Poulan Wild Thing Chainsaw Parts Manual

The Poulan Wild Thing is a popular gas-powered chainsaw designed for light to medium-duty cutting tasks such as pruning, limbing, and cutting firewood. This manual provides a comprehensive guide to its parts, assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Below are key sections covering safety, parts identification, assembly instructions, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting common issues.

Parts Identification

Key components of the Poulan Wild Thing chainsaw.

Safety Features & Warnings

Critical safety information to prevent injury.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Chain Brake: Test before each use. The brake should stop the chain immediately when engaged.
3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contacting the upper tip of the guide bar with any object.
4. Two-Handed Operation: Always grip the rear handle with right hand and front handle with left hand.
5. Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders are within 15 feet.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Read and understand the full safety manual before operation.

Assembly Instructions

Steps to assemble your new Poulan Wild Thing chainsaw.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts. Place chain over sprocket and onto bar groove. Align bar with mounting studs. Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Tighten nuts finger-tight.
2. Tension Chain: Use bar-tensioning screw to raise bar until chain is snug against bar but can be pulled by hand. Tighten bar nuts securely.
3. Fill Fluids: Add fresh 2-cycle fuel mix (40:1 ratio) to fuel tank. Fill bar and chain oil tank with recommended lubricant.
4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, lockout, and chain brake move freely.

CAUTION! Do not start the engine until assembly is complete and you have verified chain tension is correct.

Technical Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-cycle, single cylinder, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 42 cc (typical for Wild Thing models).
• Fuel: Gasoline mixed with 2-cycle oil (40:1 ratio). Use 89 octane or higher.
• Guide Bar Lengths: 14", 16", or 18" (model dependent).
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: Typically .325" pitch, .050" gauge.
• Ignition System: Electronic.
• Weight: Approximately 10-12 lbs (without fuel).
• Sound Rating: Exceeds 100 dB(A). Hearing protection required.

Maintenance Schedule

Routine maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Before Each Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Inspect for loose nuts/bolts. Check fuel and oil levels.

After Each Use: Clean air filter. Wipe down saw. Check for damage.

Every 10 Hours: Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped). Inspect spark plug.

Every 20 Hours: Replace air filter. Clean fuel filter in tank.

Seasonally/Annually: Replace spark plug. Clean/replace fuel filter. Check all cables and linkages. Have professional service performed if needed.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper care of the cutting system is essential for safety and performance.

1. Chain Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Re-tension when chain sags (usually after first few minutes of new use). Always tension with engine OFF and cool.
2. Sharpening: Use a round file matching chain pitch. File each cutter at the recommended angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal file strokes per cutter. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file as needed.
3. Bar Maintenance: Regularly clean bar groove. Flip bar over periodically for even wear. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred.
4. Lubrication: Ensure oil tank is filled and oiler port on bar is clear. Chain should throw a fine line of oil during operation.

Tip: A sharp, well-tensioned, and lubricated chain cuts faster, reduces operator fatigue, and is safer.

Fuel & Oil System

Using the correct fuel and maintaining the system prevents engine damage.

1. Fuel Mix: Use a high-quality 2-cycle engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline at a 40:1 ratio. Do not use automotive oil or old/stale fuel.
2. Mixing: Add oil to an approved gas can first, then add gasoline. Shake thoroughly.
3. Storage: For storage over 30 days, drain fuel tank and run engine dry. Use fuel stabilizer for shorter periods.
4. Bar & Chain Oil: Use a dedicated chainsaw bar oil for proper adhesion. In cold weather, use a winter-grade oil.
5. Filters: The fuel tank has an in-tank filter. Replace if clogged or annually.

WARNING! Gasoline is extremely flammable. Mix and refuel outdoors, away from sparks or flames. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

Starting & Operation

Proper starting procedure ensures easy operation.

1. Cold Start: Place saw on clear, flat ground. Engage chain brake. Set choke to FULL position. Press primer bulb 5-10 times. Pull starter rope sharply until engine "pops." Move choke to HALF position. Pull starter rope again to start. Let engine warm up at idle for 30 seconds before disengaging brake.
2. Warm Start: Choke OFF. Pull starter rope.
3. Cutting: Use full throttle when cutting. Do not "ride" the chain brake. Let the saw do the work; avoid forcing it.
4. Stopping: Release throttle trigger. Allow engine to idle. Press STOP switch to OFF.

CAUTION! Never drop-start or start the saw while holding it in the air. Always start on the ground with secure footing.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Long-Term Storage (Over 30 Days):

1. Drain fuel tank completely.
2. Start and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor of fuel.
3. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of 2-cycle oil into cylinder, pull starter rope slowly to coat internals, reinstall plug.
4. Clean entire saw, remove dirt and sap.
5. Loosen chain tension slightly.
6. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Storing with fuel in the carburetor will lead to varnish and clogging, requiring disassembly and cleaning.

Warranty Information

Poulan offers a limited warranty for residential use. The standard warranty period is typically 2 years from date of purchase. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper fuel, commercial use, or normal wear items (chain, bar, spark plug, filters). Proof of purchase is required. For warranty service, contact an authorized Poulan service center. For support, visit www.poulanpro.com or contact customer service at 1-800-554-6723.

Troubleshooting

For Service: 1-800-554-6723; www.poulanpro.com