Poulan 2300 AV Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan 2300 AV is a gasoline-powered chainsaw featuring anti-vibration (AV) technology, a 2.3 cubic inch engine, automatic oiling system, and a 16-inch guide bar. Designed for general-purpose cutting, limbing, and pruning. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Safety Warnings & Symbols 2. Features & Specifications 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Controls & Components 5. Fuel & Oil 6. Starting Procedure 7. Cutting Techniques 8. Chain Maintenance 9. Regular Maintenance 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Safety Warnings & Symbols

Critical safety information to prevent serious injury or death. Understand all warnings before operation.

Symbol/Area	Warning
Kickback Zone	Avoid contact with upper tip of guide bar; can cause sudden upward motion
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)	Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots
Fuel Safety	Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool; no smoking
Two-Hand Operation	Always grip with both hands; maintain secure footing
Chain Brake	Test before each use; engage when carrying or not cutting

Features & Specifications

Key components: 2.3 cu. in. engine, 16-inch guide bar, .325" pitch chain, automatic oiler, anti-vibration system, chain brake, primer bulb.

Engine Displacement: 2.3 cubic inches (38cc)
Guide Bar Length: 16 inches
Chain Pitch: .325"
Chain Gauge: .050"
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.1 fl. oz. (300 ml)
Oil Tank Capacity: 6.8 fl. oz. (200 ml)
Weight (dry): 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg)
Sound Pressure Level: 109 dB(A)
Vibration Level: Front handle: 5.2 m/s²; Rear handle: 8.7 m/s²

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assembly requires attaching guide bar and chain, filling fluids.

Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove, adjust tension.
Fill engine oil: Use high-quality 2-cycle engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio for most models).
Fill chain oil: Use bar and chain oil in separate reservoir.
Check chain tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar; adjust tensioning screw.

WARNING! Ensure chain brake is engaged during assembly. Wear protective gloves.

Controls & Components

Main controls: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, choke control, primer bulb, stop switch, chain brake lever.

Components: Front handle, rear handle, fuel tank cap, oil tank cap, spark plug, air filter, muffler, guide bar, chain catcher.

Operation: Engage chain brake before starting. Pull trigger lockout before squeezing throttle. Use choke for cold starts.

Fuel & Oil

Use fresh unleaded gasoline with minimum 89 octane. Mix with 2-cycle engine oil at 50:1 ratio (check manual for specific model).

Fuel mix: 2.6 fl. oz. (77 ml) of oil per 1 gallon (3.8 L) of gasoline.
Chain oil: Use dedicated bar and chain oil for proper lubrication.
Storage: Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days.

CAUTION! Never use automotive oil, diesel, or E85 fuel. Do not mix directly in saw's tank.

Starting Procedure

Cold Start:

Place saw on clear, flat surface.
Engage chain brake.
Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
Pull starter rope sharply until engine "pops".
Move choke to HALF CHOKE.
Pull starter rope until engine starts.
Allow to warm up 10-15 seconds before disengaging chain brake.

Warm Start: Use HALF CHOKE or no choke.

Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting positions and safety practices.

Felling: Plan escape path; use notch and back cut techniques.
Limbing: Stand uphill; cut from trunk outward.
Bucking: Support log; cut from top down; avoid pinching bar.
Pruning: Use light touch; let chain do the work.

Tip: Maintain firm grip; never cut above shoulder height.

Chain Maintenance

Regular chain care ensures optimal performance and safety.

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch; maintain 30° cutting angle.
Tensioning: Adjust when chain sags; should snap back against bar.
Lubrication: Check oil flow by pointing tip at light surface; should produce oil line.
Depth gauges: File down periodically to maintain proper height.

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

Regular Maintenance

Daily/Weekly maintenance schedule.

Component	Frequency	Action
Air Filter	Every 10 hours	Clean with soap/water; replace if damaged
Spark Plug	Every 25 hours	Clean electrode; gap at 0.025" (0.63mm)
Fuel Filter	Every season	Replace if clogged
Bar	Weekly	Clean groove; flip weekly for even wear
Chain Sprocket	Every 2 chains	Inspect for wear; replace if needed

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
Run engine until carburetor is dry.
Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil.
Clean entire saw; store in dry place.
Cover bar and chain to prevent rust.

CAUTION! Store out of reach of children and away from ignition sources.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, old fuel, flooded	Check spark plug; use fresh fuel; wait if flooded
Engine runs then dies	Clogged fuel filter, air filter	Replace fuel filter; clean air filter
Chain won't turn	Brake engaged, clutch issue	Disengage brake; inspect clutch drum/sprocket
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper tension	Sharpen chain; adjust tension
Excessive vibration	Loose components, worn AV mounts	Tighten bolts; inspect anti-vibration mounts
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil type	Adjust oiler; use correct bar/chain oil

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Poulan service center.

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