John Deere Chainsaw J3816 Manual

The John Deere Chainsaw J3816 is a professional-grade gas-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful 38cc 2-stroke engine, a 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, inertia chain brake, and a decompression valve for easier starting. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure safe and efficient use.

1. Safety Information 2. Features & Components 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls & Operation 6. Chain & Bar Maintenance 7. Engine Maintenance 8. Fuel & Lubrication 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate PPE: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots. Operate in well-ventilated areas only.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Hold saw firmly with both hands; do not cut with tip of bar.
Chain Contact	Engage chain brake when not cutting; keep away from body.
Fuel Handling	Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources; wipe spills immediately.
Exhaust Fumes	Operate only in open or well-ventilated spaces to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Falling Debris	Be aware of overhead branches; clear work area of obstacles.
Hot Surfaces	Avoid contact with muffler and cylinder during/after operation.

Features & Components

Key components: 38cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiler, front hand guard with chain brake, decompression valve, anti-vibration system, throttle lockout, and primer bulb.

Component	Description
Engine	38cc, 2-stroke, air-cooled
Bar Length	16 inches (Oregon)
Chain Pitch	3/8-inch low-profile
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approx. 14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
Oil Tank Capacity	Approx. 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Ignition System	Electronic (CDI)
Starting System	Recoil starter with decompression valve
Weight (dry)	Approx. 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires attaching bar and chain, filling fluids, and performing pre-operation checks.

Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar over studs, align chain with sprocket, tension chain appropriately.
Fill chain oil: Use John Deere bar and chain oil or equivalent; check oiler operation.
Mix fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (89 octane min.) with 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio (John Deere 2-cycle oil recommended).
Pre-operation check: Inspect chain tension, sharpness, bar condition, and all fasteners.

WARNING! Never operate with loose bar nuts or improperly tensioned chain. Ensure all guards are in place.

Specifications

Model: J3816
Engine Displacement: 38 cc
Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled
Power Output: 2.1 HP
Fuel: Gasoline/oil mix (50:1)
Bar Length: 16 inches
Chain Pitch: 3/8-inch low-profile
Chain Gauge: 0.050 inch
Dry Weight: 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)
Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A) (approx.)
Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.5 m/s²; Rear handle: 5.5 m/s² (approx.)

Controls & Operation

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and throttle lockout. Rear Handle: Contains master control lever (choke/stop), primer bulb, and decompression valve.

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

Engage chain brake by pushing front hand guard forward.
Move master control lever to CHOKE position.
Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
Place saw on ground, hold rear handle with right foot, pull starter cord briskly 2-3 times.
Move lever to FAST IDLE; pull starter until engine fires.
Blip throttle to disengage fast idle; allow warm-up.

Cutting Techniques: Use lower quadrant of bar; avoid tip contact; let chain do the work.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal cutting performance and safety.

Chain Tension: Check when cold; adjust so chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
Sharpening: Use round file (5/32 inch) and file guide; maintain 30° cutting angle.
Bar Maintenance: Clean bar grooves; flip bar periodically for even wear.
Sprocket Inspection: Replace if worn or damaged.

Tip: Always stop engine and engage chain brake before performing maintenance.

Engine Maintenance

Air Filter: Clean weekly (more often in dusty conditions) with soapy water; dry completely. Spark Plug: Clean and gap to 0.025 inch (0.65 mm); replace annually. Cylinder Fins: Keep clean for proper cooling. Carburetor Adjustment: Factory set; only adjust if necessary using H (high) and L (low) screws.

CAUTION! Never run engine without air filter. Use only recommended spark plug (NGK BPMR7A or equivalent).

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel Mix: 50:1 ratio (2.6 fl oz of 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon of fresh unleaded gasoline). Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days.

Bar & Chain Oil: Use John Deere bar and chain oil or equivalent high-tack oil. Check oil level before each use; adjust oiler rate via screw (if equipped) for proper lubrication.

WARNING! Never use straight gasoline, automotive motor oil, or dirty oil. Mix fuel in approved container.

Storage Guidelines

For storage over 30 days:

Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of 2-cycle oil into cylinder, pull starter 2-3 times, reinstall plug.
Clean entire saw, especially air filter and cooling fins.
Loosen chain tension slightly.
Store in dry, cool place away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods; fuel degradation can damage carburetor.

Warranty Information

John Deere J3816 Chainsaw is covered by a 2-year limited warranty for residential use and a 90-day warranty for commercial use from date of purchase. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, or use of non-genuine parts. For warranty service, contact an authorized John Deere dealer with proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, old fuel, flooded	Check spark plug; use fresh fuel mix; move choke to RUN and pull with throttle open.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, air filter, carburetor	Replace fuel filter; clean air filter; have carburetor serviced.
Chain doesn't turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket	Disengage brake; inspect clutch and sprocket; replace if worn.
Chain throws oil but doesn't cut	Dull chain, improper filing	Sharpen or replace chain; maintain correct filing angle.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain, damaged bar	Tighten all fasteners; balance chain; replace bar if bent.
Chain comes off bar	Loose bar nuts, worn bar, improper tension	Tighten bar nuts; replace worn bar; adjust chain tension correctly.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized John Deere service dealer.

Support: John Deere Customer Support: 1-800-537-8233; www.JohnDeere.com