poulan 2300 chainsaw manual

The Poulan 2300 is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw designed for general homeowner use, featuring a 2.3 cubic inch engine, automatic oiling system, 16-inch guide bar, and simplified controls for ease of operation. This manual covers essential safety instructions, assembly, starting procedures, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage guidelines to ensure safe and effective use.

1. Safety Information 2. Parts Identification 3. Assembly Instructions 4. Fuel & Oil 5. Starting Procedure 6. Operation Guidelines 7. Chain Maintenance 8. Cleaning & Storage 9. Troubleshooting 10. Specifications 11. Warranty & Support

Safety Information

Critical safety warnings to prevent injury. Always wear protective gear including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps or pants.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Hold saw firmly with both hands; do not cut with tip of bar.
Fuel Handling	Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool.
Chain Contact	Keep chain away from body, ground, and other objects when running.
Electrical Hazards	Do not operate near power lines or electrical sources.
Fatigue	Take frequent breaks to maintain alertness.

Parts Identification

Key components of the Poulan 2300 chainsaw.

Front Hand Guard / Chain Brake
Throttle Trigger & Lockout
Rear Handle with Anti-Vibration
Starter Grip
Chain Oil Cap
Fuel Tank Cap
Guide Bar
Cutting Chain
Bar Tightening Knob
Chain Tensioning Screw

WARNING! Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Assembly Instructions

Assembling the chainsaw from the box.

Attach the guide bar: Loosen bar nuts, position bar over studs, align chain with sprocket.
Install the chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
Tension the chain: Adjust tension screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
Tighten bar nuts: Secure while lifting tip of bar.
Fill oil and fuel tanks: Use proper mixtures (see section 4).

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

Fuel & Oil

Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with 2-cycle engine oil at a 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).
Chain Oil: Use high-quality bar & chain oil (not used motor oil).
Mixing: Mix fuel in approved container; shake well before filling.
Storage: Do not store mixed fuel over 30 days.

WARNING! Gasoline is extremely flammable. No smoking during refueling.

Starting Procedure

Cold start and warm start steps.

Place saw on clear, flat ground.
Engage chain brake by pulling front hand guard toward bar.
Set choke to FULL position (cold engine) or HALF (warm).
Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
Hold rear handle with right foot, pull starter rope briskly until engine fires.
Move choke to RUN; pull starter again to start.
Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Tip: If flooded, move choke to RUN, hold throttle trigger open, and pull starter to clear.

Operation Guidelines

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

Basic Cutting: Use mid-section of bar; let chain do the work without forcing. Bucking: Cut fallen logs from top side; support log to prevent pinching. Limbing: Cut branches from bottom to top, standing on opposite side of trunk. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip; never cut above shoulder height.

Chain Maintenance

Sharpening, tensioning, and replacing the chain.

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 3/8" LP). File each cutter at 30° angle.
Tensioning: Check frequently when hot; adjust so chain pulls freely but does not sag.
Replacing: Replace chain when cutters are worn below 0.25 inches or damaged.
Bar Care: Clean bar groove; flip bar periodically for even wear.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure engine is off and cool.

Cleaning & Storage

Clean after each use. For storage longer than 30 days:

Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
Remove chain, clean in solvent, coat with oil.
Clean air filter and cooling fins.
Store in dry, covered location away from ignition sources.

WARNING! Never store with fuel in tank indoors.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Old fuel, clogged filter, no spark	Use fresh mix; clean/replace filter; check spark plug.
Engine runs then dies	Fuel line blockage, vent issue	Clean fuel line and tank vent.
Chain doesn't turn	Brake engaged, clutch worn	Disengage brake; inspect clutch drum.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners; balance chain.
Chain throws oil	Overfilled oil tank	Drain to proper level.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 2.3 cu in (38 cc)
Guide Bar Length: 16 inches
Chain Pitch: 3/8" low profile
Fuel Capacity: Approx. 10.1 fl oz (300 ml)
Oil Capacity: Approx. 6.8 fl oz (200 ml)
Dry Weight: 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg)
Sound Level: 110 dB(A) at operator's ear

Warranty & Support

Poulan offers a limited 2-year consumer warranty for defects in materials/workmanship. Proof of purchase required. For technical support, parts, or service, contact Poulan Customer Service at 1-800-554-6723 or visit www.poulanpro.com. Always use genuine Poulan replacement parts.