Poulan Woodshark Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan Woodshark is a gas-powered chainsaw designed for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, featuring a reliable 2-stroke engine, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, inertia-activated chain brake, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke gasoline engine, guide bar, cutting chain, automatic oiler, chain brake, throttle trigger, choke control, primer bulb, and fuel/oil caps.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear proper safety gear.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
2. Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within 15 feet.
3. Inspect Chainsaw: Check for loose parts, chain tension, and damage before each use.
4. Proper Handling: Hold with both hands, maintain secure footing, and never operate above shoulder height.
5. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Never smoke near fuel.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar groove, align with tensioning pin.
2. Install Bar Nut: Hand-tighten bar nuts, then adjust chain tension.
3. Adjust Chain Tension: Use tool-less adjuster or screwdriver to set proper tension (chain should snap back when pulled from bar).
4. Fill Fluids: Mix gasoline with 2-stroke oil (50:1 ratio for most models). Fill fuel tank and bar/chain oil reservoir.
5. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, choke, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned. Loose chain can derail; overtightened chain can damage bar or engine.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 42cc (varies by model).
• Power Output: Approximately 2.5 HP.
• Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) mixed with 2-stroke oil.
• Oil Mix Ratio: 50:1 (2.6 fl oz oil per 1 gallon gas).
• Bar & Chain: Oregon or equivalent, pitch .325", gauge .050".
• Weight: Approximately 10-12 lbs (without fuel).
• Sound Level: 105 dB(A) at operator's ear.
• Vibration Level: Less than 5 m/s².
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty.

Controls and Components

Main components: Front Handle with throttle trigger, Rear Handle with choke control, primer bulb, ignition switch, chain brake lever, and fuel/oil caps.

Controls: Throttle Trigger (for speed), Choke (cold starts), Primer Bulb (fuel priming), Ignition Switch (On/Off), Chain Brake Lever (forward to engage, pull back to disengage).

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, Spark plug, Chain tension adjuster, Bar nuts, Oil filler cap, Fuel filler cap.

Starting & Operating

Starting procedure for cold and warm engines.

1. Pre-Start Check: Ensure chain brake is engaged, clear area, proper PPE.
2. Cold Start: Set ignition to ON, choke to FULL, press primer bulb 5-6 times, pull starter cord until engine fires, move choke to HALF, pull again to start.
3. Warm Start: Choke OFF, ignition ON, pull starter cord.
4. Operating: Disengage chain brake, squeeze throttle trigger to increase RPM, begin cutting with lower part of bar.
5. Shut Down: Release throttle, let engine idle, set ignition to OFF.

Tip: Never drop-start or start while holding throttle. Allow engine to warm up 30 seconds before cutting.

Chain Maintenance

Regular chain care ensures optimal performance and safety.

1. Chain Tension: Check before each use; adjust when chain sags from bar.
2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5/32" or 3/16"). File each cutter at 30° angle, maintain equal strokes per cutter.
3. Depth Gauges: File down depth gauges (rakers) to proper height (0.025" below cutter).
4. Lubrication: Ensure oil reservoir filled; check oil flow by pointing bar at light surface—oil streak should appear.
5. Rotation: Flip bar periodically for even wear.

WARNING! Always wear cut-resistant gloves when handling chain. Ensure ignition is OFF and chain brake engaged.

Engine Maintenance

Regular engine maintenance prolongs life and ensures reliability.

CAUTION! Let engine cool completely before maintenance. Use only recommended parts and fluids.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Short-Term (under 30 days): Fill fuel tank to prevent condensation.
2. Long-Term: Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stalls to empty carburetor. Remove chain, clean and oil it. Store in dry, cool place.
3. Bar & Chain: Clean, oil, and store separately in sealed bag.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods—fuel degrades and gums up carburetor.

Warranty Information

Poulan Woodshark chainsaws come with a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or commercial use. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact authorized service center or call 1-800-554-6723. Visit www.poulanpro.com for more information.

Troubleshooting

Reset: For electronic ignition models, disconnect spark plug wire for 30 seconds to reset module.

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