OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION
CAUTION:
For proper engine operation and maximum reliability, pay strict attention to the oil and fuel
mixing instructions on the 2-cycle oil container. Using improperly mixed fuel can severely damage the engine.
WARNING:
Gasoline is extremely flammable. Ignited vapors may explode. Always stop the engine
and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while filling the tank. Keep sparks and open
flames at a distance from the area.
WARNING:
Remove the fuel cap slowly to avoid injury from fuel spray. Never operate the unit without
the fuel cap securely in place.
WARNING:
Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.
Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilt fuel. Do not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
OIL AND FUEL MIXING INSTRUCTIONS
Old fuel and improperly mixed fuel are the two main reasons why the unit
may not run properly. Be sure to use fresh, clean unleaded gasoline and
quality synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil. Do not use automotive oil or
boat oil; these oils will damage the engine.
Obtaining the Correct Fuel/Oil Mixture
Thoroughly mix the proper amount of 2-cycle engine oil with unleaded
gasoline in a separate fuel container (do not mix them directly in the
engine fuel tank). Use a 40:1 fuel/oil ratio. See the table for specific gas
and oil mixing ratios.
NOTE: One gallon (3.8 liters) of unleaded gasoline mixed with one 3.2 oz.
(95 ml) bottle of 2-cycle oil makes a 40:1 fuel/oil ratio.
When mixing fuel, follow the instructions printed on the oil container. Always read and follow the safety rules relating to
fuel before fueling the unit.
NOTE: Dispose of any old fuel/oil mix in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
Using Blended Fuels
WARNING:
DO NOT USE E85 FUEL IN THIS UNIT.
It has been proven that fuel containing greater than 10% ethanol will likely damage this engine and void
the warranty.
Today's fuels are often a blend of gasoline and oxygenates such as ethanol, methanol or MTBE (ether). These alcohol-
blended fuels absorb water. As little as 1% water in the fuel can make fuel and oil separate, which leads to the
formation of acids during storage.
If you choose to use a blended fuel, or its use is unavoidable, follow these precautions:
• Always use fresh fuel (less than 30 days old)
• Mix the fresh unleaded fuel with 2-cycle engine oil, as directed above
• Use the fuel additive STA-BIL® or an equivalent
• Always agitate the fuel mix before fueling the unit
• Drain the fuel tank and run the engine dry before storing the unit
Using Fuel Additives
The bottle of 2-cycle oil that came with this unit contains a fuel additive that will help inhibit corrosion and minimize the
formation of gum deposits. Using the 2-cycle oil included with this unit is recommended.
If unavailable, use a good 2-cycle oil designed for air-cooled engines along with a fuel additive, such as STA-BIL
Stabilizer or an equivalent. Add 0.8 oz. (23 ml) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel according to the instructions on the
container. NEVER add fuel additives directly to the unit's fuel tank.
NOTE: Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage can occur.
4
UNLEADED GAS
2 CYCLE OIL
1 GALLON US
3.2 FL. OZ.
(3.8 LITERS)
(95 ml)
1 LITER
25 ml
MIXING RATIO - 40:1
®
Gas
STARTING AND STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:
Only operate this unit in a well-ventilated outdoor area. Carbon monoxide exhaust fumes
can be lethal in a confined area.
WARNING:
Never operate the unit without the guide bar and saw chain properly installed.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
• Make sure the chain tension is at the desired setting. Refer to Adjusting the Chain Tension in the Maintenance and
Repair section.
• Make sure the bar-retaining nuts are tight to the guide bar cover.
• Make sure the fuel tank is filled with fresh fuel. Refer to Oil and Fuel Information. If the oil and fuel instructions are
not understood, do not attempt to fuel the unit!
• Make sure the bar lube reservoir is filled with bar and chain oil. Refer to Adding Bar and Chain Lubricant in the
Assembly Instructions section.
• Make sure the chain brake is disengaged by pulling the front hand guard / chain brake back toward the front handle
as far as possible. Refer to Testing the Chain Brake in the Assembly Instructions section.
• Make sure the immediate area is clear of any objects or obstructions that could come in contact with the guide bar
and chain.
STARTING THE ENGINE
To help prevent accidental start-ups, this unit has a stop switch,
safety latch and a throttle control trigger that must be used together
to start the unit.
1. Move the stop switch down to the RUN position (Fig. 7).
2. Fully press and release the primer bulb 10 times, slowly (Fig. 7).
Some amount of fuel should be visible in the primer bulb. If fuel
cannot be seen in the bulb, press and release the bulb until fuel is
visible.
3. Move the choke lever to Position 1 (Fig. 8). This will lock the
throttle into the wide open position.
4. Do not touch the throttle control trigger. Place the unit on a
firm, flat surface. Crouch in the starting position and hold the unit
firmly, as shown (Fig. 9). Grip the front handle with the left hand
and put the right foot in the boot loop.
5. Do not touch the throttle control trigger. Pull the starter rope 5
times in a controlled and steady motion.
NOTE: This unit uses the AST starting system, which significantly
reduces the effort required to start the engine. You must pull
the starter rope out far enough to hear the engine attempt to
start. There is no need to pull the rope briskly - there is no
harsh resistance when pulling. Do not pull the rope to its
limit, as this may cause the rope to break. Do not let the
rope snap back. Hold the handle and let the rope rewind
slowly. Be aware that this starting method is vastly different
from (and much easier than) what you may be used to.
6. Do not touch the throttle control trigger. Move the choke lever
to Position 2 (Fig. 8).
7. Do not touch the throttle control trigger. Pull the starter rope 3-
5 times in a controlled and steady motion to start the engine.
8. Do not touch the throttle control trigger. Allow the engine to
warm up for 30-60 seconds.
9. Depress and release the throttle control trigger to idle the engine.
The unit is now ready for use.
IF...
The engine does not start, go back to step 2.
IF...
The engine fails to start after a few attempts, move the
choke lever to Position 2 and squeeze the throttle control
trigger. Pull the starter rope 3-8 times in a controlled and
steady motion. The engine should start. If not, repeat.
IF...
The unit idles roughly, use a Phillips or standard screwdriver
to turn the idle adjustment screw (Fig. 10) 1/4 to 1/2 turn
clockwise or until the unit idles smoothly.
IF...
The saw chain turns while the unit is idling, use a Phillips or
standard screwdriver to turn the idle adjustment screw (Fig.
10) counterclockwise until the saw chain stops and the unit
continues to idle.
IF...
The engine starts and idles smoothly, begin the chain brake
test. Refer to Testing the Chain Brake in the Assembly
Instructions section.
IF WARM...If the engine is already warm, perform steps 6 - 9 to start
the unit.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
1. Release the throttle control trigger and allow the engine to return
to idle speed.
2. Move the stop switch up to the STOP position (Fig. 7).
NOTE: It is normal for the chain to coast to a stop once the stop switch is in the STOP position.
NOTE: For emergency stopping, push the chain brake lever / hand guard forward to engage the chain brake and then
move the stop switch up to the STOP position.
Stop Switch
Safety
Latch
1 1
2 2
Primer Bulb
Throttle Control Trigger
Fig. 7
Choke
Lever
1
2
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Idle Adjustment Screw
1
2
Fig. 10