9
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
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 ounces (95 ml)
of oil with 1 gallon (4 liters) of unleaded gaso-
line. Included with this saw is a 3.2 ounce (95
ml) container of Poulan/Weed Eater brand syn-
thetic oil. Pour the entire contents of this con-
tainer 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.
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
R
bar and chain oil is recom-
mended to protect your unit against exces-
sive wear from heat and friction. Poulan
R
oil resists high temperature thinning.
If Poulan
R
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.
IMPORTANT
Experience indicates that alcohol--blended
fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or meth-
anol) can attract moisture which leads to sepa-
ration and formation of acids during storage.
Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine prob-
lems, the fuel system should be emptied before
storage for 30 days or longer. Drain the gas
tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel
lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See STORAGE section for addi-
tional information.
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.
Left Hand
on Front
Handle
Starter Rope Handle
Right Foot Through Rear Handle
Use only 15
″
-- 18
″
(40 -- 45 cm) of
rope per pull.
Hold saw firmly while pulling starter rope.
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 re-
wind slowly.
For cold weather starting, start the unit at
FULL CHOKE; allow the engine to warm up
before squeezing the throttle trigger.
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.
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.
