Stihl Repair & Servicing

Symptoms: Producing sawdust instead of chips, pulling to one side, excessive effort needed

Typical fix: Chain sharpening or replacement, bar inspection, sprocket check

High — dull chains are dangerous and dramatically reduce cutting efficiency

Symptoms: Bump feed not releasing line, line breaks frequently, head jams

Typical fix: Rewind line correctly, replace worn eyelets, clean head mechanism, replace head if cracked

Low — annoying but easy fix

Symptoms: Inconsistent idle, power drops under load, excessive smoke

Typical fix: Carburettor strip and clean, replace fuel filter, check exhaust port for carbon buildup

Moderate — indicates fuel system or engine issues that worsen over time

Symptoms: Multiple pull attempts needed, choke position doesn't help

Typical fix: Replace spark plug, clean or replace air filter, check fuel freshness, inspect decomp valve

Common after storage — usually a quick fix

Symptoms: Hard starting, flooding, runs then dies, after storage or old mix

Typical fix: Replace fuel lines, clean/rebuild carb, fresh mix, check tank vent

Very common on Stihl FS/BR/HS series — Paul sees daily from landscapers and homeowners