Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct fuel to oil mixture for my McCulloch gas product?

Mix regular grade unleaded gasoline mixed with McCulloch 40:1 custom 2-cycle engine oil in an approved container. Use mixing table for correct ratio of fuel to oil. Shake container to ensure thorough mix.

Gasoline	McCulloch 40:1 Ratio Custom Lubricant
1 U.S. Gallon	3.2 oz.; 95ml (cc)
5 Liters	4.3 oz; 125 ml (cc)
Mixing Procedure:	40 Parts Gasoline to 1 Part Lubricant

How do I start my McCulloch gas chain saw?

Before starting the engine, be sure the fuel tank is full and the correct fuel mixture was used. Be sure the oil tank is full, that the correct chain and bar oil was used and that the CHAIN BRAKE® is disengaged.

To start engine:

The choke has 3 positions: RUN, HALF and CHOKE.

1. Slide red STOP switch up for starting.
2. Move the yellow choke lever to |—| (CHOKE).
3. Push the primer bulb 10 times.
4. Latch throttle advance: depress latch and hold. Squeeze throttle trigger. Release trigger and then the latch.
5. Place saw on a firm, flat surface, holding firmly. Pull starter rapidly 4 times.

   Beware of moving chain!

6. Move yellow choke lever to | / | (HALF).
7. Hold saw firmly and pull starter rapidly 4 times. Engine should start.
8. Warm up for 10 seconds. Depress and release trigger for IDLE.
9. Move yellow choke lever to | | | (RUN). If engine does not to start, repeat these instructions.

How do I re-start a warm engine?

1. Make sure the switch is in the ON position.
2. Move the choke lever

   to | / | (HALF).

3. Depress the primer bulb 10 times.
4. Set the throttle latch.
5. Pull the starter rope rapidly 4 times. The

   engine should start.

6. Move the choke lever to | | | (RUN).
7. Release the throttle latch.
   

How do I safely store my gas chain saw?

Storing a chain saw for longer than 30 days requires storage maintenance. Unless the storage instructions are followed, fuel remaining in the carburetor will evaporate, leaving gum-like deposits. This could lead to difficult starting and result in costly repairs. Never store a chain saw for longer than 30 days without performing the following procedures:

1. Remove the fuel tank cap slowly to release any pressure in tank. Carefully

   drain the fuel tank.

2. Start the engine and let it run until the unit stops

   to remove fuel from carburetor.

3. Allow the engine to cool (approximately

   5 minutes).

4. Using a spark plug wrench, remove the spark plug.
5. Pour 1 teaspoon of

   clean 2-cycle oil into the combustion chamber. Pull starter rope slowly

   several times to coat internal components. Replace

   spark plug.

6. Store the unit in a dry place and away from possible

   sources of ignition such as a furnace, gas hot water heater, gas dryer,

   etc.
   

When removing the unit from storage, be sure to perform the following procedures:

1. Remove spark plug.
2. Pull starter rope briskly to clear excess oil from combustion

   chamber.

3. Clean and gap spark plug or install a new spark plug with proper

   gap.

4. Prepare unit for operation.
5. Fill fuel tank with proper fuel/oil mixture.

What kind of oil should I use to lubricate the chain on my gas or electric chain saw?

Always refill the chain oil tank each time the fuel tank is refilled. We recommend using McCulloch Chain, Bar and Sprocket Oil, which contains additives to reduce friction and wear and to assist in the prevention of pitch formation on the bar and chain.

What is kickback?

Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of a chain saw's guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. If the bar tip makes contact, it may cause a lightning-fast reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the operator. Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator. Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of the saw, which could result in serious personal injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your saw. As a chain saw user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.

1. With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.
2. Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both hands. When the engine is running, the right hand should be on the rear handle and the left hand on the front handle. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handles. A firm grip will help you reduce kickback and maintain control of the saw. Don't let go.
3. Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar contact a log, branch, or any other obstruction which could be hit while you are operating the saw.
4. Cut at high engine speeds.
5. Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.
6. Follow manufacturer's sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
7. Use only replacement bars and chains specified by the manufacturer or the equivalent.

How do I adjust the tension of my saw chain?

Proper tension of saw chain is extremely important and must be checked before starting, as well as during any cutting operation. Taking the time to make needed adjustments to the saw chain will result in improved cutting performance and prolonged chain life.

A new saw chain stretches, requiring adjustment after as few as 5 cuts. This is normal with a new chain and the interval between future adjustments will lengthen quickly.

Always wear heavy-duty gloves when handling saw chain or making saw chain adjustments.

To adjust saw chain:

1. Hold nose of guide bar up and turn adjustment screw (D) CLOCKWISE to increase chain tension. Turning the screw COUNTER CLOCKWISE will decrease the amount of tension on the chain. Ensure the chain fits snugly all the way around the guide bar.
2. After making adjustment, and while still holding nose of bar in the uppermost position, tighten the bar retaining nuts securely.

   Chain has proper tension when it has a snug fit all around and can be pulled around by gloved hand.

   If chain is difficult to rotate on guide bar or if it binds, too much tension has been applied. This requires minor adjustment as follows:

   1. Loosen the two bar retaining nuts so they are finger tight. Decrease tension by turning the bar adjustment screw COUNTER CLOCKWISE slowly. Move chain back and forth on bar. Continue to adjust until chain rotates freely, but fits snugly. Increase tension by turning bar adjustment screw CLOCKWISE.
   2. When saw chain has proper tension, hold the nose of the bar in the uppermost position and tighten the 2 bar retaining nuts securely.

How do I know if the chain brake is in good working condition?

The purpose of the CHAIN BRAKE® is to reduce the possibility of injury due to kickback; however, it cannot provide the intended measure of protection if the saw is operated carelessly. Always test the CHAIN BRAKE® before using your saw and periodically while on the job.

To test the CHAIN BRAKE®:

1. The CHAIN BRAKE® is DESENGAGED (chain can move) when BRAKE LEVER IS PULLED BACK AND LOCKED.
2. The CHAIN BRAKE® is ENGAGED (chain is stopped) when brake lever is in forward position. You should not be able to move the chain.

The brake lever should snap into both positions. If strong resistance is felt, or lever does not move into either position, do not use your saw. Take it immediately to a McCulloch Authorized Service Center for repair.

How do I sharpen the chain on my chain saw?

Chain sharpening requires special tools to ensure that cutters are sharpened at the correct angle and depth. For the inexperienced chain saw user, we recommend that the saw chain be professionally sharpened by the nearest MTD Authorized Service Center.

What kind of maintenance does my chain saw require?

A good preventive maintenance program of regular inspection and care will increase life and improve performance of your McCulloch chain saw. This maintenance checklist is a guide for such a program. Cleaning, adjustment, and parts replacement may be required, under certain conditions, at more frequent intervals than those indicated.

Frequent lubrication of the guide bar (railed bar which supports and carries the saw chain) sprocket tip is required. Proper maintenance of the guide bar is essential to keep your saw in good working condition. Failure to lubricate the guide bar sprocket tip will result in poor performance and seizure, voiding the manufacturer's warranty.

The sprocket tip on your new saw has been pre-lubricated at the factory. Lubrication of the sprocket tip is recommended after each saw use or after three tanks of fuel are consumed, which ever occurs first. Always thoroughly clean guide bar sprocket tip before lubrication. A lube gun with a needle nose tip is recommended for applying grease to the guide bar sprocket tip.

Be sure to wear heavy-duty work gloves when handling the bar and chain. To properly lubricate, perform the following procedures:

1. Move the STOP switch down. It is not necessary to remove the saw chain to lubricate the guide bar sprocket tip. Lubrication can be done on the job.
2. Clean the guide bar sprocket tip.
3. Using a lube gun, insert needle nose into the lubrication hole and inject grease until it appears at outside edge of sprocket tip.
4. Rotate saw chain by hand. Repeat lubrication procedure until the entire sprocket tip has been greased.

To minimize bar wear, the following procedures are recommended:

BAR WEAR: Turn guide bar frequently at regular intervals (for example, after 5 hours of use), to ensure even wear on top and bottom of bar.

BAR GROOVES: Bar grooves (or rails which support and carry the chain) should be cleaned if saw has been used heavily or if saw chain appears dirty. Rails should always be cleaned every time saw chain is removed.

What’s length of extension cord should I use?

Before using your McCulloch chainsaw make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

VOLTS	TOTAL LENGTH OF CORD IN FEET
Ampere Rating
6-10	18	16	14	14
10-12	16	16	14	14
12-16	14	12	*	*
* Not recommended