Poulan 3450 User Manual - Page 9

FUELING & LUBRICATION STARTING WARNING: Remove fuel cap slowly when refueling. FUELING ENGINE This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline. Before operation, gasoline must be mixed with a good quality 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil. We recommend Poulan or Poulan ProR brand oil. If you do not use this oil, use a good quality 2-cycle air-cooled oil designed to be mixed at a ratio of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing 3.2 onces of oil with 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline. Included with this saw is a 3.2 ounce container of Poulan/Weed Eater brand oil. Pour the entire contents of this container into 1 gallon of gasoline to achieve the proper fuel mixture. DO NOT USE automotive or boat 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 lubrication. Lubrication is provided by the automatic 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 PoulanR bar and chain oil is recommended to protect your unit against excessive wear from heat and friction. PoulanR oil resists high temperature thinning. If PoulanR 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 methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, 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 additional information. WARNING: The chain must not move when the engine runs at idle speed. If the chain moves at idle speed refer to CARBURETOR 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. Use only 15"--18" of rope per pull. Hold saw firmly while pulling starter rope. Starter rope handle Left hand on front handle Right foot through rear handle 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 rewind 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 cut material with the choke/ fast idle lever at the FULL CHOKE position. STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a warm engine after running out of fuel) S Move ON/STOP switch to the ON position. S Pull the choke/fast idle lever out to the full extent. ON ON/STOP SWITCH STOP CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER (SIDE VIEW) Choke/Fast Idle Lever OFF FULL S Press the throttle lock with your right hand. Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger; Press and hold the fast idle lock with your forefinger; release the throttle trigger. 9