Poulan Chainsaw P3314 Owners Manual

The Poulan P3314 is a 33cc, 14-inch gas-powered chainsaw designed for general homeowner use. It features a 2-stroke engine, automatic oiler, tool-less chain tensioning, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration system, and a translucent fuel tank. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure safe and effective use.

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

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operating. Failure to follow warnings can result in serious injury or death.

Symbol/AreaWarning/Precaution
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed boots, and close-fitting clothing.
Kickback ZoneBe aware of the upper quadrant of the bar tip; avoid contact during cutting.
Chain BrakeTest before each use; engage if kickback occurs or when carrying saw.
Fuel SafetyMix and store fuel outdoors; no smoking; allow engine to cool before refueling.
Work AreaClear area of bystanders, pets, and obstacles; ensure secure footing.
Electrical HazardsKeep saw away from power lines and electrical sources.

Parts Identification

Key components of the Poulan P3314 chainsaw.

  1. Front Hand Guard / Chain Brake: Protects hand; stops chain if activated.
  2. Throttle Trigger & Lockout: Must depress lockout to engage throttle.
  3. Choke Control: For cold starting.
  4. Primer Bulb: Press 5-6 times to prime fuel system.
  5. Combination Tool: For chain tensioning and spark plug access.
  6. Automatic Oiler: Delivers oil to bar and chain during operation.
  7. Fuel Tank Cap: Translucent tank for fuel level check.
  8. Oil Tank Cap: For bar and chain oil.
  9. Decompression Valve (if equipped): Eases starting pull.
  10. Muffler: Reduces exhaust noise and directs gases away.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack all parts. Assembly requires attaching the guide bar and chain, and filling fluids.

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts with combination tool. Place chain over sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit bar onto studs. Adjust tension (see next step).
  2. Chain Tensioning: Lift bar tip up. Using combination tool, turn tensioning screw clockwise until chain fits snug against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts securely.
  3. Check Chain Brake: Pull front hand guard back toward you; it should click into engaged position. Push forward to disengage.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before starting.

Fuel & Oil

Use fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline with a minimum 89 octane rating. Mix with high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at a 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas). Use bar and chain oil in separate oil tank.

CAUTION! Never use automotive motor oil, dirty oil, or old fuel mixture. Do not mix fuels near ignition sources.

Starting & Operation

Starting procedure for cold and warm engine.

  1. Cold Start: Place saw on flat, clear ground. Engage chain brake. Set choke to FULL position. Press primer bulb 5-6 times. Pull starter rope sharply until engine "pops." Move choke to HALF position. Pull rope again to start. Let run 10 seconds, then squeeze throttle to disengage choke.
  2. Warm Start: Choke OFF. Prime 1-2 times. Pull starter rope.
  3. Cutting: Disengage chain brake. Use both hands. Let saw reach full speed before contacting wood. Do not force saw; let chain do the work. Avoid cutting with bar tip.
  4. Stopping: Release throttle. Press STOP/ON/OFF switch to OFF.

Tip: Always engage chain brake when not actively cutting or when moving between cuts.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

ItemFrequencyProcedure
Air FilterEvery 10 hoursRemove cover; clean with soap/water or replace if damaged.
Spark PlugEvery seasonCheck gap (0.025 in); clean or replace.
Chain BrakeBefore each useTest engagement; clean brake band if dirty.
Bar & Chain OilEach refuelingCheck level; fill as needed.
Guide BarEvery 8 hoursRemove, clean groove, flip to ensure even wear.
Chain TensionPeriodicallyCheck and adjust when chain sags.
ExteriorAfter useWipe clean; check for loose fasteners.

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely. Use a round file matching chain pitch (likely 3/8" LP).

  1. Secure bar in vise. Identify shortest cutter; file all others to match its length.
  2. File at 30-degree angle, pushing forward away from body. File each cutter the same number of strokes.
  3. File depth gauges with flat file to maintain proper height (0.025 in below cutter).
  4. Check chain direction; ensure all cutters are sharpened equally.

WARNING! Wear gloves. File in one direction only. Replace chain if damaged or excessively worn.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in tank for extended periods. Keep out of reach of children.

Troubleshooting

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Engine won't startOld fuel, clogged filter, flooded engineUse fresh mix; clean air filter; wait 15 min if flooded; check spark.
Engine starts then diesFuel line clogged, carburetor issueClean fuel filter; check fuel lines; may need carb adjustment.
Chain doesn't turnChain brake engaged, clutch wornDisengage brake; inspect clutch and sprocket.
Chain oils poorlyClogged oiler, wrong oil, empty tankClean oil ports; use correct oil; fill tank.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chainTighten all fasteners; sharpen chain evenly.
Chain dulls quicklyCutting dirty wood, hitting groundAvoid soil/rocks; sharpen properly; check depth gauges.

Specifications

Warranty & Support

Poulan offers a limited warranty for residential use. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover commercial use, neglect, improper fuel, or normal wear items (chain, bar, spark plug).

Contact: For technical support, parts, or service, visit www.poulanpro.com or call 1-800-554-6723. Have model number (P3314) and serial number ready.

Safety Standards: Meets ANSI B175.1 and EPA emissions standards.

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