Craftsman 42cc Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman 42cc Chainsaw is a powerful, gas-powered tool designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a 42cc 2-stroke engine, an 18-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, tool-less chain tensioning, and a safety chain brake. This manual covers safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure safe and efficient use.

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before use. Failure to follow warnings can result in serious injury or death.

Parts & Components

Key components of the Craftsman 42cc Chainsaw.

1. Engine: 42cc 2-stroke air-cooled gasoline engine.
2. Guide Bar: 18-inch Oregon solid nose bar.
3. Chain: Oregon 91VXL chain, 0.325-inch pitch, 72 drive links.
4. Chain Brake: Inertia-activated safety brake.
5. Oiling System: Automatic bar and chain oiler with manual override.
6. Handles: Front handle with trigger, rear handle with anti-vibration.
7. Controls: On/Off switch, choke, throttle trigger lockout, primer bulb.
8. Fuel Tank: Capacity: 14.9 fl oz (440 ml).
9. Oil Tank: Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml).

WARNING! Inspect all parts before assembly. Do not operate if damaged.

Assembly & Setup

Assemble the chainsaw before first use.

1. Attach guide bar: Remove side cover, align bar with studs, ensure chain tension adjuster aligns.
2. Install chain: Place chain over bar sprocket, ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
3. Adjust tension: Tighten bar nuts finger-tight, use tool-less adjuster to set proper tension (chain should snap back when pulled).
4. Final tighten: Hold bar tip up, tighten bar nuts securely with combination wrench.
5. Fill oil tank: Use bar and chain oil only; check for leaks.
6. Mix fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (89 octane min.) with 2-cycle oil at 40:1 ratio. Shake well.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain is properly seated on bar sprocket.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 42 cc (2.6 cu in).
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder.
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 40:1 (unleaded gasoline to 2-cycle oil).
• Guide Bar Length: 18 inches.
• Chain Pitch: 0.325 inches.
• Chain Gauge: 0.050 inches.
• Drive Links: 72.
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.9 fl oz (440 ml).
• Oil Tank Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml).
• Weight (dry): 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg).
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A).
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.2 m/s²; Rear handle: 3.8 m/s².

Controls & Features

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Controls: On/Off switch (I/O), Choke lever (for cold starts), Throttle trigger, Throttle trigger lockout (must be pressed to engage throttle), Primer bulb (press 5-10 times for cold start), Chain brake lever (forward to engage, pull back toward handle to disengage), Tool-less chain tension adjuster (dial on side).

Features: Anti-vibration system reduces fatigue; Automatic oiling system lubricates bar and chain during operation; Manual oiler override (press button for extra oil); Inertia-activated chain brake stops chain instantly upon kickback; Spark arrestor muffler reduces fire risk.

Fuel & Oil

Use correct fuel and oil mixtures to prevent engine damage.

1. Fuel: Fresh unleaded gasoline with minimum 89 octane. Do not use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol (E10). Never use fuel older than 60 days.
2. 2-Cycle Oil: High-quality air-cooled 2-cycle engine oil meeting ISO-L-EGD or JASO FD standards.
3. Mixing: Use clean container. Mix at 40:1 ratio: 3.2 oz (95 ml) of oil per 1 gallon (3.8 L) of gasoline. Shake thoroughly.
4. Bar & Chain Oil: Use only chainsaw bar oil or SAE 30 weight motor oil in warmer temperatures. Do not use waste oil.
5. Refueling: Stop engine and allow to cool. Clean area around fuel cap. Fill slowly to avoid spills. Wipe any spilled fuel.

WARNING! Fuel is highly flammable. No smoking. Refuel outdoors away from sparks or flames.

Starting & Operation

Proper starting and operating procedures.

1. Cold Start: Place saw on flat, clear ground. Engage chain brake. Move On/Off switch to ON (I). Set choke to FULL. Press primer bulb 5-10 times. Pull starter rope sharply until engine 'pops' (usually 3-5 pulls). Move choke to HALF. Pull starter rope until engine starts (1-2 pulls). Let engine run 10 seconds, then move choke to OFF. Disengage chain brake.
2. Warm Start: Follow above but do not use choke or primer.
3. Cutting: Use both hands. Stand with balanced stance. Let chain reach full speed before cutting. Do not force saw; let chain do the work. Beware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).
4. Shut Down: Release throttle, let engine idle 30 seconds. Move On/Off switch to OFF (O).

CAUTION! Never drop-start or start above waist height. Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

Note: Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely.

1. Secure bar in vise.
2. Use round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for 0.325" pitch).
3. File at 30° angle, maintaining factory angle on cutter.
4. File from inside out with consistent strokes (usually 3-5 per cutter).
5. File all cutters to same length.
6. Check depth gauges with depth gauge tool; file down if above tool height.
7. Clean chain with kerosene or diesel after sharpening.

Tip: Sharpen chain when saw produces fine dust instead of chips, or when you must force the saw.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel issues and corrosion.

1. Drain fuel tank completely or add fuel stabilizer and run engine 2 minutes to circulate.
2. Run carburetor dry by disconnecting fuel line and letting engine stall.
3. Remove chain, clean in solvent, coat with oil, store in sealed bag.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air intake.
5. Store in dry, cool place, protected from dust and moisture.
6. For long-term storage (over 30 days), remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly 2-3 times, reinstall plug.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Craftsman service center at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.