For owners of the classic Craftsman chainsaw model 917.353710 30177, having access to proper operational knowledge is crucial for both safety and performance. While the original craftsman chainsaw 917.353710 30177 manual may be hard to find these days, this comprehensive guide provides all the essential information you need to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot this reliable power tool.
Understanding Your Craftsman Chainsaw Specifications
Before diving into operations and maintenance, it's important to understand the basic specifications of this model:
- Engine Displacement: 42cc
- Bar Length: 18 inches
- Fuel Type: Gas-oil mixture (40:1 ratio)
- Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch
- Chain Gauge: .050 inch
- Weight (without bar and chain): 10.5 lbs
Safety Guidelines and Precautions
The craftsman chainsaw 917.353710 30177 manual emphasizes several critical safety measures that every user should follow:
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE):
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Ear protection
- Steel-toed boots
- Cut-resistant gloves
- Protective chaps or pants
- Maintain proper working conditions:
- Clear workspace free of obstacles
- Stable footing
- Well-ventilated area for operation
- Safe distance from bystanders
Starting Procedures
One of the most frequently referenced sections of the craftsman chainsaw 917.353710 30177 manual covers the starting procedure. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Engage the chain brake
- Set the on/off switch to "ON"
- Pull out the choke knob
- Press the primer bulb 5-6 times
- Place the saw on level ground
- Hold the front handle firmly with your left hand
- Place your right foot through the rear handle
- Pull the starter rope with your right hand
Cold Start vs. Warm Start
The starting procedure varies slightly depending on whether the engine is cold or warm:
Cold Start:
- Use full choke
- Pull starter rope until engine attempts to start
- Push choke in halfway
- Pull starter rope until engine runs
- Allow engine to warm up for 30 seconds
- Release chain brake
Warm Start:
- No choke needed
- Pull starter rope until engine runs
- Release chain brake immediately
Fuel and Oil Requirements
The craftsman chainsaw 917.353710 30177 manual specifies precise fuel requirements for optimal performance:
Fuel Mixture
- Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
- Mix with 2-cycle engine oil at 40:1 ratio
- Never use straight gasoline
- Replace fuel mixture after 30 days
Chain Oil
- Use high-quality bar and chain oil
- Check oil level before each use
- Adjust oil flow using the adjustment screw
- Clean oil ports regularly
Maintenance Schedule
Regular maintenance is crucial for longevity. The craftsman chainsaw 917.353710 30177 manual recommends the following schedule:
Daily Maintenance
- Clean air filter
- Check chain tension
- Inspect chain sharpness
- Check oil levels
- Clean bar groove
- Inspect chain brake
Weekly Maintenance
- Check spark plug
- Clean cooling fins
- Inspect fuel filter
- Clean carburetor area
- Check bar rails for wear
Monthly Maintenance
- Replace fuel filter
- Clean fuel tank
- Inspect clutch drum
- Check all fasteners
- Inspect anti-vibration system
Chain Tensioning and Replacement
Proper chain tension is essential for safe operation. The craftsman chainsaw 917.353710 30177 manual provides detailed instructions:
Tensioning Steps
- Loosen bar mounting nuts
- Lift bar tip slightly
- Turn tension adjustment screw clockwise
- Tighten mounting nuts while holding bar tip up
- Check tension by pulling chain away from bar
- Proper tension allows 1/8 inch gap at center of bar
Chain Replacement
- Remove bar mounting nuts
- Remove clutch cover
- Remove old chain
- Install new chain around drive sprocket
- Place chain in bar groove
- Ensure drive links engage sprocket
- Replace clutch cover
- Adjust tension as described above
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The craftsman chainsaw 917.353710 30177 manual includes solutions for common problems:
Engine Won't Start
- Check fuel mixture
- Inspect spark plug
- Clean air filter
- Check for flooded engine
- Verify switch position
Poor Cutting Performance
- Check chain sharpness
- Verify proper tension
- Inspect bar for damage
- Clean oil ports
- Check chain direction
Excessive Vibration
- Inspect anti-vibration springs
- Check chain damage
- Verify bar straightness
- Inspect clutch drum
- Check engine mounting bolts
Storage and Off-Season Care
Proper storage ensures your chainsaw remains ready for future use:
Short-Term Storage (1-2 months)
- Clean thoroughly
- Empty fuel tank
- Run engine until it stops
- Remove chain and oil
- Store in dry location
Long-Term Storage (3+ months)
- Perform all short-term storage steps
- Remove spark plug
- Add small amount of oil to cylinder
- Pull starter rope slowly
- Clean air filter thoroughly
- Store in climate-controlled area
Specifications and Technical Data
For reference, here are the complete technical specifications from the craftsman chainsaw 917.353710 30177 manual:
Engine Specifications
- Type: Air-cooled, two-stroke
- Displacement: 42cc
- Maximum power: 2.1 HP
- Idle speed: 2,800 RPM
- Maximum speed: 12,000 RPM
- Spark plug gap: 0.025 inch
Cutting Equipment
- Bar length options: 16-20 inches
- Chain pitch: 3/8 inch
- Chain gauge: .050 inch
- Drive links: 62 (18-inch bar)
- Sprocket teeth: 6
- Chain speed at max power: 62 feet/second
Environmental Considerations
The craftsman chainsaw 917.353710 30177 manual includes important environmental information:
Emission Control
- Meets EPA Phase 2 requirements
- Catalytic converter equipped
- Low-emission engine design
- Proper fuel mixture essential for emissions
Noise Levels
- Idle: 82 dB(A)
- Full throttle: 112 dB(A)
- Hearing protection required
- Consider time of day for operation
Conclusion
The Craftsman chainsaw 917.353710 30177 manual for safe and effective operation. By adhering to maintenance guidelines, safety precautions, and proper operating procedures, users can ensure optimal performance and longevity of the tool. It also highlights the need to prioritize safety and seek professional help when necessary, while encouraging users to keep the manual handy for future maintenance and troubleshooting. Overall, it assures users of the reliable performance of their Craftsman chainsaw for years to come.