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Stihl MS391 Exploded View and Replacement Parts Schematic Guide

stihl ms391 parts diagram

For immediate access to critical replacement elements, start with the engine assembly. Locate the piston, cylinder, and crankshaft in the upper third of most technical illustrations. Verify the component numbers against original manufacturer specifications–OEM codes for these items typically begin with a three-digit prefix followed by four sequential digits (e.g., 112-54XX). Cross-reference with a reputable supplier to confirm compatibility before ordering.

The fuel system requires precise attention. The carburetor layout is usually marked with intake manifold connections and throttle linkage points. Ensure all gaskets (item codes often include suffixes like -GD or -GO) are intact during disassembly. Replace fuel lines if brittleness or cracking is detected–standard diameters are 4mm for internal routing and 6mm for external segments.

Inspect the chain drive mechanism next. The sprocket, guide bar mounts, and chain tensioner should align within 0.5mm of the bar’s groove. Torque values for clutch components: 12-15 Nm for the sprocket nut, 8-10 Nm for bar mounting bolts. Misalignment here accelerates wear on cutting attachments–replace chains if stretch exceeds 0.5% of original length.

Electrical components demand exact voltage checks. Spark plugs must gap at 0.5mm; resistance across ignition leads should read 5,000-10,000 ohms. Faulty modules often display error codes via LED flashes–three short bursts indicate coil failure. Use dielectric grease on connectors to prevent corrosion in humid conditions.

For accurate reassembly, keep fasteners organized. Stainless steel bolts (M6x1.0 thread pitch) secure the top cover; anodized caps (M5x0.8) hold the air filter housing. Apply thread-locking compound only to non-rotating parts–avoid permanent adhesives on adjustment screws.

How to Locate Components in Your Professional Chainsaw Assembly

Begin by securing the housing cover–rotate the knob counterclockwise until the latch disengages, then lift the cover forward to expose the air filter, carburetor, and spark arrestor. The filter (white foam or paper) sits directly beneath the cover, clamped by a metal retainer; remove it by sliding sideways. If debris is present, tap the filter against a solid surface or use compressed air at a 45-degree angle to clear buildup without damaging the material.

  • Carburetor adjustment screws (marked “H,” “L,” and “LA”) are on the right side, beneath the muffler. Turn them with a precision screwdriver only–half-turn increments prevent engine flooding or lean misfires.
  • The spark arrestor (round mesh disc) attaches to the muffler’s inner wall via two screws; clean it every 10 operating hours with a brass brush to avoid carbon clogging.
  • Fuel lines (transparent and orange) connect the tank to the pump and carburetor; replace them if cracking is visible–they degrade after 50 hours of runtime.

For the guide bar and cutting chain, release the chain brake by pushing the handguard forward until it clicks. Loosen the bar nuts with a 13mm socket, then slide the bar outward to detach it. The chain tensioner screw (located between the bar nuts) requires a flathead screwdriver; turn clockwise to increase tension until the chain lifts 3mm above the bar’s rail at its midpoint–check with gloved fingers to avoid cuts.

  1. Inspect the drive sprocket (behind the bar) every 15 hours: if teeth appear hooked or worn, replace it–mismatched sprocket-chain combinations accelerate bar wear.
  2. Lubrication ports (one near the oil cap, another beneath the clutch) must funnel bar oil smoothly. Flush with degreaser if sawdust obstructs flow; test by running the engine at full throttle–oil should drip visibly from the bar’s nose.
  3. Clutch removal: use a piston stopper (insert through the spark plug hole) before unscrewing the clutch clockwise with a 11mm socket–counterintuitive due to reverse threads.

How to Locate Critical Engine Elements in Your Professional Chainsaw’s Schematic

Begin by isolating the powerhead assembly in the exploded schematic–this cluster includes the cylinder, piston, and crankcase. The cylinder, typically depicted as a vertical component with cooling fins, forms the combustion chamber’s core. Verify its alignment with the crankcase gasket; misplacement here disrupts compression and fuel efficiency. If the schematic shows multiple gasket layers, note their material (fiber vs. metal) to prevent incorrect replacements.

The carburetor appears as a compact, multi-port structure near the air filter housing. Identify the adjustment screws–usually three–marked “L” (low-speed), “H” (high-speed), and “I” (idle). Their positions in the diagram determine default settings; deviating from manufacturer specs risk fuel flooding or lean combustion. Cross-reference the screw threads with a tap chart if threads seem stripped during disassembly.

Examine the ignition module, often a small black box with wiring leads extending to the flywheel. The coil’s gap from the flywheel magnets must match the schematic’s specified clearance (typically 0.2–0.4mm). Any deviation causes spark delay or pre-ignition. Inspect the kill switch wiring; frayed connections here mimic starter failures but originate from ignition faults.

The clutch drum and sprocket assembly sit behind the drive cover. The centrifugal weights inside the drum disengage at idle–verify their spring tension against the schematic’s torque specs (usually 8–10 Nm). A worn sprocket accelerates chain skipping; replace both sprocket and clutch drum simultaneously to maintain linkage integrity. Notice if the diagram distinguishes between standard and reinforced drums for heavy-duty use.

Trace the oil pump linkages from the reservoir to the bar nose. The schematic separates the metering valve (a small plastic plunger) from the drive gear (meshing with the worm screw). Misaligned gears strip threads, causing erratic lubrication. Look for flow-rate arrows on the diagram; reversing the pump’s direction voids its calibration, leading to bar overheating.

The muffler’s internal baffles are seldom visible in schematics but attach via two or three bolts. Remove carbon deposits cautiously–wire brushes score the aluminum housing, creating exhaust leaks. The diagram may omit the spark arrestor screen; prioritize cleaning it every 10 operating hours to avoid fire risks and performance dips. Check gasket thickness (0.5–0.8mm) against the replacement part or the engine will ingest excess air.

Air filter assemblies vary–foam, fleece, or dual-stage. The schematic highlights the intake housing’s orientation; backward installation collapses airflow chambers, suffocating the engine. For dual-stage filters, confirm the primary layer faces outward. Replace at the first sign of fuel-soaked fleece to prevent cylinder washouts.

Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions Using the Schematic

Lay out all components on a clean, flat surface before starting. Verify each piece against the numbered labels in the exploded view–missing or damaged items must be identified immediately. Group fasteners by size and type: screws under 10mm, washers, springs, and clips go in separate containers to prevent confusion during reassembly.

Begin with the engine housing. Align the crankcase gaskets as shown in the technical breakdown, ensuring the arrows (if present) point toward the fuel intake side. Secure bolts cross-pattern in three stages: snug, half torque (12 Nm), then full torque (18 Nm). Skipping this sequence risks warping the casing or causing oil leaks.

Reattaching the Powerhead and Carburetor

stihl ms391 parts diagram

Mount the flywheel with the keyway slot facing the magneto. Tighten the nut to 60 Nm using a torque wrench–over-tightening strips threads; under-tightening causes slippage. Next, install the ignition coil, positioning the wire leads away from moving parts. The gap between the coil and flywheel teeth must be 0.2–0.4mm; check with a feeler gauge.

Connect the fuel line and primer bulb before attaching the carburetor. Slide the throttle linkage into the slot, then press the carburetor onto the intake manifold gasket. Secure with the two retaining screws (8 Nm), alternating turns to maintain even pressure. Attach the air filter last to avoid debris entering the intake.

Assemble the guide bar by sliding the drive sprocket onto the bar nose, ensuring the chain teeth align with the sprocket teeth. Tension the saw chain by turning the side-mounted adjustment screw until slack is eliminated (lift the bar tip; the chain should snap back slightly). Lubricate the bar groove and sprocket with bar oil before operation.

Double-check all connections: spark plug wire, fuel lines, and exhaust guard must be secure. Start the unit briefly to verify smooth operation–listen for unusual noises or vibrations. Re-torque bolts after 5 hours of use to account for initial settling of components.

Key Spare Components and Their Positions in the Schematic

stihl ms391 parts diagram

Start by locating the guide bar sprocket (often labeled as #23 in exploded views). This wear-prone element sits at the tip of the cutting assembly, directly engaging the chain. Replace it when grooves exceed 0.5mm or if the chain skips under load–misalignment here accelerates bar wear and reduces cutting efficiency. Pair this with a fresh drive link chain (typically #16-19) to maintain optimal tension and prevent premature sprocket failure.

The air filter (#34) clogs rapidly in dusty conditions, positioned above the carburetor housing. Check it every 10 hours of operation–tapping or compressed air cleaning extends its life, but cracked pleats or oil saturation demand immediate replacement. Adjacent to it, the spark arrestor screen (#47) requires inspection every 25 hours; wire-brush deposits off the mesh to maintain exhaust flow and prevent overheating.

Piston rings (#6) and the cylinder (#5) demand attention if compression drops below 9 kg/cm² or if the unit smokes excessively. The rings sit beneath the cylinder head; remove the shroud and cooling fins to access. When replacing, coat the new rings with assembly lubricant and ensure the piston’s top dead center mark aligns with the cylinder’s timing indicator. Ignoring these components leads to scoring, poor fuel economy, and eventual engine seizure.