Skilsaw 1610 Chainsaw Manual

The Skilsaw 1610 is a professional-grade gas-powered chainsaw designed for heavy-duty cutting tasks. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine, a 16-inch guide bar and chain, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, safety chain brake, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Fuel & Oil Mixture 7. Starting & Operation 8. Chain Maintenance 9. Cleaning & Storage 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke gasoline engine, 16-inch guide bar, Oregon chain, automatic chain oiler, safety chain brake, anti-vibration system, primer bulb, choke control, and side-access chain tensioner.

FeatureDescription
Engine Displacement40.2cc 2-stroke engine
Guide Bar Length16 inches
Chain TypeOregon 91VXL (0.325" pitch, 0.063" gauge)
Automatic OilerProvides continuous lubrication to bar and chain
Chain BrakeInertia-activated safety brake
Anti-VibrationReduces user fatigue during operation
Primer BulbFacilitates cold starting
Choke ControlEnriches fuel mixture for starting
Chain TensionerSide-mounted for easy adjustment
Weight10.8 lbs (without fuel and oil)

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear appropriate PPE.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with tip of bar. Maintain proper chain sharpness and tension.
  4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use approved fuel container.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Always engage chain brake when not cutting.

Assembly & Setup

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

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar onto mounting studs. Loop chain around bar with cutting teeth facing forward on top. Adjust tension.
  2. Fill Bar & Chain Oil: Use recommended bar oil. Fill reservoir to indicated level.
  3. Prepare Fuel Mix: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (89 octane minimum) mixed with 2-cycle oil at 50:1 ratio (2.6 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).
  4. Initial Inspection: Check all fasteners for tightness. Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Never operate saw without proper bar and chain lubrication. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before each use.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and throttle lockout. Rear Handle: Main grip with kill switch. Top Cover: Houses air filter and spark plug.

Key Controls: Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout (must be depressed to engage throttle), Chain Brake Lever (front hand guard), Choke Lever, Primer Bulb, Master Control Lever (combines choke/run/stop), Decompression Valve (if equipped).

Maintenance Points: Air Filter Cover, Spark Plug, Chain Tensioner Screw, Bar Oil Filler Cap, Fuel Tank Cap.

Fuel & Oil Mixture

Use only fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89. Mix with high-quality 2-cycle engine oil designed for air-cooled engines at a 50:1 ratio.

  1. In a clean, approved fuel container, add 2.6 oz (77 ml) of 2-cycle oil to 1 gallon (3.8 L) of gasoline.
  2. Close container and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to mix thoroughly.
  3. Fill fuel tank to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.
  4. Use bar and chain oil specifically designed for chainsaws in the oil reservoir.

Tip: Never use automotive motor oil, diesel fuel, or old gasoline. Do not mix fuel directly in the chainsaw's tank.

Starting & Operation

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

  1. Place saw on flat, clear ground. Engage chain brake.
  2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  3. Move master control lever to CHOKE position (full down).
  4. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
  5. Pull starter rope briskly 2-3 times until engine 'pops'.
  6. Move master control lever to HALF-CHOKE position.
  7. Pull starter rope until engine starts. Let run for 10 seconds.
  8. Move lever to RUN position. Disengage chain brake to begin cutting.

WARNING! Always start the saw with the chain brake engaged. Keep both hands on the handles during operation. Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).

Chain Maintenance

Sharpening: Use a round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for 0.325" pitch). Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters to equal length. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Adjust when chain sags from bottom of bar. Tighten bar nuts after adjustment.

Cleaning & Storage

After use: Clean exterior with soft brush. Remove sawdust from air intake, cooling fins, and guide bar groove. Check chain for damage. For storage over 30 days: Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops. Drain bar oil. Remove chain, clean in solvent, and coat with oil. Store in dry place.

CAUTION! Never use high-pressure water or solvents to clean engine. Store fuel mix in approved container for up to 3 months.

Warranty Information

The Skilsaw 1610 is backed by a 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover wear items (chain, bar, spark plug, air filter), damage from misuse, improper fuel, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact Skilsaw Customer Service at 1-888-699-7080 or visit www.skilsaw.com.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startOld fuel, clogged filter, flooded engineUse fresh fuel mix. Clean/replace air filter. Move choke to RUN, hold throttle open, pull starter 10+ times.
Engine starts then diesFuel line clogged, carburetor issueCheck fuel filter and lines. Clean carburetor.
Chain doesn't turnChain brake engaged, clutch wornDisengage chain brake. Inspect clutch drum and springs.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chainTighten all fasteners. Sharpen chain evenly.
Chain throws oilOverfilled oil tank, wrong oil typeDrain to correct level. Use correct bar & chain oil.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, improper tensionSharpen chain. Adjust tension correctly.

Service: For technical support, call 1-888-699-7080. Authorized service centers listed at www.skilsaw.com.

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