039 Stihl Chainsaw Manual

The Stihl 039 is a professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine, robust construction, anti-vibration system, automatic oiler, chain brake, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Preparation 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Fuel & Lubrication 7. Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, saw chain, anti-vibration handles, chain brake, throttle trigger, master control lever, fuel tank, oil tank.

Feature	Description
Engine displacement	64.1 cc two-stroke engine
Power output	3.6 kW (4.9 hp)
Guide bar lengths	16" to 20" (40 cm to 50 cm)
Chain pitch	3/8" or .325"
Anti-vibration system	Reduces operator fatigue
Chain brake	Inertia-activated safety feature
Automatic oiler	Lubricates chain during operation
Decompression valve	Easier starting
Master control lever	Combined choke/run/stop control
Fuel tank capacity	0.55 liters

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on studs, tension chain, tighten nuts.
Fill fuel tank: Mix gasoline with 2-stroke oil (50:1 ratio).
Fill chain oil tank: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent.
Check chain tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar.

WARNING! Always wear protective gear: helmet, goggles, gloves, chaps, and boots. Keep bystanders away.

First-Time Operation

Start the chainsaw following proper procedure.

Place on ground: Ensure chain is clear of objects.
Set master control: Move lever to choke position (cold start).
Prime fuel: Press fuel pump bulb 5-10 times.
Pull starter: Hold front handle, pull starter rope until engine fires.
Move to run: Push master control to run position, restart.
Warm up: Allow engine to idle for 30 seconds before cutting.

CAUTION! Never drop-start or start above waist height. Keep firm grip.

Specifications

Model: STIHL 039
Engine type: Single-cylinder two-stroke
Displacement: 64.1 cc
Power: 3.6 kW at 9,000 rpm
Fuel/oil ratio: 50:1 (unleaded gasoline to 2-stroke oil)
Fuel tank: 0.55 L
Oil tank: 0.26 L
Weight (powerhead): 5.9 kg (13 lbs)
Sound pressure: 104 dB(A)
Vibration levels: Front handle 4.2 m/s², rear handle 6.5 m/s²

Controls and Settings

Master Control Lever: Choke (start cold), Run (normal operation), Stop (engine off). Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Throttle Lockout: Must be pressed to engage throttle. Chain Brake: Manual (front hand guard) or inertia-activated. Decompression Valve: Reduces cylinder pressure for easier starting.

Adjustments: Chain tension (side cover nuts), idle speed (carburetor screw), oiler rate (screw near oil tank).

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel: Use 89 octane unleaded gasoline mixed with STIHL 2-stroke oil (50:1). Chain oil: STIHL chain oil or ISO viscosity class SAE 30 equivalent.

Mix fuel in clean container: Never in saw's tank.
Fill tanks on level ground: Wipe spills immediately.
Check oiler: Adjust flow rate for cutting conditions.

Tip: Use fresh fuel (less than 30 days old). Store fuel in approved containers.

Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting positions and safety practices.

Firm stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
Grip: Left hand on front handle, right on rear, thumbs wrapped.
Kickback zone: Avoid cutting with upper quadrant of bar tip.
Bucking: Support log fully; cut from top down.
Limbing: Work from trunk outward; watch for spring poles.
Notching and felling: Use proper techniques; plan escape path.

WARNING! Always cut at full throttle. Never cut above shoulder height.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension and sharpness, inspect bar for wear. Weekly: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, clean fuel filter. Monthly: Clean carburetor area, check all fasteners, replace spark arrestor screen. Seasonally: Replace fuel filter, inspect anti-vibration elements.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage procedure: Empty fuel tank, run engine dry. Remove chain, clean and oil. Store in dry place, cover to prevent dust.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Fuel degrades and damages carburetor.

Regulatory Information

EPA/CARB compliant: Meets emission standards. Safety standards: ANSI B175.1 and ISO 11681. Copyright © STIHL Incorporated. For genuine parts and accessories, use STIHL dealers only. For support, visit www.stihlusa.com or contact 1-800-467-8445.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, compression	Check fuel mix, spark plug, decompression valve; prime properly.
Engine runs poorly	Air filter, carburetor	Clean/replace air filter; adjust carburetor screws (L and H).
Chain doesn't oil	Oil tank, pump, holes	Fill oil tank; check oiler adjustment; clean bar oil holes.
Chain comes off bar	Tension, wear, sprocket	Adjust tension properly; check bar groove and sprocket wear.
Excessive vibration	Mounts, balance	Check anti-vibration mounts; ensure chain is sharp and balanced.

Service: Authorized STIHL dealers only. 1-800-467-8445; www.stihlusa.com