Craftsman 16 Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman 16 Chainsaw is a gas-powered, 16-inch bar chainsaw designed for general-purpose cutting, pruning, and limbing. It features a 42cc 2-cycle engine, automatic oiler, chain brake, low-kickback chain, and anti-vibration system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42cc 2-cycle engine, 16-inch guide bar, low-kickback chain, automatic chain oiler, chain brake, anti-vibration handles, primer bulb, choke control, and throttle lockout.

Feature	Description
Engine	42cc 2-cycle air-cooled gasoline engine
Guide Bar	16-inch Oregon-style bar
Chain	Low-kickback safety chain, 3/8" pitch
Oiler	Automatic chain lubrication system
Safety	Inertia-activated chain brake
Vibration	Anti-vibration system for reduced fatigue
Starting	Primer bulb and choke for easy cold starts
Throttle	Lockout switch to prevent accidental acceleration
Weight	Approximately 10.5 lbs (without fuel)
Warranty	2-year limited warranty

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear protective gear.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
2. Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within 15 feet.
3. Inspect Chainsaw: Check for loose parts, chain tension, and leaks before each use.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Allow engine to cool.
5. Kickback Awareness: Hold saw firmly with both hands; do not cut with tip of bar.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous. Failure to follow safety rules can result in serious injury or death. Keep hands away from chain. Never operate while tired or under the influence.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires attaching guide bar and chain, and adding fuel/oil.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar onto sprocket, loop chain around bar with cutters facing forward, tension chain appropriately.
2. Fill Chain Oil: Use SAE 30 weight bar & chain oil. Fill oil tank to marked level.
3. Fuel Mix: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) mixed with 2-cycle oil at 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).
4. Initial Start: Place on flat ground, engage chain brake, set choke, pull starter cord until engine fires.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is engaged during assembly and starting. Keep chain away from body and objects.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 42cc
• Engine Type: 2-cycle, air-cooled
• Fuel Capacity: 12.5 fl oz (370 ml)
• Oil Capacity: 7.0 fl oz (207 ml)
• Guide Bar Length: 16 inches
• Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch
• Chain Gauge: 0.050 inch
• Drive Links: 55
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front handle 4.5 m/s², Rear handle 5.2 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main controls located on top and rear handle.

Top Handle: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke lever, primer bulb, stop switch.

Rear Handle: Chain brake lever, front hand guard, rear grip.

Right Side: Fuel cap, oil cap, starter grip.

Left Side: Chain tensioning screw, bar nuts.

Operation: Press throttle lockout while squeezing throttle to accelerate. Push hand guard forward to engage chain brake. Choke for cold starts, run position for warm starts.

Fuel & Oil

Use proper fuel mix and bar oil for optimal performance and longevity.

1. Fuel: Fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane min) mixed with 2-cycle engine oil at 40:1 ratio.
2. Bar & Chain Oil: Use SAE 30 weight or manufacturer-recommended oil. Check level frequently.
3. Refueling: Stop engine and allow to cool. Clean area around caps. Wipe spills immediately.
4. Disposal: Dispose of old fuel/oil at approved recycling center.

Tip: Never use automotive motor oil, dirty fuel, or fuel older than 30 days.

Operation

Starting, cutting techniques, and shutdown procedures.

1. Starting (Cold): Engage chain brake, set choke to full, press primer bulb 5 times, pull starter cord until engine fires, set choke to half, pull again until running, then set choke to run.
2. Starting (Warm): Engage chain brake, set choke to run, pull starter cord.
3. Cutting: Use lower part of bar; avoid tip to prevent kickback. Let saw do the work; do not force.
4. Shutdown: Release throttle, allow engine to idle, press stop switch. Engage chain brake for storage.

WARNING! Always operate with both hands. Be aware of pinch points, falling branches, and reactive forces.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures safety and performance.

Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter. Inspect for damage.

Weekly: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, clean fuel filter.

Monthly: Clean clutch area, check bar for wear, replace spark plug if needed.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Use only Craftsman-approved parts.

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely.

1. Secure Bar: Engage chain brake, clamp bar in vise.
2. File Size: Use 5/32" round file for 3/8" pitch chain.
3. Filing Angle: Maintain 30° angle. File each cutter evenly.
4. Depth Gauges: Use depth gauge tool to set raker height (0.025" for standard chain).
5. Test: Chain should pull wood chips, not dust.

Tip: Sharpen chain every 1-2 hours of use or when cutting becomes difficult.

Storage

Prepare chainsaw for extended storage.

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Clean entire saw.
3. Store in dry, cool place, away from children and flammable materials.
4. Cover to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Fuel degradation can damage engine.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, flooded, bad spark plug	Check fuel, wait if flooded, replace spark plug.
Engine runs then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter	Replace fuel filter, clean air filter.
Chain doesn't turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn	Disengage brake, inspect clutch.
Chain throws oil	Overfilled oil tank, wrong oil	Drain excess, use correct bar oil.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners, sharpen chain evenly.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, low chain tension	Sharpen chain, adjust tension.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Craftsman service center. Do not attempt major repairs unless qualified.

Support: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com