How to Adjust a Stihl Chainsaw

Adjust Stihl Chainsaw Carburetor

• 1

  Turn the low speed screw clockwise with a flat-head screwdriver until it stops. Turn the low speed screw one full turn counterclockwise. Place the chainsaw on a flat surface. Start the Stihl chainsaw and all the engine to warm up for five minutes. The screws are on the right hand side of the Stihl chainsaw. The left upper screw is the high speed adjustment screw and the right upper screw is the low speed adjustment screw. The lower screw is the idle speed screw.

• 2

  Squeeze the throttle trigger and turn the high speed screw clockwise with a flat-head screwdriver until the engine begins to run sluggish. Once the engine begins to run sluggish, turn the high speed adjustment screw counterclockwise a quarter turn turn.

• 3

  Release the throttle trigger and allow the engine to idle. The chain on the chain bar should not move. If the chain is rotating while idling, turn the idle screw counterclockwise until the chain stops turning. Once the chain stops, turn the idle screw another quarter turn counterclockwise. The Stihl chainsaw carburetor is adjusted for peak performance.

Adjust Stihl Chainsaw Chain Tension

• 4

  Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool before adjusting the chain tension. Once the muffler is cool, rotate the two nuts securing the chain bar cover one full turn counterclockwise with a wrench.

• 5

  Grasp the front of the chain bar with one hand, and lift the front of the chain bar up until it stops without lifting the body of the chainsaw.

• 6

  Rotate the chain adjustment screw clockwise until the bottom of the chain is snug against the chain bar. The adjustment screw is on the front of the chainsaw between the chain bar and body of the chainsaw.

• 7

  Release the chain bar and tighten the cover nuts. Grab the side of the upper chain with your fingers close to the chainsaw body. Pull the chain forward. The chain should move without hesitation and still be snug against the bar. Make adjustments as necessary.