chainsaw Stihl MS 180 It is widely considered one of the most reliable and popular models in its class, but even German engineering sometimes fails. The most vulnerable node, subjected to enormous mechanical stress, is the manual start system. Exactly. starter takes the first blow at each start of the engine, which over time leads to wear of plastic elements, rupture of the cord or breakage of the snoring mechanism.
The symptoms of malfunction usually appear suddenly: the cord may stop retracting, scroll without engaging with the crankshaft, or, worse, get stuck inside the housing. Owners often face a situation where, after a jerk, the handle does not return to its original position, blocking the re-start. Ignoring these signals can lead to more serious consequences, including damage to the crankcase or injury to the operator due to a sharp backlash.
Fortunately, the saw's design Stihl 180 allows you to replace the starter yourself, without contacting a specialized service. This does not require complex expensive equipment or deep knowledge of the device of two-stroke engines. It is enough to have a basic set of tools, a new remix or node in the assembly and a clear understanding of the sequence of actions described in this manual.
Diagnosis of faults of the trigger mechanism
Before starting disassembly, it is necessary to accurately determine the nature of the breakdown, since in some cases a complete replacement of the node may not be required. Often the problem lies in the banal cliff of the starting cord or its stratification, which is easily diagnosed visually. If the cord is intact, but the saw does not start, you should pay attention to the condition. return-spring And the integrity of the ratchet's plastic legs.
One common problem is biting the cord or getting it badly retracted. This may indicate that the spring has lost its elastic properties or jumped off the landing site. It is also worth checking the condition of the handle itself: if it cracked, sharp edges can damage the cord with each jerk, creating the illusion of a more serious breakdown of the mechanism.
⚠️ Attention: If a metal clang is heard during the starter's jerk, but the crankshaft does not turn, this may indicate jamming of the piston group. In this case, replacing the starter will not solve the problem, and a defect in the engine will be required.
For accurate diagnosis, remove the air filter cover and examine the clutch condition. If the starter is removed, it is seen that the clutch is rotated freely, and the engine does not "grab", the problem may be in the cut slits or malfunction of the clutch itself, and not only in the starter device.
Tools and workplace preparation required
A good replacement for the starter Style 180 It requires not only accuracy, but also the right tools. The main tool will be a combined key, which usually comes complete with a saw, or a set of end heads. The MS 180 model most often requires a head on the head. 19 mm or 13 mm for the candle key and the bolts of the casing.
In addition to the keys, you will need:
- 🔧 Flat-dead or thin screwdriver to extract the locking washer.
- 🧤 Protective gloves for working with metal parts and sharp cord.
- 🧹 Mulch and cleaner to remove shavings and oil from the surface of the crankcase.
- 🕯️ Candle key for twisting the spark plug before starting work.
It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area, as the internal parts of the starter are small and require careful inspection. It is also recommended to prepare a container for folding fasteners so as not to lose screws in the process of work.
☑️ Preparation for repairs
The process of dismantling an old starter
The first stage of work is the removal of the starter from the chainsaw body. To do this, you need to flip the tool and access the back, where three fasteners are located. Depending on the year of issue Stihl 180The screws may have a hat under a hexagon or a cross slot. They should be unscrewed counterclockwise, taking care not to damage the thread in the soft magnesium of the crankcase.
After spinning the screws, the starter is not always removed immediately. Often it is tightly pressed against the crankcase or hooked to the elements of the ignition system. Carefully pull the knot on yourself, swaying slightly from side to side. If a high voltage wire interferes, it can be temporarily disconnected from the coil by remembering the order of connection, although this is rarely required on the model 180.
When removing, pay attention to the condition of the gasket between the starter and the crankcase. If it has broken or lost elasticity, it must be replaced to avoid sucking air into the engine. The suction of untreated air leads to impoverishment of the mixture and overheating of the piston group.
Screw nuances
On some versions of the Stihl MS 180, one of the screws may be longer than the others. When reassembling, it is important to install it in its place so as not to damage the inner thread of the crankcase or create a gap.
Disassembly and defection of the launch unit
After removing the knot from the saw, we proceed to disassemble it. On the starter body is a central screw that holds the pulley with a wound cord. Before it is twisted, it is necessary to fix the pulley from the twist. To do this, you can use a thin screwdriver, inserting it into a special hole, or simply hold the pulley with your hand in the glove.
After removing the central screw and washer, carefully remove the pulley. Here lies the main source of problems - the return spring. It is in a tense state, so you need to act extremely carefully. If the spring pops out, it can cause injury or get lost in the grass. Remove the spring and inspect it for cracks or breaks of turns.
Examine the plastic body of the starter for cracks, especially in the places where the legs attach, which interact with the centrifugal clutch. Even a microscopic crack under load will quickly turn into a chip, and the starter will cease to cling to the crankshaft. Also check the condition of the cord itself: if it is worn or worn, it must be replaced.
⚠️ Warning: When disassembling the spring may be in a compressed state. Cover the mechanism with your palm or rag when removing the fixing washer to prevent its sharp spread.
Installation and assembly of a new starter
Building a new node or rebuilding an old one requires attention to detail. If you install a new cord, snag it through a hole in the case and tie a reliable knot on the handle. The cord is wound on the pulley in the opposite direction to the pulley rotation at start (usually clockwise when viewed from above). You need to do 3-4 turns to ensure sufficient movement.
Installation of the return spring is the most difficult stage. The spring must be inserted into the central slot of the pulley and twist it for several turns, creating a preliminary tension. Usually it is required to make 2-3 full turns of the pulley counterclockwise (in the direction of reeling) so that the cord itself is retracted with effort.
After adjusting the tension, set the pulley in place, fix the central screw and the washer. Check the mechanism: pull the cord - it should easily go out and retract vigorously back. If the cord hangs sluggishly, add another half-turn of tension.
To facilitate the extension of the new cord through a narrow hole, use a thin wire or tweezers. The end of the cord can be melted with a lighter so that it does not dissipate when passing through the channel.
Installation of the chainsaw and final inspection
Install the assembled starter on the chainsaw crankcase Stihl 180. Make sure that the protrusions on the starter body have entered the crankcase correctly and nothing interferes with the tight fit. Wrap up three fasteners. Tighten them need to cross-cross, evenly pressing the body to avoid distortion.
After installation, be sure to check the ease of rotation of the crankshaft. To do this, twist the spark plug and several times smoothly pull the starter. The engine should rotate freely, without jamming and extraneous sounds. If the starter “bites”, it is possible that the legs of the ratchet do not fall into the clutch’s return slots or touch them.
| Parameter | Norm/Significance | Permissible deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Moment of screw tightening | 2.5 - 3.0 Nm | Without fanaticism, so as not to break the carvings |
| Length of cord | 80-90 cm | Depends on the diameter of the pulley |
| Cord diameter | 3.0 - 3.5 mm | At least 2.5 mm |
| Number of turns | 3 - 4 turns | Adjustable by tension |
Insert the spark plug, plug the tip and try to start the saw. The first start after replacing the starter may require a little more effort as new details need to get lost. If the saw started and keeps pace, the work can be considered completed.
The key to a successful replacement is the correct pre-tension of the spring. Too little tension will not return the cord, and too strong will quickly lead to a cliff.
Frequent mistakes when replacing a starter
One of the most common mistakes is to ignore cleaning the substarter cavity. When removing the old node inside the crankcase often gets shavings and dust, which when installing a new starter are locked inside. When working, this abrasive mixture can get into the cylinder through the gaps, causing bullies.
Also, beginners often wrongly wind the cord, twisting the turns. This leads to jamming of the mechanism at the first jerk. The cord should lie in the pulley groove straight, a turn to the coil, without overlapping. Another mistake is to use a cord that is too thin, which is quickly rubbed, or too thick, which does not fit into the channel.
⚠️ Warning: Never use synthetic ropes or line to replace the starting cord. Only a special cord with weaving, which can withstand high dynamic loads.
Do not forget to check the state of centrifugal clutch. If his shoes have deep workings or chips, the new starter will not live long. The starter's legs will be beating about unevenness and will quickly collapse.
Prevention and care of the launch system
To replace the starter with Style 180 It is not required too often, you need to follow simple rules of operation. Always keep the saw clean: after each use, blow the cooling ribs and the sawdust starter area. The accumulation of fine wood dust combined with oil creates an abrasive paste that accelerates wear of rubbing parts.
Periodically check the tension of the cord and the condition of the handle. If you notice that the cord has become harder to come out or there are "rags", it is better to replace it preventively than wait for a cliff in the forest. It is also recommended once a season to lubricate the pulley axis and spring with a small amount of refractory lubricant (for example, lithium) to exclude corrosion and creaking.
Keep the chainsaw in a dry place. Moisture entering the starter can lead to rusting of the spring, which is a critical element. The rusty spring loses its elasticity and breaks at the first serious load.
The Secret of Durability
Before long storage (for example, for the winter), make a few idle jerks with a starter without starting the engine, so that the lubricant is distributed through the mechanism, and release all the gasoline from the tank.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you replace the cord, not the whole starter?
Yes, on Stihl 180 Only the cord can be replaced if the starter body, pulley and spring are in perfect condition. However, given the low cost of the assembly and the complexity of replacing the spring, it is often more advisable to buy a new starter entirely.
What diameter of the cord should I use to replace?
The optimal diameter of the starting cord for the MS 180 model is 3.0 - 3.5 mm. Using a thinner cord will cause it to break quickly, and a thicker one can jam in the hole of the body.
Why doesn't the starter pull the cord back in?
The most likely cause is a breakage or rebound spring. Also, the problem may be in biting the cord due to contamination of the mechanism or damage to the inner surface of the plastic case.
Should I lubricate the starter mechanism?
The lubricant is minimal. It is recommended to slightly lubricate the axis of rotation of the pulley and the coil of the spring. The excess lubrication will attract dust and shavings, which will turn the mechanism into an abrasive porridge.
Can I use the Stihl 170 starter on a 180 model?
Constructive starters Stihl MS 170 and MS 180 They are almost identical and often interchangeable. However, before buying it is better to check the items or try on the knot, as in different years of release there may be minor changes in the fastening holes.