9
CHAIN BRAKE
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.
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.
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.
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.
WARNING:
Be sure to read the fuel
handling information in the safety rules sec-
tion of this manual before you begin. If you do
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.
FUELING ENGINE
WARNING:
Remove fuel cap slow-
ly 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.
This engine is certified to operate on un-
leaded gasoline. 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.
A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing 3.2 fluid
ounces (95 ml) of oil with 1 gallon (4 liters) of
unleaded gasoline. Included with this saw is
a 3.2 ounce (95 ml) container of Poulan/
Weed Eater brand synthetic oil. Pour the en-
tire contents of this container into 1 gallon (4
liters) of gasoline to achieve the proper fuel
mixture. DO NOT USE automotive or marine
oil. These oils will cause engine damage.
When mixing fuel follow the instructions
printed on the container. Always read and
follow the safety rules listed under HANDLE
FUEL WITH CAUTION.
CAUTION:
Never use straight gasoline in
your unit. This will cause permanent engine
damage and void the limited warranty.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
This engine requires the use of minimum 87
octane [R+M]/2 clean gasoline.
IMPORTANT
Use of alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can cause major
engine performance and durability problems.
WARNING:
Alternative fuels (not
gasoline) such as E--15 (15% alcohol), E--20
(20% alcohol), E--85 (85% alcohol) are NOT
classified as gasoline and are NOT approved
for use in 2--stroke gasoline engines. Use of al-
ternative fuels will cause problems such as: im-
proper clutch engagements, overheating, va-
por lock, power loss, lubrication deficiency,
deterioration of fuel lines, gaskets and internal
carburetor components, etc. Alternative fuels
cause high moisture absorption into the fuel/oil
mixture leading to oil and fuel separation.
BAR AND CHAIN LUBRICATION
The bar and chain require continuous lubri-
cation. Lubrication is provided by the auto-
matic 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 discoloration of the bar.
In freezing weather oil will thicken, 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.
Genuine Poulan or Poulan PRO bar and
chain oil is recommended to protect your unit
against excessive wear from heat and fric-
tion. 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.
S
Never use waste oil for bar and chain lubri-
cation.
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.
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.
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.
