Trimmer
Stihl FS 38
2-Stroke
The Stihl FS 38 is a 27.2cc 2-stroke curved-shaft grass trimmer and the entry point to Stihl's FS consumer trimmer range. Designed for residential lawn edging and light grass trimming, it is not suited for heavy brush or commercial use. The FS 38 uses a bump-feed head accepting .080" round line and runs a Zama carburetor. Common failure modes are primer bulb cracking and fuel line deterioration from ethanol exposure. The FS 38 shares its engine architecture and air filter design with the FS 40 and FS 45, giving it good parts availability.
Stihl FS 38 quick specs
- Equipment
- Trimmer · 2-Stroke
- Covered Parts
- Spark Plug, Air Filter, Fuel Filter, Carburetor, Primer Bulb, Fuel Line Kit, Trimmer Head, Trimmer Line
- OEM References
- 0000 400 7000, 4140 124 2800, 0000 350 3502, 4140 120 0610, 4226 121 2700, 4140 358 7702, 4006 710 2126
- Model Family
- FS 38, FS 40, FS 45, FS 55
- Last Reviewed
- 2026-05-21
- Data Confidence
- Aftermarket-confirmed
- Sources Consulted
- Stihl FS 38 parts references, Aftermarket catalog cross-references, Retailer fitment listings
Quick Fitment
| Part Type | OEM / Spec | Common Option | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark Plug | 0000 400 7000 | NGK BPMR7A | Medium · 2026-05-21 |
| Air Filter | 4140 124 2800 | OEM 4140 124 2800 | Medium · 2026-05-21 |
| Fuel Filter | 0000 350 3502 | OEM 0000 350 3502 | Medium · 2026-05-21 |
| Carburetor | 4140 120 0610 | Zama C1Q-S58B | Medium · 2026-05-21 |
| Primer Bulb | 4226 121 2700 | Zama 0057004 | Medium · 2026-05-21 |
| Trimmer Head | 4006 710 2126 | Oregon 55-265 | Medium · 2026-05-21 |
| Fuel Line Kit | 4140 358 7702 | Hipa 4140 358 7702 | Medium · 2026-05-21 |
| Trimmer Line | .080" diameter, round | Oregon 22-895 | Low · 2026-05-21 |
Tune-Up Kit
Common service bundle: spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, carburetor, primer bulb, fuel line kit.
Maintenance Interval
Inspect filters and fuel lines each season, replace spark plugs during annual service, and service carb/fuel-system parts when starting or idle symptoms appear.
Before You Buy
- Confirm the full model is Stihl FS 38, not just the family name.
- Check serial number, production date, and regional variant before ordering.
- Match the old OEM number stamped on the removed part when available.
- Compare dimensions, plug gap, thread, fuel line diameter, or chain pitch/gauge where applicable.
Common Mistakes
- Ordering from a family listing without checking the exact sub-model.
- Buying a kit that includes the headline part but wrong gaskets, lines, or bulb size.
- Choosing the wrong carburetor revision when multiple versions were used.
- Assuming all fuel line kits use the same diameter and routing.
- Installing the correct plug number with the wrong gap.
Symptoms Map
Won't start
Spark plug, fuel filter, primer bulb, carburetor
Starts then dies
Fuel filter, fuel line kit, carburetor
Bogs under throttle
Air filter, carburetor, spark plug gap
Primer will not fill
Primer bulb, fuel line routing, in-tank filter
Replacement Options
Best OEM equivalent
Start with OEM references 0000 400 7000, 4140 124 2800, 0000 350 3502, 4140 120 0610 and match the removed part before choosing a listing.
Common aftermarket option
Cross-check aftermarket listings such as NGK BPMR7A (spark plug), Zama C1Q-S58B (carburetor), Zama 0057004 (primer bulb) against the OEM number and dimensions.
Best for annual tune-up
Bundle spark plug, air filter, fuel filter when servicing the Stihl FS 38 at the start of the season.
Best if replacing fuel system
Compare the fuel filter, carburetor, primer bulb, fuel line kit together so line routing, bulb size, filter style, and carburetor connections match.
Best budget kit
Use kit listings only when every included part matches this model page; cheap kits often mix correct headline parts with wrong bulbs, lines, or gaskets.
FAQ
Does this fit FS 40 or FS 45? Parts may interchange with FS 40, FS 45, FS 55, but verify the serial range, OEM number, and physical part details before ordering.
Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts for the Stihl FS 38? Use OEM when the part controls fuel metering, ignition, or safety. Aftermarket kits can be useful for routine filters, bulbs, plugs, and tune-up bundles when the OEM number and dimensions match.
How do I avoid ordering the wrong carburetor for the FS 38? Match the carburetor number stamped on the removed unit, then compare linkage, choke setup, primer routing, gasket stack, and fuel-inlet direction.
What should I check before replacing fuel-system parts? Photograph the old fuel-line routing, match line diameter and filter style, and compare primer bulb size before buying a kit.
Spark Plug
- Reviewed
- 2026-05-21
- Dimensions
- 0.7mm gap
Air Filter
- Reviewed
- 2026-05-21
- Variant notes
- Also fits FS 45, FS 46, FS 55, HS 45, KM 55
| Brand | Part # | |
|---|---|---|
| No aftermarket listing is published for this part yet. Use the OEM reference and verify with a dealer or service manual before ordering. | ||
Fuel Filter
- Reviewed
- 2026-05-21
- Variant notes
- 3/16" ID in-tank filter; also fits FS 45, FS 46, FS 55
| Brand | Part # | |
|---|---|---|
| No aftermarket listing is published for this part yet. Use the OEM reference and verify with a dealer or service manual before ordering. | ||
Carburetor
- Reviewed
- 2026-05-21
- Variant notes
- Zama C1Q-S58B; also fits FS 45, FS 46
| Brand | Part # | |
|---|---|---|
| Zama | C1Q-S58B | Some links may be affiliate links. Match the OEM number, dimensions, and model variant before buying. |
Primer Bulb
- Reviewed
- 2026-05-21
- Variant notes
- Match bulb diameter, port count, and port orientation before ordering.
Fuel Line Kit
- Reviewed
- 2026-05-21
- Variant notes
- Includes fuel pickup line and return line; also fits FS 45, FS 55
| Brand | Part # | |
|---|---|---|
| Hipa | 4140 358 7702 | Some links may be affiliate links. Match the OEM number, dimensions, and model variant before buying. |
Trimmer Head
- Reviewed
- 2026-05-21
- Variant notes
- AutoCut C 6-2; bump-feed; .080" line
| Brand | Part # | |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 55-265 | Some links may be affiliate links. Match the OEM number, dimensions, and model variant before buying. |
Trimmer Line
- Reviewed
- 2026-05-21
- Dimensions
- .080" diameter, round
| Brand | Part # | |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 22-895 | Some links may be affiliate links. Match the OEM number, dimensions, and model variant before buying. |
| Arnold | 490-080-0100 | Some links may be affiliate links. Match the OEM number, dimensions, and model variant before buying. |