
STIH)
STIHL HS 46, 56
2011-03

1 HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C
q
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2011
RA_447_00_01_01
1. Introduction and
Safety Precautions 2
1.1 Introduction 2
1.2 Safety Precautions 3
2. Specifications 4
2.1 Motor 4
2.2 Fuel System 4
2.3 Ignition System 4
2.4 Gearbox Lubrication 4
2.5 Cutting Blades 4
2.6 Tightening Torques 5
3. Troubleshooting 7
3.1 Clutch 7
3.2 Cutting Attachment 8
3.3 Rewind Starter 10
3.4 Ignition System 12
3.5 Carburetor 13
3.6 Engine 16
4. Cutting Attachment
with Gearbox 18
4.1 Removing and
Installing 18
4.2 Cutting Blades 19
4.2.1 Sharpening
the Blades 23
4.3 Spur Gear 23
4.4 Drive Pinion 24
4.5 Gearbox Housing 27
4.6 Lubricating
the Gearbox 27
4.7 Clutch Drum 28
4.8 Clutch 29
5. Engine 30
5.1 Muffler 30
5.2 Leakage Test 31
5.2.1 Preparations 31
5.2.2 Vacuum Test 32
5.2.3 Pressure Test 32
5.3 Oil Seals 32
5.3.1 Ignition Side 33
5.3.2 Clutch Side 33
5.4 Housing Cover 34
5.5 Engine 34
5.6 Cylinder 37
5.7 Crankshaft 41
5.7.1 Ball Bearings 44
5.8 Piston 45
5.9 Piston Rings 47
6. Ignition System 48
6.1 Ignition Timing 48
6.2 Ignition Module 48
6.3 Testing the
Ignition Module 50
6.4 Spark Plug Boot /
Ignition Lead 51
6.5 Flywheel 52
6.6 Short Circuit Wire 53
6.6.1 Testing 53
6.6.2 Removing and
Installing 53
6.6.3 Ground Wire 55
6.6.4 Contact Spring 56
6.7 Ignition System
Troubleshooting 58
7. Rewind Starter 61
7.1 General 61
7.2 Fan housing 61
7.3 Pawl 61
7.4 Rope Rotor 62
7.4.1 Rope Rotor
with ErgoStart 63
7.5 Starter Rope / Grip 64
7.6 Tensioning
the Rewind Spring 65
7.7 Replacing
the Rewind Spring 66
8. AV Elements 68
8.1 Annular Buffers
on Cutting Attachment 68
8.2 Annular Buffers
on Handle 68
8.3 Handlebar 69
9. Control Levers 70
9.1 Master Control Lever 70
9.1.1 Removing and
Installing 70
9.2 Throttle Trigger /
Lockout Lever 71
9.2.1 Choke Rod 73
9.2.2 Throttle Rod 74
10. Fuel System 75
10.1 Air Filter 75
10.2 Filter Housing 75
10.3 Carburetor 76
10.3.1 Leakage Test 78
10.4 Servicing
the Carburetor 79
10.4.1 Metering Diaphragm 79
10.4.2 Inlet Needle 79
10.4.3 Pump Diaphragms 80
10.4.4 Lever on
Throttle Shaft 81
10.4.5 Air Valve 82
10.4.6 Adjusting Screws 83
10.5 Adjusting
the Carburetor 84
10.5.1 Basic Setting 84
10.5.2 Standard Setting 85
10.6 Spacer Flange 86
10.7 Tank Vent 87
10.7.1 Testing 87
10.7.2 Removing
and Installing 88
10.8 Fuel Intake 88
10.8.1 Pickup Body 88
10.8.2 Fuel Suction Hose 89
10.8.3 Fuel Suction Hose
in Fuel Tank 90
10.8.4 Fuel Hose –
Manual Fuel Pump 91
10.8.5 Fuel Return Hose –
Manual Fuel Pump 92
10.8.6 Tank Housing 93
11. Special Servicing
Tools 94
12. Servicing Aids 96
Contents

2 HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C
1. Introduction and Safety Precautions
1.1 Introduction
This service manual contains
detailed descriptions of all the repair
and servicing procedures specific to
this power tool.
You should make use of the
illustrated parts lists while carrying
out repair work. They show the
installed positions of the individual
components and assemblies.
Refer to the latest edition of the
relevant parts list to check the part
numbers of any replacement parts.
A fault on the machine may have
several causes. To help locate the
fault, consult the troubleshooting
charts for all assemblies and
systems in this manual and the
"STIHL Service Training System".
Refer to the “Technical Information”
bulletins for engineering changes
which have been introduced since
publication of this service manual.
Technical information bulletins also
supplement the parts list until a
revised edition is issued.
The special tools mentioned in the
descriptions are listed in the chapter
on "Special Servicing Tools" in this
manual. Use the part numbers to
identify the tools in the "STIHL
Special Tools" manual. The manual
lists all special servicing tools
currently available from STIHL.
Symbols are included in the text and
pictures for greater clarity.
The meanings are as follows:
In the descriptions:
: Action to be taken as shown in
the illustration above the text
– Action to be taken that is not
shown in the illustration above
the text
In the illustrations:
A Pointer
a Direction of movement
@ 4.2 Reference to another
chapter, i.e. chapter 4.2 in
this example
Service manuals and all technical
information bulletins are intended
exclusively for the use of properly
equipped repair shops. They must
not be passed to third parties.
Servicing and repairs are made
considerably easier if the engine is
mounted to assembly stand (3)
5910 890 3101. To do this, secure
the mounting plate (2)
5910 893 9700 to the assembly
stand with two screws (1) and
washers.
The screws must not project since
they, depending on the machine,
may damage housings when the
machine is clamped in position.
0008RA000 TG
2
3
1
4
The third tapped hole (4) enables
the plate to be mounted
horizontally.
The removed engine is positioned
against the plate (1) 5910 893 9700
and secured with three D 5 x 24
screws (arrows) on the
crankcase (2).
It is also possible to mount the
cutting attachment with gearbox to
the plate 5910 893 9700.
Place the gearbox housing against
the plate so that the sleeves
(arrows) engage the recess in the
plate.
Secure the gearbox housing to the
plate (4) 5910 893 9700 with
M 5 x 25 screws (1), M 5 x 65
screws (2), bushings (3)
0000 963 1008 and M 5 nuts.
Alternative: Remove the gearbox
cover and use M 5 x 30 screws –
bushings are not necessary.
0008RA001 TG
1
2
0008RA002 TG
1
2
3
4

3 HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C
Preparations for servicing
Fit blade scabbard before
performing servicing work with the
cutting attachment still mounted.
Always use original STIHL
replacement parts. They can be
identified by the STIHL part number,
the { logo and the STIHL
parts symbol K. This symbol may
appear alone on small parts.
Storing and disposing of oils and
fuels
Collect fuel or lubricating oil in a
clean container and dispose of it
properly in accordance with local
environmental regulations.
1.2 Safety Precautions
If the machine is started up in the
course of repairs or maintenance
work, observe all local and country-
specific safety regulations as well
as the safety precautions and
warnings in the instruction manual.
Gasoline is an extremely flammable
fuel and can be explosive in certain
conditions.
Do not smoke or bring any fire,
flame or other source of heat near
the fuel. All work with fuel must be
performed outdoors only. Spilled
fuel must be wiped away
immediately.
Always perform leakage test after
working on the fuel system and the
engine.
Exercise extreme caution while
carrying out maintenance and repair
work on the ignition system. The
high voltages which occur can
cause serious or fatal accidents.
Always wear suitable protective
gloves for operations in which
components are heated for
assembly or disassembly.
Improper handling may result in
burns or other serious injuries.
To reduce the risk of cut injuries,
always wear suitable protective
gloves when mounting / removing
cutting blades.
Always replace damaged parts.
Check disassembled parts for wear
or damage before re-installing –
replace as necessary.
Run the machine only with the
housing or rewind starter mounted
in position – there is otherwise a risk
of injury from the flywheel and a risk
of engine damage due to
overheating.
The chapter on tightening torques
lists all machine components that
have to be tightened to a specific
torque or coated with threadlocking
adhesive. The specifications must
be maintained when tightening
down screws, nuts and other
fasteners in all the procedures
described in this service manual.
Fuel system – hose barb
connectors
Pull off or push on fuel hoses in line
with the connector, preferably by
hand, to ensure the tightness of the
fuel system.
Avoid damage to hose barb
connectors – do not use sharp-
edged pliers, screwdrivers, etc.
Do not cut open fuel hoses with a
knife or similar tool.
Do not re-use fuel hoses after
removal. Always replace with new
hoses – fuel hoses may be over-
stretched during removal.
Install new fuel hoses either dry or
with the aid of STIHL press fluid –
coat ends of hoses and connectors,
b 12.
Other press fluids are not approved
and may result in damage to the fuel
hoses.

4 HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C
2. Specifications
2.1 Motor
HS 46, HS 46 C HS 56
Displacement: 21.4 cm
3
21.4 cm
3
Bore: 33.0 mm 33.0 mm
Stroke: 25.0 mm 25.0 mm
Engine power to ISO 7293: 0.65 kW
at 8500 rpm
0.65 kW
at 8500 rpm
Cut-off speed: 9300 rpm 9300 rpm
Idle speed: 2900 rpm 2900 rpm
Clutch: Centrifugal clutch without
linings
Centrifugal clutch without
linings
Clutch engages at: 3500 rpm 3500 rpm
Crankcase leakage test
at gauge pressure: 0.5 bar
under vacuum: 0.5 bar
2.2 Fuel System
Carburetor leakage test at gauge pressure:
0.8 bar
0.8 bar
Operation of tank vent at gauge pressure: 0.5 bar 0.5 bar
Fuel: as specified in instruction
manual
as specified in instruction
manual
2.3 Ignition System
Air gap between the ignition module and
flywheel: 0.25 (+ 0.15/- 0.10) mm 0.25 (+ 0.15/- 0.10) mm
Spark plug (resistor type): NGK CMR 6 H
BOSCH USR 4 AC
NGK CMR 6 H
BOSCH USR 4 AC
Electrode gap: 0.5 mm 0.5 mm
2.4 Gearbox Lubrication
Apply STIHL gear lubricant for hedge trimmers
to open gearbox.
Gear lubricant capacity:
Initial capacity: 12 g
Relubrication: max. 5 g
Initial capacity: 12 g
Relubrication: max. 5 g
2.5 Cutting Blades Bidirectional, ground on one
side
Bidirectional, ground on both
sides
Sharpening angle to horizontal:
Tooth spacing:
Cutting length:
35°
30 mm
450 mm, 550 mm
45°
34 mm
600 mm

5 HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C
2.6 Tightening Torques
DG and P (Plastoform) screws are used in polymer and light metal components. These screws form a
permanent thread when they are installed for the first time. They can be removed and installed as often as
necessary without impairing the strength of the screwed assembly, providing the specified tightening torque is
observed.
For this reason it is essential to use a torque wrench.
Fastener Thread size For component Torque
Nm
Remarks
Screw P 5x14 Filter cover/filter housing 4.0
Nut M 5 Filter housing/carburetor/spacer flange 4.0
Screw D 5x24 Guide / gearbox housing / crankcase 8.0 1) 3)
Screw D 5x24 Guide / handle housing / annular buffer 6.0 1) 3)
Screw P 5x18 Housing / handle housing 2.0
Screw D 5x18 Gearbox cover / gearbox housing 6.0 1) 3)
Screw D 5x18 Gearbox cover / gearbox housing / guide 6.0 1) 3)
Screw D 5x24 Gearbox housing / crankcase 8.0 1) 3)
Screw P 6x19 Handlebar / handle housing 4.0
Screw P 4x12 Retainer / handle housing 2.0
M 8x1 L Clutch / crankshaft 17.0
Screw D 5x40 Engine pan / crankcase / cylinder, stage 1
4.0 1) 3)
Screw D 5x40 Engine pan / crankcase / cylinder, stage 2
8.0 1) 3)
Screw D 5x20 Fan housing / spiral housing 4.0 3)
Screw M 5x25 Blade / guide / locknut 8.0 2)
Screw M 5x25 Blade / thread insert (guide) 8.0 2)
Screw D 5x18 Muffler / cylinder 8.0 1) 3)
Nut M 8x1 Flywheel / crankshaft 25.0 4)
Screw D 5x24 Spiral housing / handle housing / annular
buffer
6.0 1) 3)
Screw D 5x24 Spiral housing / crankcase 8.0 1) 3)
M 10x1 Spark plug / cylinder 12.0
Screw D 4x18 Ignition module / cylinder 4.0 1) 3)
Screw D 5x32 Spacer flange / cylinder 8.0 1) 3)

6 HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C
Remarks:
1) Screws with binding head
2) Micro-encapsulated screws
3) Waxed screws
4) Degrease crankshaft/flywheel and mount oil-free
Use the following procedure when refitting a DG or P screw in an existing thread:
Place the screw in the hole and rotate it counterclockwise until it drops down slightly.
Tighten the screw clockwise to the specified torque.
This procedure ensures that the screw engages properly in the existing thread and does not form a new thread
and weaken the assembly.
Coat micro-encapsulated screws with medium strength Loctite 242 or 243 before reinstalling.
Power screwdriver setting for polymer: DG and P screws max. 500 rpm
Do not use an impact wrench for releasing or tightening screws.
Do not mix up screws with and without binding heads.

7 HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C
3. Troubleshooting
3.1 Clutch
Condition Cause Remedy
Blades stop at full throttle under
load
Clutch shoes badly worn Install new clutch
Clutch drum badly worn Install new clutch drum and check
clutch, replace if necessary
Blades run when engine is idling Engine idle speed too high Readjust idle speed screw LA
Clutch springs stretched Install new clutch
Clutch springs broken Install new clutch
Loud noises Clutch springs stretched Install new clutch
Clutch springs broken Install new clutch
Clutch shoes and carrier worn Install new clutch
Ball bearing damaged Install new ball bearing
Cam plates on spur gear worn Install new spur gear
Bearing shaft worn Install new gearbox housing
Sleeves in blades worn Inspect blades and sleeves,
replace if necessary
Washers in cutting attachment
worn
Inspect the washers, replace if
necessary

8 HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C
3.2 Cutting Attachment
Condition Cause Remedy
Blades do not run freely or are
sticking
Blades are running dry Clean blade running faces and coat
them with STIHL resin solvent
Blades are dirty or loaded with resin Clean blade running faces and coat
them with STIHL resin solvent
Sleeves missing or maintaining
insufficient clearance
Check sleeves, install missing
sleeves or replace worn sleeves
Washers in guide missing or
maintaining insufficient clearance
between blade and guide
Check washers, install missing
washers or replace worn washers
Guide bent Install new guide and check blades,
replace bent blades
Blades bent Check blades and replace if bent
Retaining plate installed wrong way
round
Check retaining plate, replace if
necessary and install properly
Poor cutting performance / quality Blades are dull Sharpen the blades
Clutch or clutch drum worn or
damaged
Inspect clutch and clutch drum,
replace if necessary
Blades do not run freely Clean blade running faces and coat
with STIHL resin solvent, check
sleeves/washers, install if missing,
replace if worn,
check guide and blades, replace
bent parts
Washers in cutting attachment
worn
Inspect the washers, replace if
necessary
Engine down on power Check carburetor and engine,
replace damaged parts

9 HS 46, HS 46 C, HS 56 C
Condition Cause Remedy
Loud noises Drive pinion ball bearing damaged Install new ball bearing
No grease in gearbox Clean and lubricate gearbox, check
running faces of spur gears and
blades, replace damaged parts
Teeth in gearbox damaged Check the gearbox, replace
damaged parts
Cam plates on spur gear worn Install new spur gear
Bearing shaft worn Install new gearbox housing
Sleeves in blades worn Inspect blades and sleeves,
replace if necessary
Washers in cutting attachment
worn
Inspect the washers, replace if
necessary
Gearbox too hot No grease in gearbox Clean and lubricate gearbox, check
running faces of spur gears and
blades, replace damaged parts
Drive pinion ball bearing damaged Install new ball bearing
Blades do not run freely – too much
friction in gearbox
Clean blade running faces and coat
with STIHL resin solvent, check
sleeves/washers, install if missing,
replace if worn, check guide and
blades, replace bent parts
Gearbox jammed Teeth in gearbox broken –
fragment is jammed between gears
Inspect gearbox and replace
damaged parts, clean and re-
lubricate gearbox
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Description
If you're in need of a comprehensive service manual for the Stihl HS46 and HS56, look no further. These manuals are invaluable resources for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts alike. Whether you're tackling routine maintenance or more complex repairs, these manuals provide detailed insights into the inner workings of the Stihl HS46 and HS56 models.
With step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and troubleshooting tips, these manuals equip you with the knowledge needed to keep your Stihl hedge trimmers in optimal condition. Whether it's the .OVA file manual or the .PDF version, you'll find the information you need to maintain and repair your equipment effectively.