Winter Operation - Stihl MS 231 Instruction Manual

Releasing the chain brake
Pull the hand guard back toward the
N
front handle,
NOTICE
Always disengage chain brake before
accelerating the engine (except when
checking its operation) and before
starting cutting work.
High revs with the chain brake engaged
(chain locked) will quickly damage the
powerhead and chain drive (clutch,
chain brake).
The chain brake is also activated by the
inertia of the front hand guard if the
kickback force of the saw is high
enough: The hand guard is accelerated
toward the bar nose – even if your left
hand is not behind the hand guard, e.g.
during felling cut.
MS 231, MS 231 C, MS 251, MS 251 C
The chain brake will operate only if the
hand guard has not been modified in any
way.
Check operation of the chain brake
Before starting work: Run engine at idle
speed, engage the chain brake (push
hand guard toward bar nose) and open
the throttle wide for no more than
3 seconds – the chain must not rotate.
The hand guard must be free from dirt
and move freely.
Chain brake maintenance
The chain brake is subject to normal
wear. It is necessary to have it serviced
and maintained regularly by trained
personnel. STIHL recommends that you
have servicing and repair work carried
out exclusively by an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer. Maintain the following
servicing intervals:
Full-time usage: every 3
months
Part-time usage: every 6
months
Occasional usage: every 12
months

Winter Operation

Pre-heating carburetor
Remove the shroud – see "Shroud"
N
At temperatures below +10 °C
Using a screwdriver, pry the shutter
N
out of the s (summer operation)
position
Place the shutter with the opening in
N
the direction of the chain saw in
the r position (winter operation) –
shutter must audibly snap into place
Fit the shroud – see "Shroud"
N
English
27