Olympic 254 Chainsaw Manual

The Olympic 254 is a professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding forestry, logging, and heavy-duty cutting tasks. It features a high-performance 2-stroke engine, automatic chain oiling, anti-vibration system, safety chain brake, and a robust cutting assembly. 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 & Operating 7. Chain & Bar Maintenance 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-torque 54cc engine, 20-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration handles, easy-start system, and side-access chain tensioner.

FeatureDescription
Engine54cc 2-stroke, air-cooled gasoline engine
Guide Bar20-inch professional-grade sprocket-nose bar
Chain.325" pitch, 72-drive link safety chain
Chain BrakeInertia-activated for kickback protection
Oiling SystemAutomatic with manual override
Anti-VibrationDampened front and rear handles
StarterDecompression valve for easy pull-start
Fuel TankCapacity: 0.55 liters (18.6 fl oz)
Oil TankCapacity: 0.26 liters (8.8 fl oz)
Weight6.2 kg (13.7 lbs) without bar and chain

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear appropriate PPE.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and steel-toe boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the bar tip. Do not let it contact objects.
  4. Chain Brake Test: Test before each use by engaging brake with the saw off.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate a chainsaw while fatigued or under the influence.

Assembly & Preparation

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

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts. Place bar over studs. Fit chain around sprocket and bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Tighten nuts finger-tight.
  2. Tension Chain: Use side-access tensioner screw to adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Tighten bar nuts securely.
  3. Fill Fluids: Use fresh 50:1 gasoline/oil mix for fuel. Use high-quality bar and chain oil. Do not mix.
  4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function smoothly.

CAUTION! The chain is extremely sharp. Always wear heavy gloves during assembly.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Front Handle with Chain Brake lever, Rear Handle with Throttle Trigger and Lockout, Decompression Valve, Choke/Stop Control, Master Control Lever (Choke/Run/Stop).

Right Side: Chain Brake Lever, Throttle Lockout, Side-Access Chain Tensioner, Bar Nut Cover.
Left Side: Decompression Valve, Fuel and Oil Tank Caps.
Top: Spark Plug, Air Filter Cover, Starter Grip.

Chain Brake: Engages automatically via inertia or manually by pushing lever forward.
Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed before throttle trigger can be engaged.
Master Control Lever: Choke position (cold start), Run position, Stop position.

Starting & Operating

Cold Start Procedure:

  1. Place saw on firm, flat ground. Engage chain brake.
  2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  3. Set Master Control Lever to CHOKE position.
  4. Pump primer bulb 5-10 times (if equipped).
  5. Pull starter rope sharply until engine 'pops'.
  6. Move lever to RUN position.
  7. Pull starter rope again to start. Let idle for 30 seconds.

Operating: Disengage chain brake. Squeeze throttle lockout and trigger to increase RPM. Begin cut with the lower part of the bar. Let the saw do the work; do not force it.

WARNING! Always hold saw firmly with both hands. Never operate above shoulder height.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

  1. Chain Sharpening: Use correct round file size (.325" uses a 4.0mm or 5/32" file). Maintain 30° top plate cutting angle and 10° file tilt. Sharpen when saw produces fine dust instead of chips.
  2. Chain Tension: Check frequently when hot and cold. Chain should be snug but pull freely from bar. Retighten bar nuts after adjustment.
  3. Bar Maintenance: Flip bar weekly for even wear. Clean bar groove and oil holes. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred.
  4. Oiling System: Check oil flow by pointing bar tip at a light surface and running at high idle. Adjust oiler screw if necessary.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance involving the chain or bar.

Storage & Winterization

For storage longer than 30 days:

  1. Drain all fuel from tank and run carburetor dry.
  2. Remove spark plug, add 1 tsp of 2-stroke oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly 2-3 times, reinstall plug.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially air filter and cooling fins.
  4. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Store bar coated in oil.
  5. Store in a dry, cool place, protected from dust.

Tip: Use fuel stabilizer if you cannot drain the fuel system completely.

Warranty Information

The Olympic 254 Professional Chainsaw is covered by a 2-year commercial warranty and a 5-year consumer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship when used for normal purposes and maintained per this manual. Warranty is void if used with improper fuel mix, modified, or used for rental purposes. Proof of purchase is required. For warranty service, contact an authorized Olympic service center.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, flooded, old fuelCheck spark plug; set control to RUN; use fresh 50:1 fuel mix; ensure choke is off.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, air filter, carburetorReplace fuel filter; clean air filter; have carburetor serviced.
Chain does not turnChain brake engaged, worn sprocket, clutchDisengage chain brake; inspect clutch drum and sprocket for wear.
Chain throws oil but doesn't cutDull chain, incorrect filingSharpen chain correctly or replace.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chainTighten all nuts/bolts; check chain for damaged/different teeth.
Chain comes off barLoose bar nuts, worn bar, improper tensionTighten bar nuts; inspect bar for wear; adjust chain tension correctly.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Olympic service dealer. Use only genuine Olympic parts.

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