stihl 032 av manual

The STIHL 032 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 covers essential information for safe operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Anti-Vibration (AV) system, Chain brake, Throttle trigger lockout, Decompression valve, Automatic oiler, Manual oiler, Chain catcher, Right-hand guard.

Feature	Description
Anti-Vibration (AV) System	Reduces operator fatigue by dampening engine vibrations
Chain Brake	Stops the chain instantly in case of kickback
Throttle Trigger Lockout	Prevents accidental throttle engagement
Decompression Valve	Eases starting by reducing cylinder pressure
Automatic Oiler	Lubricates chain and bar during operation
Manual Oiler	Provides additional lubrication on demand
Chain Catcher	Catches broken chain to prevent injury
Right-Hand Guard	Protects operator's hand from debris

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always 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 at a safe distance.
3. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar nose); use reduced-kickback chain and maintain sharp chain.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use approved fuel container.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate a chainsaw while tired, under the influence, or in adverse weather conditions.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar: Loosen bar nuts, position bar over studs, align chain tensioning pin.
2. Install Chain: Place chain over sprocket and bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
3. Tension Chain: Adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Tighten bar nuts.
4. Fill Fluids: Add STIHL 2-stroke engine oil to fuel mix (50:1 ratio). Fill bar and chain oil reservoir.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned. A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can damage the bar and sprocket.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 49.4 cc (3.0 cu. in.).
• Power Output: 2.6 kW (3.5 hp).
• Fuel/Oil Mix: 50:1 (STIHL 2-stroke oil with unleaded gasoline).
• Guide Bar Lengths: 16" to 20" (recommended).
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325".
• Weight (Powerhead): Approximately 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs).
• Ignition System: Electronic, breakerless.
• Vibration Damping: STIHL Anti-Vibration system.

Controls and Functions

Master Control Lever: Combines stop switch, choke, and fast idle. Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed to engage throttle. Chain Brake Lever: Engages brake when pushed forward. Decompression Valve: Button to press before starting cold engine.

Right Side: Manual oiler button, Chain tensioning screw, Bar nuts. Left Side: Master Control Lever, Throttle trigger, Chain brake lever.

Starting & Operation

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

1. Engage chain brake by pushing lever forward.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set Master Control Lever to choke position (full down).
4. Place saw on firm ground, hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle.
5. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires (usually 2-3 pulls).
6. Move Master Control Lever to half-throttle (fast idle) position.
7. Pull starter rope again until engine starts. Allow to warm up at fast idle.
8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle; chain brake can be disengaged.

Tip: For warm restart, set Master Control Lever to run position (horizontal) and pull starter.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check all fasteners for tightness. Inspect for damage. Weekly/10 Hours: Clean air filter, check spark plug, clean cooling fins, inspect fuel filter. Monthly/50 Hours: Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped), check anti-vibration elements, inspect clutch and sprocket.

WARNING! Always perform maintenance with engine off, spark plug wire disconnected, and chain brake engaged.

Chain & Bar Care

Sharpening: Use correct round file size for chain. Maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length. Depth gauges must be filed periodically to maintain proper height. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Lubricate sprocket nose.

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel Mix: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) mixed with STIHL 2-stroke engine oil at 50:1 ratio. Shake well. Do not use fuel older than 30 days. Bar & Chain Oil: Use STIHL bar and chain oil or equivalent for temperatures above 14°F (-10°C). Use winter grade for colder temperatures.

CAUTION! Never use straight gasoline, automotive motor oil, or dirty oil. Improper fuel/oil can cause engine seizure.

Storage

Long-Term Storage (over 30 days):

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 slowly 2-3 times, reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Store bar and chain in oiled paper.
5. Store in dry, clean place, protected from dust and moisture.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, old fuel	Check spark plug; set Master Control to run; use fresh fuel mix.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, air filter, carburetor adjustment	Replace fuel filter; clean air filter; have carburetor serviced.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damaged	Disengage chain brake; inspect clutch and sprocket; replace if worn.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, damaged AV buffers, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners; inspect AV elements; sharpen chain evenly.
Chain does not oil	Empty oil tank, clogged oil passages, faulty oil pump	Fill oil tank; clean oil holes in bar; check oil pump drive.

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

Support: STIHL Incorporated, Virginia Beach, VA. Customer Service: 1-800-467-8445.