Poulan Chainsaw Maintenance Manual

IDENTIFICATION OF SYMBOLS  
Read and understand the  
instruction manual before  
using the chain saw.  
WARNING!  
This chain  
saw can be dangerous! Care-  
less or improper use can cause  
serious or even fatal injury.  
Always wear appropriate ear protection, eye protectionand head protection.  
Always use two hands when operating the chain saw.  
WARNING! Contacting the guide bar tip with any object  
should be avoided; tip contact may cause the guide bar to  
move suddenly upward and backward, which may cause se-  
rious injury.  
XX_  
Measured maximum kickback value without chain brake for the bar  
and chain combination on the label.  
Starting Reminder  
Move ON/STOP switch to  
the ON position.  
Pull the starter rope  
sharply 5 times with your  
right hand.  
Push the choke/fast idle  
lever in to the HALF  
CHOKE position.  
Slowly press primer bulb  
6 times.  
Pull choke/fast idle lever  
out to the full extent (to  
the FULL CHOKE posi-  
tion).  
Pull the starter rope sharply  
with your right hand until  
the engine starts.  
WARNING  
The engine exhaust from this product contains  
chemicals known to the State of California to cause  
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.  
2
SAFETY RULES  
OPERATE YOUR SAW SAFELY  
WARNING:  
Always disconnect  
S Do not operate a chain saw with one hand.  
Serious injury to the operator, helpers, by-  
standers or any combination of these per-  
sons may result from one-handed opera-  
spark plug wire and place wire where it can-  
not contact spark plug to prevent accidental  
starting when setting up, transporting, ad-  
justing or making repairs except carburetor  
adjustments.  
tion.  
A
chain saw is intended for  
two-handed use.  
Because a chain saw is a high-speed wood-  
cutting tool, special safety precautions must  
be observed to reduce the risk of accidents.  
Careless or improper use of this tool can  
cause serious injury.  
S Operate the chain saw only in a well-venti-  
lated outdoor area.  
S Do not operate saw from a ladder or in a tree.  
S Make sure the chain will not make contact  
with any object while starting the engine.  
Never try to start the saw when the guide  
bar is in a cut.  
S Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of  
the cut. Applying pressure can cause you to  
lose control when the cut is completed.  
S Stop the engine before setting the saw down.  
S Do not operate a chain saw that is dam-  
aged, improperly adjusted, or not com-  
pletely and securely assembled. Always  
replace bar, chain, hand guard, or chain  
brake immediately if it becomes damaged,  
broken or is otherwise removed.  
S Hand carry saw only when engine is  
stopped. Carry with muffler away from body;  
guide bar and chain projecting behind you;  
guide bar covered with a scabbard.  
MAINTAIN YOUR SAW IN GOOD  
WORKING ORDER  
PLAN AHEAD  
S Read this manual carefully until you com-  
pletely understand and can follow all safety  
rules, precautions, and operating instruc-  
tions before attempting to use the unit.  
S Restrict the use of your saw to adult users  
who understand and can follow safety  
rules, precautions, and operating instruc-  
tions found in this manual.  
S Wear protective gear. Always use steel-  
toed safety footwear with non-slip soles;  
snug-fitting clothing; safety chaps; heavy-  
duty, non-slip gloves; eye protection such  
as non-fogging, vented goggles or face  
screen; an approved safety hard hat; and  
sound barriers (ear plugs or mufflers) to  
protect your hearing. Regular users  
should have hearing checked regularly as  
chain saw noise can damage hearing. Se-  
cure hair above shoulder length.  
S Have all chain saw service performed by a  
qualified service dealer with the exception  
of the items listed in the maintenance sec-  
tion of this manual. For example, if improp-  
er tools are used to remove or hold the fly-  
wheelwhen servicingthe clutch, structural  
damage to the flywheel can occur and  
cause the flywheel to burst.  
Hearing  
Safety Hat  
Protection  
e  
tection  
Snug Fitti
Clothing  
Heavy Duty  
Gloves  
S Make certain the saw chain stops moving  
when the throttle trigger is released. For  
correction, refer to CARBURETOR AD-  
JUSTMENT.  
S Never modify your saw in any way.  
S Keep the handles dry, clean, and free of oil  
or fuel mixture.  
ty Chaps  
Safety Sh
S Keep fuel and oil caps, screws, and fas-  
teners securely tightened.  
S Use only Poulan PRO accessories and re-  
placement parts as recommended.  
S Keep all parts of your body away from the  
chain when the engine is running.  
S Keep children, bystanders, and animals a  
minimum of 30 feet (10 meters) away from  
the work area. Do not allow other people  
or animals to be near the chain saw when  
starting or operating the chain saw.  
S Do not handle or operate a chain saw when  
you are fatigued, ill, or upset, or if you have  
taken alcohol, drugs, or medication. You  
must be in good physical condition and men-  
tally alert. Chain saw work is strenuous. If  
you have any condition that might be aggra-  
vated by strenuous work, check with your  
doctor before operating a chain saw.  
S Carefully plan your sawingoperation inad-  
vance. Do not start cutting until you havea  
clear work area, secure footing, and, if you  
are felling trees, a planned retreat path.  
HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION  
S Do not smoke while handling fuel or while  
operating the saw.  
S Eliminate all sources of sparks or flame in  
the areas where fuel is mixed or poured.  
There should be nosmoking, openflames,  
or work that could cause sparks. Allow en-  
gine to cool before refueling.  
S Always have fire extinguishing tools avail-  
able if you should need them.  
S Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area on  
bare ground; store fuel in a cool, dry, well  
ventilated place; and use an approved,  
marked container for all fuel purposes.  
Wipe up all fuel spills before starting saw.  
S Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) from fuel-  
ing site before starting engine.  
3
S Turn the engine off and let saw cool in a  
non-combustible area, not on dry leaves,  
straw, paper, etc. Slowly remove fuel cap  
and refuel unit.  
S Storetheunit and fuel in an area where fuel  
vapors cannot reach sparks or open  
flames from water heaters, electric motors  
or switches, furnaces, etc.  
REDUCE THE CHANCE OF  
KICKBACK  
S Recognize that kickback can happen.  
With a basic understanding of kickback,  
you can reduce the element of surprise  
which contributes to accidents.  
S Never let themoving chain contact any ob-  
ject at the tip of the guide bar.  
S Keep the working area free from obstruc-  
tions such as other trees, branches, rocks,  
fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoid  
any obstruction that your saw chain could  
hit while you are cutting. When cutting a  
branch, do not let the guide bar contact  
branch or other objects around it.  
S Keep your saw chain sharp and properly  
tensioned. A loose or dull chain can in-  
crease the chance of kickback occurring.  
Follow manufacturer’s chain sharpening  
and maintenance instructions. Check ten-  
sion at regular intervals with the engine  
stopped, never with the engine running.  
Make sure the bar nuts are securely tight-  
ened after tensioning the chain.  
S Begin and continue cutting at full speed. If  
the chain is moving at a slower speed, there  
is greater chance of kickback occurring.  
S Cut one log at a time.  
S Use extreme caution when re-entering a  
previous cut.  
S Do not attempt cuts starting with the tip of  
the bar (plunge cuts).  
S Watch for shifting logs or other forces that  
could close a cut and pinch or fall into chain.  
S Use the Reduced--Kickback Guide Bar  
and Low--Kickback Chain specified for  
your saw.  
KICKBACK  
WARNING: Avoid kickback which  
can result in serious injury. Kickback is the  
backward, upwardor sudden forwardmotion  
of the guide bar occurring when the saw  
chain near the upper tip of theguide bar con-  
tacts any object such as a log or branch, or  
when the wood closes in and pinches the  
saw chain in the cut. Contacting a foreignob-  
ject in the wood can also result in loss of  
chain saw control.  
S Rotational Kickback can occur when the  
moving chain contacts an object at the upper  
tip of the guide bar. This contact can cause  
the chain to dig into the object, which stops  
the chain for an instant. The result is a light-  
ning fast, reverse reaction which kicks the  
guide bar up and back toward the operator.  
S Pinch-Kickback can occur when the the  
wood closes in and pinches the moving  
saw chain in the cut along the top of the  
guide bar and the saw chain is suddenly  
stopped. This sudden stopping of the  
chain results in a reversal of the chain  
force used to cut wood and causes the  
saw to move in the opposite direction of the  
chain rotation. The saw is driven straight  
back toward the operator.  
MAINTAIN CONTROL  
S Pull-In can occur when the moving chain  
contacts a foreign object in the wood in the  
cut along the bottom of the guide bar and the  
saw chain is suddenly stopped. This sudden  
stopping pulls the saw forward and away  
from the operator and could easily cause the  
operator to lose control of the saw.  
Stand to
left of th
Thumb on  
underside of  
Avoid Pinch -Kickback:  
S Be extremely aware of situations or ob-  
structions that can cause material to pinch  
the top of or otherwise stop the chain.  
S Do not cut more than one log at a time.  
S Do not twist the saw as the bar is with-  
drawn from an undercut when bucking.  
handlebar  
Never re
hand pos
Avoid Pull -In:  
S Always begin cutting with the engine at full  
speed and the saw housing against wood.  
S Use wedges made of plastic or wood.  
Never use metal to hold the cut open.  
Elbow locked  
ickback Path  
Thumb on underside of  
handlebar  
S Keep a good, firm grip on the saw with both  
hands when the engine is running and don’t  
let go. A firm grip will help you reduce kick-  
back and maintain control of the saw. Keep  
the fingers of your left hand encircling and  
your left thumb under the front handlebar.  
Keep your right hand completely around the  
Avoid Obstructions  
Clear The  
Working Area  
4
rear handle whether your are right handed or  
left handed. Keep your left arm straight with  
the elbow locked.  
Can Obstruct Material  
Not a LChain  
S Position your left hand on the front handle-  
bar so it is in a straight line with your right  
hand on the rear handle when making  
bucking cuts. Never reverse right and left  
hand positions for any type of cutting.  
S Standwith your weight evenly balancedon  
both feet.  
S Front Hand Guard, designed to reduce the  
chance of your left hand contacting the chain  
if your hand slips off the front handlebar.  
S Position of front and rear handlebars, de-  
signed with distance between handles and  
“in-line” with each other. The spread and “in-  
line” position of the hands provided by this  
design work together to give balance and re-  
sistance in controlling the pivot of the saw  
back toward the operator if kickback occurs.  
S Stand slightly to the left side of the saw to  
keep your body from being in a direct line  
with the cutting chain.  
S Do not overreach. You could be drawn or  
thrown off balance and lose control of the  
saw.  
CHAIN BRAKE AND CKA ANGLE  
S Chain Brake, designed to stop the chain in  
the event of kickback.  
S Do not cut above shoulder height. It is diffi-  
cult to maintain control of saw above  
shoulder height.  
WARNING: WE DO NOT REP-  
RESENT AND YOU SHOULD NOT AS-  
SUME THAT THE CHAIN BRAKE WILL  
PROTECT YOU IN THE EVENT OF A KICK-  
BACK. Kickback is a lightning fast action which  
throws the bar and rotating chain back and up  
toward the operator. Kickback can be caused  
by allowing contact of the bar tip in the danger  
zone with any hard object. Kickback can also  
be caused by pinching the saw chain along the  
top of the guide bar. This action may push the  
guide bar rapidly back toward the operator. Ei-  
ther of these events may cause you to lose  
control of the saw which could result in serious  
injury or even death. DO NOT RELY UPON  
ANY OF THE DEVICES BUILT INTO YOUR  
SAW. YOU SHOULD USE THE SAW PROP-  
ERLY AND CAREFULLY TO AVOID KICK-  
BACK. Reduced--kickback guide bars and  
low--kickback saw chains reduce the chance  
and magnitude of kickback and are recom-  
mended. Your saw has a low kickback chain  
and bar as original equipment. Repairs on a  
chain brake should be made by an authorized  
servicing dealer. Take your unit to the place of  
purchase if purchased from a servicing dealer,  
or to the nearest authorized master service  
dealer.  
KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES  
WARNING: The following features  
are included on your saw to help reduce the  
hazard of kickback; however, such features  
will not totally eliminate this danger. As a  
chain saw user, do not rely only on safety de-  
vices. You must follow all safety precautions,  
instructions, and maintenance in this manual  
to help avoid kickback and other forces  
which can result in serious injury.  
S Reduced--Kickback Guide Bar, designed  
with a small radius tip which reduces the  
size of the kickback danger zone on the  
bar tip. A Reduced--Kickback Guide Bar  
has been demonstrated to significantly re-  
duce the number and seriousness of kick-  
backs when tested in accordance with  
safety requirements for gasoline powered  
chain saws as set by ANSI B175.1.  
Reduced Kickback Symmetrical Guide Bar  
Small Radius Tip  
Symm
S Tip contact in some cases may cause a light-  
ning fast reverse REACTION, kicking guide  
bar up and back toward operator.  
S Pinching the saw chain along the top of the  
guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly  
back toward the operator.  
Large Radius Tip  
S Low--Kickback Chain, designed with a  
contoured depth gauge and guard link  
which deflect kickback force and allow  
wood to gradually ride intothe cutter. Low--  
Kickback Chain has met kickback per-  
formance requirements when tested on a  
representative sample of chain saws be-  
low 3.8 cubic inch displacement specified  
in ANSI B175.1--2000.  
S Either of these reactions may cause you to  
lose control of the saw which could result in  
serious injury. Do not rely exclusively upon  
devices built into your saw.  
WARNING:  
Computed kickback  
angle (CKA) listed on your saw and listed in the  
CKA table below represents angle of kickback  
your bar and chain combinations will have  
when tested in accordance with CSA (Cana-  
dian Standards Association) and ANSI stan-  
dards. When purchasing replacement bar and  
chain, considerations should be given to the  
lower CKA values. Lower CKA values repre-  
sent safer angles to the user, higher values in-  
dicate more angle and higher kick energies.  
Computed angles represented indicate total  
Contoured Depth Gauge  
Elongated Guard Link  
Deflects  
kickback force  
Lo w --- Ki ckb a c k  
and allows wood  
Chain  
to gradually ride  
into cutter  
5
energy and angle associated without activation  
of the chain brake during kickback. Activated  
angle represents chain stopping time relative to  
activation angle of chain break and resulting  
kick angle of saw. In all cases lower CKA val-  
ues represent a safer operating environment  
for the user.  
The following guide bar and chain combina-  
tions meet kickback requirements of CSA  
Standards Z62.1, Z62.3, & ANSI B175.1 when  
used on saws listed in this manual. Use of bar  
and chain combinations other than those listed  
is not recommended and may not meet the  
CKA requirements per standard.  
Computed kickback angle (CKA) Table  
BAR  
CKA without chain brake  
P/N  
Length CHAIN P/N  
20  
MODEL  
PP5020AV  
17_  
577179801  
577180501  
U.S. forest land and the states of California,  
Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey,  
Oregon, and Washington require by law that  
many internal combustion engines to be  
equipped with a spark arresting screen. If you  
operate a chain saw in a state or locale where  
such regulations exist, you are legally respons-  
ible for maintaining the operating condition of  
these parts. Failure to do so is a violation of the  
law. Refer to the SERVICE section for  
maintenance of the spark arresting screen.  
Failure to follow all Safety Rules and  
Precautions can result in serious injury. If  
situations occur which are not covered in this  
manual, use care and good judgement. If you  
need assistance, contact your authorized  
service dealer or call 1-800--554--6723.  
STANDARDS: This saw is listed by Under-  
writer’s Laboratories, Inc., in accordance with:  
ANSI B175.1-2000 American National  
Standards for Gasoline--Powered Chain  
Saws -- Safety Requirements  
CSA Z62.1-03 Chain Saws -- Occupational  
Health and Safety  
CSA Z62.3-04 Chain Saw Kickback Occu-  
pational Health and Safety  
NOTE: To comply withFederal OSHA Reg-  
ulations for Commercial Logging, a chain  
brake is required andshall not be removedor  
otherwise disabled.  
SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibrations  
through prolonged use of gasoline powered  
hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve  
damage in the fingers, hands, and joints of  
people prone to circulation disorders or  
abnormal swellings. Prolonged use in cold  
weather has been linked to blood vessel  
damage in otherwise healthy people. If  
symptoms occur such as numbness, pain,  
loss of strength, change in skin color or texture,  
or loss of feeling in the fingers, hands, or joints,  
discontinue the use of this tool and seek  
medical attention. An anti-vibration system  
does not guarantee the avoidance of these  
problems. Users who operate power tools on  
a continual and regular basis must monitor  
closely their physical condition and the  
condition of this tool.  
SPECIAL NOTICE: Your saw is equipped  
with a temperature limiting muffler and spark  
arresting screen which meets the require-  
ments of California Codes 4442 and 4443. All  
ASSEMBLY  
Protective gloves (not provided) should be  
1. Move ON/STOP switch to the STOP  
position.  
worn during assembly.  
2. Disengage chain brake.  
NOTE: CHAIN BRAKE MUST BE  
DISENGAGED BEFORE CLUTCH  
COVER CAN BE REMOVED OR RE-  
INSTALLED ON THE CHAIN SAW.  
TO DISENGAGE CHAIN BRAKE,  
PULL THE FRONT HAND GUARD  
BACK TOWARD THE FRONT HAN-  
DLE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE (SEE  
ILLUSTRATION).  
3. Loosen and remove the chain brake  
nuts and the clutch cover from the saw.  
NOTE: If clutch cover can not be easily re-  
moved from the chain saw, ensure chain brake  
is disengaged by pulling the front hand guard  
back toward the front handle as far as possible.  
4. Attach the bumper spike with the two  
screws as shown.  
Disengaged  
Clutch Cover  
Bar  
Nuts  
ATTACHING THE BUMPER SPIKE  
(If not already attached)  
The bumper spike may be used as a pivot  
when making a cut.  
Bumper Spike  
6
ATTACHING THE BAR & CHAIN (If  
not already attached)  
WARNING: If received assembled,  
repeat all steps to ensure your saw is properly  
assembled and all fasteners are secure. Al-  
ways wear gloves when handling the chain.  
The chain is sharp and can cut you even when  
it is not moving!  
1. Move ON/STOP switch to the STOP  
position.  
Clutch  
Drum  
2. Disengage chain brake.  
3. Loosen and remove the bar nuts and the  
clutch cover from the saw.  
NOTE: If clutch cover can not be easily re-  
moved from the chain saw, ensure chain brake  
is disengaged by pulling the front hand guard  
back toward the front handle as far as possible.  
4. Remove the plastic shipping spacer (if  
present).  
8. Carefully remove the chain from the pack-  
age. Hold chain with the drive links as  
shown.  
Tip of  
Bar  
Clutch Cover  
Bar  
Nuts  
CUTTERS MUST FACE IN  
DIIRECTION OF ROTATION  
Depth Gauge  
Location of  
Shipping Spacer  
Cutters  
5. An adjusting pin and screw is used to  
adjust the tension of the chain. It is  
very important when assembling the  
bar that the pin located on the adjust-  
ing screw aligns into the lower hole in  
the bar. Turning the screw will move  
the adjustment pin up and down the  
screw. Locate this adjustment before  
you begin mounting the bar onto the  
saw. See following illustration.  
Drive Links  
9. Place chain over and behind clutch  
drum, fitting the drive links in the clutch  
drum sprocket.  
10. Fit bottom of drive links between the  
teeth in the sprocket in the nose of the  
guide bar.  
11. Fit chain drive links into bar groove.  
12. Pull guide bar forward until chain is snug  
in guide bar groove. Ensure all drive  
links are in the bar groove.  
Inside  
view of  
Clutch  
Cover  
13. Now, install clutch cover making sure  
the adjusting pin is positioned in the low-  
er hole in the guide bar. Remember this  
pin moves the bar forward and back-  
ward as the screw is turned.  
Adjustment located on Clutch Cover  
6. Turn the adjusting screw by hand coun-  
terclockwise until the adjusting pin just  
touches the stop. This should allow the  
pin to be near the correct position.  
7. Slide guide bar on bar bolts until guide  
bar stops against clutch drum sprocket.  
Clutch  
Cover  
Lower Hole  
Adjusting Pin  
Guide Bar  
7
14. Install bar nuts and finger tighten only.  
Once the chain is tensioned, you will  
need to tighten bar nuts.  
3. Using bar tool, roll chain around guide bar  
to ensure all links are in bar groove.  
4. Lift up tip of guide bar to check for sag.  
Release tip of guide bar, then turn ad-  
CHAIN TENSION  
1
justing screw / turn clockwise. Repeat  
4
(Including units with chain already installed)  
until sag does not exist.  
WARNING: Wear protective gloves  
when handling chain. The chain is sharp and  
can cut you even when it is not moving.  
1
Adjusting Screw --  
/
4
Turn  
NOTE: When adjusting chain tension,  
make sure the bar nuts are finger tight only.  
Attempting to tension the chain when the bar  
nuts are tight can cause damage.  
5. While lifting tip of guide bar, tighten bar  
nuts securely with the bar tool.  
Checking the tension:  
Use the screwdriver end of the chain adjust-  
ment tool (bar tool) to move chain around  
guide bar. If the chain does not rotate, it is too  
tight. If the chain is tooloose, it will sag below  
the bar.  
Bar Nuts  
Guide  
Bar  
Chain Adjustmen  
6. Use the screwdriver end of the bar tool  
to move chain around guide bar.  
Bar Nuts  
Tool  
Adjusting  
Screw  
(Bar Tool)  
7. If chain does not rotate, it is too tight.  
Slightly loosen bar nuts and loosen chain  
Adjusting the tension:  
1
by turning the adjusting screw  
/
4
turn  
Chain tension is very important. Chains  
stretch during use. This is especially true  
during the first few times you use your saw.  
Always check chain tension each time be-  
fore you start the chain saw.  
counterclockwise. Retighten bar nuts.  
8. If chain is too loose, it will sag below the  
guide bar. DO NOT operate the saw if  
the chain is loose.  
NOTE: The chain is tensioned correctly  
when the weight of the chain does not cause it  
to sag below the guide bar (with the chain saw  
sitting in an upright position), but the chain still  
moves freely around the guide bar.  
1. Loosen bar nuts until they are finger tight  
against the clutch cover.  
2. Turn adjusting screw clockwise until chain  
solidly contacts bottom of guide bar rail.  
WARNING: If the saw is operated  
with a loose chain, the chain could jump off the  
guide bar and result in serious injury to the op-  
erator and/or damage the chain making it un-  
usable. If the chain jumps off the guide bar, in-  
spect each drive link for damage. Damaged  
chain must be repaired or replaced.  
8
OPERATION  
KNOW YOUR CHAIN SAW  
READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR  
CHAIN SAW. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location of  
the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.  
Front Handle  
Starter Rope  
Front Hand Guard/  
Chain Brake  
ON/STOP  
Switch  
Choke/  
Fast Idle  
Lever  
Muffler  
Chain  
Bar  
Sprocket  
Hole  
Bar Oil Fill Cap  
Primer Bulb  
Starter Housing  
Fuel Mix Fill Cap  
Air Filter Cover  
Cylinder Cover  
Throttle  
C
D
o
Lockout  
Rear  
Handle  
Adjusting Screw  
Guide Bar  
Chain  
Catcher  
Throttle  
Trigger  
Clutch Cover Bar Nuts  
Chain Adjustment Tool  
(Bar Tool)  
ON/STOP SWITCH  
CHAIN BRAKE  
The ON/STOP SWITCH is used to stop the  
engine.  
The chain brake is a device designed to stop  
the chain if kickback occurs. The chain brake  
activates automatically in the event of kick-  
back. The chain brake activates manually if the  
front hand guard is pushed forward. The chain  
brake is disengaged by pulling the front hand  
guard back toward the front handle as far as  
possible.  
THROTTLE TRIGGER  
The THROTTLE TRIGGER controls engine  
speed.  
THROTTLE LOCK--OUT  
The THROTTLE LOCK--OUT must be  
pressed before you can squeeze the throttle  
trigger. This feature prevents you from acci-  
dentally squeezing the trigger.  
CHAIN TENSION  
It is normal for a new chain to stretch during the  
first 15 minutes of operation. You should check  
your chain tension each time before you start  
the chain saw. See CHAIN TENSION under  
the ASSEMBLY section.  
CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER  
The choke and fast idle are set by pulling the  
CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER out to the full ex-  
tent for cold starting or after refueling. The  
choke provides additional fuel to the engine  
during cold starting.  
WARNING: If the saw is operated  
with a loose chain, the chain could jump off  
the guide bar and result in serious injury to  
the operator and/or damage the chain mak-  
ing it unusable.  
PRIMER BULB  
The PRIMER BULB circulates fuel to the car-  
buretor to provide quicker starting.  
9
Genuine Poulan or Poulan PRO bar and chain  
oil is recommended to protect your unit against  
excessive wear from heat and friction. Poulan  
or Poulan PRO oil resists high temperature  
thinning. If Poulan or Poulan PRO bar and  
chain oil is not available, use a good grade SAE  
30 oil.  
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE  
WARNING: Muffler is very hot dur-  
ing and after use. Do not touch the muffler or  
allow combustible material such as dry  
grass or fuel to do so.  
S Never use waste oil for bar and chainlubri-  
cation.  
WARNING: Be sure to read the fuel  
handling information in the safety rules sec-  
tionof this manual before you begin. If youdo  
not understand the fuel handling information  
do not attempt to fuel your unit. Seek help  
from someone that does understand the in-  
formation or call the customer assistance  
help line at 1-800-554-6723.  
S Always stop the engine before removing  
the oil cap.  
CHAIN BRAKE  
Ensure chain brake is disengaged by pulling  
the front hand guard back toward the front han-  
dle as far as possible. The chain brake must be  
disengaged before cutting with the saw.  
FUELING ENGINE  
WARNING: The chain must not  
move when the engine runs at idle speed. If  
the chain moves at idle speed refer to CAR-  
BURETOR ADJUSTMENT within this  
manual. Avoid contact with the muffler. A hot  
muffler can cause serious burns.  
WARNING: Remove fuel capslowly  
when refueling.  
HELPFUL TIP  
To obtain the correct oil mix  
ratio, pour 3.2 ounces of  
2-cycle synthetic oil into  
one gallon of fresh gas.  
To stop the engine move the ON/STOP  
switch to the STOP position.  
To start the engine hold the saw firmly on the  
ground as illustrated. Make sure the chain is  
free to turn without contacting any object.  
IMPORTANT: This equipment is designed  
to operate on unleaded gasoline with a minim-  
um 87 octane (R+M/2 method), with ethanol  
blended up to 10% maximum by volume  
(E-10). Before operation, gasoline must be  
mixed with a good quality synthetic 2-cycle  
air-cooled engine oil designed to be mixed at a  
ratio of 40:1. Poulan/WEED EATER brand  
synthetic oil is recommended. Mix gasoline  
and oil at a ratio of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is obtained  
by mixing 3.2 fluid ounces of oil with 1 gallon of  
unleaded gasoline. DO NOT USE automotive  
oil or marine oil. These oils will cause engine  
damage. When mixing fuel, follow instructions  
printed on container. Once oil is added to gas-  
oline, shake container momentarily to assure  
that the fuel is thoroughly mixed. Always read  
and follow the safety rules relating to fuel before  
fueling your unit. Purchase fuel in quantities  
that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel  
freshness.  
Starter Rope Handle  
Left Hand  
on Front  
Handle  
Right Foot Through Rear Handle  
WARNING: Do not attempt to throw  
or drop--start the chain saw. Doing so will put  
the operator at risk of serious injury due to  
loss of control of the chain saw.  
CAUTION: Never use straight gasoline in  
your unit. This will cause permanent engine  
damage and void the limited warranty. Do not  
use alternate fuels such as ethanol blends  
above 10% by volume (E-15, E-85) or any  
methanol blended fuel. Use of these fuels can  
cause major engine performance and durability  
problems.  
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER  
When pulling the starter rope, do not use the full  
extent of the rope as this can cause the rope to  
break. Do not let starter rope snap back. Hold  
the handle and let the rope rewind slowly.  
For cold weather starting, start the unit at  
FULL CHOKE; allow the engine to warm up  
before squeezing the throttle trigger.  
BAR AND CHAIN LUBRICATION  
The bar and chain require continuous lubrica-  
tion. Lubrication is provided by the automatic  
oiler system when the oil tank is kept filled.  
Lack of oil will quickly ruin the bar and chain.  
Too little oil will cause overheating shown by  
smoke coming from the chain and/or discolor-  
ation of the bar. In freezing weather oil will thick-  
en, making it necessary to thin bar and chain oil  
with a small amount (5 to 10%) of #1 Diesel  
Fuel or kerosene. Bar and chain oil must be  
free flowing for the oil system to pump enough  
oil for adequate lubrication.  
NOTE: Do not attempt to cut material with  
the choke/fast idle lever in the FULL CHOKE  
position.  
HELPFUL TIP  
If your engine still does not  
start after following these  
instructions, please call  
1-800-554 -6723.  
10  
STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or warm  
engine after running out of fuel)  
NOTE: In the following steps, when the  
choke/fast idle lever is pulled out to the full  
extent, the correct throttle setting for starting  
is set automatically.  
DIFFICULT STARTING (or starting a  
flooded engine)  
The engine may be flooded with too much fuel  
if it has not started after 10 pulls. Flooded en-  
gines can be cleared of excess fuel by pushing  
the choke/fast idle lever in completely (to the  
OFF CHOKE position) and then following the  
warm engine starting procedure listed above.  
Ensure the ON/STOP switch is in the ON posi-  
tion. Starting could require pulling the starter  
rope handle many times depending on how  
badly the unit is flooded. If engine fails to start,  
refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or  
call 1-800-554-6723.  
ON/STOP  
Switch  
Choke  
Lever  
CHAIN BRAKE  
WARNING: If the brake band is worn  
too thin it may break when the chain brake is  
triggered. With a broken brake band, the chain  
brake will not stop the chain. The chain brake  
should be replaced by an authorized service  
dealer if any part is worn to less than 0.020″  
(0.5 mm) thick. Repairs on a chain brake  
should be made by an authorized service deal-  
er. Take your unit to the place of purchase if  
purchased from a servicing dealer, or to the  
nearest authorized master service dealer.  
S This saw is equipped with a chain brake.  
The brake is designed to stop the chain if  
kickback occurs.  
Primer Bulb  
1. Move ON/STOP switch to the ON posi-  
tion.  
2. Pull choke/fast idle lever out to the full  
extent (to the FULL CHOKE position).  
3. Slowly press primer bulb 6 times.  
4. Pull the starter rope sharply 5 times with  
your right hand. Then, proceed to the  
next step.  
S The inertia--activated chain brake is  
activated if the front hand guard is pushed  
forward, either manually (by hand) or  
automatically (by sudden movement).  
S If the brake is already activated, it is  
disengaged by pulling the front handguard  
back toward the front handle as far as  
possible.  
NOTE: If the engine sounds as if it is trying  
to start before the 5th pull, stop pulling and  
immediately proceed to the next step.  
5. Push the choke/fast idle lever in to the  
HALF CHOKE position.  
S When cutting with the saw, the chain brake  
must be disengaged.  
CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER  
Disengaged  
OFF  
HALF  
ULL  
Braking function control  
CAUTION: The chain brake must be  
checked several times daily. The engine  
must be running when performing this proce-  
dure. This is the only instance when the saw  
should be placed on the ground with the en-  
gine running.  
Place the saw on firm ground. Grip the rear  
handlewith your right hand andthe front han-  
dle with your left hand. Apply full throttle by  
fully depressing the throttle trigger. Activate  
the chain brake by turning your left wrist  
against the hand guard without releasing  
your grip around the front handle. The chain  
should stop immediately.  
6. Pull the starter rope with your right hand  
until the engine starts.  
7. Allow the engine to run for approximate-  
ly 30 seconds. Then, squeeze and re-  
lease the throttle trigger to allow engine  
to return to idle speed.  
STARTING A WARM ENGINE  
1. Move ON/STOP switch to the ON posi-  
tion.  
2. To set the fast idle, pull the choke/fast  
idle lever out to the full extent (to the full  
choke position); then push the lever  
back in to the HALF CHOKE position.  
3. Slowly press primer bulb 6 times.  
4. Pull the starter rope sharply with your  
right hand until the engine starts.  
OPERATING TIPS  
S Check chain tension before first use, after  
1 minute of operation, and each time be-  
fore you start the chain saw. See CHAIN  
TENSION in the ASSEMBLY section.  
5. Squeeze and release throttle trigger to  
allow engine to return to idle speed.  
11  
S Cut wood only. Do not cut metal, plastics,  
masonry, non-wood building materials, etc.  
S Stop the saw if the chain strikes a foreign  
object. Inspect the saw and repair or re-  
place parts as necessary. If the chain  
jumps off the guide bar, inspect the chain  
for damaged drive links before reinstalling.  
Burrs on drive links, which prevent them  
from entering the groove of the guide bar,  
can be removed with a flat file.  
S Keep the chain out of dirt and sand. Even a  
small amount of dirt will dull a chain, increase  
the possibility of kickback, and require chain  
sharpening or replacement.  
S Weight and branches on one side.  
S Surrounding trees and obstacles.  
Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is rotted,  
it can snap and fall toward the operator.  
Check for broken or dead branches which  
can fall on you while cutting.  
Make sure there is enough room for the tree to  
fall. Maintain a distance of 2-1/2 tree lengths  
from the nearest person or other objects. En-  
gine noise can drown out a warning call.  
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, sta-  
ples, and wire from the tree where cuts are to  
be made. Plan a clear retreat path to the rear  
and diagonal to the line of fall.  
S Practice cutting a few small logs using the  
following techniques to get the “feel” of us-  
ing your saw before you begin a major  
sawing operation.  
Plan a clear retreat path  
S
S
S
S
Squeeze the throttle trigger and allow the  
engine to reach full speed before cutting.  
Begin cutting with the saw frame  
against the log.  
Direction of Fall  
45_  
Keep the engine at full speed the entire  
time you are cutting.  
Allow the chain to cut for you. Exert only  
light downward pressure. If you force  
the cut, damage to the bar, chain, or en-  
gine can result.  
Release the throttle trigger as soon as  
the cut is completed, allowing the en-  
gine to idle. If you run the saw at full  
throttle without a cutting load, unneces-  
sary wear can occur to the chain, bar,  
and engine. It is recommended that  
the engine not be operated for lon-  
ger than 30 seconds at full throttle.  
Toavoid losing control when cut is com-  
plete, do not put pressure onsaw at end  
of cut.  
FELLING LARGE TREES  
(6 inches (15 cm) in diameter or larger)  
The notch method is used to fell large trees.  
A notch is cut on the side of the tree in thede-  
sired direction of fall. After a felling cut is  
made on the opposite side of tree, the tree  
will tend to fall into the notch.  
S
NOTE: If the tree has large buttress roots,  
remove them before making the notch. If us-  
ing saw to remove buttress roots, keep saw  
chain from contacting ground to prevent dull-  
ing of the chain.  
S
NOTCH CUT AND FELLING THE  
S Stop the engine before setting the saw  
down after cutting.  
TREE  
S Make notch cut by cutting the top of the  
notch first. Cut through 1/3 of the diameter  
of the tree. Next complete the notch by cut-  
ting the bottom of the notch. See illustra-  
tion. Once the notch is cut remove the  
notch of wood from the tree.  
TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES  
WARNING: Check for broken or  
dead branches which can fall while cutting  
causing serious injury. Do not cut near build-  
ings or electrical wires if you do not know the  
direction of tree fall, nor cut at night since you  
will not be ale to see well, nor during bad  
weather such as rain, snow, or strong winds,  
etc. If the tree makes contact with any utility  
line, the utility company should be notified  
immediately.  
S Carefully plan your sawingoperation inad-  
vance.  
S Clear the work area. You need a clear area  
all around the tree so you can have secure  
footing.  
S The chain saw operator should keep on  
the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is  
likely to rollor slidedownhill after it is felled.  
S Study the natural conditions that can cause  
the tree to fall in a particular direction.  
Natural conditions that can cause a tree to  
fall in a particular direction include:  
S The wind direction and speed.  
S The lean of the tree. The lean of a tree  
might not be apparent due to uneven or  
sloping terrain. Use a plumb or level to de-  
termine the direction of tree lean.  
Final (felling) cut here, 2 inches  
(5 cm) above center of notch.  
First cut  
Notch  
Hinge  
Second cut  
S After removing the wood from the notch,  
make the felling cut on the opposite side of  
the notch. This is done by making a cut about  
two inches (5 cm) higher than the center of  
the notch. This will leave enough uncut wood  
between the felling cut and the notch to form  
a hinge. This hinge will help prevent the tree  
from falling in the wrong direction.  
12  
Hinge holds tree on stump and helps  
Use a wedge to remove pinched saw  
control fall  
Opening of  
felling cut  
Turn saw OFF and use a plastic or  
wooden wedge to force cut open.  
Overcutting begins on the top side of the log  
with the bottom of the saw against the log.  
When overcutting use light downward pres-  
sure.  
Closing  
of notch  
ng  
NOTE: Before felling cut is complete, use  
wedges to open the cut if necessary to  
controlthedirectionof fall. To avoid kickback  
and chain damage, use wood or plastic  
wedges, but never steel or iron wedges.  
S Be alert to signs that the tree is ready to fall:  
cracking sounds, widening of the felling cut,  
or movement in the upper branches.  
Un
Undercutting involves cutting on the under-  
side of the log with top of saw against the log.  
When undercutting use light upward pres-  
sure. Hold saw firmly and maintain control.  
The saw will tend to push back toward you.  
S As tree starts to fall, stop saw, put it down,  
and get away quickly on your planned re-  
treat path.  
WARNING: Never turn saw upside  
down to undercut. The saw cannot be con-  
trolled in this position.  
Always make your first cut on the compres-  
sion side of the log. The compression side of  
the log is where the pressure of the log’s  
weight is concentrated.  
S DO NOT cut down a partially fallen tree with  
your saw. Be extremely cautious with par-  
tially fallen trees that may be poorly sup-  
ported. When a tree doesn’t fall completely,  
set the saw aside and pull down the tree with  
a cable winch, block and tackle, or tractor.  
CUTTING A FALLEN TREE  
(BUCKING)  
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen  
tree to the desired log size.  
First cut on compression side of log  
WARNING: Do not stand on the log  
being cut. Any portion can roll causing loss of  
footing and control. Do not stand downhill of  
the log being cut.  
Second cut  
Second cut  
IMPORTANT POINTS  
S Cut only one log at a time.  
S Cut shattered wood very carefully; sharp  
pieces of wood could be flung toward opera-  
tor.  
S Use a sawhorse to cut small logs. Never  
allow another person to hold the log while  
cutting and never hold the log with your leg  
or foot.  
S Do not cut in an area where logs, limbs,  
and roots are tangled such as in a blown  
down area. Drag the logs into a clear area  
before cutting by pulling out exposed and  
cleared logs first.  
First cut on compression side of log  
BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT  
S Overcut through 1/3 of the diameter of the  
log.  
S Roll the log over and finish with a second  
overcut.  
S Watch for logs with a compression side to  
prevent the saw from pinching. See il-  
lustrations for cutting logs with a compres-  
sion side.  
TYPES OF CUTTING USED FOR  
BUCKING  
BUCKING USING A LOG OR  
WARNING:  
If saw becomes  
SUPPORT STAND  
pinched or hung in a log, don’t try to force it  
out. You can lose control of the saw resulting  
in injury and/or damage to the saw. Stop the  
saw, drive a wedge of plastic or wood into the  
cut until the saw can be removed easily. Re-  
start the saw andcarefully reenter thecut. To  
avoid kickback and chain damage, do not  
use a metal wedge. Do not attempt to restart  
your saw when it is pinched or hung in a log.  
S Remember your first cut is always on the  
compression side of the log.  
(Refer to the illustrations below for your  
first and second cut)  
S Your first cut should extend 1/3 of the  
diameter of the log.  
S Finish with your second cut.  
13  
nd  
2
Cut  
S Watch out for springpoles. Springpoles are  
small size limbs which can catch the saw  
chain and whip toward you or pull you off bal-  
ance. Use extreme caution when cutting  
small size limbs or slender material.  
S Be alert for springback. Watch out for  
branches that are bent or under pressure.  
Avoid being struck by the branch or the  
saw when the tension in the wood fibers is  
released.  
Using a log for support  
st  
1
Cut  
S Keep a clear work area. Frequently clear  
branches out of the way to avoid tripping  
over them.  
st  
1
Cut  
LIMBING  
S Always limb atreeafter it is cut down. Only  
then can limbing be done safely and prop-  
erly.  
nd  
2
Cut  
S Leave the larger limbs underneath the felled  
tree to support the tree as you work.  
S Start at the base of the felled tree and work  
toward the top, cutting branches and limbs.  
Remove small limbs with one cut.  
S Keep the tree between you and the chain.  
Cut from the side of the tree opposite the  
branch you are cutting.  
Using a support stand  
nd  
2
Cut  
S Remove larger, supporting branches with  
the cutting techniques described in BUCK-  
ING WITHOUT A SUPPORT.  
S Always use an overcut to cut small and free-  
ly hanging limbs. Undercutting could cause  
limbs to fall and pinch the saw.  
st  
1
Cut  
st  
1
Cut  
nd  
PRUNING  
2
Cut  
WARNING: Limit pruning to limbs  
shoulder height or below. Do not cut if  
branches are higher than your shoulder. Get a  
professional to do the job.  
S Make your first cut 1/3 of the way through the  
bottom of the limb.  
S Next make a 2nd cut all the way through  
the limb. Then cut a thirdovercut leaving a  
1to2 inch (2.5 to 5cm) collar from thetruck  
of the tree.  
LIMBING AND PRUNING  
WARNING: Be alert for and guard  
against kickback. Do not allow the moving  
chain to contact any other branches or objects  
at the nose of the guide bar when limbing or  
pruning. Allowing such contact can result in  
serious injury.  
Second cut  
Third cut  
WARNING: Never climb into a tree to  
limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders, plat-  
forms, a log, or in any position which can cause  
you to lose your balance or control of the saw.  
Collar  
IMPORTANT POINTS  
S Work slowly, keeping both hands firmly  
gripped on the saw. Maintain secure footing  
and balance.  
First cut  
Pruning technique  
14  
SERVICE  
NOTE: It is normal for a small amount of oil  
WARNING: Disconnect the spark  
plug before performing maintenance except  
for carburetor adjustments.  
We recommend all service and adjustments  
not listed in this manual be performed by an  
authorized or Master Service Dealer.  
to appear under the saw after engine stops.  
Do not confuse this with a leaking oil tank.  
S ON/STOP Switch -- Ensure ON/STOP  
switch functions properly by moving the  
switch to the STOP position. Make sure en-  
gine stops; then restart engine and continue.  
S Fuel Tank -- Do not use saw if fuel tank  
shows signs of damage or leaks.  
HELPFUL TIP  
S Oil Tank -- Do not use saw if oil tank shows  
signs of damage or leaks.  
IMPORTANT: Have all  
repairs other than the rec-  
CHECK FOR LOOSE  
FASTENERS AND PARTS  
S Bar Nuts  
ommended maintenance  
described in the instruction  
manual performed by an  
S Chain  
authorized service dealer.  
S Muffler  
If any dealer other than an authorized  
service dealer performs work on the  
product, Poulan PRO may not pay for  
repairs under warranty. It is your re-  
sponsibility to maintain and perform  
general maintenance.  
S Cylinder Shield  
S Air Filter  
S Handle Screws  
S Vibration Mounts  
S Starter Housing  
S Front Hand Guard  
CHECK CHAIN SHARPNESS  
A sharp chain makes wood chips. A dull  
chain makes a sawdust powder and cuts  
slowly. See CHAIN SHARPENING.  
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE  
Check:  
Fuel mixture level . . . . Before each use  
Bar lubrication . . . . . . . Before each use  
Chain tension . . . . . . . Before each use  
Chain sharpness . . . . . Before each use  
For damaged parts . . . Before each use  
For loose caps . . . . . . Before each use  
For loose fasteners . . . Before each use  
For loose parts . . . . . . Before each use  
Inspect and Clean:  
CHECK GUIDE BAR  
Conditions which require guide bar mainte-  
nance:  
S Saw cuts to one side or at an angle.  
S Saw has to be forced through the cut.  
S Inadequate supply of oil to bar/chain.  
Check the condition of guide bar each time  
chain is sharpened. A worn guide bar will  
damage the chain and make cutting difficult.  
After each use, ensure ON/STOP switch is  
in the STOP position, then clean all sawdust  
from the guide bar and sprocket hole.  
To maintain guide bar:  
S Move ON/STOP switch to STOP.  
S Loosen and remove bar nuts and clutch  
cover. Remove bar and chain from saw.  
S Clean the oil holes and bar groove after  
each 5 hours of operation.  
Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Before each use  
Complete saw . . . . . . . After each use  
Air filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . Every 5 hours*  
Chain brake . . . . . . . . . Every 5 hours*  
Spark arresting screen  
and muffler . . . . . . . . . . Every 25 hours*  
Replace spark plug . Yearly  
Replace fuel filter . . . Yearly  
* Hours of Operation --  
Each hour of operation is approximately  
2 tanks of fuel.  
Remove Sawdust From  
Guide Bar Groove  
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS  
The warranty on this unit does not cover  
items that have been subjected to operator  
abuse or negligence. To receive full value  
from the warranty, the operator must main-  
tain unit as instructed in this manual. Various  
adjustments will need to be made periodical-  
ly to properly maintain your unit.  
S Once a year, replace the spark plug, air filter,  
and check guide bar and chain for wear. A  
new spark plug and air filter assures proper  
air-fuel mixture and helps your engine run  
better and last longer.  
Oil Holes  
S Burring of guide bar rails is a normal  
process of rail wear. Remove these burrs  
with a flat file.  
S When rail top is uneven, use a flat file to re-  
store square edges and sides.  
File Rail Edges  
and Sides  
Square  
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR  
WORN PARTS  
Contact an authorized service dealer for re-  
placement of damaged or worn parts.  
Worn Groove  
Correct Groove  
15  
Replace guide bar when the groove is worn,  
the guide bar is bent or cracked, or when ex-  
cess heating or burring of the rails occurs. If re-  
placement is necessary, use only the guide bar  
specified for your saw in the repair parts list or  
on the decal located on the chain saw.  
Knob  
Air Filter  
Cover  
Air Filter  
Wire  
Clamp  
CHECK FUEL MIXTURE LEVEL  
S See FUELING ENGINE under the OP-  
ERATION section.  
LUBRICATION  
INSPECT MUFFLER AND SPARK  
ARRESTING SCREEN  
Bar Oil Fill Cap  
As the unit is used, carbon deposits build up  
on the muffler and spark arresting screen,  
and must be removed to avoid creating a fire  
hazard or affecting engine performance.  
Replace the spark arresting screen if breaks  
occur.  
Air Filter Cover  
S See GUIDE BAR AND CHAIN OIL under  
the OPERATION section.  
Cylinder Cover  
INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND  
DECALS  
S After each use, inspect complete unit for  
loose or damaged parts. Clean the unit and  
decals using a damp cloth with a mild deter-  
gent.  
Exhaust  
Outlet  
Cover  
S Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.  
CHECK CHAIN BRAKE  
See CHAIN BRAKE in the OPERATION  
section.  
CLEAN AIR FILTER  
CAUTION: Do not clean filter in gasolineor  
other flammable solvent to avoid creating a  
fire hazard or producing harmful evaporative  
emissions.  
Muffler  
Cleaning the air filter:  
A dirty air filter decreases the life and perfor-  
mance of the engine and increases fuel con-  
sumption and harmful emissions. Always  
clean your air filter after 10 tanks of fuel or 5  
hours of operation, whichever comes first.  
Clean more frequently in dusty conditions. A  
used air filter can never be completely  
cleaned. It is advisable to replace your air fil-  
ter with a new one after every 50 hours of op-  
eration, or annually, whichever comes first.  
CLEANING THE SPARK ARREST-  
ING SCREEN  
Cleaning is required every 25 hours of op-  
eration or annually, whichever comes first.  
1. Loosen knob on air filter cover. Remove  
air filter cover.  
2. Loosen 3 screws on cylinder cover.  
Remove the cylinder cover.  
3. Loosen and remove the screw from the  
muffler exhaust outlet cover.  
1. Loosen knob on air filter cover. Remove  
4. Remove spark arresting screen. Handle  
screen carefully to prevent damage.  
5. Clean the spark arresting screen gently  
with a wire brush. Replace screen if  
breaks are found.  
air filter cover.  
2. Press down on wire clamp to release air  
filter. Remove air filter.  
3. Clean the air filter using hot soapy water.  
Rinse with clean cool water. Air dry com-  
pletely before reinstalling.  
6. Replace any broken or cracked muffler  
parts.  
4. Reinstall air filter and reposition wire  
clamp.  
7. Reinstall spark arresting screen.  
8. Reinstall screw in muffler exhaust outlet  
cover.  
NOTE: Ensure air filter is correctly installed  
and fully seated in pocket before reposition-  
ing wire clamp and reinstalling air filter cover.  
5. Reinstall air filter cover. Tighten knob se-  
curely.  
9. Reinstall the cylinder cover and  
screws. Tighten securely.  
3
10. Reinstall air filter cover. Tighten knob se-  
curely.  
16  
REPLACE SPARK PLUG  
The spark plug should be replaced each  
year to ensure the engine starts easier and  
runs better. Ignition timing is fixed and non-  
adjustable.  
TO SHARPEN CHAIN:  
1. Move ON/STOP switch to the STOP  
position.  
2. Check chain for proper tension. Adjust  
chain tension if necessary. See CHAIN  
TENSION section.  
NOTE: This spark ignition system complies  
with the Canadian standard ICES--002.  
1. Loosen knob on air filter cover. Remove  
air filter cover.  
3. Sharpen cutters.  
S
To sharpen the cutters, position the  
file holder level (10° ) so that it rests  
on the top edges of the cutter and  
depth gauge.  
2. Pull off the spark plug boot.  
3. Remove spark plug from cylinder and  
discard.  
NOTE: The chain has both left and  
4. Replace with Champion RCJ--7Y spark  
right hand cutters.  
3
plug and tighten securely with a  
/
4
inch  
File Holder  
Cutter  
(19 mm) socket wrench. Spark plug gap  
should be 0.025 inch (0.6 mm).  
5. Reinstall the spark plug boot.  
6. Reinstall air filter cover. Tighten knob se-  
curely.  
File  
Dep
Knob  
Air Filter  
Cover  
Spark  
Plug  
S
Align the 25° file holder marks paral-  
lelwith thebar and to the center of the  
chain.  
Cutter  
25°  
File Holder Line  
Cutter  
S
Sharpen cutters on one side of the  
chain first. File from the inside of each  
cutter to the outside. Then, turn the  
chain saw around and repeat the pro-  
cess for the other side of the chain.  
File on the forward stroke only. Use 2  
or 3 strokes per cutting edge.  
Keep all cutters the same length  
when filing.  
REPLACE FUEL FILTER  
S
S
S
To replace fuel filter (part #530095646), drain  
your unit by running it dry of fuel. Remove fuel  
cap and its connected retainer from tank. Pull  
filter from tank and remove from line. Replace  
and reassemble.  
File enough to remove any damage  
to cutting edges (side plate and top  
plate of cutter).  
CHAIN ADJUSTMENT  
See CHAIN TENSION in ASSEMBLY section.  
Remove Damage  
All Cutters  
Same Length  
CHAIN SHARPENING  
WARNING: Improper chain sharpen-  
ing techniques and/or depth gauge mainte-  
nance will increase the chance of kickback  
which can result in serious injury.  
Top Plate  
Side Plate  
S
File chain to meet the specifications  
as shown.  
WARNING: Wear protective gloves  
when handling chain. The chain is sharp and  
can cut you even when it is not moving.  
Conditions which indicate the need for chain  
sharpening:  
60°  
S Reduction in size of wood chips. The size  
of the wood chip will decrease as the chain  
gets duller until it becomes more like a  
powder than a chip. Note that dead or  
rotted wood will not produce a good chip.  
S Saw cuts to one side or at an angle.  
S Saw has to be forced through the cut.  
25°  
Hook Angle  
0.025 inch  
(0.65 mm)  
Tools required:  
S 7/32 inch (5 mm) diameter round file and  
file holder  
Rounded  
Corner  
S Flat file  
Right  
S Depth gauge tool  
17  
Squared Off  
Corner  
The carburetor has been carefully set at the  
factory. Adjustments may be necessary if  
you notice any of the following conditions:  
S Chain moves at idle. See IDLE SPEED--T  
adjusting procedure.  
Too Much Hook Angle  
S Saw will not idle. See IDLE SPEED--T ad-  
justing procedure.  
Idle Speed--T  
Wrong  
Allow engine to idle. If the chain moves, idle is  
too fast. If the engine stalls, idle is too slow. Ad-  
just speed until engine runs without chain  
movement (idle too fast) or stalling (idle too  
slow). The idle speed screw is located in the  
area above the primer bulb and is labeled T.  
S Turn idle screw (T) clockwise to increase  
engine speed.  
WARNING: Maintain the proper hook  
angle according to the manufacturer’s specifi-  
cations for the chain you are using. Improper  
hook angle will increase the chance of kick-  
back which can result in serious injury.  
4. Check and lower depth gauges.  
File  
Depth Gauge Tool  
S Turn idle screw (T) counterclockwise to  
decrease engine speed.  
Depth Gauge  
If you require further assistance or are unsure  
about performing this procedure, contact your  
authorized service dealer or call our customer  
assistance help line at 1--800--554--6723.  
S
S
Place gauge tool on cutter.  
COOLING SYSTEM  
If the depth gauge is higher than the  
depth gauge tool, file it level to the top of  
the depth gauge tool.  
To keep the working temperature as low as  
possible the machine is equipped with a  
cooling system.  
S
Maintain rounded front corner of  
depth gauge with a flat file.  
The cooling system consists of:  
S Air intake on the starter  
NOTE: The very top of the depth  
gauge should be flat with the front  
half rounded off with a flat file.  
S Air guide plate  
S Fins on the flywheel  
S Cooling fins on the cylinder  
If you require further assistance or are unsure  
about performing this procedure, contact your  
authorized service dealer or call our customer  
assistance help line at 1--800--554--6723.  
S Cylinder cover (directs cold air over the  
cylinder)  
Clean the cooling system with a brush after  
each use, more often in demanding condi-  
tions. A dirty or blocked cooling system re-  
sults in the machine overheating which  
causes damage to the piston and cylinder.  
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT  
WARNING: The chain will be mov-  
ing during most of this procedure. Wear your  
protective equipment and observe all safety  
precautions. The chain must not move at idle  
speed.  
STORAGE  
S Lightly oil external metal surfaces and  
guide bar.  
WARNING: Perform the following  
steps after each use:  
S Oil the chain and wrap it in heavy paper or  
cloth.  
S Allow the engine to cool, and secure the  
unit before storing or transporting.  
FUEL SYSTEM  
S Store chain saw and fuel in a well venti-  
lated area where fuel vapors cannot reach  
sparks or open flames from water heaters,  
electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.  
S Store chain saw with all guards in place  
and position chain saw so that any sharp  
object cannot accidentally cause injury.  
S Store chain saw well out of the reach of  
children.  
Under FUELING ENGINE in the OPERA-  
TION section of this manual, see message  
labeled IMPORTANT regarding the use of  
gasohol in your chain saw.  
Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in  
minimizing the formation of fuel gum depos-  
its during storage. Add stabilizer to the gaso-  
line in the fuel tank or fuel storage container.  
Follow the mix instructions found on stabiliz-  
er containers. Run engine at least 5 minutes  
after adding stabilizer.  
Poulan/WEED EATER 40:1, 2-cycle engine oil  
(air cooled) is blended with fuel stabilizer. If you  
do not use this oil, you can add a fuel stabilizer  
with 2--cycle engine oil to your fuel tank.  
SEASONAL STORAGE  
Prepareyour unit for storage at theend of the  
season or if it will not be used for 30 days or  
more.  
If your chain saw is to be stored for a period  
of time:  
S Clean saw thoroughly before storage.  
S Store in a clean dry area.  
18  
S Replace spark plug with new one of rec-  
ommended type and heat range.  
S Clean air filter.  
HELPFUL TIP  
During storage of your gas/  
oil mixture, the oil will sepa-  
rate from the gas.  
S Check entire unit for loose screws, nuts,  
and bolts. Replace any damaged, broken,  
or worn parts.  
We recommend that you  
shake the gas can weekly  
to insure proper blending of  
the gas and oil.  
S At the beginning of the next season, use  
only fresh fuel having the proper gasoline  
to oil ratio.  
OTHER  
ENGINE  
S Do not store gasoline from one season to  
S Remove spark plug and pour 1 teaspoon  
of 40:1, 2-cycle engine oil (air cooled)  
through the spark plug opening. Slowly  
pull the starter rope 8 to 10 times to distrib-  
ute oil.  
another.  
S Replace your gasoline can if it starts to  
rust.  
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE  
WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug before performing all of  
the recommended remedies below except remedies that require operation of the unit.  
TROUBLE  
CAUSE  
REMEDY  
Engine will not  
start or will run  
only a few  
seconds after  
starting.  
1. Move ignition switch to ON.  
2. See “Difficult Starting” in  
Operation Section.  
1. Ignition switch off.  
2. Engine flooded.  
3. Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.  
4. Install new spark plug.  
3. Fuel tank empty.  
4. Spark plug not firing.  
5. Fuel not reaching  
carburetor.  
5. Check for dirty fuel filter; replace.  
Check for kinked or split fuel line;  
repair or replace.  
1. Idle speed requires  
adjustment.  
2. Carburetor requires  
adjustment.  
Engine will  
not idle  
properly.  
1. See “Carburetor Adjustment” in the  
Service and Adjustments Section.  
2. Contact an authorized service dealer.  
1. Clean or replace air filter.  
Engine will not  
accelerate,  
lacks power,  
or dies under  
a load.  
1. Air filter dirty.  
2. Clean or replace plug and regap.  
3. Disengage chain brake.  
2. Spark plug fouled.  
3. Chain brake engaged.  
4. Carburetor requires  
adjustment.  
4. Contact an authorized service dealer.  
Engine  
1. Too much oil mixed with  
gasoline.  
1. Empty fuel tank and refill with  
correct fuel mixture.  
smokes  
excessively.  
1. Idle speed requires  
adjustment.  
2. Clutch requires repair.  
1. See “Carburetor Adjustment” in the  
Service and Adjustments Section.  
2. Contact an authorized service dealer.  
Chain moves  
at idle speed.  
LIMITED WARRANTY  
Poulan PRO, a division of Husqvarna Con-  
sumer Outdoor Products N.A., Inc., war-  
rants tothe originalconsumer purchaser that  
each new Poulan PRO brand gasoline chain  
saw is free from defects in material and  
workmanship andagrees torepair or replace  
under this warranty any defective gasoline  
chain saw as follows from the original date of  
purchase.  
This warranty is not transferable and does not  
cover damage or liability caused by improper  
handling, improper maintenance or alteration,  
or the use of accessories and/or attachments  
not specifically recommended by Poulan PRO  
for this chain saw. This warranty does not cov-  
er tune--up, spark plugs, filters, starter ropes,  
chain sharpening, bars, chains, and other parts  
which wear and require replacement with rea-  
sonable use during the warranty period. This  
warranty does not cover predelivery setup,  
installation of guide bar and chain, and normal  
adjustments explained in the instruction manu-  
al such as chain tension adjustments. This  
warranty does not cover transportation costs.  
2 YEARS - Parts and Labor, when used for  
household purposes.  
60 DAYS - Parts and Labor, when used for  
commercial, professional, or income pro-  
ducing purposes.  
30 DAYS - Parts andLabor, if used for rental  
purposes.  
19  
In the event you have a claim under this war-  
ranty, you must return the product to an au-  
thorized service dealer.  
NO CLAIMS FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR  
OTHER DAMAGES WILL BE ALLOWED,  
AND THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESS  
WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE EX-  
PRESSLY STIPULATED HEREIN.  
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITA-  
TIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIEDWAR-  
RANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR  
LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CON-  
SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE  
ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION  
MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.  
This is a limited warranty within the meaning  
of that term as defined in the Magnuson--  
Moss Act of 1975.  
The policy of Poulan PRO is to continuously  
improve its products. Therefore, Poulan  
PRO reserves the right to change, modify, or  
discontinue models, designs, specifications,  
and accessories of all products at any time  
without notice or obligation to any purchaser.  
Should you have any unansweredquestions  
concerning this warranty, please contact:  
Poulan PRO, a division of Husqvarna  
Consumer Outdoor Products N.A., Inc.  
9335 Harris Corners Parkway  
Charlotte, NC 28269  
1--800--554--6723  
In Canada, contact:  
Poulan PRO  
850 Matheson Blvd. West  
Mississauga, Ontario L5V 0B4  
Giving the model number, serial number and  
date of purchase of your product and the  
name and address of the authorized dealer  
from whom it was purchased.  
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC  
LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY HAVE  
OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM  
STATE TO STATE.  
IMPORTANT: This product is compliant with U.S. EPA Phase 3 regulations for exhaust and evap-  
orative emissions. To ensure EPA Phase 3 compliance, we recommend using only genuine Poulan  
PRO brand replacement parts. Use of non-compliant replacement parts is a violation of federal law.  
U.S. EPA/ENVIRONMENT CANADA  
EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT  
YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OB-  
LIGATIONS: The U.S. Environmental  
Protection Agency, Environment Canada  
and Poulan PRO are pleased to explain the  
emissions control system warranty on your  
year 2012 and later small off--road engine. In  
California, all small off--road engines must be  
designed, built, and equipped to meet the  
State’s stringent anti--smog standards. Pou-  
lan PRO must warrant the emission control  
system on your small off--road engine for the  
periods of time listed below provided there  
has been no abuse, neglect, or improper  
maintenance of your small off--road engine.  
Your emission control system includes parts  
such as the carburetor, the ignition system and  
the fuel tank. Where a warrantable condition  
exists, Poulan PRO will repair your small off--  
roadengine at nocost to you. Expenses cov-  
ered under warranty include diagnosis, parts  
and labor. MANUFACTURER’S WARRAN-  
TY COVERAGE: If any emissions related  
part on your engine (as listed under Emis-  
sions Control Warranty Parts List) is defective  
or a defect in the materials or workmanship of  
the engine causes the failure of such an emis-  
sion related part, the part will be repaired or re-  
placed by Poulan PRO. OWNER’S WAR-  
RANTY RESPONSIBILITIES: As the small  
off--road engine owner, you are responsible  
for the performance of the required mainte-  
nance listed in your instruction manual. Pou-  
lan PRO recommends that you retain all re-  
ceipts covering maintenance on your small  
off--road engine, but Poulan PRO cannot  
deny warranty solely for the lack of receipts  
or for your failure to ensure the performance  
of all scheduled maintenance. As the small  
off--road engine owner, you should be aware  
that Poulan PRO may deny you warranty  
coverage if your small off--road engine or a  
part of it has failed due to abuse, neglect, im-  
proper maintenance, unapproved modifica-  
tions, or the use of parts not made or ap-  
proved by the original equipment  
manufacturer. You are responsible for pres-  
enting your small off--road engine to an Poulan  
PRO authorized repair center as soon as a  
problem exists. Warranty repairs should be  
completed in a reasonable amount of time, not  
to exceed 30 days. If you have any questions  
regarding your warranty rights and responsi-  
bilities, youshould contact your nearest autho-  
rized service center, call Poulan PRO at  
1--800--554--6723, or send e-mail corre-  
spondence to emission.warranty@HCOP--  
emission.com. WARRANTY COMMENCE-  
MENT DATE: The warranty period begins  
on the date the small off--road engine is pur-  
chased. LENGTH OF COVERAGE: This  
warranty shall be for a period of two years from  
the initial date of purchase, or until the end of  
the product warranty (whichever is longer).  
WHAT IS COVERED: REPAIR OR RE-  
PLACEMENT OF PARTS. Repair or re-  
placement of any warranted part will be per-  
formed at no charge to the owner at an  
approved Poulan PRO servicing center. If  
you have any questions regarding your war-  
ranty rights and responsibilities, you should  
contact your nearest authorized service  
center, call Poulan PRO at 1--800--554--6723,  
or send e-mail correspondence to emission.  
warranty@HCOP--emission.com. WARRAN-  
TY PERIOD: Any warranted part which is  
not scheduled for replacement as required  
maintenance, or which is scheduled only for  
regular inspection to the effect of “repair or  
20  
replace as necessary” shall be warranted for  
2 years. Any warranted part which is sched-  
uled for replacement as required mainte-  
nance shall be warranted for the period of  
time up to the first scheduled replacement  
point for that part. DIAGNOSIS: The owner  
shall not be charged for diagnostic labor  
which leads to the determination that a war-  
ranted part is defective if the diagnostic work  
is performed at an approved Poulan PRO  
servicing center. CONSEQUENTIAL DAM-  
AGES: Poulan PRO may be liable for dam-  
ages to other engine components caused by  
the failure of a warranted part still under war-  
ranty. WHATIS NOTCOVERED: Allfailures  
caused by abuse, neglect, or improper main-  
tenance are not covered. ADD -ON OR MO-  
DIFIED PARTS: The use of add--on or modi-  
fied parts can be grounds for disallowing a  
warranty claim. Poulan PRO is not liable to  
cover failures of warranted parts caused by  
the use of add--on or modified parts. HOW  
TO FILE A CLAIM: If you have any ques-  
tions regarding your warranty rights and re-  
sponsibilities, you should contact your near-  
est authorized service center, call Poulan  
PRO at 1--800--554--6723, or send e-mail  
correspondence to emission.warranty@  
HCOP--emission.com. WHERE TO GET  
WARRANTY SERVICE: Warranty services or  
repairs shall be provided at all Poulan PRO  
service centers. Call: 1--800--554--6723 or  
send e-mail correspondence to emission.  
warranty@HCOP--emission.com. MAINTE-  
NANCE, REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR  
OF EMISSION RELATED PARTS: Any  
Poulan PRO approved replacement part  
used in the performance of any warranty  
maintenance or repair on emission related  
parts will be provided without charge to the  
owner if the part is under warranty. EMIS-  
SION CONTROL WARRANTY PARTS  
LIST: Carburetor, air filter (covered up to main-  
tenance schedule), ignition system: spark plug  
(covered up to maintenance schedule), ignition  
module, muffler including catalyst (if equipped),  
fuel tank, line and cap. MAINTENANCE  
STATEMENT: The owner is responsible for  
the performance of all required maintenance  
as defined in the instruction manual.  
The information on the product label indicates which standard your engine is certified.  
Example: (Year) EPA and/or CALIFORNIA.  
This engine is certified to be emissions compliant for the following use:  
Moderate (50 hours)  
Intermediate (125 hours)  
Extended (300 hours)  
21  

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