Craftsman 358.362181 Operator's Manual page 15

• ON/STOP Switch - Ensure ON/STOP
switch functions properly by moving
the switch to the STOP position. Make
sure engine stops; then restart engine
and continue.
• Fuel Tank - Do not use saw if fuel
tank shows signs of damage or leaks.
• Oil Tank - Do not use saw if oil tank
shows signs of damage or leaks.
CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
• Bar Nuts
• Chain
• Muffler
• Cylinder Shield
• Air Filter
• Handle Screws
• Vibration Mounts
• Starter Housing
• Front Hand Guard
CHECK CHAIN TENSION
,_ WARNING: Wear protective
gloves when handling chain. The chain
is sharp and can cut you even when it is
not moving.
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 you use and refuel your saw.
1. Use the screwdriver end of the
chain adjustment tool (bar tool) to
move chain around guide bar to
ensure kinks do not exist. The
chain should rotate freely.
Guide
Bar
Bar Nuts Adjusting Tool
Screw (Bar Tool)
2. Loosen bar nuts until they are
finger tight against the clutch cover.
3. Turn adjusting screw clockwise un-
til chain solidly contacts bottom of
guide bar rail.
4. Using bar tool, roll chain around
guide bar to ensure all links are in
bar groove.
5. Lift up tip of guide bar to check for
sag. Release tip of guide bar, then
turn adjusting screw until sag does
not exist.
6. While lifting tip of guide bar, tighten
bar nuts securely with the bar tool.
7. Use the screwdriver end of the bar
tool to move chain around guide
bar.
8. If chain does not rotate, it is too
tight. Slightly loosen bar nuts and
loosen chain by turning the adjust-
ing
screw
1/4 turn counterclock-
wise. Retighten bar nuts.
9. If chain is too loose, it will sag be-
low the guide bar. DO NOT operate
the saw if the chain is loose.
,_ILWARNING: Ifthe saw is oper-
ated with a loose chain, the chain
could jump offthe guide bar and result
in serious injury.
CHECK CHAIN SHARPNESS
A sharp chain makes wood chips. A
dull chain makes a sawdust powder
and cuts slowly. See CHAIN SHARP-
ENING.
CHECK GUIDE BAR
Conditions which require guide bar
maintenance:
• Saw cuts to one side or at an angle.
• Saw has to be forced through the cut.
• 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:
• Move ON/STOP switch to STOP.
• Loosen and remove bar nuts and
clutch cover. Remove bar and chain
from saw.
• Clean the oil holes and bar groove
after each 5 hours of operation.
15