Craftsman 16 Chainsaw 36cc Manual

The Craftsman 16 Chainsaw 36cc is a powerful and reliable gas-powered chainsaw designed for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. Featuring a 36cc 2-stroke engine, a 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiling, tool-free chain tensioning, and an anti-vibration system, it is suitable for cutting firewood, pruning trees, and general yard maintenance. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 36cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, tool-free chain tensioner, anti-vibration handles, inertia chain brake, primer bulb, and choke/run/stop controls.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear protective gear.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within 15 feet.
3. Secure Workpiece: Do not cut loose material; secure logs with sawhorses.
4. Proper Grip: Hold chainsaw firmly with both hands.
5. Kickback Awareness: Keep nose of bar away from objects; use reduced-kickback chain.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Never operate indoors.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble bar, chain, and handle.

1. Attach Bar and Chain: Place chain over sprocket, align bar with mounting studs, tighten nuts finger-tight.
2. Tension Chain: Pull bar tip up, turn tensioning knob clockwise until chain fits snugly against bar (should pull freely).
3. Final Tightening: Tighten bar nuts securely after tensioning.
4. Fill Oil Tank: Use bar and chain oil (not motor oil) to full line.
5. Mix Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane min.) with 2-cycle oil at 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gal gas).

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned to prevent derailment or breakage.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 36cc 2-stroke.
• Bar Length: 16 inches.
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 0.325” / 0.050”.
• Fuel: Gasoline/oil mix (40:1).
• Oil: Bar and chain oil.
• Weight (dry): Approx. 10.5 lbs.
• Sound Level: 105 dB(A) at operator’s ear.
• Vibration Level: Less than 2.5 m/s².
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty.

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, stop switch, choke lever, primer bulb.

Components: Front handguard with chain brake, rear handle, fuel tank cap, oil tank cap, spark plug, air filter cover, muffler.

Operation: Squeeze throttle trigger lockout and throttle to accelerate. Push stop switch to OFF to stop engine. Use choke and primer for cold starts.

Fuel & Oil

Fuel Mix: 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz of 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon of fresh unleaded gasoline). Use oil labeled for air-cooled 2-stroke engines.

1. Mix fuel in approved container; shake well.
2. Fill fuel tank to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.
3. Use bar and chain oil in oil tank; check level frequently.

Tip: Never use old or stale gasoline; use fuel within 30 days. Do not mix directly in chainsaw tank.

Starting & Operation

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

1. Place on flat, clear surface; engage chain brake.
2. Move stop switch to RUN.
3. Press primer bulb 5-6 times.
4. Set choke lever to FULL CHOKE.
5. Pull starter rope briskly until engine “pops.”
6. Move choke to HALF CHOKE; pull until engine starts.
7. Allow to warm up 30 seconds; squeeze throttle to disengage choke.

Cutting: Apply light pressure; let chain do the work. Avoid cutting with tip. Stop engine before moving between cuts.

WARNING! Always engage chain brake when starting or carrying saw. Watch for kickback.

Chain Maintenance

Sharpening: Use round file (5/32”) and file guide. File each cutter at 30° angle; maintain equal length on all cutters.

Tensioning: Chain should be snug but pull freely. Re-tension when chain sags (after initial use).

Lubrication: Check oil flow by pointing bar tip at light surface; oil streak should appear. Clean oil ports if clogged.

Storage

Long-Term Storage (over 30 days):

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
2. Remove spark plug; add 1 tsp of oil through spark plug hole; pull starter 2-3 times; reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw; apply light oil to bar and chain.
4. Store in dry, cool place away from children.

CAUTION! Storing with fuel can damage carburetor and fuel lines.

Warranty Information

Craftsman 16 Chainsaw 36cc is covered by a 2-year limited warranty from date of purchase. Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, lack of maintenance, improper fuel. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep original receipt.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs, contact authorized service center. Do not disassemble engine.

Support: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com