Snapper Chainsaw S1634 Manual

The Snapper S1634 is a 16-inch gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for homeowner use. It features a 34cc 2-stroke engine, automatic oiler, chain brake, anti-vibration system, and a lightweight design for easy handling. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 34cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration handles, tool-less chain tensioning, and primer bulb.

FeatureDescription
Engine34cc 2-stroke air-cooled gasoline engine
Guide Bar Length16 inches
Chain Pitch.325 inch
Chain BrakeInertia-activated for kickback protection
Oiling SystemAutomatic with manual override
Anti-VibrationReduced vibration handles for comfort
WeightApproximately 10.5 lbs (without fuel/oil)
StarterRecoil starter with decompression valve
Fuel Tank CapacityApproximately 10.1 fl oz (300 ml)
Oil Tank CapacityApproximately 6.8 fl oz (200 ml)

Assembly & Setup

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

  1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, loop chain around sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
  2. Fill oil tank: Use high-quality bar and chain oil.
  3. Mix fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) with 2-stroke oil at 40:1 ratio.
  4. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

WARNING! Always wear cut-resistant gloves during assembly. Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar.

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed boots, and chainsaw chaps.
  2. Clear work area: Remove debris, ensure secure footing, keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.
  3. Pre-operation check: Verify chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication; check for loose parts.
  4. Carrying & transport: Engage chain brake, carry with bar pointing rearward, use scabbard.

CAUTION! Kickback is a major cause of injury. Keep saw body close, avoid tip contact, and always use chain brake when not cutting.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main controls located on top and rear handle.

Top Handle: Chain brake lever, throttle trigger lockout, decompression valve (if equipped). Rear Handle: Throttle trigger, choke control, stop switch, primer bulb.

Other Components: Front hand guard, rear handle guard, muffler, spark arrestor, fuel cap, oil cap, chain tensioning screw, bar nuts.

Fuel & Oil

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher) mixed with high-quality 2-stroke engine oil at 40:1 ratio.

  1. Mix fuel in approved container: Add oil to gasoline, shake well.
  2. Fill fuel tank: Clean area around cap, fill to 80% capacity.
  3. Bar & chain oil: Use all-season bar and chain oil; fill oil tank before each use.
  4. Check oil flow: Run saw at high idle, observe oil on chain/bar tip.

Tip: Never use automotive motor oil or old gasoline. Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days.

Starting & Operation

Starting procedure for cold and warm engine.

  1. Place saw: On flat ground, ensure chain not contacting anything.
  2. Engage chain brake: Push forward until click.
  3. Set controls: Move choke lever to COLD START (full choke).
  4. Prime: Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel visible.
  5. Pull starter: Hold front handle, pull starter cord briskly until engine fires.
  6. Disengage choke: Move to HALF choke, pull until engine starts.
  7. Warm up: Allow to idle 30 seconds, disengage chain brake.
  8. Cutting: Apply light pressure, let chain do the work, avoid pinching.

WARNING! Never drop-start or start above waist height. Keep firm grip with both hands during operation.

Chain Maintenance

Regular chain care ensures performance and safety.

  1. Chain tension: Check when cold; adjust so chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
  2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch; maintain 30° cutting angle.
  3. Depth gauges: File to maintain proper height (0.025 inch below cutter).
  4. Cleaning: Remove sawdust from bar groove, oil holes, and sprocket.
  5. Rotation: Flip bar periodically for even wear.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before chain maintenance. Wear gloves when handling chain.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

  1. Drain fuel: Run engine until tank empty, or add fuel stabilizer.
  2. Clean unit: Remove debris, wipe exterior with damp cloth.
  3. Remove chain: Clean and soak in oil, store in sealed bag.
  4. Spark plug: Remove, add few drops of oil, pull starter slowly.
  5. Store: In dry, cool place, away from children, with bar cover installed.

Tip: For long-term storage, fog engine through spark plug hole with 2-stroke oil.

Warranty Information

Snapper S1634 includes a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship; does not cover normal wear, misuse, or improper maintenance. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact authorized Snapper dealer or call 1-800-935-2967. Keep this manual for reference.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startOld fuel, clogged filter, spark plugUse fresh fuel mix; clean/replace filter; check/gap spark plug.
Engine runs then diesFuel cap vent blocked, carburetorClean vent hole; have carburetor serviced.
Chain doesn't oilEmpty oil tank, clogged oil portFill oil tank; clean bar oil holes; check oil pump.
Chain comes off barLoose chain, worn bar, damaged drive linksTension chain properly; replace bar/chain if worn.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chainTighten all fasteners; sharpen chain evenly.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, improper filingSharpen chain; check depth gauge height.

Service: For repairs, use authorized Snapper service centers. Always use genuine Snapper parts.

Support: 1-800-935-2967; www.snapper.com

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