Makita Chain Saw Installation instructions

Chain Saw
Safety Instructions

23
Checking the chain lubrication
N
Neverworkwiththechainsaw withoutesufficientchainlubrica-
tion.Otherwisetheservicelifeofthechainandguidebarwillbe
reduced.
Beforestartingworkchecktheoillevelinthetankandtheoilfeed.
Checkthe oilfeed rateas describedbelow:
- Startthe chainsaw.
- Holdtherunning chainsawapprox. 15cmabove a trunkor
theground(useanappropriatebase).
Ifthelubricationissufficient,youwillseealightoiltracebecause
oil will be flung off the sawing device.
M
Checking the safety chain brake
Do not work with the saw without first checking the chain
brake!
- Start the engine as described (make sure you have a good
footing,andplacethesawontheground in suchawaythat
the blade is free of contact).
- Grasp the tubular handle firmly with one hand and hold the
grip with the other.
- Withtheenginerunningatmoderatespeed,pressthehand
guard(C/1)inthedirectionofthearrowwiththebackofyour
handuntil the chain brake engages.The chain should stop
immediately.
- Immediately release the throttle and release the chain
brake.
IMPORTANT:If the chain does notstopimmediately when
youtestthechainbrake,doNOTusethesaw!Takethesaw
to a MAKITA service center.
CAUTION:
Optimumperfornancecanonlybeachievedifthecarbure-
tor is adjusted correctly. For this work, which should be
carriedoutbyanexpert,theenginemustbewarmedupfor
a period of 3-5 min. and the air filter must be clean.
The carburetor has been adjusted by MAKITA on the basis of
atmoshericpressureconditionsatsealevel.Otheratmospher-
ic pressure conditions or the running-in process of a new
engine may require readjustment of the carburetor.
It is urgently recommended to use a revolution indicator (O/1)
(order number 950 233 210) in order to achieve a correct
adjustment of the carburetor. Adjust the carburetor using a 4
mm screwdriver.
Thescrewdriver shown(O/2) (order number944 340001) has
a molded-on lug to assist in adjustment.
For adjusting the carburetor correctly the following steps
must be carried out:
1. Warm up engine
2. Switch off engine
3. Basic adjustment
4. Start engine
5. Set idle speed
6. Adjust speed
7. Check idling speed
8. Check acceleration
9. Check max. speed or output
10. Repeat adjustment procedure starting with step 5,until
idling speed, max. speed and acceleration are reached
with the adjustment made.
STOP
1
2
3
4
speed
O
1
2
6
Adjusting the carburetor
Basic adjustment (step 3)
- First, carefully turn the 2 adjusting screws for the main jet
(O/3) and the idle jet (O/4) to the right (clockwise) until you
feelthemstop.
- Nowturnbothscrews oneturntotheleft (counter-clockwise).
Set idle speed (step 5)
- If the chain turns when the engine is idling, unscrew the
throttle-valve stop screw (O/speed) until the chain stops. If
theenginerunsunevenly,screwthe screw (O/speed) back
in.
- Idling speed should be 2,600 rpm.
Adjust speed (output) (step 6)
- Adjust the speed by adjusting the main jet screw (O/3) to
11,500 rpm (DCS 340, 341), 12,000 rpm (DCS 400, 401).
Check idle speed (item 7)
- Afterhavingadjustedthemax.speedensuretheidlespeed
is set to 2,600 1rpm. (the chain must not turn). Use the idle
jetscrew(O/4)toregulateit.Turninthescrew(O/4)tospeed
up,and turnout thescrew (O/4) tospeed downthe engine.
Check acceleration (item 8)
- Now check the acceleration, i. e. the time necessary for
speeding up from idle speed to max. speed. To do this,
press the throttle lever hard.
- If the acceleration is too low, turn out the idle jet screw
(O/4) approx. 1/8 rotation.
Do not run the engine without load a high speed, open
throttle fully only, if you are sawing!
STOP
1
2

24
✓
✓
A
Working in winter
B
Inordertopreventcarburetoricinginconditionsoflowtemper-
ature combined with high humidity, and in order to get up to
operating temperature faster in subfreezing temperatures,
heatedair can be taken from the cylinder(marking (circled)on
insert in "snowflake" position).
At temperatures above freezing the carburetor must NOT be
fed heated air (marking (circled) on insert in "sun" position).
Failure to follow these instructions can lead to damage
to the cylinder and piston!
- Removethefiltercover(B/1).
- Position the universal wrench (B/2) as shown above and
pushthe insert (B/3) out by tapping thewrench.
- Puttheinsert(B/3)backinintheappropriateposition,i.e.with
the marking next to the sun symbol for normal operation or
thesnowflakesymbolforsubfreezingoperation.
- Replacefiltercover(B/1).
1
2
3
MAINTENANCE
Sharpening the saw chain
CAUTION:
Before doing any work on the guide bar or chain, always
switch off the engine and pull the plug cap off the
spark plug (see "Replacing the spark plug"). Always wear
protective gloves!
D
Proper sharpening:
CAUTION:
Useonlychains and guide bars designed for this saw(see
the Extract from the spare-parts list)!
- All cutters must be of the same length (dimension a).
Cutters with different lengths result in rough running of the
chain and can cause cracks in the chain.
- Minimum cutter length is 0.11" (3 mm). Do not resharpen
the chain when the minimum cutter length has been
reached; at this point, the chain must be replaced (see the
Extractfromthespare-partslistand"Replacingthechain").
- The depth of the cut is determined by the difference in
height between the depth limiter (round nose) and the
cutting edge.
- The best results are obtained with a depth-limiter depth
of 0.65 mm (.025").
CAUTION:
Excessive depth increases the risk of kickback!
subfreezingoperation
normaloperation
C
The chain needs sharpening when:
- The sawdust produced when sawing damp wood looks
like wood flour.
- The chain penetrates the wood only under great pressure.
- The cutting edge is visibly damaged.
- The saw is pulled to the left or right when sawing. This is
caused by uneven sharpening of the chain.
Important: Sharpen frequently, but without removing
too much metal!
Generally, 2 or 3 strokes of the file will be enough.
Have the chain resharpened at a service center when you
have already sharpened it yourself several times.
0.65 mm
(.025") 0.65 mm
(.025")
min.
3 mm (0.11”)
STOP

25
E
Files and how to work with them
- Use a special round file for chains (dia. 4 mm) for sharpe-
ning the chain. Normal round files are not appropriate for
this work. See "Accessories" for the order number.
- The file should cut only when pushed forwards (arrow).
Lift the file when leading it backwards.
- First sharpen the shortest cutter. The length of this cutter
is then the standerd for all other cutters of the chain.
- Always guide the file horizontally (90oto the guide bar).
- All cutters must be sharpened to the same angle, 30°.
Different angles result in a roughly, irregularly running
chain, increase wear and tear and cause chain breakage.
- The 85° front rake of the cutter results from the cut depth
oftheroundfile.Iftheproperfileisusedintherightmanner,
the correct front rake will be obtained automatically.
F
GH
- After having sharpened the chain, the height of the depth
limiter must be checked by means of a chain gauge. See
"Accessories" for the order number.
- Correct even the smallest excess height with a special flat
file (H). See "Accessories" for the order number.
- Round off the front of the depth limiter (I).
- The file holder makes file guidance easier. It is marked for
the correct 30° sharpening angle (keep the marks parallel
withthechainwhenfiling, seeillustration)andlimitsthecut
depth to the correct 4/5 of the file diameter. See "Accesso-
ries" for the order number.
30°
4/5
I
J
Regularly inspect the bearing surfaces of the guide bar for
damage, and clean them with a suitable tool.
If the saw is used intensively it will be necessary to lubricate
the return sprocket bearings regularly (once a week). To do
this,firstthoroughlycleanthe2mmholeatthetipoftheguide
bar,andthenpressinasmallamountofmulti-purposegrease.
Multi-purpose grease and grease guns are available as
accessories.
Multi-purpose grease (order no. 944 360 000)
Grease gun (order no. 944 350 000)
Cleaning the guide bar,
lubricating the sprocket nose
CAUTION:
Protective gloves must be worn.

26
Cleaning the brake band and sprocket interior
A1
2
3
4
5
6
7
STOP
CAUTION: Before doing any work on the guide bar or
chain, always switch off the engine and pull
theplugcapoffthe spark plug(see"Replacing
thesparkplug").Alwayswearprotectivegloves!
CAUTION: Start the chain saw only after having assem-
bled it completely and inspected!
- Remove the sprocket guard (A/1) (See "PUTTING INTO
OPERATION" figs. A and B).
- Turn the chain tightener screw (A/2) to the left (counter-
clockwise) until you feel resistance.
- Remove the chain (A/3) and guide bar (A/4).
- Clean the interior with a brush, in particular the brakeband
area (A/5).
NOTE:
Make sure that no residue or contaminants remain in the oil
guide groove (A/6) and the chain tightener (A/7).
- For replacing the guide bar, chain, and sprocket see
"PUTTINGINTOOPERATION".
NOTE:
The chain brake is a very important safety device and like
any other component subject to normal wear and tear.
Regularinspectionandmaintenanceareimportantforyour
ownsafety and must be donebya MAKITA service center.
Replacing the suction head
B
The felt filter (B/1) of the suction head can become clogged. It
is recommended to replace the suction head once every three
months in order to ensure unimpeded fuel flow to the car-
buretor. To remove the suction head for replacement, pull it
out through the tank filler neck using a piece of wire bent at
one end to form a hook.
1
Replacing the saw chain
CAUTION:
Useonlychainsandguidebarsdesignedfor this saw (see
the Extract from the spare-parts list)!
12
C
Check the sprocket (C/1) before mounting a new chain.
The sprocket is located underneath the clutch drum (C/2).
CAUTION:
Worn out sprockets (D) may damage the new chain and must
therefore be replaced.
Do not attempt to replace the sprocket yourself. Sprocket
replacement requires special training and tools and must be
done at a MAKITA service center.
D
Replacing / cleaning the spark arrester screen
E
The spark arrester screen should be checked and cleaned
regularly.
- Unscrew the muffler bolts (E/1) and remove the protective
screen (E/2).
- Carefully remove the muffler (E/3).
NOTE: If the muffler gasket (E/4) is damaged, replace it.
- Unscrew bolt (E/6) and remove the spark arrester screen
(E/5).
CAUTION:
Do not use sharp or pointed objects for screen cleaning.
Damaged or misformed screen wires may result.
- Reassemblethesparkarresterscreen(E/5)andtightenthe
screw (E/6).
- Tighten muffler bolts (E/1) to 5.6 +0.07 ft. lbs. (8.0 +0.1 Nm).
1
2
3
4
5
6

27
Electrode gap
The electrode gap must be .020" (0.5 mm).
Checking the ignition spark
- Pressthe loosened sparkplug withtheignition cablefirmly
connected against the cylinder using insulated pliers
(not near the spark plug opening).
- ON/OFF switch in the "I" (ON) position.
- Pull the starter cable hard.
If the function is correct, an ignition spark must be visible
near the electrodes.
Cleaningtheairfilter
EF
- Remove the filter cover (E/1) (2 screws).
CAUTION:
Pressthechoke(E/2)uptoshutthechokevalveand toprevent
dirt particles from entering the carburetor.
- Pull the air filter (E/3) off the carburetor.
- Cover the carburetor with a clean cloth.
- Graspthe top andbottom sectionsofthe airfilteras shown
in figure F and pull apart.
CAUTION: To prevent injury to the eyes, do NOT blow out
dirt particles!
Do not use fuel to clean the air filter.
- Clean the air filter with a soft brush.
- If the filter is very dirty, clean it in lukewarm water with
dishwashingdetergent.
- Letthe air filterdry completely.
- Putthe top andbottom sectionsbacktogether.
- Beforere-installingtheairfilter,checkthechokevalvefordirt
particles.If there are any, remove them witha brush.
Ifthefilterisverydirty,cleanitfrequently(severaltimesaday),
becauseonly a cleanair filterprovidesfull enginepower.
CAUTION: Replace damaged air filters immediately.
Pieces of cloth or large dirt particles can destroy the
engine!
G
Replacingthesparkplug
STOP
1
2
3
1
H.020"(0.5mm).
CAUTION:
Do not touch the spark plug or plug cap if the engine is
running (high voltage).
Switchofftheenginebeforestartinganymaintenancework.
A hot engine can cause burns. Wear protective gloves!
The spark plug must be replaced in case of damage to the
insulator, electrode erosion (burn) or if the electrodes are very
dirty or oily.
- Removethe filter cover(see "Cleaningtheair filter"above,
Fig. E/1).
- Pull the plug cap (G/1) off the spark plug. Use only the
combination wrench supplied with the saw to remove the
spark plug.
CAUTION: Use only the following spark plugs:
NGK BPMR 6F or CHAMPION RDJ-7Y.
STOP

28
Instructions for daily and periodic maintenance
To ensure a long servicelife and to prevent any damage the maintenance work described in the following must be performed
regularly. The product guarantee will be automatically invalidated if this maintenance is not carried out regularly and according to
the instructions.
Performthefollowingservicingworkdailyafteruse.Makeahabitofit,itdoesnotrequiremuchtimeandyoursawwillalwaysfunction
properly.
Possibly hidden faults can be detected in this manner before causing expensive and annoying interruptions of your work. In case
you should detect a fault in the safety equipment when performing daily servicing, the saw must not be used before elimination of
the fault. The user of the chain saw must not perform maintenance work which is not described in the instruction manual. All such
work must be carried out by a MAKITA service center.
General Chain saw Clean exterior, check for damage. In case of damage,
have repaired by a qualified service center immediately
Saw chain Sharpen regulary, replace in good time 24-25
Chain brake Have inspected regularly at an authorized service center
Guide bar Turn over to ensure even wear of bearing surfaces
Replace in good time 19
Before each start Saw chain Inspect for damage and sharpness 24
Check chain tension 19
Guide bar Check for damage
Chain lubrication Functional check 23
Chain brake Functional check 20
OFF switch,
Safety locking button,
Throttle lever Functional check 22
Fuel/oil tank
plug Check for tightness
Every day Air filter Clean 27
Guide bar Check for damage, clean oil intake bore 22
Guide bar support Clean, in particular the oil guide groove 22, 26
Idle speed Check that a sufficient difference is existing between
idlind speed and engaging speed, to ensure that the chain
is in standstill while the engine is idling. 23
Every week Fan housing Clean to ensure proper air cooling
Carburetor interior Clean (remove filter cover for access) 27
Chain brake Clean the brake band (sawdust, oil) 26
Spark plug Check and replace if necessary 27
Muffler Check tightness of mounting, clean spark arrester screen 26
Chain guide Check 25
Every 3 months Suction head Replace 26
Fuel, oil tanks Clean
Storage Chain saw Clean exterior, check for damage. In case of damage,
have repaired by a qualified service center immediately
Guide bar/chain Demount, clean and oil slightly
Clean the guide groove 26
Fuel, oil tanks Empty and clean
Carburetor Run empty
Page
Service, spare parts and guarantee
Maintenance and repair
The maintenance and repair of modern engines as well as all safety devices require qualified technical training and a special
workshop equipped with special tools and testing devices.
We therefore recommend that you consult a MAKITA service center for all work not described in this instruction manual.
The MAKITA service centers have all the necessary equipment and skilled and experienced personnel, who can work out cost-
effective solutions and advise you in all matters.
Please contact the general agent or importer indicated on the back cover of this Instruction Manual, who will gladly provide you with
the address of your nearest MAKITA service center.

29
Malfunction System Observation Cause
Chain does not run Chainbrake Engineruns Chainbrakeactuated.
Enginedoes not startor Ignitionsystem Ignitionspark Malfunctioninfuelsupplysystem,com-
onlywithdifficulty pressionsystem,mechanicalmalfunction.
Noignitionspark SwitchonSTOP, faultor short-circuitin the
wiring,plugcap orsparkplug defective.
Fuelsupply Fuel tankis filled Chokeinwrongposition,carburetordefective,
suctionheaddirty,fuel line bentorinterrupted.
Compression Inside Cylinderbasepackingringdefective,radial
system shaftpackingsdefective,cylinderorpistonrings
defective
Outside Sparkplug doesnot seal.
Mechanical Starterdoesnotengage Springinstarterbroken,brokenparts
malfunction insidetheengine.
Warmstartdifficulties Carburetor Fueltank isfilled Wrongcarburetoradjustment.
Ignitionspark
Enginestarts,but Fuelsupply Fuel tankis filled Wrongidlingadjustment,suctionheador
diesimmediately carburetordirty.Tankventingdefective,fuelline
interrupted,cabledefective,STOPswitch
defective.Startingvalvedirty(DCS341/401).
Insufficientpower Severalsystems Engineisidling Airfilterdirty,wrongcarburetoradjustment,
maybeinvolved mufflerclogged,exhaustchannelincylinder
simultaneously clogged.
Nochainlubrication Oiltank/pump No oil on the chain Oil tankempty.
Oilguidegroovedirty.
Oil-pump adjusting screw incorrectly adjusted.
Spare parts
Reliable long-term operation, as well as the safety of your chain saw, depend among other things on the quality of the spare parts
used. Use only original MAKITA parts, marked
Only original spare parts and accessories guarantee the highest quality in material, dimensions and function.
Original spare parts and accessories can be obtained from your local dealer. He will also have the spare part lists to determine the
required spare part numbers, and will be constantly informed about the latest improvements and spare part innovations.
PleasebearinmindthatifpartsotherthanoriginalMAKITAsparepartsareused,thiswillautomaticallyinvalidatetheMAKITAproduct
guarantee.
Guarantee
MAKITA guarantees the highest quality and will therefore reimburse all costs for repair by replacement of damaged parts resulting
frommaterialorproductionfaultsoccurringwithintheguaranteeperiodafterpurchase. Please note that insomecountriesparticular
guarantee conditions may exist. If you have any questions, please contact your salesman, who is responsible for the guarantee of
the product.
Please note that we cannot accept any responsibility for damage caused by:
• Disregard of the instruction manual.
• Non-performance of the required maintenance and cleaning.
• Incorrect carburetor adjustment.
• Normal wear and tear.
• Obvious overloading due to permanent exceeding of the upper performance limits.
• Use of guide bars and chains which have not been approved.
• Use of guide bar and chain lengths which have not been approved.
• Use of force, improper use, misuse or accidents.
• Damage from overheating due to dirt on the fan housing.
• Work on the chain saw by unskilled persons or inappropriate repairs.
• Use of unsuitable spare parts or parts which are not original MAKITA parts, insofar as they have caused the damage.
• Use of unsuitable or old oil.
• Damage related to conditions arising from lease or rent contracts.
Cleaning, servicing and adjustment work is not covered by the guarantee. All repairs covered by the guarantee must be performed
by a MAKITA service center.
Troubleshootig

30
1
2
3
46
5
7
8
9
10 11 12 13
21
23
22
24 25
26
27
18 19
17
16 (2)
15 (2)
20
14
Extract from the spare parts list
Use only original MAKITA parts. For repairs and replacement of other parts, see
your MAKITA service center.
Accessories (not delivered with the chain saw)
21 953 100 090 1 Chain gauge
22 953 004 010 1 File handle
23 953 003 090 1 Round file, dia. 4 mm
24 953 003 060 1 Flat file
25 953 030 010 1 File holder
(with 4 mm dia. round file)
26 944 340 001 1 Carburetor screwdriver
27 950 233 210 1 Tachometer
- 949 000 031 1 Combined can
(for 5l fuel, 2.5l oil)
DCS 340 / DCS 341
DCS 400 / DCS 401
Pos. MAKITA-No. Qty. Denomination
1 442 030 661 1 Sprocket nose bar 30 cm (12")
442 035 661 1 Sprocket nose bar 35 cm (14")
442 040 661 1 Sprocket nose bar 40 cm (16")
2 522 092 646 1 Saw chain 3/8" for 30 cm
522 092 652 1 Saw chain 3/8" for 35 cm
522 092 656 1 Saw chain 3/8" for 40 cm
3 952 100 633 1 Chain protection for 30-40 cm
4 028 213 670 1 Sprocket guard, cpl.
5 923 208 004 1 Hexagonal nut M8
6 941 716 131 1 Universal wrench SW 13/16
7 010 114 010 1 Suction head
8 965 603 018 1 Spark plug NGK BPMR 6F
9 028 173 141 1 Air filter
10 010 114 050 1 Fuel tank plug, cpl.
11 963 224 035 1 O-Ring 24 x 3.5
12 965 450 040 1 Oil tank plug, cpl.
13 963 100 041 1 Gasket
14 965 524 062 1 Gasket
15 928 405 000 2 Spring washer
16 908 205 605 2 Fillister screw
17 021 174 111 1 Protective screen
18 915 135 100 1 Screw 3.5 x 9.5
19 021 174 340 1 Spark arrester screen
20 021 174 320 1 Muffler