Q: What is the Fuel-Oil mix ratio?
A: The fuel-oil mixture ratio is 40:1. You can obtain this ratio by mixing 3.2 oz. of two cycle air cooled engine oil with one gallon of regular gas. Over a period of time oil will separate from gasoline. To properly insure oil and gas mixture, we recommend thoroughly shaking your oil and gas mixture before refueling your unit.
Q: Why do I have to use a Fuel-Oil mixture?
A: All Poulan Pro two-cycle products require oil to be added to the gas. Unlike engines that have separate gas and oil reservoirs, two-cycle engines run on a gas/oil mixture that keeps the engine lubricated at all times. Never use straight gas in a two-cycle engine as straight gas will ruin the engine within minutes.
Q: What grade of gas should be used?
A: Our units run on 87 octane regular unleaded gasoline. You can use gasoline which is blended with a maximum 10% alcohol. Never use E85 or diesel fuels. Remember to use fresh gasoline and to mix it with the recommended 2-cycle oil.
Q: Can I use alcohol blended fuels in my unit?
A: Alcohol blended fuel (called gasohol, or using ethanol or methanol) can be used with up to 10% alcohol. BUT do not store the unit with this mixture. These alcohol blended fuels attract moisture and form acids which can damage the fuel system. Fuels with more than 10% alcohol can rob your engine of power and cause your engine to run erratic. Our engines are calibrated to run on 87 octane regular unleaded gasoline.
Q: Can I leave fuel stored in my unit?
A: No, fuel should not be stored in the unit. It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in the fuel system. If the unit is to be stored for longer than 30 days - drain the fuel tank, retighten the gas cap, and start the unit and let it run until it stops.
Q: How do I start the engine?
A: Starting most two-cycle engines is quite simple. Use the procedure outlined in your operator's manual if it differs from the following:
- Move the choke lever to the full position.
- Hold or lock the throttle in the on position (the throttle must be held or kept locked until the engine is warmed up).
- If the unit has an on/off switch, move it to the on position (usually indicated by the symbol "I", not "O").
- If the unit has a primer bulb, depress it 4-5 times (the bulb should be at least 1/2 full).
- Set the unit on the ground.
- Make sharp, brisk pulls on the starter rope until you hear the engine attempt to run. This should happen between 1-6 pulls, but no more than 6 pulls.
- Set the choke lever at the half position and resume pulling the starter rope. The engine should start after 2-6 more pulls. If not, move the choke lever to the full position and pull the rope two more times. Return the lever to half choke and pull 3 more times.
- Once the engine starts running, continue to keep the trigger depressed and let it warm-up for 10 seconds, then move the choke to the off choke/ RUN position. Allow the unit to run 30 more seconds at RUN before releasing the throttle trigger.
- When the unit is warmed up, it should restart with the choke in the off position. If the unit is allowed to cool down, you may have to repeat steps 1-8.
Some units use a carburetor which does not require holding the throttle trigger. If your unit only has a START and RUN position on the air filter cover, use the following:
- Set the unit on a flat surface.
- Move the ON/ OFF switch to the ON position.
- Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.
- Move the start lever to the START position.
- Pull the starter rope handle sharply until the engine starts and runs.
- Allow the unit to run for 10-15 seconds, then fully squeeze the throttle trigger to disengage the starting system.
Q: Why won't the engine start?
A: Several things would make an engine difficult to start:
- Do you have a fresh fuel mixture? Make sure the fuel mixture being used is less than 90 days old and properly mixed at a 40:1 ratio.
- If you have an on/off switch- make sure it is on.
- A fouled or incorrectly gapped spark plug will also cause an engine not to start. Remove your spark plug and clean the electrode with a small wire brush. If the spark plug electrode is wet fouled with gasoline, replace with a new plug. The gap should be set at .025".
- If the air cleaner is dirty, clean it with warm soapy water and allow it to dry before reinstalling.
- Make sure the fuel filter is clean.
- If you smell fuel after following the starting procedure, assume the engine is flooded. Set it aside for 10-15 minutes to allow the fuel to vaporize before starting over. If after checking these items the unit will not start, there may be a more serious problem. An authorized service center will have to examine the unit.
Q: What is the correct spark plug gap?
A: The spark plug gap on all products is .025-inch.
Q: What type of spark plug does the unit take?
A: The size of the plug varies from unit to unit. On trimmers, blowers and hedge trimmers is RCJ-8Y or RCJ-6Y. Follow the spark plug recommendation and replacement procedures in the operator's manual if you are doing the work yourself.
Q: Where is the air filter?
A: All gasoline engines have a fuel filter on the end of the fuel line in the fuel tank. Poulan Pro recommends changing the fuel filter yearly. To remove the filter,
- Drain the fuel from the unit,
- Pull the filter from the tank through the gas tank opening and remove it from the line,
- Install the new filter on the fuel line and drop back in tank.
Q: How often should I clean the air filter?
A: The air filter should be cleaned every 5 hours. A foam air filter can be cleaned by washing it in warm soapy water. Then rinse in clean water and let dry. On gasoline edgers, add a few drops of oil to the filter before installing.
Q: How do I connect the vacuum attachment to the blower?
A: When attaching blower or vacuum tubes, make sure that the engine/motor is not running. To connect the vacuum attachment, the blower tubes must be removed. Depending on which model you own, you either connect the vacuum bag directly to the blower outlet of the unit or slide the elbow tube through the vacuum bag opening and then connect it to the blower outlet. Next, open the door on the bottom of the unit and connect the upper vacuum tube (on some electric models the inlet restrictor must be removed first). On some gas blowers the upper vacuum tube is held with a bolt and knob which you can hand tighten. The lower vacuum tube slides into the bottom of the upper vacuum tube until it is tight. On the EBV series electric blowers, the upper vacuum tube hooks and swings into place. On GBI, SB, and newer gasoline and 2500 electric series of blowers, the vacuum tubes twist and lock into place. When you hold the top handle, the blower vacuum tube should touch the ground.
Q: What can I vacuum with my blower/vac?
A: Use your unit as a vacuum to pick up dry material such as leaves, grass, small twigs, and bits of paper. DO NOT vacuum stones, gravel, metal, broken glass, acorns, ect., to avoid severe damage to the impeller. DO NOT attempt to vacuum or blow water or any type of liquid.
Q: How long is the warranty?
A: All gas-powered lawn and garden items (trimmers, edgers, blowers, and hedge trimmers) carry a 2 year warranty and 40V battery products carry a 4 year warranty against manufacturers defects when used for household purposes.
Q: What does the warranty cover?
A: The warranty covers manufacturer’s defects. Parts and labor are covered under the warranty. Some items that ARE NOT covered include; improper maintenance, old or stale fuel, or the use of accessories or part not specifically recommended by Poulan Pro. Please see your warranty statement in your operator’s manual for the full warranty statement.