Stihl Chainsaw Fuel Filter Location Guide

where is fuel filter on stihl chainsaw

The fuel tank on a Stihl chainsaw contains the fuel line and a fuel filter, which helps keep impurities out of the carburetor. If your chainsaw starts to malfunction, it might be time to change the fuel filter. The fuel filter can be accessed by removing the fuel tank cap and using a hooked wire or long-nose pliers to remove the fuel cap retainers. Once the retainers are removed, the fuel filter can be taken out and replaced with a new one.

Characteristics Values
Fuel filter location Inside the fuel tank
Fuel filter function Keeps impurities from entering the carburetor
Fuel filter replacement Requires removing the fuel tank cap, using a screwdriver to remove the top cover, and manipulating the fuel line and filter
Fuel filter cleaning Can be immersed in a strong solvent like lacquer thinner, but replacement is recommended
Fuel filter cost Around £50/$60, but can vary

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Replacing the fuel filter on a Stihl chainsaw

The fuel filter in a Stihl chainsaw is located in the fuel tank, along with the fuel line. If your chainsaw is beginning to malfunction, replacing the fuel filter may be the solution. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace the fuel filter on a Stihl chainsaw:

Firstly, empty the fuel tank if it is full. Next, remove the fuel cap and use a piece of hooked wire or long-nose pliers to take out the cap retainers. Set these aside for now. Now, take off the top cover by turning the knob anti-clockwise with a screwdriver and pushing the choke lever down. Place the chainsaw on its side so that the fuel and oil tank caps are facing upwards.

With the starter handle cover exposed, you will notice four Torx head bolts. Unscrew these and put them aside. Now, hold the fuel line firmly with one hand and carefully work the filter off with a flat-head screwdriver. Be careful not to let the fuel line fall back into the tank after removing the filter, as it will be difficult to retrieve.

Take the new filter and push it onto the end of the fuel line. Work it into the line until the rubber touches the base of the filter. Now, let the filter fall back into the tank. Refit the fuel tank into its recess and push the fuel pipe back into place, paying attention to the position of the steel spring clip.

Finally, push the choke lever mechanism back into place. Put the starter cover back on, and you're almost done! All that's left is to fill the tank with gas and twist the fuel cap back on, ensuring it is closed properly to avoid fuel spillage. Some Stihl chainsaws have a fuel cap with a collapsible ring, so make sure the ring is down and flush with the top of the cap. And that's it – you've successfully replaced the fuel filter on your Stihl chainsaw!

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How to remove the old fuel filter

The fuel tank on a Stihl chainsaw contains the fuel line and a fuel filter. The fuel filter helps to keep impurities from entering the carburetor. If the chainsaw begins to stumble or shut off when operating, the fuel filter may be clogged and need replacing.

To remove the old fuel filter, first, set the chainsaw on a level surface and disconnect the spark plug boot to prevent accidental start-up. Next, remove the fuel cap by lifting the locking lever to the vertical position and turning the cap counterclockwise. If the tank still has gas inside, siphon it into a separate container. Now, take a piece of wire, preferably 12 or 14-gauge wire with the insulation stripped off, and bend the last inch or two into a hook shape. Shove this hook into the tank and use it to catch the fuel line. Hold the hose in one hand and pull the filter out.

Once the old fuel filter is removed, you can install a new one.

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Installing a new fuel filter

To install a new fuel filter on your Stihl chainsaw, you will first need to remove the old one. Start by taking off the fuel cap and emptying the tank if it is full. Next, remove the top cover by turning the knob anti-clockwise with a screwdriver and pushing the choke lever down so that the cover can be removed. Now, turn the chainsaw on its side so that the fuel and oil tank caps are facing upwards. Undo both caps and, using hooked wire or long-nose pliers, manoeuvre the cap retainers into a position where they can be removed.

With the caps removed, you should now be able to access the fuel filter and fuel line. Hold the fuel line firmly in one hand and work the filter off with a flat-head screwdriver. Be careful not to let the fuel line fall back into the tank after removing the filter, as it will be difficult to retrieve.

Now that the old filter is removed, you can install the new one. Push the new filter onto the end of the fuel line and work it into the line until the rubber is touching the base of the filter. Once the new filter is securely attached to the fuel line, let it fall back into the tank.

Finally, you can reassemble the chainsaw. Refit the fuel tank into its recess and push the choke lever mechanism back into place. Pay attention to the position of the steel spring clip. Replace the starter cover, oil tank cap, and fuel cap, ensuring that the locking lever is flush with the top of the cap to prevent fuel spillage.

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Tools needed for the process

To replace the fuel filter on a Stihl chainsaw, you will need a few tools to complete the process. Here is a list of the tools required:

T27 Torx Screwdriver or Bit

A T27 Torx screwdriver or bit is needed to remove the Torx head bolts securing the starter handle cover and brake handle. This tool is essential to access the internal components of the chainsaw, including the fuel tank and filter.

Long-Nosed Pliers

Long-nosed pliers, also known as needle-nose pliers, are versatile tools that can be used in multiple steps of the process. They can help manoeuvre cap retainers, remove the fuel line, and push the fuel pipe back into place during reassembly. Their long and slender design makes them ideal for reaching into tight spaces.

Hooked Wire

A piece of hooked wire can be used in place of long-nosed pliers for certain steps. It can help manoeuvre cap retainers and remove the fuel filter from the tank. You can create a hooked wire by taking a piece of wire (such as scrap house wiring), stripping the insulation, and bending one end into a hook shape.

Cloth

Having a cloth, such as a rag or towel, is essential for cleaning as you work. It will help you wipe away any fuel spills or residue during the process of removing and replacing the fuel filter.

Hand Siphon (optional)

Although not strictly necessary, a hand siphon can be useful for safely transferring fuel from the chainsaw's tank to a gas can during the fuel filter replacement process. This helps prevent fuel spillage and ensures that the fuel can be reused.

Wire Cutters (optional)

If you opt to use a metal clothes hanger as a hooked wire, you will need wire cutters to cut the hanger to the appropriate length and shape the hook.

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Refilling the fuel tank

  • Prepare the Fuel Mixture: Stihl chainsaws typically run on a mixture of gasoline and oil. It is essential to use high-quality oil designed for 2-stroke engines, such as Stihl's own 2-stroke engine oil, to ensure optimal performance and prolong the life of your chainsaw. Prepare the fuel mixture in an approved fuel canister by pouring in the oil first, followed by petrol, at a ratio of 1:50 (one part oil to fifty parts petrol). Seal the canister and shake it to combine the fuel mixture effectively.
  • Safety Precautions: Petrol is highly flammable, so exercise extreme caution during the refuelling process. Refuel your Stihl chainsaw in a well-ventilated area, maintaining a safe distance of at least 3 metres from any potential sources of ignition, such as naked flames. Ensure that you do not smoke while refuelling, and avoid any activities that may create sparks. Always switch off the chainsaw engine before refuelling, and never fill the tank when the motor is hot to prevent the risk of fire if the fuel overflows.
  • Filling the Fuel Tank: With your fuel mixture ready and safety measures in place, you can now fill the fuel tank of your Stihl chainsaw. Open the fuel cap carefully, being mindful of any built-up pressure, and ensure that no fuel sprays out. Slowly pour the fuel mixture into the tank, taking care not to spill any fuel. If you do spill fuel, clean the chainsaw and your clothes immediately.
  • Post-Refuelling Steps: After refilling the fuel tank, ensure that the fuel cap is securely tightened. If your Stihl chainsaw model has a fuel cap with a collapsible ring, make sure the ring is flush with the top of the cap before starting the chainsaw. Shake the chainsaw gently to ensure that the fuel is evenly distributed and that the fuel line is flat on the bottom of the tank.
  • Fuel Storage and Maintenance: Proper fuel storage and maintenance are crucial to ensure the longevity of your Stihl chainsaw. Avoid storing mixed fuel for extended periods, as it can degrade over time. Fuel left in the chainsaw or in a canister for more than 30 days may be infiltrated by oxygen and moisture, affecting its composition and potentially damaging additives. If you won't be using your chainsaw for a month or more, it is recommended to empty the fuel tank and run it dry before storage.

Frequently asked questions

The fuel filter is located inside the fuel tank.

First, empty the fuel tank. Then, remove the top cover by turning the knob anti-clockwise with a screwdriver. Push the choke lever down so that the cover can be removed.

Hold the fuel line with one hand and use a flat-head screwdriver to work the filter off.

Push the new filter onto the end of the fuel line. Work it into the line until the rubber touches the base of the filter. Then, let the filter fall back into the tank.

If your chainsaw begins to stumble or shut off while operating, it might be time to change the fuel filter.

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