Before Starting - Poulan Pro P4018WTL Instruction Manual

CHAIN TENSION
Itis normalfor a new chain to stretch during the
first 15 minutesof operation.Yousbeuld check
your chain tension each time before you start
the chain saw. See CHAIN TENSION under
the ASSEMBLY section.
,tt ,..__..,..A
II_WAI-ININLJ: If the saw is operated
with a loose chain, the chain could jump off
the guide bar and result in serious injuryto
the operator and/or damage the chain mak-
ing it unusable.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
'_ WARNING: Muffler isvery bet dudng
and after use. Do not touch the muffler or al-
low combustibIe materiaI such as dry grass
or fuel to do so.
WARNING: Be sure to read the fue}
handling information in the safety rules sec-
tion of this manual before you begin Ifyou 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 ceil the customer assistance
hetp _ineat 1-800-554-6723
FUELING ENGINE
,_b, WARNING: Remove fuel cap slowly
when refueling.
This engine is certified to operate on unleaded
gasoline. Before operation, gasoline must be
mixed wifh a good quality synthetic 2-cycle air-
cooled engfne oi_ designed to be mixed at a ra-
ifo of 40:t. Poulan/WEED EATER brand syn-
thetic oil is recommended. A 40:1 ratio is
obtained by mixing 32 ounces (95 ml) of o[]
wifh I gallon (4 hters) of unleaded gasoline.
Included with this saw is a 3.2 ounce (95 m])
container of Poulan/WEED EATER brand syn-
thetic oil Pour the entire contents of this con-
tainer into 1 gallon (4 lifers) of gasoline to
achieve the proper fuel m_xture DO NOT USE
automotive or marine oil These oils will
cause engine damage. When mixing fuel fbe
low 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 wi[I thicken, making it
necessary to thin bar and chain oil with a
small amount (5 to 10%) of # 1 Dieset Fuel or
kerosene Bar and chain oil must be free
flowing for the oil system to pump enough oiI
for adequate lubdcaben.
Genuine Poulan bar and chain oil is recom-
mended to protect your unit against excessNe
wear from heat and friction. Poulan oiJ resists
high temperature thinning.
tf Poulan bar and chain oil is not avaiIable,
use a good grade SAE 30 oil.
• Never use waete oil for bar and chain Iubd-
cation.
• Always stop the engine before removing
the oiI 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 untit 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 ifrmly on the
ground as illustrated. Make sure the chain is
free to turn w_hout contacflng any object
Use only 15" - 18" (40 - 45 cm) of
rope per pull
Hold saw firmty while pulling starter rope.
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.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO R EMEMBER
When pulling the starter rope, do not use the
full extent of the rope as this can cause the