McCulloch Chainsaw Manual 3516

The McCulloch Chainsaw Model 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, anti-vibration system, tool-less chain tensioning, and inertia chain brake for safety. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Preparation 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Fuel & Lubrication 7. Cutting Techniques 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance & Storage 10. Regulatory Information 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, tool-less chain tensioner, primer bulb, choke control.

FeatureDescription
Engine Displacement35cc 2-stroke air-cooled engine
Guide Bar Length16 inches (40 cm)
Chain Pitch.325 inch
Automatic OilerLubricates chain during operation
Chain BrakeInertia-activated safety brake
Anti-Vibration SystemReduces operator fatigue
Fuel Tank CapacityApprox. 10.1 fl oz (300 ml)
Oil Tank CapacityApprox. 6.8 fl oz (200 ml)
Ignition SystemElectronic ignition (CDI)
Weight (without fuel/oil)Approx. 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg)

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

  1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on sprocket, loop chain around bar, adjust tension with tool-less knob.
  2. Fill fuel tank: Use fresh gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil (50:1 ratio).
  3. Fill chain oil tank: Use bar and chain oil only.
  4. Check chain lubrication: Manually test oiler by running saw at idle over cardboard.

WARNING! Always wear protective gear: gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.

First-Time Operation

Perform pre-start checks before each use.

  1. Place saw on flat ground: Ensure chain is clear of objects.
  2. Set controls: Move ON/OFF switch to ON, set choke to COLD START, press primer bulb 5-6 times.
  3. Start engine: Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle, pull starter cord briskly.
  4. Warm up: After engine starts, move choke to RUN, let idle for 30 seconds.
  5. Test chain brake: With engine off, push front hand guard forward to engage brake.

CAUTION! Never start saw while holding it in the air. Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main controls located on top and rear handle.

Top Handle Area: ON/OFF switch, Choke lever, Primer bulb, Throttle trigger lockout, Chain brake/hand guard.

Rear Handle: Throttle trigger, Rear hand guard.

Left Side: Tool-less chain tensioner knob, Fuel tank cap, Oil tank cap.

Right Side: Spark plug, Air filter cover, Starter grip.

Operation: Press throttle lockout while squeezing throttle to increase RPM. Release throttle for idle. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) mixed with high-quality 2-stroke engine oil (ISO-L-EGD or JASO FD).

  1. Fuel mix: 50:1 ratio (2.6 fl oz oil per 1 gallon gasoline).
  2. Chain oil: Use dedicated bar and chain oil for all temperatures.
  3. Fill tanks: Clean area around caps, fill slowly to avoid spills.
  4. Dispose of fuel: Do not store fuel mix more than 30 days.

Tip: Never use straight gasoline or motor oil. Never mix fuel near open flame.

Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting methods for safe operation.

  1. Felling trees: Plan escape path, make notch cut, then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
  2. Limbing: Cut branches from bottom to top, use saw as support.
  3. Bucking: Support log, cut from top, avoid cutting into ground.
  4. Pruning: Cut small branches with one hand, larger with two.
  5. Kickback prevention: Keep saw at full throttle, avoid tip contact.

WARNING! Always cut at waist level or below. Never cut with the upper tip of the bar.

Safety Features

Chain Brake: Inertia-activated; stops chain within milliseconds if kickback occurs. Anti-Vibration: Rubber mounts reduce vibration. Throttle Lockout: Must be pressed to engage throttle. Right Hand Guard: Protects from rear kickback. Chain Catcher: Prevents broken chain from striking operator.

Maintenance & Storage

Clean after each use. Store in dry place.

  1. Air filter: Clean weekly; replace if damaged.
  2. Chain: Sharpen regularly; check tension before each use.
  3. Spark plug: Clean/gap every 20 hours; replace annually.
  4. Bar: Clean groove weekly; flip bar monthly for even wear.
  5. Storage: Empty fuel tank, run dry, remove chain, store in case.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Regulatory Information

EPA & CARB compliant for emissions. Meets ANSI B175.1 safety standards. Contains parts from global suppliers. Copyright © McCulloch North America. For genuine parts and accessories, visit www.mcculloch.com or contact customer service at 1-800-521-2803.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startOld fuel, clogged filter, no sparkUse fresh fuel mix; clean air filter; check spark plug.
Engine runs then diesFuel line clogged, vent blockedClean fuel line; check tank vent.
Chain doesn't oilEmpty oil tank, clogged oil holeFill oil tank; clean bar oil holes.
Chain comes off barLoose chain, worn barTighten chain; replace if bar is worn.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, damaged AV mountsTighten all bolts; inspect anti-vibration mounts.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, low RPMSharpen chain; check carburetor adjustment.

Service: For repairs, use authorized McCulloch service centers only.

Support: 1-800-521-2803; www.mcculloch.com

McCulloch Chainsaw Manual 3516 © - All Rights Reserved 2025