The Stihl FS 200 is a professional-grade string trimmer/brushcutter designed for demanding clearing and trimming tasks. This manual provides comprehensive repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting guidance for the FS 200's engine, fuel system, cutting head, drivetrain, and electrical components. Below are key sections covering safety, specifications, disassembly, component repair, assembly, and troubleshooting procedures.
Before performing any repair, ensure the unit is off, cool, and the spark plug boot is disconnected. Work in a clean, well-ventilated area.
| Hazard | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Fuel Fire/Explosion | Drain fuel tank before repair. No smoking or open flames. |
| Sharp Components | Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling cutting blades or line heads. |
| Spring Force | Use proper tools when disassembling recoil starter or components under tension. |
| Chemical Exposure | Use safety glasses and gloves when handling fuel, oil, or solvents. |
| Electrical Shock | Disconnect ignition wire and remove spark plug before working near ignition system. |
Required tools: Stihl special tool set (piston stop, flywheel puller, clutch tool), torque wrench, standard metric socket set, feeler gauges, compression tester, carburetor adjustment tool.
WARNING! Use only Stihl-approved tools for specific operations (e.g., clutch removal) to avoid damage.
Cylinder & Piston: Inspect for scoring, carbon buildup. Measure piston clearance (spec: 0.045-0.055 mm). Replace if out of tolerance.
Crankshaft & Bearings: Check for play; replace bearings if rough or noisy. Use puller for flywheel removal.
Carburetor (Zama C1Q-S series): Clean or rebuild if engine runs poorly.
Fuel Tank & Lines: Inspect for cracks; replace fuel filter and lines annually.
Drive Shaft: Remove shaft housing; inspect for bends or damage. Lubricate with Stihl grease.
Gearbox: Disassemble to replace worn gears or bearings.
Clutch: Replace if shoes are worn or springs broken. Use clutch tool for removal.
PolyCut Head: Replace trimmer line spool when line is short. Ensure bump feed mechanism is clean.
Blade Adapter: Inspect for cracks. Tighten blade nut to 40 Nm (30 ft-lb) with proper holder tool.
WARNING! Always wear gloves and ensure unit cannot start when handling blades.
Ignition Module (Coil): Check for spark with tester. Air gap: 0.3 mm (0.012 in). Replace if no spark.
Stop Switch: Test continuity; replace if broken.
Spark Plug: NGK BPMR7A, gap 0.5 mm (0.020 in). Replace if electrodes are worn or fouled.
| Component | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder bolts | 10 Nm (88 in-lb) | Crisscross pattern |
| Muffler bolts | 8 Nm (71 in-lb) | Use new gasket |
| Clutch | 40 Nm (30 ft-lb) | Right-hand thread |
| Flywheel nut | 35 Nm (26 ft-lb) | Use piston stop |
| Gearbox housing screws | 6 Nm (53 in-lb) | Apply thread locker |
| Blade nut | 40 Nm (30 ft-lb) | Use blade holder |
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Engine won't start | No spark, flooded carb, fuel issue | Check spark plug, ignition gap; dry plug; clean carburetor. |
| Loss of power | Clogged air filter, exhaust screen, carb adjustment | Clean/replace filter; clean spark arrestor; adjust H/L screws. |
| Excessive vibration | Bent drive shaft, unbalanced blade, loose parts | Inspect shaft; balance or replace blade; tighten mounting bolts. |
| Cutting head doesn't turn | Sheared drive pin, gearbox failure | Replace shear pin; inspect gearbox gears. |
| Overheating | Lean fuel mix, clogged cooling fins | Adjust carburetor; clean cylinder fins; ensure proper fuel/oil mix. |
Technical Support: Stihl authorized service centers only. Use genuine Stihl parts.
Parts Ordering: Refer to Illustrated Parts List (IPL) for part numbers: www.stihlusa.com