Stihl FS 45 / FS 45R / FS 45 C-E Questions & Answers

Do you mean how to start and mix the fuel?

You'll need STIHL 2 Stroke oil, an empty and clean fuel can & fresh unleaded fuel from a reputable petrol station. Mix at 50:1 (20mls oil per 1 litre fuel) when you're using STIHL 2-Stroke oil.

Sorry Joe, can't help you. I have a great Stihl mechanic who looks after that side of things
Peter T

you press the knob down and turn the bearing

Bunnings sells cords cheap, take your one down and buy

Mix. It is a 2-stroke

I am not sure mate I have never had to drain the tank as mine is always getting used so the fuel doesn’t get a chance to get stale but I am certain if you use dr. Google you find the best way

Juts turn it upside down and tip it out. Make sure you pump the primer many times to clear the carb system out. Then fill with fresh fuel and make sure you put some stabil fuel preservative in the new mix as well as 2 stroke oil to clear out the system.

Hi there, should be an easy fix. Very likely a small hole or leak, in the bulb or fuel line..,

No idea. But, not being smart, did you earth the plug? Pull it out, place the plug lead on, and earth the plug to metal on the engine, when you pulled the cord? These are two stroke and the shelf life of two stroke, unless stabilised, is woeful. Any old fuel may have jelled up in the carby (seen this happen). I voided warranty in one cheap 2 stroke I brought my Daughter, as the fuel "went-off". It would run for a few seconds if I put fuel down the plug hole. Cost almost as much as purchase to repair. One reason that my gear is now all four stroke. However, two companies, that I know off: Briggs and Stratton and Stihl make a liquid that will stabilise fuel and prolong shelf life. I've used both and they work well. You can google both. All the best.

Too Long? I never trusted the automatic feed. I replaced it with an alloy wheel. Takes a single piece of cord, drilled mine out to 3MM. You waste a bit, but you don't get the frustration of ill performing bump feed systems.

Its been wound on the wrong way ! Have had mine for 11 years and never had a problem

would actually sell that....and go out and buy an Echo

The FS 45C is a 2 stroke

The Stihl is a 2-stroke motor. The Honda is a 4-stroke. As 2-stroke motors use and oil/petrol mix maintenance is very simple. However, I've found spark plugs need to be changed fairly regularly (or at least cleaned).

The 4-stroke has an oil sump which needs to be drained and refilled at regular intervals. Spark plugs tend to last longer as they don't get fouled by oil ( which is necessary in the 2-stroke).

I've found that 4-strokes tend to be easier to start, and you don't end up smelling of oily petrol as you do with 2-strokes. But you do have more maintenance and must check oil levels in the sump prior to use. Failure to have sufficient oil will cause the engine to sieze quickly.

A Stihl mechanic told me that he uses twice the ratio of oil in the fuel than recommended by the 2-stroke manufacturer and gets much longer life from his machines. I'm not sure how true this is because I've always strictly adhered to the manufacturers recommendations.

Yes, it is 2 -stroke and I frankly prefer it that way.

What type of head is it, trimmer line or polycut?

Fs45

I'm sorry, I can't help you with that question. I no longer own a Stihl trimmer, having returned mine as a trade-in for the Honda trimmer. I had that same problem with my new Stihl and had to return it to the dealer. They told me they had to replace the head as it had melted over the nut and damaged the head during removal. I suggest you return the head to the dealer for fixing or replacement.

You just bump it on the ground while it's revving fairly high, give it a bit of throttle then bump it short and sharp.
If it won't feed out the line might be tangled on the spool, the manual shows you how to thread it up properly.

My understanding is that when you tap the head on the ground the trimmer line extends, feeding you more. The 2main reasons the line is not fed are: a) there is no more line to feed, or b) the line is caught inside and cannot feed. Both conditions require you to add more line or find and unjam the line. Your Stihl manual should have instructions on how to open the bump-head and replace the line. If you don't have a manual, find your model number on the machine and go to the makers web site and download a copy of the relevant manual.

Generally, the shop you bought the machine from will stock replacement bump-head with trimmer line. These will cost extra but save you the trouble of replacing the line.

Thanks for your help I really appreciate.
Have a good day mate

Cheers

2 stroke, I think all Stihl's are.

Yup. The Stihl is a 2 stroke and the Honda is a 4 stroke.

250ml or thereabouts.

330 ml

I don't know Gregor. I'm planning to give my new FS 45 to an unsuspecting relative! I'll then buy a Ryobi or similar.

Don't by a Ryobi, when they begin to play up after a very short time. Don't bother trying to fix it. I'm looking at reviews trying to see what I can get to replace the Ryobi I have.

The Stihl FS 45C is almost 12 years old and going strong, I found that before putting it away, you just had to empty the fuel from the tank and then run it so the remaining fuel was used. Have not had an issue with it since, so if you are on a good thing then upgrade it. Can anyone answering just stick to the topic please.