Stihl FS 36 Weedeater Manual

The Stihl FS 36 is a lightweight, gas-powered string trimmer designed for residential lawn and garden maintenance. It features a reliable 2-stroke engine, a straight shaft, a loop handle for comfortable operation, a Tap Advance™ cutting head for easy line feed, and a debris shield. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Initial Setup 3. Fuel & Lubrication 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Head & Line Replacement 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Safety Instructions 9. Storage 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke engine, Straight shaft, Loop handle with throttle trigger and stop switch, Tap Advance™ cutting head, Debris shield, Fuel tank, Primer bulb.

Feature	Description
Engine	Air-cooled, single-cylinder 2-stroke engine
Shaft	Straight, solid drive shaft
Handle	Loop handle with vibration damping
Cutting Head	Tap Advance™ bump-feed trimmer head
Throttle Trigger	With throttle trigger lockout for safety
Stop Switch	Moves to OFF/STOP position to shut off engine
Primer Bulb	For easier cold starting
Debris Shield	Protects operator from thrown debris
Fuel Tank	Integrated, translucent for fuel level check
Spark Plug	Accessible for maintenance

Assembly & Initial Setup

Unpack all parts. Assembly requires attaching the handle, cutting head, and debris shield.

Attach Handle: Slide onto shaft at desired position, align, and tighten clamping screws securely.
Install Cutting Head: Thread the Tap Advance™ head onto the drive shaft end clockwise. Hand-tighten firmly.
Attach Debris Shield: Align with mounting points on the shaft near the head and secure with provided screws.
Fill with Fuel/Oil Mix: Use only 50:1 mixture of unleaded gasoline and STIHL 2-stroke engine oil.

WARNING! Always wear eye and ear protection, long pants, and sturdy boots during assembly and operation. Ensure all fasteners are tight.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89. Mix with STIHL 2-stroke engine oil at a 50:1 ratio.

Fuel Mix: Pour oil into an approved fuel can, add gasoline, and shake thoroughly.
Filling: Clean area around fuel cap. Fill tank to about 80% capacity. Do not overfill.
Gearbox Lubrication: The gearbox at the cutting head is filled with grease at the factory. Check periodically for leaks.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Mix and refuel outdoors, away from sparks or flames. Wipe up spills immediately.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 27.2 cc
Power Output: 0.9 kW (1.2 bhp)
Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-Stroke Oil)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.47 liters (16 oz)
Shaft Type: Straight solid shaft
Cutting Swath: Approx. 17 inches with standard line
Cutting Head: STIHL Tap Advance™ bump head
Weight (dry): Approx. 5.3 kg (11.7 lbs)
Sound Power Level: Complies with applicable directives

Controls and Operation

Handle contains throttle trigger, trigger lockout, and stop switch.

Starting (Cold Engine): 1. Press primer bulb 5-10 times. 2. Set stop switch to START. 3. Set choke lever to FULL CHOKE. 4. Hold unit firmly on ground, pull starter rope briskly until engine 'pops'. 5. Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE. 6. Pull starter rope again until engine starts. 7. Briefly blip throttle to move choke to RUN.

Starting (Warm Engine): Follow steps but start with choke in RUN position.

Operation: Hold with both hands. Use a smooth, sweeping motion from right to left. Keep cutting head parallel to ground and just above grass level.

Cutting Head & Line Replacement

The Tap Advance™ head feeds line by tapping the head on the ground while the engine is at high speed.

Stop engine and allow to cool.
Hold spool and turn locking ring counterclockwise to open.
Remove empty spool.
Wind approx. 25 feet of correct diameter STIHL trimmer line onto new spool, following directional arrows.
Insert line ends through eyelets, place spool back into head, and engage.
Turn locking ring clockwise until it clicks.
Pull line ends to release from spool locks.

WARNING! Always use STIHL recommended line diameter. Never use metal line or blades not approved for this model.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check for loose fasteners, damaged parts, fuel leaks. Inspect cutting head.
Every 25 hours	Clean air filter. Check spark plug condition and gap.
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter. Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped).
Seasonally / 100 hrs	Replace spark plug. Check gearbox grease. Have unit serviced by authorized dealer.

Safety Instructions

Read and understand manual before operation.

Always wear: Safety glasses, hearing protection, long pants, sturdy boots, gloves.
Clear work area of stones, wire, and other debris.
Keep bystanders and pets at least 50 feet away.
Never operate unit fatigued, under influence, or in poor weather.
Shut off engine before setting down, adjusting, or unclogging.
Beware of kickback. Keep cutting attachment below waist level.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

Drain fuel tank completely and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter rope slowly 2-3 times, reinstall plug.
Thoroughly clean entire unit, especially cooling fins and air intake.
Store in a dry, locked place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Storing with fuel in the tank can lead to gumming of the carburetor. Use fuel stabilizer if you must store with fuel.

Warranty Information

STIHL Limited Warranty: The STIHL FS 36 is backed by a limited warranty for personal use. Proof of purchase from an authorized STIHL dealer is required. Warranty covers defects in material and workmanship. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper fuel, or unauthorized modification. For warranty service, contact the authorized STIHL dealer where the unit was purchased. For support, visit www.stihlusa.com or contact STIHL Incorporated at 1-800-467-8445.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, flooded, bad spark, switch off	Check fuel, ensure stop switch is on. For flooded engine, move choke to RUN and pull starter with throttle open. Check spark plug.
Engine runs poorly/dies	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged fuel filter	Clean/replace air filter. Drain and replace with fresh fuel mix. Replace in-tank fuel filter.
Line won't feed	Line tangled, spool incorrectly wound, worn eyelets	Disassemble head and rewind line correctly. Replace spool or head if eyelets are worn.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, bent shaft, damaged cutting head	Tighten all fasteners. Inspect shaft and head for damage. Have dealer inspect if vibration persists.
Loss of power	Clogged spark arrestor, dirty cooling fins, carburetor issues	Clean spark arrestor screen. Clean cooling fins. May require carburetor adjustment by dealer.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, take your STIHL FS 36 to an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.

Support: 1-800-467-8445; www.stihlusa.com