stihl 038 magnum manual

The STIHL 038 Magnum is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a high-performance engine, robust construction, anti-vibration system, and a range of safety and operational features. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-torque engine, anti-vibration system, Quickstop® chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, decompression valve, and STIHL Oilomatic® chain with Ematic™ lubrication.

Safety Instructions

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

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 30 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use approved fuel/oil mix.
4. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Do not cut with this area.
5. Chain Brake Test: Test function before each use by engaging brake with throttle released.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate a chainsaw while fatigued or under the influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble guide bar and chain. Prepare fuel mix.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Remove bar nuts and cover. Fit chain over sprocket and onto bar rails. Replace cover and hand-tighten nuts. Adjust tension (see Section 9).
2. Fuel & Oil: Mix high-quality 2-stroke engine oil with unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) at a 50:1 ratio (for STIHL oil). Shake well. Fill fuel tank. Fill oil tank with STIHL chainsaw bar and chain oil.
3. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, and chain brake function correctly.

CAUTION! Use only STIHL-approved lubricants and the correct fuel/oil mixture. Incorrect mix can cause severe engine damage.

Specifications

• Model: STIHL 038 Magnum
• Engine Type: Single cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled
• Displacement: 61.5 cm³ (3.75 cu. in.)
• Powerhead Weight: Approx. 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) without bar and chain
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (with STIHL 2-Stroke Oil)
• Ignition: Electronic, capacitor discharge (CDI)
• Carburetor: Diaphragm-type with manual choke
• Recommended Guide Bar: STIHL Rollomatic® ES, 16" - 24"
• Recommended Chain: STIHL Oilomatic® (e.g., 3/8" Pitch, .063" Gauge)
• Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 112 dB(A) (operator position)

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Controls: Throttle Trigger, Throttle Trigger Lockout, Master Control Lever (Choke/Start/Run), Stop Switch, Chain Brake Lever (Front Hand Guard), Decompression Valve Button.

Components: Muffler, Spark Plug, Air Filter Cover, Fuel Tank Cap, Oil Tank Cap, Chain Catcher, Rear Handle, Front Handle, Anti-Vibration Elements.

Master Control Lever Positions: - Choke Position (Up): For cold start. - Start/Throttle Position (Middle): For starting or warm start. - Run Position (Down): For normal operation.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Follow precise steps for safe starting.

1. Cold Start: Engage chain brake. Set Master Control Lever to choke (up). Press decompression valve (if equipped). Pump primer bulb (if equipped) until fuel is visible. Place saw on ground, hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires. Move Master Control Lever to start position (middle). Pull starter rope again to start. Briefly blip throttle to disengage fast idle.
2. Warm Start: Set Master Control Lever to start position (middle). Pull starter rope.
3. Stopping: Release throttle. Push Stop Switch to "0" or "STOP" position.

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

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Use proper techniques for felling, limbing, and bucking.

1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward. Hold saw firmly with both hands.
2. Felling (Cutting Down a Tree): Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter). Make felling cut opposite notch. Use wedges if needed. Retreat along planned path.
3. Limbing: Stand on opposite side of log from limbs. Cut from trunk outward. Let saw do the work.
4. Bucking (Cutting Logs): Support log off ground. Cut from top down, avoiding contact with dirt. For pinched bar, stop and use a wedge.
5. Kickback Prevention: Maintain a firm grip. Do not cut with the upper tip. Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.

Tip: Use full throttle just before and during the cut. Do not force the saw; apply light feed pressure.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential for safety and performance.

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts with combination wrench. Use side tensioner screw to adjust until drive links fit snugly in bar groove. Lift tip of bar up. Tighten bar nuts securely. Re-check tension when cool.
2. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 5/32" or 13/64"). Secure bar. File each cutter from inside out at specified angle (usually 30°). Maintain equal file strokes per cutter. File depth gauges (rakers) with flat file and gauge.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can break or damage the engine.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare saw for storage to prevent fuel system issues.

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove chain, clean it in solvent, dry, and coat with oil. Clean guide bar groove and oil holes.
3. Clean entire saw. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.
4. For long-term storage, remove spark plug and pour a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder. Pull starter rope slowly to distribute oil, then reinstall plug.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in the tank for more than 30 days. Old fuel can gum up the carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Use only genuine STIHL parts.