The STIHL MS 180 chain saw offers a two-stroke and a dry weight of 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg). Like many other small motors with a starting traction mechanism, the nylon rope will eventually fray and break after prolonged use. Refraining from pulling the starter rope in rare directions or sideways will help keep the rope in good condition, avoiding excessive wear due to the friction of the fan housing. Replacing a broken or damaged starter rope is possible in a matter of minutes with the right tools on hand.
Turn the cover lock on the back of the saw housing and remove the motor cover. Remove the oil filler cap and drain the oil into a suitable container. Remove the fuel cap and drain all fuel into a gasoline container.
Remove the two Torx screws that hold the Black Hand protector on the left and right sides of the chainsaw using the screwdriver set. Remove the screws securing the blower cover/motor start with a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the starter rope assembly from the engine and put on a suitable workbench for the interior mechanism to be exposed.
Make a knot at the end of the new starter pull rope and put it near to take it easily. Remove the old rope from the pulley of the starting mechanism, you may have to use some fine-tipped pliers to grab the old rope if it is stuck at the bottom of the pulley. Once you have pulled enough of the rope outward to hold it by hand, Extiéndela completely from the tension housing of the starter pulley.
Keep the position and tension of the pulley with your thumb while grasping the knot of the rope in the center of the pulley with the fine-tipped pliers. Pull the old wire through its center.
Put the new wire through the center of the pulley (so that the knotted end to rest inside the central portion of the pulley), through the face and releases the tension of the pulley. Detent the cable with the toothed part of the pulley and pull the rope by turning the pulley to the left. Continue winding the pulley until it becomes remarkably narrower, and then allows the pulley to turn counterclockwise one full turn.
Pass the end of the rope through the opening of the starter rope, keeping the tension on the pulley with the thumb. Put the extended rope from the housing through the plastic starter grip and tie a knot in the end to hold it, release the thumb from the pulley. It gives the new cable some test pulls to ensure its correct performance.
Replace the engine start assembly and tighten the mounting screws. Replace the Black Hand protector and re-install the motor cover. Fill the chainsaw again with liquid fuel to complete the process.