To Next PageTo Next PageHow to fix Craftsman 316.381880 that won't idle?
If the engine of your Craftsman chainsaw will not idle, several factors could be responsible. A dirty air filter can cause this, so clean or replace it. Old or improperly mixed fuel is another possibility; drain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly mixed fuel. Finally, the idle speed might be incorrect, so adjust it accordingly.
Why is my Craftsman 316.381880 smoking?
If the guide bar and saw chain of your Craftsman chainsaw are running hot and smoking, it could be due to several reasons. Check if the saw chain tension is too tight and adjust it accordingly. Ensure the chain oil reservoir is full; if not, refill it. Also, the guide bar groove and oil passages might be dirty, so clean them. Lastly, the automatic oiler flow might be too low; try increasing the oil flow.
Why Craftsman 316.381880 Chainsaw rotates, but does not cut?
If the saw chain on your Craftsman chainsaw rotates but doesn't cut, there are a couple of things to check. First, the saw chain might be dull, so sharpen or replace it. Second, make sure the saw chain isn't on backwards; check and correct the direction if needed.
What to do if Craftsman chainsaw chain won't rotate?
If the saw chain on your Craftsman chainsaw does not rotate, several factors could be at play. Check if the chain brake is engaged and disengage it. The saw chain tension might be too tight, so adjust it. Inspect the guide bar and saw chain for damage and replace them if necessary. Also, the guide bar and saw chain might be assembled incorrectly, so refer to the section on removing and installing them. Finally, the drive assembly could be damaged; refer to the service information for further assistance.
Why does my Craftsman chainsaw lack power?
If your Craftsman chainsaw engine lacks power or stalls, the issue could stem from a few causes. Old or improperly mixed fuel is a common culprit, so drain the tank and refill it with fresh, properly mixed fuel. A dirty air filter can also cause this problem, so clean or replace it. Lastly, a faulty spark plug might be the reason; in that case, refer to the section on maintaining the spark plug.
What to do if Craftsman 316.381880 Chainsaw won't accelerate?
If your Craftsman chainsaw engine will not accelerate, it may be due to the fuel being old (over 30 days) or improperly mixed; drain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly mixed fuel. Alternatively, a dirty air filter could be the cause; clean or replace the air filter to resolve this.
Read and follow all safety rules before operating the unit.
Precautions for handling gasoline and operating gas-powered units.
Guidelines for safe operation of the unit during use.
Explains the causes and nature of kickback for user safety.
Steps to take to reduce the risk of kickback accidents.
Lists the intended uses and functions of the chainsaw.
Lists the tools needed for initial assembly of the unit.
Describes the chain design that reduces kickback risk.
Explains how the chain brake stops the chain in emergencies.
Explains how this prevents accidental acceleration.
Describes the catcher's role in intercepting a broken chain.
Instructions for filling the chain oil reservoir before first use.
Procedure for setting the correct chain tension before starting.
Steps to verify the proper function of the chain brake.
Guidelines for using blended fuels, including precautions.
Information on using specific additives with fuel.
Instructions for correctly mixing fuel and oil for the unit.
Steps for safely filling the fuel tank.
Step-by-step guide for starting the chainsaw engine.
Procedures for quickly stopping the unit in an emergency.
Advice for optimal performance and cutting.
Proper grip and stance for operating the chainsaw safely.
Fundamental steps for making cuts with the chainsaw.
Step-by-step instructions for safely cutting down trees.
Steps for cutting fallen trees into logs.
Techniques for cutting logs that are bent or under tension.
Methods for cutting logs supported along their entire length.
Recommended maintenance tasks and their frequency.
Outlines user's duties for maintaining the unit.
Steps to detach the guide bar and chain from the unit.
Steps to attach the guide bar and chain to the unit.
Guidelines for keeping the saw chain in good working order.
Procedure for lubricating the guide bar sprocket tip.
Steps to clean the air filter for optimal engine performance.
Instructions for cleaning the unit after use.
Guidelines for storing the unit, including short and long-term.
Specific steps for storing the unit for extended periods.
Read and follow all safety rules before operating the unit.
Precautions for handling gasoline and operating gas-powered units.
Guidelines for safe operation of the unit during use.
Explains the causes and nature of kickback for user safety.
Steps to take to reduce the risk of kickback accidents.
Lists the intended uses and functions of the chainsaw.
Lists the tools needed for initial assembly of the unit.
Describes the chain design that reduces kickback risk.
Explains how the chain brake stops the chain in emergencies.
Explains how this prevents accidental acceleration.
Describes the catcher's role in intercepting a broken chain.
Instructions for filling the chain oil reservoir before first use.
Procedure for setting the correct chain tension before starting.
Steps to verify the proper function of the chain brake.
Guidelines for using blended fuels, including precautions.
Information on using specific additives with fuel.
Instructions for correctly mixing fuel and oil for the unit.
Steps for safely filling the fuel tank.
Step-by-step guide for starting the chainsaw engine.
Procedures for quickly stopping the unit in an emergency.
Advice for optimal performance and cutting.
Proper grip and stance for operating the chainsaw safely.
Fundamental steps for making cuts with the chainsaw.
Step-by-step instructions for safely cutting down trees.
Steps for cutting fallen trees into logs.
Techniques for cutting logs that are bent or under tension.
Methods for cutting logs supported along their entire length.
Recommended maintenance tasks and their frequency.
Outlines user's duties for maintaining the unit.
Steps to detach the guide bar and chain from the unit.
Steps to attach the guide bar and chain to the unit.
Guidelines for keeping the saw chain in good working order.
Procedure for lubricating the guide bar sprocket tip.
Steps to clean the air filter for optimal engine performance.
Instructions for cleaning the unit after use.
Guidelines for storing the unit, including short and long-term.
Specific steps for storing the unit for extended periods.
This document is an operator's manual for a CRAFTSMAN® 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw, Model No. 316.381880. It provides comprehensive instructions for the safe operation, assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the device.
The chainsaw is designed for various wood-cutting applications, including felling and limbing trees, cutting logs (bucking), and pruning trees. It is intended for infrequent use by homeowners, cottagers, and campers, and for general applications. The manual emphasizes that it is not designed for prolonged use, as this may lead to circulatory problems in the user's hands due to vibration.
The chainsaw incorporates several safety features to minimize risks during operation. A LOW-KICKBACK SAW CHAIN is designed to significantly reduce the chance and intensity of kickback through specially designed depth gauges and guard links. The SPARK ARRESTER SCREEN retains carbon and other flammable particles from the engine exhaust, complying with local, state, and federal regulations for fire prevention. The CHAIN BRAKE LEVER / FRONT HAND GUARD protects the operator's left hand if it slips off the front handle and is also used to manually engage the chain brake. The CHAIN BRAKE itself is designed to automatically engage in response to kickback, stopping the saw chain in milliseconds, and can also be manually activated. An ON/OFF SWITCH allows for immediate engine shutdown when moved to the OFF position. A THROTTLE LOCKOUT prevents accidental acceleration of the engine, ensuring the throttle control cannot be squeezed unless the lockout is depressed. Finally, a CHAIN CATCHER is included to reduce the chance of injury if the saw chain breaks or derails by intercepting a whipping chain.
Before operating the chainsaw, users are instructed to read all safety rules and operating instructions carefully. The manual stresses the importance of being familiar with controls, knowing how to stop the unit quickly, and never allowing children or untrained adults to operate it. Proper personal protective equipment, including safety glasses or goggles, ear/hearing protection, a face mask or dust mask, a hard hat, safety boots, and protective gloves, is mandatory. Loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, and bare feet are prohibited.
The chainsaw requires a specific oil and fuel mixture (40:1 gasoline/oil ratio) using fresh, clean unleaded gasoline and 2-cycle engine oil designed for air-cooled engines. The manual provides detailed instructions for mixing fuel and fueling the unit, emphasizing safety precautions due to gasoline's flammability.
The starting procedure involves several steps, including ensuring the chain brake is disengaged, moving the On/Off switch to the On position, pressing the primer bulb multiple times until fuel is visible, pulling out the choke knob, and then pulling the starter rope with controlled, steady motions. The engine should be allowed to warm up for 30-60 seconds. The manual also provides instructions for emergency stopping by engaging the chain brake and moving the On/Off switch to the Off position.
The manual outlines basic cutting procedures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a firm, two-handed grip, standing in a stable position, and avoiding cutting above shoulder height or overreaching. Specific techniques for felling trees, removing buttress roots, making notched undercuts, felling back cuts, limbing, and bucking logs are detailed. Users are warned about kickback, pull-in, and linear kickback, providing illustrations and precautions to mitigate these risks. It is crucial to use the chainsaw only for cutting wood and wood-based materials, avoiding sheet metal, plastics, masonry, or other non-wood materials.
Regular maintenance is critical for the chainsaw's performance and longevity. The manual provides a detailed maintenance schedule, including checks for loose screws, damaged parts, saw chain sharpness, and chain brake functionality before each use.
Chain Oil: The chain oil reservoir must be filled with bar and chain oil, which continuously lubricates the saw chain to minimize friction and prevent damage. The oil flow can be adjusted using a flat-head screwdriver.
Chain Tension: Proper chain tension is essential for cutting performance and saw chain life. Instructions are given for adjusting tension, noting that new saw chains stretch and require frequent readjustment during the break-in period.
Guide Bar and Saw Chain: The guide bar and saw chain need to be removed for certain maintenance procedures, such as rotation or replacement. The manual provides step-by-step instructions for removal and installation, emphasizing the correct direction of saw chain rotation and proper tensioning. The guide bar groove and oil passages should be cleaned regularly, and the guide bar sprocket tip requires lubrication.
Saw Chain Sharpening: The saw chain must be kept sharp for safe and efficient operation. Indicators of a dull saw chain include small, powdery wood chips, the need to force the saw through wood, or the chain cutting to one side. Detailed instructions for sharpening the saw chain using a round file and depth gauge tool are provided, including correct angles and measurements.
Air Filter: The air filter needs regular cleaning to prevent poor performance and engine damage. The manual describes how to remove, wash, dry, and reinstall the air filter.
Idle Speed: Instructions are provided for adjusting the idle speed screw if the engine does not idle smoothly or if the saw chain moves at idle.
Spark Plug: The spark plug should be checked every 10 hours for condition and gap. Instructions for removing, inspecting, cleaning, gapping, and reinstalling the spark plug are included.
After each use, the chainsaw should be cleaned with a damp cloth, and debris should be blown from the cylinder fins using compressed air. For long-term storage (30 days or more), the fuel tank should be drained, and the engine run until it stalls to clear the carburetor. The spark plug should be removed, and a few drops of motor oil added to the cylinder before reinstalling the plug. The guide bar and saw chain should be lightly coated with corrosion-inhibiting oil, and the unit stored in a dry, well-ventilated area, out of reach of children. The manual notes that it is normal for bar and chain oil to seep from the unit during storage.
General| Bar Length | 18 inches |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 42cc |
| Weight | 13 lbs |
| Type | Gas |
| Chain Pitch | 0.325 in |
| Chain Gauge | 0.050 inch |
