STIHL MS211 Repair Manual

The STIHL MS211 is a lightweight, professional-grade chainsaw featuring a 35.2 cc STIHL engine, Easy2Start™ system, Ematic™ lubrication, side-access chain tensioner, and STIHL Quickstop® inertia chain brake. This manual provides comprehensive repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting guidance for the MS211 model. Below are key sections covering safety, specifications, disassembly, engine repair, fuel system, ignition, carburetor, lubrication, chain/bar maintenance, and reassembly procedures.

Safety Precautions

Before performing any repairs, ensure the chainsaw is completely powered off, the spark plug wire is disconnected, and all fuel has been drained. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Safety Step	Description
Disconnect spark plug	Prevents accidental engine start during repair
Drain fuel tank	Eliminates fire hazard from fuel spills
Wear cut-resistant gloves	Protects hands from sharp chain components
Use eye protection	Shields eyes from debris and fuel
Work in well-ventilated area	Prevents inhalation of fuel/oil vapors
Secure chainsaw on bench	Prevents movement during disassembly
Handle fuel with care	Use approved containers; no open flames
Disconnect battery (if electric start)	Removes electrical hazard
Follow torque specifications	Prevents component failure from over/under tightening
Keep manual accessible	Reference procedures and warnings

Technical Specifications

Key technical data for the STIHL MS211 chainsaw.

1. Engine: 35.2 cc single-cylinder two-stroke air-cooled.
2. Power output: 1.8 kW (2.4 hp) at 9,500 rpm.
3. Fuel capacity: 0.47 liters (16 oz).
4. Oil capacity (chain): 0.26 liters (8.8 oz).
5. Weight (powerhead): 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs).
6. Guide bar lengths: 35 cm (14"), 40 cm (16").
7. Chain pitch: 3/8" PMM3; gauge: 1.3 mm (0.05").
8. Ignition: Electronic, non-adjustable.
9. Carburetor: Zama C1Q-S199 or equivalent.

WARNING! Use only STIHL-approved fuel mix (50:1 gasoline to STIHL HP Ultra oil). Incorrect mix can cause engine damage.

Tools & Equipment Required

Standard and specialty tools needed for MS211 repair.

1. STIHL combination wrench (included).
2. Spark plug wrench (13/16").
3. Torx screwdrivers (T10, T15, T27).
4. Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers.
5. Needle-nose pliers and circlip pliers.
6. Compression tester (optional).
7. Carburetor adjustment tool (STIHL 5910 890 4500).
8. Feeler gauge set (0.15 mm, 0.20 mm).
9. Torque wrench (5-20 Nm range).
10. Clean workspace with parts trays.

CAUTION! Use proper tools to avoid stripping screws or damaging components.

Disassembly Procedure

• Step 1: Remove bar and chain: Loosen nuts, remove side cover, lift off bar/chain.
• Step 2: Remove top cover: Unscrew two Torx screws, lift cover off.
• Step 3: Remove starter assembly: Remove screws, carefully lift starter off.
• Step 4: Remove carburetor box: Disconnect fuel lines, remove screws, lift box.
• Step 5: Remove cylinder cover: Remove screws, detach cover.
• Step 6: Remove muffler: Unscrew two nuts, remove muffler and gasket.
• Step 7: Remove clutch and drum: Use clutch removal tool, unscrew clockwise.
• Step 8: Separate crankcase halves: Mark alignment, remove all screws evenly.

Engine Repair & Overhaul

Access engine components after disassembly. Front Panel: Cylinder, piston, crankshaft, bearings, seals.

Cylinder inspection: Check for scoring, transfer, or cracks. Measure bore wear. Piston inspection: Check rings, pin, and skirt for wear. Replace if scored. Crankshaft: Check for straightness and bearing play. Seals: Replace crank seals during reassembly. Bearings: Inspect for smooth rotation; replace if gritty.

Reassembly: Apply sealant to crankcase halves, torque screws in crisscross pattern (8-10 Nm). Ensure all gaskets are new.

Fuel System Maintenance

Fuel tank, lines, filter, pump diaphragm, carburetor.

1. Drain fuel completely.
2. Replace fuel filter inside tank (pull with wire hook).
3. Inspect fuel lines for cracks; replace if hardened.
4. Check fuel pump diaphragm in carburetor for tears.
5. Clean tank vent (small hole near cap).

Tip: Use STIHL replacement parts for fuel system to ensure compatibility.

Ignition System

Electronic ignition module, spark plug, flywheel, stop switch.

1. Check spark plug: Gap 0.5 mm (0.020"); replace if electrode worn.
2. Test ignition module: Use spark tester; replace if no spark.
3. Inspect flywheel key: Ensure not sheared; affects timing.
4. Check stop switch wire: Disconnect to test if switch is faulty.
5. Air gap: Set between flywheel and ignition module (0.2-0.4 mm).

WARNING! Do not crank engine with spark plug removed and wire grounded against cylinder—risk of ignition module damage.

Carburetor Adjustment

Zama C1Q-S199 carburetor with H (high), L (low), LA (idle) screws.

1. Initial settings: H = 1 turn open, L = 1 turn open.
2. Start engine, warm up for 5 minutes.
3. Adjust L screw: Turn until engine runs smoothly at idle.
4. Adjust H screw: For maximum RPM (do not exceed 13,500 rpm).
5. Set idle speed: Adjust LA screw for smooth idle (2,800-3,200 rpm).
6. Check acceleration: No hesitation when throttle pressed.
7. Final check: Chain must not move at idle.

WARNING! Over-leaning H screw can cause engine seizure. Use tachometer for accuracy.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Guide bar, chain, sprocket, lubrication system.

Bar: Clean groove, flip regularly, file rails if burred. Chain: Sharpen with round file (4.0 mm), maintain correct depth gauge setting. Sprocket: Replace if worn (teeth hooked). Oil pump: Check output; adjust via screw near bar pad. Oil lines: Ensure not clogged.

Reassembly & Testing

Reassemble in reverse order of disassembly. Apply grease to clutch bearing, crankshaft seal lips. Torque all fasteners to specification.

Component	Torque (Nm)	Note
Cylinder cover screws	4-5	Evenly tighten
Muffler nuts	8-10	Use new gasket
Clutch nut	35-40	Right-hand thread
Bar nuts	9-10	Snug, not overtight
Crankcase screws	8-10	Crisscross pattern

Test run: Refuel, start, check for leaks, verify chain oil flow, test throttle response, engage chain brake function.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, fuel issue	Check spark, dry plug, clean carb, fresh fuel.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, carb adjustment	Replace filter, adjust L screw, check tank vent.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, exhaust screen, carb	Clean/replace filter, clean spark arrestor, adjust H screw.
Chain won't oil	Clogged oil line, pump fault	Clean oil passages, check pump drive, adjust output.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced clutch	Tighten all fasteners, inspect clutch for damage.
Chain brake not engaging	Dirty mechanism, broken spring	Clean brake band area, replace spring if faulty.
Overheating	Lean mixture, clogged cooling fins	Enrich H screw, clean cylinder fins, check fuel mix.
Oil leak from crankcase	Failed crankshaft seal	Replace both crank seals during overhaul.

Reset: After repair, reset maintenance timer if equipped.

Service: For genuine STIHL parts and technical support, contact authorized STIHL dealer or visit www.stihlusa.com.