Mac 3516 Chainsaw Manual

The Mac 3516 is a 35cc, 16-inch bar gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for general-purpose cutting, pruning, and firewood preparation. It features a 2-stroke engine, automatic oiler, chain brake, anti-vibration system, and safety throttle lock. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping Procedure 7. Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 35cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration handles, safety throttle lock, primer bulb, and decompression valve.

FeatureDescription
Engine Displacement35cc, 2-stroke, air-cooled
Guide Bar Length16 inches (40 cm)
Chain Pitch/Gauge.325" pitch, .058" gauge
Automatic OilerDelivers oil to bar and chain during operation
Chain BrakeInertia-activated; stops chain in kickback events
Anti-Vibration SystemReduces operator fatigue
Safety Throttle LockPrevents accidental throttle engagement
Decompression ValveEases starting by reducing cylinder pressure
Primer BulbPre-fuels carburetor for easier starting
Fuel Tank CapacityApprox. 14 oz (0.41 L)

Safety Information

Always wear proper PPE: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.

  1. Clear work area of debris and bystanders.
  2. Inspect saw before each use: chain sharpness, tension, and lubrication.
  3. Use proper grip: left hand on front handle, right hand on rear handle.
  4. Never operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.
  5. Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Never smoke near fuel.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach guide bar: Loosen bar nuts, position bar over studs, align chain drive links with sprocket.
  2. Install chain: Place chain over bar with cutters facing forward on top. Ensure proper direction.
  3. Tension chain: Adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
  4. Mix fuel: Use 50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil ratio (e.g., 2.6 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).
  5. Fill tanks: Add fuel mix to fuel tank and bar & chain oil to oil reservoir.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged (pulled back toward front handle) before starting.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, chain brake lever, choke lever, stop switch, primer bulb, decompression valve.

Handle Area: Front handle with chain brake lever, rear handle with throttle trigger and lockout. Top cover: choke, stop switch, decompression valve.

Operation: Set choke for cold start (lever up), press primer bulb 5-6 times, pull starter cord. For warm start, set choke to run position. Engage throttle lockout before pulling trigger. Activate chain brake by pushing lever forward.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Cold Start:

  1. Place saw on flat, clear ground.
  2. Engage chain brake (lever forward).
  3. Move choke lever to full choke position (up).
  4. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
  5. Pull starter cord briskly 2-3 times until engine 'pops'.
  6. Move choke lever to half-choke (middle position).
  7. Pull starter cord until engine starts.
  8. Allow to idle for 10 seconds, then disengage chain brake.

Warm Start: Choke in run position (down), no priming needed.

Stopping: Release throttle, press stop switch to OFF.

Tip: Always engage chain brake when starting or carrying saw.

Cutting Techniques

Basic cuts: felling, limbing, bucking.

  1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter), then back cut. Use wedges if needed.
  2. Limbing: Stand uphill, cut branches from trunk using top of bar. Beware of spring-loaded branches.
  3. Bucking: Support log off ground. Cut from top, avoid pinching bar. Use pivot or plunge cut if needed.
  4. Pruning: Make undercut first, then top cut to avoid bark tearing.

WARNING! Never cut with the tip of the bar to avoid kickback. Maintain firm footing and balance.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, lubrication; inspect for loose parts; clean air filter; check fuel and oil levels.

Weekly: Clean cooling fins; inspect spark plug; check bar for wear; clean chain brake mechanism.

Monthly: Replace air filter; clean fuel filter; inspect anti-vibration mounts; check clutch and sprocket.

Seasonal: Replace spark plug; clean carburetor (if needed); replace fuel lines (if cracked); sharpen drive sprocket or replace.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (.325"). File each cutter at 30° angle, maintaining equal length on all cutters. Depth gauges should be filed to 0.025" below cutter top.

Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tension screw until chain fits snug against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts, re-check tension.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure saw is off and cool.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage (over 30 days):

  1. Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
  2. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  4. Store in dry, cool place, away from children.
  5. Cover bar and chain to prevent rust.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank; fuel can degrade and damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, flooded, stale fuelCheck spark plug; wait if flooded; use fresh 50:1 mix.
Engine starts then diesClogged air filter, fuel filterClean/replace air filter; inspect fuel filter.
Chain doesn't turnChain brake engaged, clutch wornDisengage brake; inspect clutch shoes and springs.
Chain throws oil but doesn't cutDull chain, improper filingSharpen chain evenly; check depth gauges.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chainTighten all fasteners; balance chain by sharpening evenly.
Chain comes off barLoose chain, worn bar, damaged drive linksAdjust tension; inspect bar rails and sprocket; replace if worn.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized service center. Customer support: 1-800-555-3516; www.macchainsaws.com

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