STIHL Seasonal Preventative Maintenance Tips
STIHL Preventative Maintenance Tips
Step 1:
Drain the fuel from your STIHL equipment, because within 90 days fuel will deteriorate. As fuel ages, the chemical properties change, the gasoline becomes corrosive and residue will begin to form inside carburetors and fuel tanks. The ethanol content now commonly found in fuels further complicates the process. Ethanol will absorb water from the atmosphere which can cause a formation of layers of fuel, water, and ethanol inside of your fuel tank. Draining fuel from the system eliminates all of these scenarios. This is also a great opportunity to wash out any debris that may be present within your fuel tank. Any dirt or debris left in the fuel tank will collect at the fuel filter, and eventually plug up the filter. Please discard or dispose of any left over fuel in an environmentally responsible manner. Any fuel left in your portable storage container should also be discarded at this time.
Step 2:
Start and run the engine at idle speed until the engine stops. This step will eliminate any fuel that is left in the fuel system and prevent varnish from forming inside the carburetor. Never operate an engine at wide open throttle with no load on the engine, as damage may result. Set the choke and restart the engine to ensure that the fuel system is completely emptied.
Step 3:
Thoroughly inspect and clean your STIHL equipment. This is the opportune time to check for any loose or missing screws and fasteners, check the condition of the starter cord and handle, and also make sure that all engine housing, guards, and deflectors are in place and properly secured. Any damaged components should be brought in for repair before using the equipment. For the engine to cool, it is important that adequate airflow around cylinder fins is maintained. Remove any dirt or debris that is built up on the starter housing and around the cylinder fins. The cutting attachment (guide bar and chains, brush cutter line heads or blades, and hedge trimmer blades) should be dissembled. cleaned, sharpened, and prepared for use the following spring. Metal parts should have a film of lubricant applied to prevent rust from forming.
Step 4:
Clean or replace the spark plug. After servicing the cutting attachment, the engine should be cool enough for you to remove the spark plug. Excessive carbon build up on the spark plug can be removed with a stiff wire brush and the electrode gap can be reset to 0.020" or 0.5mm. If you choose to replace the spark plug, keep in ,mind that different types of equipment require different types of spark plugs (heat range, electrode reach and thread size). All STIHL equipment requires a resistor style of spark plug. If in doubt, contact Eis Implement for the correct type of spark plug. Before reinstalling the spark plug, put a couple of drops 2- cycle oil down the spark plug hole and gently pull the starter rope to spread the oil around the inside of the cylinder. Reinstall the spark plug and reconnect the ignition lead.
Step 5:
Clean or replace the air filter. Air filter maintenance varies depending on your type of equipment, Generally speaking, the air filter can be removed and cleaned by lightly tapping on the edge of the filter or by using a soft bristle brush to remove any dirt on the surfaces. Before attempting to remove the air filter, turn on the choke shutter to prevent any dirt from entering the engine. When cleaning the filter, inspect the inside of the air filter housing. Any dirt or debris present here, indicates that the air filter should be replaced. Avoid using fuels, solvents or compressed air when cleaning the air filter. Contact Eis Implement for proper maintenance for your STIHL equipment.
Step 6:
Proper storage. STIHL recommends storing your equipment in a dry and elevated secure location out if reach of children or unauthorized persons. STIHL power equipment should never be stored near a source of heat or ignition
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