Poulan Chainsaw Manual Wild Thing
The Poulan Wild Thing is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw designed for occasional home use, such as pruning, limbing, and cutting small trees. This manual covers safety warnings, assembly, starting procedures, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications for the Wild Thing model. Always read and understand all instructions before operating the chainsaw.
Safety Warnings & Symbols
Critical safety information to prevent serious injury or death. Understand all warning labels on the saw.
| Symbol/Area | Warning |
|---|
| Kickback Zone | Never engage the upper quarter of the guide bar tip; risk of violent kickback. |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, sturdy boots, and close-fitting clothing. |
| Fuel Safety | Refuel in a well-ventilated area, with engine off and cool. No smoking. |
| Operation Zone | Keep bystanders, children, and pets at least 30 feet away. |
| Chain Brake | Test before each use. Engage to stop chain immediately if kickback occurs. |
Parts Identification
Key components of the Poulan Wild Thing chainsaw.
- Front Hand Guard / Chain Brake
- Throttle Trigger & Lockout
- Rear Handle
- Starter Grip
- Fuel Tank Cap
- Oil Tank Cap
- Guide Bar
- Cutting Chain
- Chain Tensioning Screw
- Muffler
WARNING! Never operate a chainsaw with missing, damaged, or loose parts.
Assembly Instructions
Assembling the saw from the box. Tools required: Screwdriver, combination wrench.
- Attach the guide bar and chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain over bar sprocket and into bar groove, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top.
- Install bar nut and tighten finger-tight.
- Tension the chain: Loosen bar nuts, turn tensioning screw clockwise until chain snaps snugly against bar (can be pulled by hand but not loose). Retighten bar nuts.
- Fill bar & chain oil reservoir.
- Mix and add fuel (see next section).
CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned. A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can damage the engine.
Fuel & Oil Mixture
- Fuel Type: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89.
- Oil Type: Use a high-quality 2-cycle engine oil designed for air-cooled engines.
- Mix Ratio: 40:1 (3.2 oz of oil per 1 gallon of gasoline). Use a measuring cup for accuracy.
- Bar & Chain Oil: Use standard chainsaw bar oil. Check level before each use.
WARNING! Never use automotive motor oil, diesel, or old/stale gasoline. Never run the engine without bar & chain oil.
Starting & Stopping
Starting procedure for cold and warm engines.
Cold Start:
- Place saw on clear, flat ground. Engage chain brake.
- Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
- Set choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
- Pull starter rope briskly 3-4 times until engine 'pops'.
- Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE.
- Pull starter rope until engine starts. Let run for 10 seconds.
- Squeeze throttle trigger to disengage choke and idle.
Warm Start: Begin at Step 3 with choke OFF.
Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle, then push STOP switch to OFF.
Operating Instructions
Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.
- Stance: Stand firmly with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grip: Hold rear handle with right hand, front handle with left hand, thumbs wrapped.
- Starting a Cut: Let the chain reach full speed before contacting wood.
- Basic Cuts: Use the underside of the guide bar for cutting. Avoid the kickback zone.
- Limbing: Cut limbs from the opposite side of the trunk, working from top to bottom.
- Buckling: Support logs off the ground. Cut from top down, rolling log as needed.
Tip: Let the saw do the work; do not force it. Keep the chain sharp.
Chain Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.
- Sharpening: Use a round file matching chain pitch (typically 3/8" LP). File each cutter at the manufacturer's specified angle (usually 30°). File all cutters to the same length.
- Tensioning: Check tension frequently, especially when new. Chain should be snug but pull freely by hand.
- Depth Gauges: File down depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file as specified to maintain proper cutting depth.
- Lubrication: Always run with a full bar & chain oil reservoir. Check for oil flow by pointing bar tip at a light surface and running at high idle; a thin line of oil should appear.
WARNING! Always wear heavy gloves when handling the chain. Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.
Cleaning & Storage
Unplug before cleaning. Use dry cloth only; no liquids or aerosols.
- Clean saw after each use. Wipe down with a dry cloth. Remove sawdust from air intake, muffler, and guide bar groove.
- For storage longer than 30 days: Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor. Run engine until it stops to clear fuel lines.
- Remove chain and bar, clean thoroughly, and coat with light oil.
- Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.
CAUTION! Never store the saw with fuel in the tank indoors. Fuel can deteriorate and damage the carburetor.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|
| Engine will not start | No spark, old fuel, flooded engine, clogged air filter | Check spark plug; use fresh fuel; wait if flooded; clean/replace air filter. |
| Engine starts then dies | Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issues, improper fuel mix | Replace fuel filter; clean carburetor; ensure correct 40:1 mix. |
| Chain does not turn | Chain brake engaged, loose drive sprocket, worn clutch | Disengage chain brake; tighten sprocket; inspect clutch. |
| Chain throws oil excessively | Overfilled oil tank, wrong oil viscosity | Drain to correct level; use proper bar & chain oil. |
| Poor cutting performance | Dull chain, improper tension, worn bar | Sharpen chain; adjust tension; inspect bar for wear and grooves. |
Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Poulan service dealer.
Specifications
- Engine Displacement: 42cc 2-cycle gasoline engine.
- Guide Bar Length: 16 inches (standard).
- Chain Pitch: 3/8" Low Profile (LP).
- Chain Gauge: 0.050 inches.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: Approximately 10.1 fl oz (300 ml).
- Oil Tank Capacity: Approximately 6.8 fl oz (200 ml).
- Dry Weight: Approximately 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg).
- Ignition System: Electronic.
- Warranty: Limited 2-year consumer warranty.
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