Poulan 3300 Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan 3300 is a gas-powered chainsaw featuring a 33cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch or 18-inch guide bar options, automatic oiler, chain brake, anti-vibration system, and manual chain tensioning. Designed for general cutting, pruning, and firewood preparation. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Preparation 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Fuel & Lubrication 7. Cutting Techniques 8. Chain Maintenance 9. Storage & Care 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 33cc 2-stroke engine, Guide Bar, Chain, Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Choke Control, Primer Bulb, Automatic Oiler, Anti-Vibration Handles.

Feature	Description
Engine	33cc 2-stroke air-cooled gasoline engine
Guide Bar	16-inch or 18-inch sprocket-nose bar (model dependent)
Chain	.325-inch pitch, low-kickback safety chain
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated front hand guard for kickback protection
Automatic Oiler	Delivers oil to bar and chain during operation
Anti-Vibration	Reduces operator fatigue
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approximately 14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
Oil Tank Capacity	Approximately 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Ignition System	Electronic ignition (CDI)
Weight (dry)	Approximately 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)

Assembly & Preparation

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

Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar over studs, align chain with sprocket, adjust tension.
Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh gasoline mixed with 2-cycle oil (50:1 ratio).
Fill Oil Tank: Use high-quality bar and chain oil.
Check Chain Tension: Ensure proper tension (sags slightly from bar).

WARNING! Always wear protective gear: safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.

First-Time Operation

Start the chainsaw on the ground in a clear area.

Engage Chain Brake: Push hand guard forward until it clicks.
Set Choke: Move choke lever to FULL position (cold start).
Prime: Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
Pull Starter Cord: Firmly pull until engine fires, then move choke to HALF and pull again.
Warm Up: Allow engine to run at idle for 30 seconds before cutting.
Disengage Chain Brake: Pull hand guard back toward handle.

CAUTION! Keep hands and feet away from chain. Never drop-start or start above waist height.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 33 cc (2.0 cu in).
Power Output: Approximately 2.0 HP.
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane min) mixed with 2-cycle oil at 50:1.
Bar Length: 16" or 18" (model specific).
Chain Pitch: .325 inch.
Chain Gauge: .050 inch.
Drive Links: 55 (16") or 62 (18").
Sound Power Level: Approximately 112 dB(A).
Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.5 m/s²; Rear handle: 6.5 m/s².

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Choke Lever, Primer Bulb, Chain Brake Lever, Stop Switch.

Handles: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle trigger. Maintenance Points: Air Filter Cover, Spark Plug, Chain Tensioner Screw, Oil Fill Cap, Fuel Fill Cap.

Operation: Squeeze throttle lockout and trigger to increase engine speed. Push hand guard forward to engage chain brake. Pull stop switch to STOP position to shut off engine.

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel Mix: 50:1 gasoline to 2-cycle oil. Use high-quality oil labeled for air-cooled 2-stroke engines.

Mix fuel in approved container before filling saw.
Fill fuel tank on level surface, avoiding spills.
Fill bar and chain oil tank with appropriate lubricant.
Check oil flow by running saw at high speed near light-colored surface; look for oil spray.

Tip: Never use automotive motor oil or dirty/gasoline-contaminated bar oil.

Cutting Techniques

Basic cuts: felling, limbing, bucking.

Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut, then back cut leaving hinge wood.
Limbing: Stand on opposite side of log. Cut limbs from bottom to top.
Bucking: Support log off ground. Cut from top down, avoiding pinch points.
Kickback Prevention: Keep nose of bar out of cut; use reduced-kickback chain.
Reactive Forces: Be aware of push, pull, and kickback forces.

WARNING! Do not cut above shoulder height. Always cut at full throttle. Beware of falling limbs.

Chain Maintenance

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (.325"). File each cutter at 30° angle.

Depth Gauge: Maintain proper height (0.025" below cutter top). Use depth gauge tool.

Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tension screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain brake is engaged during maintenance.

Storage & Care

Long-term storage: Empty fuel tank, run engine dry. Remove chain, clean and oil it. Store in dry place.

Cleaning: Use brush to remove sawdust from air intake, cooling fins, and clutch area.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Use fuel stabilizer if needed.

Safety Information

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required: Eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, sturdy boots. Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away. Do not operate when tired or under influence. Be aware of electrical lines. Follow ANSI B175.1 and OSHA guidelines. For support, contact Poulan customer service or visit authorized service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Old fuel, clogged filter, spark plug	Use fresh fuel mix; clean/replace air filter; check/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty carburetor, fuel line	Clean carburetor; check fuel line for cracks; adjust idle screw.
Chain doesn't turn	Clutch, drive sprocket, brake engaged	Check clutch springs; replace worn sprocket; disengage chain brake.
Chain throws oil	Oil port clogged	Clean oil passages; check oil pump operation.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all bolts/nuts; sharpen chain evenly.

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

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