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Chainsaw

Stihl MS 230

2-Stroke · Also known as: 023

The Stihl MS 230 is a 40.2cc 2-stroke chainsaw in the center of Stihl's homeowner trio, bridging the MS 210 and MS 250. It handles 14" to 16" guide bars and manages regular firewood cutting and occasional felling comfortably. The MS 230 shares its Zama C1Q-S112 carburetor, air filter (OEM 1123 120 1613), ignition coil, recoil starter, and fuel line kit with the MS 210 and MS 250 — one carburetor rebuild kit covers all three saws. The MS 230 superseded the Stihl 023.

Verify before ordering: Fitment can vary by serial number, production date, region, and sub-model. Match the OEM number and physical dimensions before ordering.

Stihl MS 230 quick specs

Equipment
Chainsaw · 2-Stroke
Covered Parts
Spark Plug, Air Filter, Fuel Filter, Carburetor, Recoil Starter, Ignition Coil, Primer Bulb, Fuel Line Kit, Chain, Guide Bar
OEM References
0000 400 7000, 1123 120 1613, 0000 350 3500, 1123 120 0600, 1123 080 1802, 1123 400 1201, 4238 350 6201, 1123 358 7701
Model Family
MS 210, MS 230, MS 250, MS 251
Data Confidence
Not yet independently reviewed

Quick Fitment

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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 MS 230, 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.
  • Matching bar length but missing pitch, gauge, or drive-link count.

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

Cuts slowly

Chain pitch/gauge, bar wear, drive links

Replacement Options

Best OEM equivalent

Start with OEM references 0000 400 7000, 1123 120 1613, 0000 350 3500, 1123 120 0600 and match the removed part before choosing a listing.

Named part options

Cross-check named parts such as NGK BPMR7A (spark plug), Stens 605-687 (air filter), Zama C1Q-S112 (carburetor) against the OEM number, identity label, and dimensions.

Best for annual tune-up

Bundle spark plug, air filter, fuel filter when servicing the Stihl MS 230 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 chain/bar combo

Match chain specs together, especially pitch, gauge, drive links, and bar mount details.

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

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts for the Stihl MS 230? 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 MS 230? 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.

What chain details matter besides bar length? Match pitch, gauge, and drive-link count against the bar stamp, old chain, and drive sprocket. Bar length alone is not enough.

As an Amazon Associate, WhichPartFits earns from qualifying purchases. Match the OEM number, dimensions, and model variant before buying.

Spark Plug

OEM0000 400 7000
Dimensions
0.5mm gap

Air Filter

OEM1123 120 1613
Variant notes
Fits 021, 023, 025, MS210, MS230, MS250

Fuel Filter

OEM0000 350 3500
Variant notes
In-tank pickup body fuel filter
  • No named part listing is published for this part yet. Use the OEM reference and verify with a dealer or service manual before ordering.

Carburetor

OEM1123 120 0600
Variant notes
Zama C1Q-S112; fits MS 210, MS 230, MS 250

Recoil Starter

OEM1123 080 1802
Variant notes
Fits MS 210, MS 230, MS 250

Ignition Coil

OEM1123 400 1201
Variant notes
Fits MS 210, MS 230, MS 250

Primer Bulb

OEM4238 350 6201
Variant notes
Newer units (SN# 287332321+) use 0000 350 6202

Fuel Line Kit

OEM1123 358 7701
Variant notes
Includes fuel pickup line and return line; fits 021, 023, 025, MS210, MS230, MS250

Chain

OEMSpec-based fitment
Dimensions
16", 3/8" LP pitch, .050" gauge, 55 drive links
Variant notes
Stock bar length; verify drive link count matches your bar

Guide Bar

OEMSpec-based fitment
Dimensions
16", 3/8" LP pitch, .050" gauge