Chain Brake, Chain Tension, Fuel Requirements

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.

SNever use waste oil for bar and chain lubri-

cation.

SAlways 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.