Stihl MS 362 Service Manual

The Stihl MS 362 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a powerful engine, advanced anti-vibration system, and electronic engine management (M-Tronic). This service manual provides comprehensive instructions for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. Below are key sections covering safety, specifications, maintenance procedures, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, clutch/chain brake, guide bar/chain, troubleshooting, and parts diagrams.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Specifications 4. Maintenance Schedule 5. Fuel System Service 6. Ignition System Service 7. Cooling System Service 8. Clutch & Chain Brake Service 9. Guide Bar & Chain Service 10. Troubleshooting 11. Parts Diagrams

Features at a Glance

Key components: M-Tronic engine management system, Decompression valve, STIHL ElastoStart, QuickStop Plus chain brake, Side-access chain tensioner, Tool-free fuel and oil caps.

Feature	Description
Engine Displacement	59.0 cm³ (3.6 cu. in.)
Power Output	3.6 kW (4.9 bhp)
Fuel Tank Volume	0.55 L (18.6 fl. oz.)
Oil Tank Volume	0.26 L (8.8 fl. oz.)
Guide Bar Lengths	40 cm (16"), 45 cm (18"), 50 cm (20")
Weight (powerhead)	5.9 kg (13.0 lbs)
Ignition System	Electronic, capacitor discharge (CDI)
Anti-Vibration System	STIHL Advanced AV system
Chain Pitch	3/8" PM3 or .325"
Spark Plug	Bosch WSR 6 F or equivalent

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate PPE: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots. Work in a well-ventilated area.

Before servicing: Allow engine to cool, disconnect spark plug wire, empty fuel tank.
Use only STIHL-approved replacement parts and tools.
Follow torque specifications precisely.
Dispose of waste oil and fuel according to local regulations.

WARNING! Fuel is highly flammable. No smoking or open flames. Chain can cause severe injury even when engine is off.

Specifications

Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled.
Bore x Stroke: 45.0 mm x 37.0 mm.
Idle Speed: 2,800 rpm.
Maximum Power Speed: 9,500 rpm.
Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL HP Ultra oil).
Carburetor: Zama C1Q-S189 or equivalent with M-Tronic.
Air Filter: Two-stage (fleece and felt).
Clutch Type: Centrifugal, drum-type.
Chain Brake Activation: Manual (front hand guard) and inertial.
Warranty: Refer to STIHL warranty statement.

Maintenance Schedule

Access components by removing appropriate covers and screws. Front Panel: Master Control Lever, Decompression Valve, Throttle Trigger Lockout.

Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension and sharpness, inspect guide bar for wear, check all fasteners for tightness. Weekly: Clean cooling fins and air intake, inspect spark plug, clean fuel filter. Monthly: Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped), check clutch drum and sprocket for wear, inspect anti-vibration elements. Annually: Replace fuel filter, inspect fuel lines, check cylinder compression, service carburetor (if needed).

Fuel System Service

Fuel Tank: Empty tank, remove to access fuel lines and filter. Carburetor (M-Tronic): No manual adjustment screws. Reset by holding at full throttle for 30 seconds after startup. Fuel Lines: Inspect for cracks; replace if hardened or leaking.

Turn fuel valve to OFF (if equipped).
Drain fuel into approved container.
Remove tank cover screws and lift cover.
Replace fuel filter by pulling from pickup line.
Reassemble in reverse order.

Tip: Use only fresh, properly mixed fuel. Stale fuel is a common cause of starting and running issues.

Ignition System Service

Spark Plug: Gap 0.5 mm (0.020"). Ignition Module: Check with multimeter for proper resistance. Stop Switch: Test for continuity.

Disconnect spark plug wire.
Remove spark plug, inspect electrode and insulator.
Check gap, adjust if necessary.
Test ignition coil primary resistance: 0.18 - 0.27 ohms.
Test secondary resistance: 4.5 - 6.5 kOhms.
Replace faulty components.

WARNING! Engine must be cool. Ensure spark plug wire is disconnected during testing.

Cooling System Service

Cooling Fins: Clean with brush and compressed air. Cylinder: Inspect for scoring or damage. Flywheel Fan: Check blades for cracks.

Clutch & Chain Brake Service

Clutch: Remove clutch cover, chain, and bar. Use clutch holding tool to remove clutch nut (left-hand thread). Inspect shoes for wear. Chain Brake: Test activation; replace band if worn or damaged.

CAUTION! Use proper tools. Do not operate saw with faulty chain brake.

Guide Bar & Chain Service

Guide Bar: Clean groove, check for straightness and wear. Dress rails with flat file if uneven. Chain: Sharpen with correct round file size. Maintain proper depth gauge setting.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, stale fuel	Check spark, plug condition. Use fresh fuel. Wait if flooded.
Engine starts then dies	Fuel filter clogged, vent blocked	Replace fuel filter. Check tank vent.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, exhaust screen, carb issue	Clean air filter and spark arrestor. Reset M-Tronic.
Chain does not turn	Clutch worn, sprocket damaged, brake engaged	Inspect clutch and sprocket. Disengage chain brake.
Excessive vibration	AV mounts damaged, unbalanced chain	Replace anti-vibration buffers. Balance chain.
Oil not feeding	Oil passage clogged, pump faulty	Clean oil passages. Test oil pump output.

Reset M-Tronic: Start engine, hold at full throttle for 30 seconds (no load).

Service: Authorized STIHL servicing dealer only for major repairs.

Parts Diagrams

Refer to official STIHL MS 362 IPL (Illustrated Parts List) for exploded views and part numbers. Common assemblies: Crankcase, Cylinder/Piston, Carburetor/Air Filter, Clutch/Chain Brake, Ignition/Flywheel, Fuel/Oil Tanks, Handle/Anti-Vibration.

Ordering Parts: Use genuine STIHL part numbers from IPL. Contact authorized dealer.