Shindaiwa 300S Owner's manual

OWNER’S/OPERATOR’S MANUAL
SHINDAIWA MODELS 300S,
360, 377, CHAIN SAW
WARNING!
Minimize the risk of injury to yourself and others! Read
this manual and familiarize yourself with the contents.
Always wear eye and hearing protection when operating
this unit.
Part Number 72363-93115 Rev. 02/08

2
Introductions
The Shindaiwa 300-series chain saws
are designed and built to deliver
superior performance and reliability
without compromise to quality,
comfort, safety, or durability. Shin-
daiwa high performance engines
represent the leading edge of 2-cycle
engine technology, and deliver
exceptionally high power at remark-
ably low displacement and weight. As
a professional owner/operator, you'll
soon discover why Shindaiwa is
simply in a class by itself.
IMPORTANT!
The information contained in this
manual describes units available at
the time of production. While every
attempt has been made to give you
the very latest information about your
Shindaiwa 300-series chain saw,
there may be some differences
between your saw and what is
described here. Shindaiwa Inc.
reserves the right to make changes in
production without prior notice, and
without obligation to make alterations
to units previously manufactured.
WARNING!
The engine exhaust from this
product contains chemicals known
to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
PAGE
Contents
Attention Statements........................... 3
Safety Information ............................... 4
Unit Description .................................. 9
Specifications ..................................... 10
Installing Guide Bar/Chain ............. 11
Adjusting the Saw Chain .................. 13
Mixing/Filling Fuel .................... 14, 15
Bar Oil................................................. 15
Starting the Engine ........................... 16
Stopping the Engine.......................... 17
Starting a Flooded Engine................ 18
Carburetor Adjustments ................... 19
Chain Brake ....................................... 21
Cutting with the Saw ......................... 23
Felling Trees ...................................... 24
Bucking/Limbing .............................. 26
Maintenance ...................................... 27
Saw Chain Performance ................... 30
Troubleshooting ................................ 32
Emission System Warranty .............. 35

3
Attention Statements
Read and follow the Operator's
Manual. Failure to do so could
result in serious injury.
Wear eye and hearing protection
at all times during the operation
of this unit.
Do not operate this tool if you
are tired, ill or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs, or
medicine.
Beware of Kickback! Kickback
can occur whenever the tip of
the guide bar touches an object
while the saw is operating.
Kickback may force the bar up
and back toward the operator
with a lightning-fast reaction!
Pinching the saw along the top
of the guide bar may force the
bar rapidly back toward the
operator. Pinching can occur
whenever wood closes in
around the moving chain.
All chain saw service, other than the items listed in the owner's manual mainte-
nance instructions, should be performed by trained Shindaiwa chain saw
service personnel. (For example, if improper tools are used to remove the
flywheel , or if an improper tool is used to hold the flywheel in order to remove
the clutch, structural damage to the flywheel could occur and could subse-
quently cause the flywheel to burst.)
Throughout this manual are special
“attention statements”.
CAUTION!
A statement preceded by the word
“CAUTION” contains information
that should be acted upon to
prevent mechanical damage.
WARNING!
A statement preceded by the
triangular attention symbol and
the word “WARNING” contains
information that should be acted
upon to prevent serious bodily
injury.
NOTE:
A statement preceded by the word
“NOTE” contains information that is
handy to know and may make your
job easier.
IMPORTANT!
A statement preceded by the word
“IMPORTANT” is one that possesses
special significance.

4
Kickback Safety
WARNING!
Kickback can
happen
lightning-fast!
This saw is equipped with the follow-
ing safety equipment:
1. Manual chain brake.
2. Low kick chain.
䡵Activating the chain brake tightens
a brake band around the chain
drive mechanism, stopping all
chain rotation. The chain brake can
be activated manually, and is also
designed to activate when kickback
energy forces the brake lever
against the operator's left hand.
䡵Low-kick chain that can signifi-
cantly reduce the rotational force of
kickback.
WARNING!
䡵Some Bars are manufactured with a
reduced-radius (smaller) nose. This
special guide bar can reduce
kickback by placing fewer cutters
in the kick- back zone.
To reduce the risk of kickback, all
of the above devices must be
properly installed and in good
repair! Use of other than ANSI
B175.1- 2000 combinations may
result in reduced kickback
protection!
WARNING!
Brake engagement and operation
depend upon proper adjustment!
For proper chain brake testing
and adjustment procedures, see
page 21.

5
WARNING!
Either of the following reactions
could cause you to lose control of
your saw while cutting, possibly
resulting in serious injury!
1. Kickback can occur whenever the
guide bar nose or tip contact an
object while the saw is running.
Tip contact may cause the guide
bar to kick upward and back
toward the operator, with a
lightning-fast reaction!
2. Pinching the saw along the top of
the guide bar may push the guide
bar rapidly back toward the
operator! Pinching can occur
whenever wood closes in around
the moving chain!
Do not rely exclusively on the safety
devices incorporated with your saw.
As a chain saw user, observing the
following steps will also help you to
avoid accident or injury on the job:
■Sudden surprise can contribute to
accidents! With a basic under-
standing of kickback, you can
reduce or eliminate the element of
surprise.
■Clear obstructions from the work
area before cutting. Remove any
log, branch, or other obstruction
that might contact the guide bar
tip during cutting operations.
Kickback Safety Precautions
■Grip the saw firmly with your right
hand on the rear handle and your
left hand on the front handle,
thumbs and fingers encircling the
handles, whenever the saw is
running. Don't let go: A firm grip
will help you to reduce kickback
while maintaining control of the
saw.
■Accelerate the saw before the
chain contacts the work area, and
always maintain high engine
speeds throughout the cut.
■Do not overreach or attempt to cut
above shoulder height.
■Follow the manufacturer's
instructions for sharpening and
maintenance of the saw chain.
■Use only the replacement bar and
chain combinations specified by
the manufacturer.
■Never stand directly over the saw
while cutting!
■Use low-kickback chain, chain
brakes, or special guide bars to
reduce the risk of kickback. Low
kickback chain is chain that has
met the kickback performance
requirements of ANSI B175.1-
1991 (American National Standard
for Power Tools-Gasoline Powered
Chain Saws-Safety requirements)
when tested on the representative
sample of chain saws below 3.8
c.i.d. specified in ANSI B175.1-
2000.

6
WARNING!
NOTE:
These safety precautions are
intended primarily for consumers or
occasional users. When using this
chain saw for logging purposes, refer
to: CFR Section 1910. 266 (5); 2.5.1
of the American National Safety
Standard; Requirements for Pulp-
wood Logging ANSI 03.1-1978; and
any applicable state safety codes.
■Never operate this chain saw with
one hand! One-handed operation
could cause you to lose control,
causing serious injury to yourself
or others! A chain saw is intended
for two-handed use.
■Wear safety footwear, snug-fitting
clothing, protective gloves, and
eye, hearing, and head-protection
devices while working with this
chain saw.
■Do not allow other persons to be
near the chain saw when starting
or running the chain saw. Keep
bystanders and animals out of the
work area.
■Never allow young children or any
person unfamiliar with chain saws
to operate this saw!
■Clear the work area before using
the saw. Never start cutting until
you are sure you have a secure
footing and have planned a retreat
path from the falling tree.
■Before starting the saw engine,
make sure nothing is touching the
saw chain.
■Keep all parts of your body away
from the saw chain whenever the
engine is running!
■Stop the engine before carrying
the saw. Carry the saw with the
engine stopped, the guide bar and
saw chain pointing to the rear, and
the engine muffler away from your
body.
■Never operate this chain saw if
you are fatigued.
■Stop the engine before setting the
chain saw down.
Additional Safety Precautions

7
WARNING!
■Install the appropriate guide-bar
scabbard before transporting the
saw.
■Never operate a saw that is
damaged, improperly adjusted, or
not completely and securely
assembled.
■Use only Shindaiwa-recommended
parts when repairing or servicing
this saw.
■Do not use this saw if the saw
chain continues to move after the
throttle control trigger is released.
■Use extra care when cutting a
limb that is under tension! A limb
under tension could spring back
suddenly, causing you to lose
control of the saw!
■Use extreme caution when cutting
smaller brush and saplings! Small-
diameter material may catch in the
chain and be whipped toward you
or pull you off balance, causing
you to lose control of the saw!
■Operate the saw only in a well
ventilated area.
■Keep the saw handles dry, clean
and free of oil or fuel mixture.
■Never operate any saw while in a
tree unless you have been specifi-
cally trained to do so!
■Never perform service or repairs
to this saw unless you are specifi-
cally trained and equipped to do
so!
■Improper maintenance, use of
nonconforming replacement
components, or the removal of
safety devices, such as the chain
brake or any of the chain brake
components, could result in
serious injury.
■Never allow any part of your body
near the clutch cover of an
operating saw.
■Never operate a saw with dam-
aged or missing anti-vibration
cushions. Long-term exposure to
vibration can damage your hands.
■Always maintain a firm footing
while operating this saw! Ladders
and other temporary platforms can
shift unexpectedly, and are not
recommended!
Additional Safety Precautions (cont.)

8
IMPORTANT!
Safety and Operation Information
Labels: Make sure all information
labels are undamaged and read-
able. Immediately replace damaged
or missing information labels. New
labels are available from your local
authorized Shindaiwa dealer.
Safety Labels
For replacement,
use Shindaiwa
䉸
brand 14" or 16"
Guard-Tip bar with
Oregon
䉸
91SG
chain. Other low-
kick cominations
may be available.
WARNING!
Read and follow all safety
precautions in the
owner's manual. Failure
to follow instructions
could result in serious
personal injury.
This saw is equiped
with a USDA-FS
approved model 360
muffler system.

9
IMPORTANT!
The operational procedures described in this manual are intended to help
you get the most from this unit and also to protect you and others from harm.
These procedures are general guidelines only, and are not intended to
replace any additional safety rules or laws that may be in force in your area.
If you have any questions regarding your Shindaiwa chain saw, or if you do
not understand something in this manual, your Shindaiwa dealer will be glad
to assist you. For additional information, you may also contact Shindaiwa Inc.
at the address printed on the back of this manual.
Unit Description
300S
Idle
Adjustment
Ignition
Switch
Choke
Brake Lever
Hand Guard
Guide Bar
Saw Chain
Oil Filler Cap
Front Handle
Starter Handle Fuel Filler Cap Throttle Trigger
Air Cleaner Cover
Choke
Ignition Switch
Muffler
Bar Nut(s)
Clutch Cover
Rear Hand
Guard
(Typical)

10
Specifications*
Model. ................................................................................................. 300S, 360, 377
Engine Type .................................................. 2-cycle gas engine, vertical cylinder
Cooling System ......................................................................................... Forced air
Fuel. ................... Gasoline-oil mixture, 50:1 with Shindaiwa 2-Cycle Engine Oil
Starting ................................................................................................ Recoil starter
Stopping ............................................................................................. Toggle switch
Ignition ....................................................... Fully electronic, transistor controlled
Spark Plug .......... Champion CJ6Y; EMC Compliance units use NGK BPMR7A
Power transmission. ................................................. Automatic centrifugal clutch
Handle............ Special anti-vibration mountings on both front and rear handles
Safety Devices............................................... Front hand guard, rear hand guard,
throttle lock, chain brake and chain catcher
Chain Lubrication .................... .Automatic (clutch driven) fully adjustable oiler
Chain Oil.......................... Shindaiwa Premium Bar & Chain Oil (or equivalent)
Fuel Tank Capacity .............. 340cc (11.5 oz.), 400cc (13.5 oz.), 400cc (13.5 oz.)
Oil Tank Capacity ..................... 240cc (8.11 oz.), 250cc (8.5 oz.), 250cc (8.5 oz.)
Carburetor ............................. Walbro WYM-4, Walbro WT-384, Walbro WT-384
Weight (less bar & chain) ... 4.0 kg (8.8 lbs.), 4.0 kg (8.8 lbs.), 4.1 kg (9.0 lbs.)
Displacement ........ 28.5cc(1.74 cu.in.), 35.2cc (2.15 cu.in.), 37.7cc (2.30 cu.in.)
*Specifications subject to change without notice.
Tools Included
■Screwdriver
■Spark plug/13mm socket wrench
(Scrench)
WARNING!
Do not make unauthorized
modifications to this saw, guide
bar, or chain!
RECOMMENDED BAR AND CHAIN COMBINATIONS
300S: Chain Type 91SG (12") 91SG (14")
Guide Bar 12" Double-Guard 14" Double-Guard
Sprocket Nose Bar Sprocket Nose Bar
360: Chain Type 91SG (14") 91SG (16")
Guide Bar 14" Double-Guard 16" Double-Guard
Sprocket Nose Bar Sprocket Nose Bar
377: Chain Type 33SL (16")
Guide Bar 16" Double-Guard
Sprocket Nose Bar
WARNING!
Replacement chain for this saw must meet applicable ANSI
B175.1 kickback performance requirements and/or be
designated as "low kickback chain" per ANSI B175.1-2000
standards.

11
Installing and Adjusting the Guide Bar and Saw Chain
NOTE:
For longest chain life, place new or
replacement chain loops in oil and
soak overnight before installation.
IMPORTANT!
The chain brake must be completely
disengaged before removing or
installing the clutch cover.
1. Use the socket wrench to remove
the clutch cover nut(s) in a counter-
clockwise rotation.
2. Remove the clutch cover.
3. Remove and discard the packing
spacer.
4. Place the guide bar over the guide
bar stud(s) and chain tensioner pin.
CAUTION!
Failure to align the guide bar
and chain tensioner pin can
cause serious damage to the
clutch cover, guide bar,
tensioner pin, and/or engine
crankcase!
Guide Bar
Spacer (discard)
Nut
Stud
Clutch Cover

12
5. Install the chain loop over the drive
sprocket, and then align the chain
drive links within the guide bar
groove. Verify that the cutters are
properly oriented as shown. (inset to
above). If chain installation is difficult
or if the chain appears too tight, refer
to "Adjusting the Saw chain," (pg.13).
6. Install the clutch cover over the bar
stud(s) and install the the bar nut(s)
finger tight.
Spocket
Insert Chain Tensioner
Pin into the Hole
Saw Chain
WARNING!
Never operate this saw without
the clutch cover installed.
WARNING!
The cutters on the saw chain are
very sharp! Always wear gloves
when handling.
Installing and Adjusting the Guide Bar and Saw Chain (cont.)
IMPORTANT!
Proper chain adjustment is essential
for maximum performance, chain life,
and operator safety. Always inspect
chain tension before operating this
saw!

13
7. Place the saw on a flat surface and
lift the bar nose slightly.
8. To adjust chain tension:
䡵Turn the chain tension screw
clockwise to tighten the chain.
䡵Turn the chain tension screw
counter-clockwise to loosen the
chain.
䡵While lifting the bar nose, tighten
or loosen the adjusting screw until
the chain at mid-bar on the bottom
of the bar just contacts the guide
bar rails.
9. Tighten the bar nut(s). The saw
chain tension is correct when there
is not any slack on the bottom of
the guide bar but the saw chain can
move freely.
Re-Adjusting the Saw Chain
1. To adjust chain tension in the field:
Stop the saw and allow the guide
bar and chain to cool. Loosen both
bar nuts approx. 1-turn each, and
then perform steps 7-9 above.
Never operate the saw with a loose
chain!
WARNING!
Inspect chain tension often during
operation, especially when
breaking in a new chain. A loose
saw chain can jump from the
guide bar, possibly causing
serious personal injury!
Chain Adjusting
Screw
Turn Clockwise to
Tighten the Chain
(extend the guide
bar)
Check the gap between chain
side plates and the bar rail
1/8”
Max.
Installing and Adjusting the Guide Bar and Saw Chain (cont.)

14
Mixing Fuel/Filling With Fuel
WARNING!
Minimize the risk of fire burns and
personal injury!
IMPORTANT!
Shindaiwa high-performance 2-cycle
engines are designed to operate on a
50:1 mixture of unleaded gasoline
and 2-cycle engine oil. Using a fuel
mixture less than 50:1 ratio (such as
80:1 or 100:1) can cause cata-
strophic engine failure!
■STOP engine before refueling.
■ALWAYS allow the engine to
cool before refueling!
■ALWAYS open the fuel cap
slowly to allow any pressure
build-up in the tank to release
fuel vapor slowly.
■Wipe all spilled fuel and move
the engine at least 10 feet (3
meters) from the fueling point
and source before restarting!
■NEVER start or operate this
unit if there is a fuel leak.
■NEVER start or operate this
unit if the carburetor, fuel lines,
fuel tank and/or fuel tank cap
are damaged.
■NEVER smoke or light any
fires near the engine or fuel
source!
■NEVER place any flammable
material near the engine
muffler!
■NEVER operate the engine
without the muffler and spark
arrester in good working condition.
CAUTION!
䡵Some types of gasoline contain
alcohol. Never use any type of
gasoline containing more than
10% alcohol by volume! More
than 10% alcohol by volume
may affect the lubricating
qualities of 2-cycle engine oils
reducing engine life and/or
causing engine failure.
䡵Generic engine oil and marine
engine oil may not be intended
for use in high-performance 2-
cycle engines and should never
be used in Shindaiwa engines.
Engine oils not intended for use
high-performance air-cooled 2-
cycle engines can cause
excessive carbon deposits,
reduce engine life and/or cause
engine failure.
1. Use only fresh, clean unleaded
gasoline with a pump octane rating
of 87 or higher.
2. Mix fuel with a 2-cycle engine oil
designed for use in high-perfor-
mance 2-cycle air-cooled engines.
NOTE:
Shindaiwa offers two performance
levels of 2-cycle air-cooled engine oils,
Shindaiwa 2-Cycle Engine Oil and
Shindaiwa ONE High Performance 2-
Cycle Engine Oil. Shindaiwa 2-Cycle
Engine Oil is designed to meet the
lubrication demands of most 2-cycle
air-cooled engines. Shindaiwa ONE
High Performance 2-Cycle Engine Oil
is recommended when superior
lubrication is needed to help protect
engines used in severe operating
conditions. Shindaiwa ONE also
contains a fuel stabilizer to help
maintain fuel quality when fuel is
stored longer than 30 days.

15
3. Refer to following chart for
examples of 50:1 fuel to oil mix
quantities.
4. Place the saw on a hard surface with
the fuel cap up and wipe any chips
or debris from around the fuel cap.
Oil Requirements
䡵When available, use Shindaiwa
Premium bar & chain oil.
䡵When Shindaiwa oil is not available,
use a premium 30-weight oil
specifically blended for bar & chain
lubrication.
䡵For cold weather operation, bar oil
may be thinned by mixing with
clean kerosene at a ratio of 1:1.
Filling the Oil Reservoir
䡵Filling the Oil Reservoir Place the
saw on its side (clutch cover
down), and wipe any chips or
debris from around the oil cap.
䡵Remove the oil cap at the front of
the saw.
䡵Fill the oil reservoir with bar &
chain oil, and replace the cap.
䡵Wipe spilled oil from handles and
controls before starting the saw.
Bar Oil/Filling With Oil
CAUTION!
Proper lubrication is critical to
the performance and service life
of your saw's oil pump, guide
bar, and saw chain! Always use
a high quality lubricating oil
designed for saw chain lubrica-
tion! Never use dirty or re-
claimed oil!
Oil Pump Adjustment
Guide bar and saw chain lubrication is
automatically provided by an adjust-
able-rate oil pump designed to operate
whenever the clutch drum rotates. A
temporary increase in oil flow rate is
often desirable when cutting hard-
woods or large-diameter softwoods,
and can be provided as follows:
1. Stop the engine and verify that the
engine stop switch is in the "OFF"
position.
2. Place the saw on its side, with the
clutch cover facing up.
3. Use a screwdriver to turn
the oil flow rate adjustment
screw.
䡵Clockwise to decrease bar & chain
lubrication.
䡵Counter-clockwise to increase bar
& chain lubrication.
Counter-Clockwise
to Increase Oil
Flow
Mixing Fuel/Filling With Fuel (cont.)
Gasoline 2-cycle oil Gasoline 2-Cycle Oil
U.S. Gal. U.S. fl. oz. liters milliliters
5. Remove the fuel cap and fill the tank
with clean, fresh 2-cycle fuel mix.
Avoid overfilling and fuel spillage.
6. Wipe any spilled fuel and move the
saw at least 10 feet (3 meters) from
the fueling point before starting the
engine.
1 gal. ................ 2.6 oz. 2.5 l ................... 50 ml
2 gal. ................. 5.2 oz. 5 l ...................... 100 ml
2.5 gal. .............. 6.4 oz. 10 l .................... 200 ml
5 gal. ................. 12.8 oz. 20 l .................... 400 ml

16
Engine Start and Stop
WARNING!
This chain saw is equipped with a
fast idle feature for ease of engine
starting. When the fast idle is set,
the saw chain will rotate when the
engine starts! Rotating saw chain
can cause serious injury. Clear a
safe work area before starting the
engine.
IMPORTANT!
This chain saw is equipped with a
throttle trigger lock out system
designed to prevent unintended
throttle activation. This system
requires the operator to first depress
the throttle lock out lever on top of
the rear handle to release the trigger
from the engine idle position.
This engine ignition system is
controlled by a two-position “ON-
OFF” switch located near the rear
handle.
P ULL TO C HOKE
(300S)
(360/377)
Ignition Switch
Fast Idle Setting
3
2
1
Engine start:
1. Move the ignition ON-OFF switch
to the ON position.
2. Pull the carburetor choke control
until fully extended (choke is
closed).
3. Set the throttle to “fast idle”.
To set the throttle to “fast idle”
position, first grip the rear handle
to depress the throttle lock out
lever then fully depress the throttle
trigger. Next slide the fast idle lock
against the throttle lockout lever
then release the lockout lever and
trigger. Depress and release the
throttle trigger to automatically
release the fast idle lock and return
the throttle to idle position.
4. Set carburetor choke for cold or
warm engine start.
Ignition Switch

17
Firm Grip
Place Foot in
Rear Handle
CAUTION!
The recoil starter can be damaged
by abuse!
䡵Never pull the starter com-
pletely to the end of the starter
cord. Fully extending the starter
cord can damage the starter
spring, cord and/or starter
assembly.
䡵Never release the starter grip
with the starter rope extended.
Always hold on to the grip
during engine start and return
the starter grip back to the
starter housing slowly as the
starter spring retracts the rope.
NOTE:
If the engine fails to start, repeat the
starting procedure setting the choke
control appropriately for either a cold
or warm engine. If the engine still fails
to start, refer to the section, “Starting a
Flooded Engine.”
Engine Stop:
1. Move the “ON/OFF” ignition
control switch to the off position. If
the saw has just been used, allow
the engine to idle for 1 to 2 minutes
to stabilize engine operating
temperature before stopping the
engine.
COLD ENGINE ONLY: Completely
close the choke by pulling the
choke control out to the fully
extended position.
WARM ENGINE: Completely open
the choke by pushing the choke
control in.
5. Place the saw upright on the
ground.
6. Secure the saw by stepping on the
inside of the rear handle with the
right foot and firmly grasping the
front handle with the left hand.
7. Grip the starter handle with the
right hand and pull slowly until
starter engagement is felt.
Engine Start and Stop (cont.)
8. With the starter engaged, pull the
starter upward rapidly. Repeat until
the engine either attempts to start
or starts.
9. When the engine attempts to start
or starts, push the choke control in
if previously set. If the engine did
not continue to run, pull the starter
until the engine restarts then
rapidly accelerate the engine
several times.

18
If the carburetor choke is closed
(choke control fully extended) and
after repeated attempts, the engine
fails to start, the engine may be
flooded with fuel. The following steps
are recommended to clear a flooded
engine.
The ignition switch must be in the
“OFF” position to prevent the
chance of igniting fuel and/or fuel
vapors escaping from the engine
during this procedure.
2. Push the choke control completely
in to open the choke.
3. Remove the spark plug access
cover and disconnect the plug
wire. Remove the spark plug using
the scrench supplied with the
chain saw or other suitable tool.
4. Inspect the spark plug for damage
or excessive wear and replace if
necessary. If the spark plug
electrode is fuel soaked, or coated
with carbon deposits, clean and set
the plug gap. Refer to page 28 of
this manual in the maintenance
section for spark plug information.
Starting a Flooded Engine
300S
Remove the
Spark Plug
Pull the engine
over Rapidly
WARNING!
Keep clear of the spark plug
opening! Any excess fuel in the
engine will be ejected through the
spark plug opening during starter
operation.
5. With the spark plug removed, the
choke control pushed in and the
ignition control in the “OFF”
position, clear any excess fuel in
the engine by rapidly and repeat-
edly pulling the starter until no
evidence of fuel is seen escaping
from the spark plug opening.
6. Replace the spark plug and install
the spark plug lead and access
cover.
7. Refer to the Engine Start and Stop
section and follow the instructions
for starting a warm engine.
8. If the engine still fails to start, refer
to the Troubleshooting Section.
1. Move the “ON/OFF” ignition
control switch to the “OFF”
position.
WARNING! 300-377

19
Carburetor Adjustments for EPA Compliant Engines
IMPORTANT!
A clean and unrestricted airflow is
essential to your saw engine's
performance and durability! Before
attempting any carburetor adjust-
ments, inspect and clean the engine
air filter as required! Procedures for
maintaining your saw's air filter are
described on page 27 in this manual.
Before starting the saw
I. Inspect saw chain tension, and
adjust if necessary. (see page 13)
2. Verify that the chain brake is
disengaged, and that the saw chain
is free to rotate.
Start the saw
Start the saw and warm the engine to
operating temperature. Place the saw
on the ground, and adjust the carbure-
tor as follows:
Idle speed adjustment
Use a screwdriver to slowly turn the
idle speed adjusting screw in or out
until the engine idles smoothly at
2,600 - 3,000 rpm (min-1).
WARNING!
The saw chain must never rotate
at engine idle speed.
Low and High Mixture
Adjustments for Emission
Compliance Engines.
Low-speed mixture (engine idling
at operating temperature)
For Model 300:
Low speed adjustment is factory set
and can not be adjusted.
For Models 360 and 377:
1. Using a small screwdriver, slowly
turn the low speed mixture screw
clockwise (lean mixture), and note
any changes in engine rpm.
2. Next, turn the low speed mixing
screw counter-clockwise (rich
mixture) and note any changes in
engine rpm.
3. Adjust the lows peed mixture screw
to provide the smoothest possible
idle with no sacrifice in accelera-
tion.
4. If necessary, readjust the idle speed
screw for an engine idle speed of
2,600 - 3,000 rpm (min-1).
High speed mixture
For Models 300, 360, and 377:
High-speed adjustment is factory set
and can not be adjusted.
Increase Decrease
Idle Adjustment
(300S)
360-377 Idle Adjust
(Clockwise to Increase)

20
Carburetor Adjustments for Non-EPA Compliant Engines
Low and High Mixture
Adjustments for
Non-Emission
Compliance Engines.
Low-speed mixture (engine idling
at operating temperature)
For Model 300:
1. Low speed mixture adjustment is
made in 1/8-turn increments, and is
determined by rotating the low
mixture needle in and then out to
locate a midway position between
"lean" and "rich" idle operation.
2. If necessary, readjust the idle speed
screw for an engine idle speed of
2,600 - 3,000 rpm (min-1).
For Models 360 and 377:
1. Using a small screwdriver, slowly
turn the low speed mixture screw
clockwise (lean mixture), and note
any changes in engine rpm.
2. Next, turn the low speed mixing
screw counter-clockwise (rich
mixture) and note any changes in
engine rpm.
3. Adjust the lows peed mixture screw
to provide the smoothest possible
idle with no sacrifice in accelera-
tion.
4. If necessary, readjust the idle speed
screw for an engine idle speed of
2,600 - 3,000 rpm (min-1).
CAUTION!
Do not run saw at full throttle with
no load. If run in this condition,
seizure can occur.
CAUTION!
Do not adjust H-speed needle to
less than 3/4 turn. If run at less
than 3/4 turn, seizure can occur.
Low and High speed adjustment.
Standard opening.
L .................................... 1Ⳳ1/4 turns
H ................................... 1Ⳳ1/4 turns
"Standard opening" means number
of turns from the fully closed
position by turning needle gently
counter-clockwise
High speed mixture
For Models 300:
High-speed adjustment is factory set
and can not be adjusted.
For Models 360 and 377:
1. No adjustment is necessary, when
the saw is new.
2. After approximately 10 hours
running, readjust the H-needle to
1.0 turn (Ⳳ1/4 turns).
Low speed
adjustment
screw
High speed adjustment screw