, and a quick-stop chain brake. This manual covers essential safety procedures, technical specifications, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair instructions for the STIHL 009 model. Below are key sections for operation, maintenance, and service.

1. Safety Information 2. Specifications 3. Components & Controls 4. Assembly & First Use 5. Operation 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Fuel & Lubrication 8. Chain & Bar Maintenance 9. Engine Tuning & Carburetor 10. Troubleshooting 11. Parts List & Diagrams

Safety Information

Essential safety precautions to prevent injury during operation and maintenance.

HazardPrecaution
KickbackAlways hold saw firmly with both hands; use reduced-kickback chain and bar.
Chain ContactWear cut-resistant chaps, gloves, and safety boots; keep bystanders away.
Fuel HandlingRefuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool; use approved fuel mix.
Exhaust FumesOperate only in well-ventilated outdoor areas to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Hot SurfacesAvoid contact with muffler and cylinder during/after operation.
Falling DebrisWear safety helmet, eye protection, and hearing protection.
Chain BrakeTest chain brake function before each use.
MaintenanceDisconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Specifications

Components & Controls

Key parts and operator controls of the STIHL 009 chainsaw.

ComponentDescription
Front HandleWith integrated throttle trigger lockout and chain brake lever.
Rear HandleMain grip with anti-vibration elements.
Throttle TriggerControls engine speed; must be unlocked with trigger lockout.
Chain Brake LeverManual activation; also activates automatically via inertia on kickback.
Master Control LeverCombines stop switch, choke, and start throttle positions.
Fuel Tank CapVented cap with integrated tank breather.
Oil Tank CapFor chain and bar lubrication oil.
Decompression ValveReduces compression for easier starting (if equipped).
Spark Plug BootConnects to spark plug for ignition.
MufflerWith spark arrestor screen (must be cleaned regularly).

Assembly & First Use

Unpacking and preparing the chainsaw for initial operation.

  1. Inspect Contents: Verify all parts are present and undamaged.
  2. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar groove, tension chain correctly.
  3. Fill Fluids: Add fuel mix (50:1 gasoline to STIHL HP Ultra oil) to fuel tank. Fill oil tank with STIHL chain oil.
  4. Check Chain Brake: Pull brake lever back toward front handle; it should engage with a click. Push forward to disengage.
  5. Start Engine: Place saw on firm ground, engage chain brake, set master control to choke, pull starter rope until engine fires, move control to fast idle, pull again to start.

WARNING! Never drop-start or start the saw above waist height. Always engage chain brake before starting.

Operation

Proper cutting techniques and operational procedures.

  1. Starting a Cold Engine: Set master control to choke (full down). Pull starter rope 2-3 times until engine 'pops'. Move control to half-throttle position. Pull starter rope to start. Allow brief warm-up.
  2. Starting a Warm Engine: Set master control to half-throttle position. Pull starter rope.
  3. Stopping Engine: Push master control up to the stop position.
  4. Basic Cutting: Use full throttle during cut. Let chain do the work; do not force. Be aware of pinch points, kickback zones, and falling material.
  5. Chain Brake Use: Manually engage for any pause in cutting or when moving between cuts. Test automatic function periodically by rotating saw quickly (chain stopped).

CAUTION! Always plan your cut and escape path. Never cut with the tip of the bar to avoid kickback.

Maintenance Schedule

Routine service intervals to ensure optimal performance and safety.

IntervalTask
Before Each UseCheck chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Test chain brake function. Inspect for loose fasteners.
After Each UseClean air intake, cooling fins, and saw exterior. Wipe down guide bar.
Every 5 HoursClean spark arrestor screen in muffler. Check fuel filter.
Every 20 HoursClean or replace air filter. Check spark plug condition and gap (0.5 mm / 0.020").
Every 50 HoursClean carburetor air passage. Check anti-vibration elements. Check clutch and sprocket.
Every 100 HoursClean fuel tank filter. Check all fuel lines for cracks. Decarbonize cylinder exhaust port.
AnnuallyReplace fuel filter. Have professional check ignition timing and compression.

Fuel & Lubrication

Correct fuel mixture and lubrication requirements.

WARNING! Never use straight gasoline, automotive motor oil, or dirty/wrong lubricants. This will cause engine seizure.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Care for the cutting chain and guide bar.

  1. Chain Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Using scrench tool, turn tensioning screw clockwise until cutters just contact bar rail. Tighten bar nuts while lifting bar tip. Re-check tension.
  2. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0 mm / 5/32" for 3/8" PMM chain). Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges with a flat file and gauge.
  3. Bar Care: Regularly clean bar groove and oil holes. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred.
  4. Sprocket Inspection: Check drive sprocket for wear. Replace if teeth are hooked or worn thin.
  5. Lubrication Check: Run saw at full throttle, pointing bar at a light-colored surface (like a stump). A fine line of oil should be visible.

Engine Tuning & Carburetor

Adjusting the carburetor for optimal performance. Note: Some models have fixed-jet carburetors.

Adjustable Carburetor (if equipped):

Tuning Procedure:

  1. Start engine and warm up for several minutes.
  2. Set idle speed so chain does not move but engine runs smoothly.
  3. Accelerate to full throttle. Listen for a smooth, consistent "4-stroking" sound (a slight burble) that clears up when cutting. If it screams without burble, it's too lean. If it burbles heavily and lacks power, it's too rich.
  4. Fine-tune L screw for best acceleration from idle.
  5. Re-check idle speed after adjustments.

CAUTION! An overly lean H setting can cause engine overheating and seizure. Final tuning should be done under load (cutting).

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, flooded, bad fuel, clogged filterCheck spark plug, dry plug, use fresh fuel mix, clean air filter.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter/tank vent, dirty carburetorReplace fuel filter, clean tank vent, clean carburetor.
Engine lacks powerDirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, improper carb adjustmentClean/replace air filter, clean spark arrestor, tune carburetor.
Chain does not turnChain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damagedDisengage chain brake, inspect clutch springs and drum, replace sprocket.
Chain turns at idleIdle speed set too highAdjust LA screw to lower idle RPM.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chain, worn AV mountsTighten all fasteners, sharpen chain evenly, replace anti-vibration elements.
Chain throws oil but doesn't lubricate barClogged oil passage in bar or pumpClean oil holes in bar, check oil pump output and filter screen.
OverheatingDirty cooling fins, lean carb setting, dull chainClean cylinder fins, enrich H screw slightly, sharpen chain.

Parts List & Diagrams

Reference for ordering genuine STIHL replacement parts. Diagrams include: Cylinder/Piston Assembly, Carburetor/Fuel System, Ignition System, Clutch/Sprocket Assembly, Anti-Vibration System, and Guide Bar/Chain Components.

Common Replacement Part Numbers (Example):

Service Support: For technical assistance or to order parts, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer or visit www.stihlusa.com.

STIHL 009 Chainsa