Operation Manual
1MS 361 C
English / USA
BA_SE_144_004_01_05.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.
Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2008 
0458 214 8621 A. M0,5. D8. PM. Printed in USA 
STIHl
Contents
Secondary Chain 
Braking System  ................................ 2
Guide to Using this Manual  .............. 3
Safety Precautions and 
Working Techniques  ......................... 4
Mounting the Bar and Chain
(Side chain tensioner) .................... 27
Mounting the Bar and Chain
(Quick Chain Tensioner) ................. 28
Tensioning the Saw Chain
(Side chain tensioner) .................... 31
Tensioning the Saw Chain
(Quick chain tensioner) .................. 32
Checking Chain Tension ................. 32
Fuel ................................................ 32
Fueling ............................................ 33
Chain Lubricant  .............................. 35
Filling Chain Oil Tank ...................... 35
Checking Chain Lubrication ........... 36
Chain Brake ................................... 36
Winter Operation  ............................ 38
Information Before You Start .......... 39
Starting / Stopping the Engine  ........ 39
Operating Instructions  .................... 43
Oil Quantity Control  ........................ 44
Taking Care of Guide Bar ...............  44
Air Filter System .............................  45
Cleaning the Air Filter .....................  45
Motor Management  ........................  46
Adjusting the Carburetor  ................  46
Spark Arresting Screen
in Muffler  ........................................  48
Checking the Spark Plug ................  48
Replacing Starter Rope 
and Rewind Spring  .........................  49
Storing the Machine  .......................  52
Checking and Replacing 
Chain Sprocket ...............................  52
Maintaining and Sharpening
Saw Chain ......................................  54
Maintenance Chart .........................  58
Main Parts of the Saw  ....................  60
Specifications .................................  62
Special Accessories  .......................  63
Ordering Spare Parts  .....................  63
Maintenance and Repairs  ..............  64
STIHL Incorporated 
Federal Emission Control 
Warranty Statement ........................  65
Trademarks ....................................  67
Allow only persons who understand this 
Manual to operate your chainsaw.
To receive maximum performance and 
satisfaction from your STIHL chainsaw, 
it is important that you read and 
understand 
the maintenance and safety 
precautions,
 starting on page 4, before 
using your chainsaw. 
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL 
distributor for your area if you do not 
understand any of the instructions in this 
Manual.
!Warning!
Because a chainsaw is a high-speed 
wood-cutting tool, some special safety 
precautions must be observed as with 
any other power saw to reduce the risk 
of personal injury. 
Careless or improper use may cause 
serious or even fatal injury.
STIHL's philosophy is to continually 
improve all of its products. As a result, 
engineering changes and improvements 
are made from time-to-time. If the 
operating characteristics or the 
appearance of your chainsaw differs 
from those described in this Manual, 
please contact your STIHL dealer for 
information and assistance.










