Stihl MS 362 C Manual

The Stihl MS 362 C is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring STIHL M-Tronic engine management for automatic adjustment to fuel quality and environmental conditions, reduced-emission engine technology, anti-vibration system, QuickStop® inertia chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, tool-free air filter cover, decompression valve, and STIHL Easy2Start™ for easier starting. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with M-Tronic, anti-vibration system, QuickStop® chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, tool-free air filter cover, decompression valve, and STIHL Easy2Start™.

Feature	Description
STIHL M-Tronic	Automatically adjusts engine to fuel and conditions
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces vibration for operator comfort
QuickStop® Inertia Chain Brake	Stops chain in kickback situations
Side-Access Chain Tensioner	Easy chain adjustment from side
Tool-Free Air Filter Cover	Quick access without tools
Decompression Valve	Reduces pulling force for starting
STIHL Easy2Start™	Easier starting with reduced pull force
Emissions Technology	Reduced exhaust emissions
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.71 US pt (0.34 l)
Oil Tank Capacity	0.42 US pt (0.20 l)

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Wear protective equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles; ensure secure footing; keep bystanders away.
3. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly; do not cut with tip; use reduced-kickback chain.
4. Chain Brake: Test before each use; engage when carrying or not cutting.

WARNING! Risk of severe injury or death. Never operate without proper training and safety gear.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble guide bar and chain; fill with fuel and oil.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on studs; loop chain over sprocket; adjust tension.
2. Fill fuel tank: Use STIHL MotoMix® or 50:1 gasoline/oil mixture.
3. Fill oil tank: Use STIHL chainsaw bar and chain oil.
4. Check chain lubrication: Run saw and observe oil flow on bar tip.

CAUTION! Use only STIHL-approved fuels and oils. Ensure chain is properly tensioned.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 59.0 cm³ (3.6 cu. in.)
• Power Output: 3.6 kW (4.8 bhp)
• Weight (powerhead): 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs)
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL 2-stroke oil)
• Guide Bar Lengths: 16" to 25" (40 cm to 63 cm)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325"
• Chain Gauge: 0.050" or 0.063"
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels: Left/Right 3.2 m/s², Front/Rear 2.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main controls: Front handle with throttle trigger lockout, rear handle, master control lever, chain brake lever, decompression valve, and start/stop switch.

Master Control Lever: Combines choke, start, and run positions. Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed to engage throttle. Chain Brake Lever: Manual engagement; inertia-activated. Decompression Valve: Reduces cylinder pressure for easier starting. Start/Stop Switch: Stops engine when moved to STOP.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start: Engage chain brake; set master control to choke; pull starter rope until engine fires; move to run position; pull to start. Warm Start: Set to run position; pull to start.

1. Place saw on firm ground; engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set master control to choke (cold) or run (warm).
4. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle.
5. Pull starter rope briskly until engine starts.
6. Disengage chain brake before cutting.
7. To stop: Move start/stop switch to STOP.

Tip: Never drop-start or start above waist height.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting: felling, limbing, bucking.

1. Felling: Plan escape path; make notch cut; make felling cut; use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing: Stand uphill; cut from trunk outward; avoid cutting with tip.
3. Bucking: Support log; cut from top; avoid pinching chain.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip; be aware of tip contact; use low-kickback chain.
5. Chain Brake: Test regularly; engage when moving between cuts.

WARNING! Always cut at full throttle. Never cut above shoulder height.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Clean air filter; check chain tension; sharpen chain; clean cooling fins. Weekly: Check spark plug; clean spark arrestor screen. Monthly: Check fuel filter; replace if dirty.

Chain & Bar Care

Sharpen chain regularly; clean bar groove; rotate bar periodically.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Use proper filing tools.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage: Empty fuel tank; run engine dry; remove chain and bar; clean saw; store in dry place.

CAUTION! Fuel left in tank can degrade and damage engine components.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, air	Check fuel; clean air filter; check spark plug; ensure choke set correctly.
Engine runs poorly	Clogged filter, bad fuel	Clean air filter; replace fuel; check spark arrestor.
Chain doesn't turn	Brake engaged, clutch	Disengage chain brake; check clutch drum and sprocket.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, chain	Tighten all fasteners; balance chain; check anti-vibration elements.
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil	Adjust oiler; use correct bar and chain oil.

Reset M-Tronic: Start and run at full throttle for 1 minute if performance issues occur.

Service: Authorized STIHL servicing dealer only.