Stihl FS 80 Repair Manual

The Stihl FS 80 is a professional-grade trimmer/brushcutter designed for demanding applications. This repair manual provides comprehensive instructions for troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of the FS 80 powerhead, including its engine, fuel system, ignition system, cutting attachments, and drive shaft. Below are key sections covering safety, specifications, disassembly, component repair, assembly, and troubleshooting procedures.

1. Safety Precautions 2. Specifications & Identification 3. Tools & Special Equipment 4. Engine Disassembly 5. Fuel System Repair 6. Ignition System Service 7. Drive Shaft & Gearhead 8. Cutting Attachments 9. Reassembly & Adjustment 10. Troubleshooting Guide 11. Torque Specifications

Safety Precautions

Before attempting any repair, ensure the unit is completely cool and the spark plug boot is disconnected. Work in a clean, well-ventilated area. Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses and gloves.

HazardPrecaution
Fuel Fire/ExplosionDrain fuel tank before service. No smoking or open flames.
Sharp ComponentsHandle cutting blades and trimmer heads with extreme care.
Spring ForceUse caution when handling recoil starter assembly.
Chemical ExposureUse gloves when handling fuel, oil, or cleaning solvents.
Unexpected Start-upAlways disconnect spark plug wire and secure it away from plug.

Specifications & Identification

Identify your unit using the serial number plate on the crankcase.

Tools & Special Equipment

Required tools: Standard metric socket set, Torx drivers (T27), feeler gauges, spark plug wrench, piston stop tool (Stihl 5910 890 4500), flywheel puller (Stihl 5910 890 4003), crankshaft seal installer, carburetor adjustment tool (Stihl 5910 890 2200), compression tester, and a clean parts tray.

NOTE: Use genuine Stihl tools or equivalents to prevent damage.

Engine Disassembly

Follow this sequence for complete engine teardown.

  1. Remove cutting attachment and drive shaft housing.
  2. Remove fuel tank and air filter cover/carburetor assembly.
  3. Remove muffler and cylinder cover.
  4. Secure crankshaft using piston stop tool; remove flywheel nut and pull flywheel.
  5. Remove ignition module (coil).
  6. Remove cylinder base nuts; carefully separate cylinder from crankcase.
  7. Remove piston pin circlips, heat piston, and drive out piston pin to remove piston.
  8. Remove crankcase halves by separating after removing all fasteners.

WARNING! Mark all components for reassembly orientation. Do not force parts.

Fuel System Repair

Common issues: hard starting, poor performance, flooding.

  1. Carburetor Service: Disassemble carburetor. Clean all jets, channels, and diaphragms in ultrasonic cleaner. Inspect diaphragms for stiffness or tears. Replace complete kit (diaphragms, gaskets, needle valve).
  2. Fuel Lines & Filter: Replace cracked or stiff fuel lines. Replace in-tank fuel filter.
  3. Fuel Tank Vent: Check tank vent for blockage; replace if necessary.
  4. Adjustment: After reassembly, set initial carburetor screws: LA (idle) = 1 turn open, H (high speed) = 1 turn open. Fine-tune with engine at operating temperature.

Ignition System Service

Check for spark first. Remove spark plug, reconnect boot, ground plug base to cylinder, pull starter rope. Look for strong blue spark.

Drive Shaft & Gearhead

To service the drive shaft or gearhead, remove the shaft from the powerhead.

  1. Remove the clutch drum and clutch assembly.
  2. Withdraw the drive shaft from the shaft tube.
  3. Inspect shaft for straightness and spline wear.
  4. For gearhead service (if equipped), disassemble to inspect gears, bearings, and seals. Replace worn bearings and seals. Pack gearbox with Stihl grease.
  5. Reinstall shaft, ensuring proper engagement with engine crankshaft and gearhead/clutch drum.

Tip: Lubricate drive shaft splines with anti-seize compound during reassembly.

Cutting Attachments

FS 80 supports trimmer heads and cutting blades.

Reassembly & Adjustment

Reverse disassembly sequence. Critical steps:

  1. Crankcase Sealing: Use new crankcase gasket and sealant (Stihl Dirko) on mating surfaces. Torque crankcase screws in a crisscross pattern.
  2. Crankshaft Seals: Always install new seals. Lubricate lip with grease before pressing into place.
  3. Cylinder/Piston: Lubricate piston rings and cylinder wall with 2-stroke oil. Ensure ring end gaps are spaced around piston. Torque cylinder nuts evenly.
  4. Final Adjustments: Set carburetor. Adjust idle speed to 2,800 RPM. Check clutch engagement (engages around 3,800-4,200 RPM).

CAUTION! Do not over-torque fasteners, especially in magnesium crankcase.

Troubleshooting Guide

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, no fuel, floodedCheck spark, fuel delivery, dry plug. Check carburetor diaphragms.
Engine starts then diesFuel starvation, air leakCheck fuel filter, lines, tank vent. Pressure test crankcase for leaks.
Loss of powerClogged exhaust, bad piston/cylinder, air leakDecarbonize muffler. Check compression (should be >120 psi). Inspect for scored cylinder.
Excessive vibrationBent drive shaft, unbalanced blade, loose componentsInspect shaft and blade. Tighten all mounting fasteners.
Clutch slipping/not engagingWorn clutch shoes, weak springs, grease contaminationReplace clutch assembly. Clean clutch drum.
OverheatingLean fuel mixture, clogged cooling fins, insufficient lubricationCheck carburetor adjustment. Clean cylinder fins. Ensure correct fuel/oil mix.

Torque Specifications

Critical fastener torques (Nm):

Reset: After major repair, allow engine to break in at varied throttle for first tank of fuel.

Service Support: For technical assistance or genuine parts, contact your authorized STIHL dealer or visit www.stihlusa.com.

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