McCulloch Wildcat 38cc Chainsaw Manual

The McCulloch Wildcat 38cc is a lightweight, powerful chainsaw designed for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. It features a 38cc 2-stroke engine, automatic oiling system, 16-inch bar and chain, tool-free chain tensioning, anti-vibration handles, and a safety chain brake. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 38cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch guide bar, Oregon chain, automatic chain oiler, side-access chain tensioner, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration system.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear protective gear.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
3. Chain Brake: Test before each use by pushing hand guard forward.
4. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with upper quarter of bar tip.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel outdoors with engine off and cool. Never operate chainsaw with damaged or missing parts.

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires no special tools.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
2. Fill oil tank: Use McCulloch bar & chain oil or equivalent.
3. Fuel mix: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) mixed with 2-cycle oil at 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per gallon).
4. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Tighten bar nuts securely. Chain should move freely without binding.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 38 cc (2.3 cu in)
• Power Output: 2.0 HP
• Fuel Capacity: 12 fl oz (355 ml)
• Oil Capacity: 8 fl oz (237 ml)
• Bar Length: 16 inches
• Chain Pitch: .325 inch
• Drive Links: 72
• Weight: 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) dry
• Sound Pressure: 108 dB(A) at operator's ear
• Vibration Level: Front handle 4.2 m/s², rear handle 6.1 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with hand guard/chain brake, rear handle with throttle trigger, choke control, primer bulb, stop switch, side-mounted chain tensioner.

Controls: Throttle trigger with lockout, choke lever (up for choke, down for run), primer bulb (press 5-10 times when cold), stop switch (O=run, I=stop), chain brake lever (forward=engaged, back=disengaged).

Maintenance points: Air filter cover, spark plug, muffler, clutch cover, chain catcher, bar nuts.

Starting & Operating

Starting procedure (cold engine):

1. Place on flat, clear surface. Engage chain brake.
2. Move choke lever to full choke position.
3. Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
4. Pull starter rope briskly 2-3 times until engine "pops".
5. Move choke to half position, pull starter until engine runs.
6. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Tip: Warm engine start: Choke off, pull starter 1-3 times.

Chain Maintenance

Proper chain tension is critical for safety and performance.

1. Check tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
2. Adjust tension: Loosen bar nuts, turn tension screw clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen.
3. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for .325 chain). Maintain 30° cutting angle.
4. Chain lubrication: Ensure oiler is working; adjust flow if needed.
5. Bar maintenance: Clean bar groove, flip bar regularly for even wear.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Stop engine before maintenance.

Engine Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Air filter: Clean weekly (more often in dusty conditions). Remove, wash in soapy water, dry completely before reinstalling.

Spark plug: Clean and gap to .025" (0.63 mm) every 25 hours. Replace annually.

Fuel system: Use fresh fuel mix (40:1). Drain tank for storage over 30 days.

Carburetor adjustment: Factory set; only adjust if necessary using H (high) and L (low) screws.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues.

1. Drain fuel tank completely.
2. Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
3. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Store bar separately.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air intake.
5. Store in dry place, covered to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Fuel deteriorates and can damage carburetor.

Warranty Information

McCulloch Wildcat 38cc comes with a 2-year consumer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or commercial use. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact authorized McCulloch service center. For support, visit www.mcculloch.com or call 1-800-521-2803.

Troubleshooting

Reset: For electronic ignition models, disconnect spark plug wire for 30 seconds to reset.

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