Stihl KM130R Service Manual

The Stihl KM130R is a professional-grade KombiMotor powerhead, part of the STIHL multi-task tool system. This 4-stroke engine power unit is designed to drive a wide range of compatible attachments (trimmers, brushcutters, edgers, pole pruners, etc.) via its robust drive shaft. This manual provides essential information for maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and safe operation of the KM130R powerhead. Below are key sections covering safety, specifications, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, and parts information.

Safety Precautions & Symbols

Before performing any service, read and understand all safety warnings. The KM130R powerhead must be completely stopped and cooled before servicing. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Symbol/Area	Warning/Precaution
General Operation	Never operate in enclosed areas due to carbon monoxide risk. Keep bystanders away.
Fuel Handling	Use only clean, fresh fuel mix (STIHL MotoMix® or 50:1 gasoline/oil). No smoking. Avoid spills.
Hot Surfaces	Allow engine and muffler to cool before touching. Risk of severe burns.
Sharp Edges	Be cautious of sharp edges on cutting attachments and machine components.
Rotating Parts	Disconnect spark plug boot before working on drive shaft, clutch, or cutting attachments.
Electrical	Ignition system generates high voltage. Do not touch spark plug or wire during operation.

Specifications & Identification

Key identification data is found on the rating plate attached to the powerhead.

• Model: KM 130 R
• Engine Type: STIHL 4-MIX® engine, single cylinder, 4-stroke
• Displacement: 30.1 cm³ (1.84 cu. in.)
• Power Output: 1.3 kW (1.7 hp)
• Fuel/Oil Mix: Unleaded gasoline (min. 89 AKI) with STIHL HP Ultra oil at 50:1 ratio, or use STIHL MotoMix®
• Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm
• Max. Engine Speed: 13,000 rpm (with cutting attachment)
• Ignition System: Electronic, capacitor discharge (CDI)
• Spark Plug: Bosch WSR 6 F or equivalent, gap 0.5 mm (0.020 in.)
• Clutch Engagement Speed: Approx. 3,200 rpm
• Weight (powerhead only): Approx. 5.9 kg (13.0 lbs)
• Drive Shaft: Solid, compatible with STIHL KombiSystem attachments

Routine Maintenance

Follow the maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

1. Daily/Before Use: Check for loose fasteners, damage, and proper attachment function. Clean air intake and cooling fins.
2. After Each Use: Clean exterior. Check and clean spark arrestor screen in muffler (if equipped).
3. Every 50 Hours: Clean air filter. Check fuel filter and replace if clogged. Inspect spark plug.
4. Every 100 Hours: Replace spark plug. Clean combustion chamber (decarbonizing). Check clutch shoes for wear.
5. Annually/Season End: Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry for storage. Grease drive shaft coupling.

WARNING! Use only genuine STIHL replacement parts. Improper parts can cause damage or unsafe operation.

Fuel System

Components: Fuel tank, cap, filter, fuel line, and carburetor.

1. Fuel Tank: Capacity approx. 0.55 liters (18.6 fl. oz). Inspect for cracks. Clean sediment.
2. Fuel Filter: Located inside tank on end of fuel line. Replace if dirty or clogged.
3. Fuel Lines: Two lines (supply and return). Check for cracks, brittleness, or leaks. Replace as a set.
4. Carburetor: Walbro or Zama diaphragm type. Service includes cleaning jets, replacing diaphragm/gasket kit, and adjustment.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Work in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.

Ignition System

Components: Flywheel, ignition module (CDI), spark plug, stop switch, and wiring.

1. Spark Plug: Remove and inspect. Electrodes should be light tan. Clean or replace. Set gap to 0.5 mm.
2. Ignition Module: Test for spark. Remove plug, connect to wire, ground plug base to cylinder, pull starter. Blue spark indicates good module. No spark requires module replacement.
3. Flywheel & Key: Check for sheared woodruff key if timing is off. Tighten nut to specified torque.
4. Stop Switch: Test continuity. Wire should break circuit when switch is pressed.

Engine & Cylinder

4-MIX® engine requires oil in the fuel for upper cylinder lubrication and has an oil sump for crankcase lubrication.

• Cylinder & Piston: Inspress for scoring, carbon buildup, and ring wear. Measure piston clearance.
• Crankcase & Crankshaft: Check seals for leaks. Inspect bearings for play or roughness.
• Decompression Valve: Located on cylinder head. Ensure it moves freely and seals when closed.
• Compression Test: Should be a minimum of 100 psi. Low compression indicates worn rings, cylinder, or leaking gasket/decomp valve.

Note: Major engine disassembly requires special tools and expertise.

Clutch & Drive Shaft

The centrifugal clutch engages attachments at approximately 3,200 rpm.

1. Clutch Inspection: Remove clutch drum. Check clutch shoes for wear, cracking, or contamination with oil/grease. Springs must be intact.
2. Clutch Removal: Requires clutch holding tool and appropriate socket. Threads are standard (right-hand).
3. Drive Shaft: Check for bends or damage. Grease the splines at the powerhead coupling periodically.
4. Bearing & Bushings: Support bearings at each end of the crankshaft and drive shaft should rotate smoothly without play.

Cooling & Exhaust System

Essential for preventing overheating and maintaining performance.

• Cooling Fins: On cylinder and cylinder head must be kept clean of debris, grass, and dirt to ensure proper airflow.
• Muffler: Remove periodically to clean carbon deposits from exhaust port and internal baffles.
• Spark Arrestor Screen: Located in muffler outlet. Clean with wire brush or replace if clogged or damaged. Required for use in forested areas.
• Exhaust Gasket: Replace whenever muffler is removed to prevent exhaust leaks.

WARNING! Muffler gets extremely hot. Allow engine to cool completely before servicing.

Carburetor Adjustment

The KM130R carburetor has three adjustment screws: L (low speed), H (high speed), and LA (idle speed).

1. Initial Settings: Gently turn L and H screws clockwise until lightly seated, then turn counterclockwise 1 turn out as a baseline.
2. Warm Up: Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature.
3. Idle Adjustment (LA): Adjust so engine idles smoothly at ~2,800 rpm without causing the clutch to engage.
4. Low-Speed (L) Adjustment: Turn screw for fastest, smoothest idle. Then turn LA again to set correct idle speed.
5. High-Speed (H) Adjustment: With attachment running at full throttle (no load), adjust H screw to achieve maximum engine speed of 13,000 rpm. Use a tachometer for accuracy.
6. Final Check: Engine should accelerate smoothly from idle to full throttle without hesitation. It should return to a steady idle.

CAUTION! Over-leaning (turning H screw too far in) can cause engine damage due to overheating.

Disassembly & Assembly

General sequence for major service. Refer to detailed STIHL technical documentation for specifics.

1. Remove all external components: starter assembly, air filter cover, carburetor, muffler, ignition module.
2. Separate crankcase halves: Requires removing all fasteners and carefully prying halves apart. Note location of bearings and seals.
3. Engine internals: Remove crankshaft, piston, connecting rod, and counterbalance shaft as an assembly if needed.
4. Reassembly: Use new gaskets and seals. Apply appropriate sealant to crankcase mating surfaces. Torque all fasteners to specifications in a criss-cross pattern.

Note: Proper alignment of the 4-MIX® valve train and timing is critical during reassembly.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, no spark, flooded	Check fuel supply, filter, lines. Test for spark. Check/choke setting. Pull starter with throttle wide open to clear flood.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, faulty carburetor diaphragm	Replace fuel filter. Clean air filter. Rebuild carburetor.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, spark arrestor, incorrect carb adjustment, low compression	Clean air filter and spark arrestor. Adjust carburetor. Perform compression test.
Engine runs unevenly or surges	Air leak (crank seals, intake boot), dirty carburetor, water in fuel	Check for air leaks. Clean carburetor jets. Drain and replace fuel.
Excessive vibration	Bent drive shaft, unbalanced cutting attachment, loose engine mounts/fasteners	Inspect drive shaft and attachment. Tighten all fasteners.
Clutch slips or won't engage	Worn clutch shoes, oily clutch, weak springs, engine speed too low	Replace clutch assembly. Clean oil contamination. Check idle speed.
Overheating	Dirty cooling fins, lean fuel mixture, low oil in fuel	Clean cooling fins. Enrich carburetor mixture (turn L/H screws out slightly). Use correct fuel/oil mix.

Parts Diagram & List

Refer to the official STIHL KM130R Parts Catalog (Illustrated Parts List - IPL) for exploded views and part numbers. Key assembly groups include:

1. Cylinder & Piston Group
2. Crankcase & Crankshaft Group
3. Carburetor & Air Filter Group
4. Ignition & Starter Group
5. Clutch & Drive Shaft Group
6. Muffler & Cooling Group
7. Housing & Controls Group

Ordering Parts: Always use the 10-digit STIHL part number from the IPL. Provide your machine's serial number to your STIHL dealer.

Service Support: For technical assistance, contact an authorized STIHL servicing dealer or visit www.stihlusa.com.