Craftsman 9096-31B202 316350840 User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

I
ilambertJul 29, 2025
Why won't my Craftsman 9096-31B202 316350840 Chainsaw start?
- M
  Mr. Kevin EllisJul 29, 2025
  Several factors can prevent your Craftsman Chainsaw from starting. You may be using incorrect starting procedures, so refer to the Starting/Stopping section for guidance. The carburetor mixture adjustment setting might be off, requiring adjustment by a qualified service dealer. A fouled spark plug could be the culprit, needing cleaning, gapping, or replacement. Ensure the fuel tank isn't empty and is filled with properly mixed fuel. Lastly, make sure you've pressed the primer bulb fully and slowly 10 times.
E
Eric KramerAug 3, 2025
How to fix a Craftsman 9096-31B202 316350840 Chainsaw that runs erratically?
- E
  Ernest ParksAug 3, 2025
  If your Craftsman Chainsaw runs erratically, check these potential causes: An incorrectly gapped spark plug can cause erratic running; clean, gap, or replace the plug. A plugged spark arrestor can also be the reason; clean or replace the spark arrestor. A dirty air filter might be the culprit; clean or replace the air filter.
V
vanessaaveryAug 8, 2025
What to do if my Craftsman 9096-31B202 316350840 has no power under load?
- C
  Christine NguyenAug 9, 2025
  If your Craftsman Chainsaw lacks power under load, several issues could be responsible. The carburetor mixture adjustment setting may be incorrect, requiring adjustment by a qualified service dealer. Old or improperly mixed fuel can cause this problem; drain the gas tank and add a fresh fuel mixture. A plugged air filter can also restrict power, so try replacing or cleaning it. Finally, a fouled spark plug might be the cause, so replace or clean it.
C
Carol KennedyAug 14, 2025
Why does my Craftsman 9096-31B202 316350840 start but have low power?
- J
  Janet FergusonAug 14, 2025
  If your Craftsman Chainsaw starts but has low power, consider these potential causes: A plugged fuel filter restricts fuel flow, so replace it. Ensure the lever is in Position 3. A dirty spark arrestor screen can also reduce power; replace it. A dirty air filter can also be the cause, so remove, clean, and reinstall the filter. The carburetor mixture adjustment setting might be off, requiring adjustment by a qualified service dealer.
M
Marissa SmithAug 18, 2025
What causes a Craftsman Chainsaw engine to hesitate?
- H
  Heather HallAug 18, 2025
  A Craftsman Chainsaw engine may hesitate due to several reasons: The carburetor mixture adjustment setting might be incorrect and needs adjustment by a qualified service dealer. A plugged air filter can also cause hesitation; replace or clean the air filter. Old or improperly mixed fuel is another potential cause; drain the gas tank and add a fresh fuel mixture.
E
Emily WilliamsAug 25, 2025
Why is my Craftsman Chainsaw smoking excessively?
- P
  Patrick DouglasAug 25, 2025
  Excessive smoke from your Craftsman Chainsaw can be attributed to: An incorrect carburetor mixture adjustment setting, which requires adjustment by a qualified service dealer. Or an incorrect fuel mixture; ensure you are using properly mixed fuel (40:1 mixture).

Craftsman 9096-31B202 316350840 Specifications

General

Brand	Craftsman
Model	9096-31B202 316350840
Category	Chainsaw
Language	English

Summary

Rules for Safe Operation

Important Safety Instructions

Key safety guidelines to read and follow before operating the chain saw.

Operate Your Saw Safely

Guidance on safe operating practices, including posture, fatigue, and environmental conditions.

Maintain Your Saw in Good Working Order

Instructions on keeping the chain saw in proper working condition for safe operation.

Handle Fuel with Caution

Precautions and procedures for safely handling gasoline and mixing fuel for the chain saw.

Kickback Safety Precautions

Essential advice to prevent and manage dangerous kickback incidents.

Other Safety Precautions

Additional safety measures covering one-handed operation, fatigue, and bystander safety.

Fuel Safety

Detailed safety warnings and procedures related to gasoline flammability and refueling.

Safety and International Symbols

Explanation of safety symbols and pictographs used in the operator's manual.

Know Your Saw

Chain Saw Components

Identification and overview of the various parts of the chain saw.

Safety Features

Description of built-in safety mechanisms like the stop switch and chain brake.

Kickback Specifics

Rotational Kickback

Explanation of how rotational kickback occurs and the associated dangers.

Pinch Kickback

Details on pinch kickback, its causes, and potential for rapid backward movement.

Oil and Fuel Information

Oil and Fuel Mixing Instructions

Essential guide for correctly mixing 2-cycle oil and gasoline for optimal engine performance.

Using Blended Fuels

Precautions and recommendations when using gasoline blends containing alcohol.

Using Fuel Additives

Information on using fuel additives to prevent corrosion and gum deposits.

Starting and Stopping Instructions

Before Starting Engine

Prerequisites and checks required before attempting to start the engine.

Guide Bar and Chain Oil

Importance of lubricating the guide bar and chain and how to fill the oil tank.

Fueling the Engine

Step-by-step instructions for safely refueling the chain saw with the correct fuel mixture.

Chain Brake

Information on the chain brake mechanism and its engagement/disengagement.

Important Points to Remember

Key considerations for starting the engine, including rope pulling and choke usage.

Stopping Instructions

Procedure for safely stopping the chain saw engine.

Starting a Cold Engine

Detailed steps for starting the chain saw engine when it is cold.

Starting a Warm Engine

Instructions for starting the chain saw engine when it is already warm.

Chain Brake Test

Procedure to verify the correct functioning of the chain brake safety feature.

Chain Lubrication

Ensuring adequate lubrication of the saw chain and guide bar for optimal performance.

Automatic Oiler

Information on the automatic oiling system and how to adjust oil flow.

Operating Instructions

Felling

Comprehensive guide on safely cutting down trees, including notch cuts and felling cuts.

Limbing

Process of removing branches from a fallen tree after bucking.

Bucking

Instructions for cutting a fallen log into manageable lengths.

Bucking Using a Sawhorse

Guidance on proper positioning and technique when bucking logs with a sawhorse.

Maintenance and Repair Instructions

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance procedures based on time intervals or hours of operation.

Customer Responsibility

Outlines the owner's role in maintaining the chain saw for optimal performance and longevity.

Removing Guide Bar and Chain

Step-by-step instructions for safely removing the guide bar and chain from the saw.

Replacing Guide Bar and Chain

Procedure for installing a new guide bar and chain onto the chain saw.

Saw Chain Tension Adjustment

Critical steps for ensuring proper chain tension for safety and cutting efficiency.

Chain Brake Mechanical Test

Procedure to test the functionality and responsiveness of the chain brake.

Check for Damaged or Worn Parts

Guidance on inspecting the saw for worn or damaged components.

Check for Loose Fasteners and Parts

Instructions for checking and tightening all nuts, bolts, and other fasteners.

Air Filter

Procedure for cleaning and maintaining the air filter for engine health.

Fuel Filter

Guidance on replacing the fuel filter to ensure proper fuel delivery.

Oil Filter

Instructions for draining the oil reservoir and replacing the oil filter.

Spark Plug

Procedure for inspecting, gapping, or replacing the spark plug for efficient ignition.

Spark Arrester Screen

Instructions for cleaning or replacing the spark arrester screen to maintain performance.

Carburetor Adjustment

Information regarding carburetor adjustments, recommending professional service.

Storing a Chain Saw

Steps for proper long-term storage of the chain saw to prevent fuel system issues.

Removing a Unit from Storage

Procedure for preparing the chain saw for use after a period of storage.

Guide Bar Maintenance

Recommendations for maintaining the guide bar to ensure proper lubrication and minimize wear.

Saw Chain / Bar Lubrication

Ensuring adequate lubrication of the saw chain and guide bar for optimal cutting performance.

Automatic Oiler

Information on the automatic oiling system and how to adjust the oil flow.

Chain Sharpening

Guidance on sharpening the saw chain, recommending professional service if needed.

Chain Replacement Information

Details on bar length, drive links, and part numbers for chain replacement.

Inertia Chain Brake Action

Explanation of how the inertia chain brake activates during kickback events.

Troubleshooting

Unit Won't Start or Starts But Will Not Run

Common causes and solutions for engine starting and running problems.

Unit Starts, But Engine Has Low Power

Troubleshooting steps for addressing issues with reduced engine power.

Engine Hesitates

Causes and remedies for the engine hesitating or sputtering during operation.

No Power Under Load

Solutions for when the chain saw loses power when subjected to a load.

Runs Erratically

Identifying and fixing causes for the engine running unevenly or erratically.

Smokes Excessively

Troubleshooting steps for excessive smoke from the engine, often related to fuel mixture.

Specifications

Parts List

California / EPA Emission Control Warranty Statement

Your Warranty Rights and Obligations

Explanation of consumer rights and responsibilities regarding the emission control warranty.

Owner's Warranty Responsibilities

Key duties of the engine owner to maintain warranty coverage.

Manufacturer's Warranty Coverage

Details on what the manufacturer covers under the warranty and for how long.

Repair Protection Agreements

Get It Fixed, At Your Home or Ours!

Your Home Service

Information on in-home repair services for appliances, lawn equipment, and heating/cooling systems.

Our Home Service

Details on carry-in repair services for vacuums, electronics, and other items at Sears Centers.

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Craftsman 9096-31B202 316350840 User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Craftsman 9096-31B202 316350840 Specifications

Summary

Rules for Safe Operation

Important Safety Instructions

Operate Your Saw Safely

Maintain Your Saw in Good Working Order

Handle Fuel with Caution

Kickback Safety Precautions

Other Safety Precautions

Fuel Safety

Safety and International Symbols

Know Your Saw

Chain Saw Components

Safety Features

Kickback Specifics

Rotational Kickback

Pinch Kickback

Oil and Fuel Information

Oil and Fuel Mixing Instructions

Using Blended Fuels

Using Fuel Additives

Starting and Stopping Instructions

Before Starting Engine

Guide Bar and Chain Oil

Fueling the Engine

Chain Brake

Important Points to Remember

Stopping Instructions

Starting a Cold Engine

Starting a Warm Engine

Chain Brake Test

Chain Lubrication

Automatic Oiler

Operating Instructions

Felling

Limbing

Bucking

Bucking Using a Sawhorse

Maintenance and Repair Instructions

Maintenance Schedule

Customer Responsibility

Removing Guide Bar and Chain

Replacing Guide Bar and Chain

Saw Chain Tension Adjustment

Chain Brake Mechanical Test

Check for Damaged or Worn Parts

Check for Loose Fasteners and Parts

Air Filter

Fuel Filter

Oil Filter

Spark Plug

Spark Arrester Screen

Carburetor Adjustment

Storing a Chain Saw

Removing a Unit from Storage

Guide Bar Maintenance

Saw Chain / Bar Lubrication

Automatic Oiler

Chain Sharpening

Chain Replacement Information

Inertia Chain Brake Action

Troubleshooting

Unit Won't Start or Starts But Will Not Run

Unit Starts, But Engine Has Low Power

Engine Hesitates

No Power Under Load

Runs Erratically

Smokes Excessively

Specifications

Parts List

California / EPA Emission Control Warranty Statement

Your Warranty Rights and Obligations

Owner's Warranty Responsibilities

Manufacturer's Warranty Coverage

Repair Protection Agreements

Get It Fixed, At Your Home or Ours!

Your Home Service