Operation Manual
32
English / USA
MS 361 C
Retensioning during cutting work:
: Shut off the engine.
: Pull out the hinged clip and loosen 
the wingnut.
: Turn the adjusting wheel (1) 
clockwise as far as stop.
: Tighten down the wingnut (2) firmly 
by hand.
: Fold down the hinged clip.
: Follow instructions in "Checking 
Chain Tension".
A new chain has to be retensioned more 
often than one that has been in use for 
some time.
: Check chain tension frequently – 
see "Operating Instructions".
: Shut off the engine.
: Wear work gloves to protect your 
hands.
: Pull the hand guard toward the rear 
handle.
: Press down the throttle trigger 
interlock to release the chain brake.
: Chain must fit snugly against the 
underside of the bar – and, with the 
chain brake disengaged, it must still 
be possible to pull the chain along 
the bar by hand.
: If necessary, retension the chain.
A new chain has to be retensioned more 
often than one that has been in use for 
some time.
Check chain tension frequently – see 
chapter "During Operation".
This engine is certified to operate on 
unleaded gasoline and the STIHL two-
stroke engine oil at a mix ratio of 50:1.
Your engine requires a mixture of high-
quality gasoline and quality two-stroke 
air cooled engine oil.
Use mid-grade unleaded gasoline with a 
minimum octane rating of 89 (R+M/2). If 
the octane rating of the mid-grade 
gasoline in your area is lower, use 
premium unleaded fuel. 
Fuel with a lower octane rating may 
increase engine temperatures. This, in 
turn, increases the risk of piston seizure 
and damage to the engine.
The chemical composition of the fuel is 
also important. Some fuel additives not 
only detrimentally affect elastomers 
(carburetor diaphragms, oil seals, fuel 
lines, etc.), but magnesium castings and 
catalytic converters as well. This could 
cause running problems or even 
damage the engine. For this reason 
STIHL recommends that you use only 
nationally recognized high-quality 
unleaded gasoline!
Tensioning the Saw Chain
(Quick chain tensioner)
1
2
001BA112 KN
Checking Chain Tension
143BA007 KN
Fuel










