Poulan 14 33cc Gas Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan 14-inch 33cc Gas Chainsaw is a lightweight, powerful tool designed for homeowners for general pruning, limbing, and cutting small to medium trees. It features a 33cc 2-cycle gasoline engine, 14-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiler, easy-start system, chain brake for safety, and tool-less chain tensioning. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Fuel & Oil Mixing 7. Starting & Operation 8. Chain Maintenance 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 33cc 2-cycle engine, 14-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, purge bulb, and combination choke/stop control.

FeatureDescription
Engine Displacement33cc 2-cycle air-cooled gasoline engine
Guide Bar Length14 inches (35 cm)
Chain Pitch/Gauge.325" pitch, .050" gauge (Oregon style)
Automatic OilerDelivers oil to bar and chain during operation
Chain BrakeInertia-activated; stops chain in kickback events
Starting SystemPurge bulb and easy-pull recoil starter
Fuel Tank CapacityApprox. 10.1 fl oz (300 ml)
Oil Tank CapacityApprox. 6.8 fl oz (200 ml)
Weight (dry)Approx. 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg)
Vibration DampingBasic anti-vibration handles

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Wear proper PPE: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.

  1. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with upper tip of bar—major cause of kickback.
  2. Chain Brake: Test before each use by pushing forward on front hand guard.
  3. Clear Work Area: Ensure no obstacles, people, or animals within 15 feet.
  4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, engine off and cool. Wipe spills.
  5. Carrying: Engage chain brake, carry with bar pointing rearward.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous. Never operate when tired, under influence, or in poor weather. Keep hands away from chain at all times.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents: chainsaw, bar, chain, scabbard, combination wrench, and manual.

  1. Attach Bar & Chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar, align chain drive links with bar groove. Tighten nuts finger-tight.
  2. Tension Chain: Use side-access dial to adjust until chain snaps back lightly when pulled from bar. Tighten bar nuts securely.
  3. Fill Oil Tank: Use bar and chain oil (not motor oil). Fill to MAX line.
  4. Mix Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane min.) with 2-cycle oil at 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gal gas). Shake well.
  5. Prime & Start: Press purge bulb 5-6 times, set choke, pull starter cord until engine fires, then move choke to run position.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned—too loose may derail; too tight may damage bar or engine.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and throttle lockout. Rear Handle: Contains start/stop switch. Top Cover: Houses spark plug, air filter, and fuel/oil caps.

Key Controls: Throttle Trigger (squeeze to accelerate), Throttle Lockout (must be pressed to engage throttle), Choke Lever (for cold starts), Stop Switch (O=Run, I=Stop), Chain Brake Lever (front hand guard), Purge Bulb (primes fuel), Side Tensioner Dial (tool-less chain adjustment).

Maintenance Points: Air filter (clean every 5 hours), Spark plug (check gap 0.025"), Chain sharpening (file size 5/32"), Bar groove cleaning (weekly).

Fuel & Oil Mixing

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (max 10% ethanol) and high-quality 2-cycle engine oil (ISO-L-EGD, JASO FD).

  1. Mix in approved container: 1 gallon gasoline + 3.2 oz oil = 40:1 ratio.
  2. Shake container vigorously before refueling.
  3. Fill fuel tank to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.
  4. Use bar & chain oil in oil tank—do not use used motor oil.

Tip: Never use fuel older than 60 days. Add fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days.

Starting & Operation

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

  1. Place saw on flat ground, clear of debris.
  2. Engage chain brake by pushing forward on hand guard.
  3. Press purge bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
  4. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
  5. Pull starter rope briskly 2-3 times until engine 'pops'.
  6. Move choke to HALF CHOKE, pull until engine starts.
  7. Allow to warm up 30 seconds, then squeeze throttle to disengage choke.

Cutting Techniques: Use lower part of bar for cutting; let chain do the work. Avoid pushing. For felling, plan escape path, use notch and back cut method.

WARNING! Always operate with both hands. Never cut above shoulder height. Be aware of kickback zone.

Chain Maintenance

Sharpening: Use 5/32" round file and file guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File each cutter evenly.

Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely. Adjust when cool. Check frequently during first hour of use.

Lubrication: Check oil flow by running saw at idle over light-colored surface—oil line should appear. Clean oil ports weekly.

Storage & Winterization

Long-term storage (over 30 days):

  1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
  2. Remove spark plug, add 1 tsp oil through hole, pull starter 2-3 times, reinstall plug.
  3. Clean entire saw, remove chain and bar, coat with oil.
  4. Store in dry, cool place, away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank—gum formation can clog carburetor.

Warranty Information

Poulan provides a 2-year limited warranty for residential use against defects in materials/workmanship. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover wear items (chain, bar, spark plug), misuse, lack of maintenance, or commercial use. For warranty service, contact authorized service center or call 1-800-554-6723. Register product online at www.poulanpro.com.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startOld fuel, flooded, no sparkUse fresh fuel; wait if flooded; check spark plug gap/replacement.
Engine starts then diesClogged air filter, carb adjustmentClean/replace air filter; have carb adjusted by technician.
Chain doesn't turnChain brake engaged, clutch wornDisengage chain brake; inspect clutch/drum.
Chain throws oil excessivelyOverfilled oil tank, wrong oilDrain to correct level; use proper bar & chain oil.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, low chain tensionSharpen chain; adjust tension per manual.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chainTighten all nuts/bolts; check chain for damage.

Service: For repairs, use authorized Poulan service centers. User should not adjust carburetor except as directed.

Support: 1-800-554-6723; www.poulanpro.com

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