Stihl TS400 Workshop Manual

The Stihl TS400 is a professional-grade cut-off saw designed for demanding construction, masonry, and rescue applications. This workshop manual provides comprehensive technical information for maintenance, repair, and overhaul procedures. It covers safety warnings, specifications, engine systems, fuel system, ignition system, cutting system, troubleshooting, and assembly/disassembly instructions for qualified technicians.

1. Safety Information and Warnings 2. Technical Specifications 3. Engine Overview and Components 4. Fuel System Service 5. Ignition System Service 6. Cutting System and Guard 7. Carburetor Adjustment 8. Disassembly and Assembly Procedures 9. Torque Specifications 10. Troubleshooting Guide 11. Parts List and Diagrams

Safety Information and Warnings

This section contains critical safety information for technicians working on the Stihl TS400 cut-off saw. Always follow these guidelines to prevent serious injury or death.

HazardPrecaution
Fuel Fire/ExplosionWork in well-ventilated area away from sparks or flames. Drain fuel before service.
Hot SurfacesAllow engine and exhaust to cool completely before handling.
Sharp EdgesWear cut-resistant gloves when handling the cutting wheel, blade, or drive shaft.
Spring TensionUse proper tools when servicing the starter assembly; recoil spring is under high tension.
Asbestos DustSome cutting applications may generate hazardous dust. Use appropriate respiratory protection.
Unintentional StartDisconnect spark plug boot before performing any internal engine service.

Technical Specifications

Engine Overview and Components

The engine is air-cooled with a diaphragm carburetor. Key components include cylinder, piston, crankshaft, connecting rod, bearings, and seals.

  1. Cylinder & Piston: Inspect for scoring, carbon buildup, and ring wear. Measure piston clearance.
  2. Crankshaft & Bearings: Check for runout and bearing play. Replace if beyond specification.
  3. Crankcase: Check for cracks and seal integrity. Pressure/vacuum test recommended.
  4. Cooling System: Ensure cooling fins on cylinder and fan housing are clean and unobstructed.

WARNING! Always use a piston stop when removing the flywheel nut to prevent crankshaft rotation.

Fuel System Service

Includes fuel tank, filter, lines, and carburetor (typically Zama C1Q-S series).

  1. Drain fuel from tank and carburetor.
  2. Replace in-tank fuel filter annually or if clogged.
  3. Inspect fuel lines for cracks, hardening, or leaks. Replace as a set.
  4. Clean carburetor: Disassemble, clean jets and passages with compressed air. Do not use wire.
  5. Inspect diaphragm and gaskets for tears or stiffness; replace kit if needed.

CAUTION! Use only genuine STIHL diaphragms and gaskets for proper metering and engine performance.

Ignition System Service

Electronic ignition module, spark plug, stop switch, and wiring.

Spark Plug: NGK BPMR7A or equivalent. Gap: 0.5 mm (0.020 in.). Replace if electrodes are worn or insulator is cracked.

Ignition Module Testing: Use STIHL diagnostic tool or multimeter to check primary and secondary coil resistance against specifications. Visual inspection for cracks or carbon tracking.

Stop Switch: Test for continuity. Wire should be open circuit when switch is OFF, closed circuit when ON.

Air Gap: Check and adjust gap between flywheel magnets and ignition module poles (typically 0.3 mm).

Cutting System and Guard

Includes spindle, flange, cutting wheel, and protective guard.

  1. Spindle & Bearings: Check spindle for straightness. Replace spindle bearings if there is play or roughness.
  2. Flange & Nut: Inspect flange for wear or cracks. Always use the correct wrench to tighten the nut (left-hand thread).
  3. Cutting Wheel: Use only STIHL-approved cutting wheels for the TS400. Check for cracks, missing segments, or uneven wear. Discard damaged wheels.
  4. Guard: Ensure guard is not cracked or deformed. It must be correctly mounted and not restrict wheel movement.

WARNING! Never operate the saw without the proper guard in place. A damaged guard must be replaced immediately.

Carburetor Adjustment

Adjustments made with engine at operating temperature and using a tachometer.

  1. Low Speed Screw (L): Adjust for smooth idle and good acceleration from idle.
  2. High Speed Screw (H): Adjust to achieve maximum engine speed of 11500 rpm under load (with cutting wheel).
  3. Idle Speed Screw (LA or T): Set to maintain 2800 rpm idle.

Procedure: Start with factory settings (e.g., L: 1 turn open, H: 1 turn open). Warm up engine. Fine-tune H screw for max RPM, then adjust L for best acceleration. Finally, set idle speed. Re-check H speed after final adjustment.

Note: Excessive smoke or poor performance indicates incorrect mixture. H screw controls top-end power and temperature; leaning it too much can cause engine seizure.

Disassembly and Assembly Procedures

Step-by-step guide for major component removal.

  1. Remove Cutting Attachment: Lock spindle, loosen left-hand nut, remove wheel and flange.
  2. Remove Fuel Tank/Carburetor: Drain fuel. Remove air filter cover, filter, and carburetor box. Disconnect fuel lines and throttle linkage. Remove tank screws.
  3. Remove Cylinder: Remove muffler. Unbolt cylinder base nuts. Gently tap cylinder to break gasket seal. Lift cylinder off piston.
  4. Remove Piston & Crankshaft: Use piston pin clip tool. Drive out piston pin. Separate piston from connecting rod. Crankshaft removal requires splitting the crankcase.
  5. Split Crankcase: Remove all screws securing crankcase halves. Use a case splitter tool to separate halves evenly. Do not pry with screwdrivers.

Assembly Tip: Use new gaskets and seals. Apply a thin film of two-stroke oil to bearings, piston, and cylinder wall during assembly. Torque all fasteners to specification.

Torque Specifications

ComponentThread SizeTorque (Nm)Torque (ft-lbs)
Cylinder Base NutsM820 Nm14.8 ft-lbs
Muffler BoltsM610 Nm7.4 ft-lbs
Crankcase ScrewsM610 Nm7.4 ft-lbs
Flywheel NutM12x1.2550 Nm36.9 ft-lbs
Clutch/Drum NutM12x1.25 LH50 Nm36.9 ft-lbs
Cutting Wheel NutM12x1.25 LH30 Nm22.1 ft-lbs
Spark PlugM14x1.2525 Nm18.4 ft-lbs

Troubleshooting Guide

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, flooded, fuel issueCheck spark plug, boot, and stop switch. Check fuel lines, filter, and carburetor diaphragm. Ensure correct fuel mix.
Engine starts but diesClogged fuel filter, carb adjustment, air leakReplace fuel filter. Check carburetor settings and diaphragm. Perform crankcase pressure test.
Loss of powerClogged air filter, exhaust port carbon, bad piston/cylinderClean/replace air filter. Decarbonize muffler and exhaust port. Inspect cylinder and piston for wear/scoring.
Excessive vibrationBent cutting wheel, unbalanced wheel, bad crankshaft bearingInspect and replace cutting wheel. Check spindle and crankshaft bearings for play.
Cutting wheel does not spin at idleCentrifugal clutch worn or stuckInspect clutch shoes for wear and springs for tension. Clean drum of debris.
Oil leaking from crankcaseFailed crankshaft seals or crankcase gasketPressure test crankcase. Replace seals and gasket as needed.

Parts List and Diagrams

Refer to the official STIHL TS400 Illustrated Parts Diagram (IPL) for complete part numbers and exploded views. Key assembly groups include:

Ordering Parts: Always use genuine STIHL parts for optimal performance and safety. Provide the saw's serial number when ordering.

Service Support: For technical assistance, contact STIHL technical service or visit www.stihl.com. This manual is intended for use by trained technicians.

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