Using The Chain Saw - Stihl MS 261 Instruction Manual

5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
￭ To relieve vapor lock:
– Place the Master Control Lever in the cold start
position and pull the starter cord approximately
20 times to clear the vapor and send liquid fuel into
the carburetor.
– To start the chain saw, move the Master Control
Lever to the starting throttle position
starter cord approximately 10 times.
– If your chain saw will not restart, or if vapor lock
occurs again, the chain saw is being used in
conditions too extreme for the fuel being used.
Discontinue use and let the engine cool completely
before attempting to start the chain saw.
– Using good quality, fresh fuel (stored less than 30
days) also can help reduce the occurrence of vapor
lock.
5.6

Using the Chain Saw

5.6.1 Before Operation
WARNING
￭ Misuse or unauthorized use may result in personal injury
and property damage.
– Use the chain saw only as described in this
instruction manual.
￭ For proper assembly of the bar and chain:
– Read and follow the instructions on mounting the
guide bar and chain, @ 10.2.1.
￭ The chain, guide bar and sprocket must match each other
in gauge and pitch. Before mounting or replacing:
– Read the information on guide bar and chain
combinations, @ 25.
– Read and follow the instructions on kickback and
other reactive forces, @ 6.
– Select the shortest bar that will meet your cutting
needs. Longer bars add weight and may be more
difficult to control.
0458-573-8621-C
￭ Proper tension of the chain is extremely important to
maximize cutting performance and reduce the risk of
personal injury from chain breakage, derailment or
reactive forces:
– Read and follow the chain tensioning instructions,
@ 10.3.
and pull the – Always make sure the chain sprocket cover is
tightened securely after tensioning the chain in order
to secure the bar. Never start the chain saw with the
chain sprocket cover loose or missing.
– Check chain tension once more after tightening the
chain sprocket cover.
– After adjusting the chain, let the motor run for a
minute or two, then shut off the engine, engage the
chain brake and recheck chain tension.
– Check chain tension periodically thereafter at
regular intervals (only after engaging the chain brake
and shutting off the engine).
– Never cut with a loose chain. If the chain becomes
loose while cutting, engage the chain brake and shut
off the engine before tightening the chain. Never
attempt to adjust the chain while the engine is
running.
￭ To reduce the risk of fire and explosion:
– Check fuel system for leaks, especially the visible
parts, (e.g., filler cap, hose connections).
– Securely mount the spark plug boot on the spark
plug.
– Do not start the engine if the fuel system has leaks
or the saw is otherwise damaged. Have the chain
saw repaired by an authorized STIHL servicing
dealer before using it.
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