stihl 024 av manual free

The STIHL 024 AV is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw featuring Anti-Vibration (AV) technology, a robust engine, and a range of safety and performance features. This manual provides essential information for safe operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications. Below are key sections covering safety, features, operation, maintenance, and technical data.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Operation Guide 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Chain & Bar Care 9. Fuel & Lubrication 10. Storage Instructions 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Anti-Vibration (AV) system, Quickstop® inertia chain brake, decompression valve, side-access chain tensioner, and STIHL Oilomatic® saw chain.

FeatureDescription
Anti-Vibration (AV) SystemReduces operator fatigue by dampening engine vibrations
Quickstop® Inertia Chain BrakeAutomatically stops the chain in kickback situations
Decompression ValveReduces pulling force required for starting
Side-Access Chain TensionerAllows easy chain adjustment from the side
STIHL Oilomatic® Saw ChainSelf-lubricating chain for reduced wear
Throttle InterlockPrevents accidental throttle activation
Chain CatcherHelps reduce risk if chain breaks or derails
Muffler with Spark ArrestorReduces noise and prevents spark emission
Fuel Tank CapacityApprox. 0.55 US pt (0.26 l)
Oil Tank CapacityApprox. 0.42 US pt (0.20 l)

Safety Instructions

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

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles, ensure secure footing, and keep bystanders away.
  3. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands, avoid contact with bar tip, and use reduced-kickback chain.
  4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use approved fuel mix.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate a chainsaw without proper training.

Assembly & First-Time Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Mount Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
  2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use STIHL 50:1 2-cycle engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane).
  3. Fill Oil Tank: Use STIHL chainsaw bar and chain oil.
  4. Starting Procedure: Set master control lever to cold start position, pull starter rope until resistance is felt, then pull briskly.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged before starting. Keep hands away from chain at all times.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines stop switch, choke, and throttle settings. Front Handle: Includes throttle trigger and throttle interlock. Rear Handle: Contains master control lever and starter grip.

Key Controls: Master Control Lever (Stop/Choke/Run), Throttle Trigger, Throttle Interlock, Chain Brake Lever, Decompression Valve, Chain Tensioner.

Operation: Set master control to cold start (choke) for cold engine, to warm start for warm engine. Push decompression valve before starting to reduce pull force. Engage chain brake by pushing lever forward; disengage by pulling back toward rear handle.

Operation Guide

Starting, cutting techniques, and shutdown procedures.

  1. Starting: Engage chain brake. Set master control to cold/warm start. Push decompression valve. Pull starter rope until engine fires. Move master control to run position. Pull starter rope again to start.
  2. Cutting: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work; do not force. Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).
  3. Shutdown: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Move master control to stop position.

Tip: Always cut at waist level or below for better control. Plan escape path from falling tree or limb.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily and periodic maintenance tasks for optimal performance.

  1. Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter. Inspect guide bar for wear.
  2. Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen. Check fuel filter and replace if clogged.
  3. Monthly: Check spark plug gap (0.020" / 0.5 mm). Clean cooling fins. Inspect anti-vibration elements.
  4. As Needed: Replace worn sprocket, chain, or bar. Clean carburetor and fuel tank.

WARNING! Perform maintenance only when engine is off and cool. Disconnect spark plug wire for safety.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper chain tension, sharpening, and bar maintenance.

Chain Tension: Adjust when chain sags from bar rails. Correct tension allows chain to be pulled around bar by hand without binding. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5/32" or 7/32"). Maintain correct filing angle (usually 30°). Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly, flip bar periodically for even wear, and file down burrs on rails.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) mixed with STIHL 2-cycle engine oil at 50:1 ratio. Shake mixture well before refueling. For bar and chain oil, use STIHL or equivalent high-quality chainsaw oil. Do not use waste oil.

CAUTION! Store fuel mix in approved container for up to 30 days. Do not mix directly in saw's fuel tank.

Storage Instructions

For long-term storage (over 30 days), drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor. Remove chain, clean, and store in oil. Clean entire saw and store in dry, cool place.

CAUTION! Storing with fuel in tank can cause carburetor damage from fuel deterioration.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo fuel, flooded engine, spark plug faultCheck fuel level; set master control to warm start and pull with throttle open; check/replace spark plug.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carburetor adjustmentReplace fuel filter; clean air filter; adjust carburetor (H/L screws).
Chain does not turnChain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damagedDisengage chain brake; inspect clutch and sprocket; replace if worn.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, worn AV mounts, unbalanced chainTighten all bolts; check anti-vibration mounts; balance chain.
Chain oil not flowingEmpty oil tank, clogged oil passages, faulty oil pumpFill oil tank; clean oil holes in bar; check oil pump drive.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

Support: Visit www.stihlusa.com or contact STIHL customer service for manual downloads and technical assistance.

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