Bought used McCulloch PM310 on a whim, worth investing in?

[NoobSaw]

Confession time: I don't know anything about chainsaws.

Every now and then I saw some fire wood or need to cut some branches in my garden. I use other tools for that but when I came across a used McColloch I bought it ($30) without thinking. Unfortunately not from the original owner/user so no history is known to me.

It does run. The chain moves and it stops when stationary. But doesn't really cut, it seems that it either needs sharpening or a new chain. Besides that it makes a lot of noise (I have used a chainsaw before, but this is louder, more of a popping sound). A problem with the muffler or mixture perhaps? And in the manual I read that it takes leaded fuel, not unleaded. Is this normal and can it still be bought?

Anyway my main question is if there is a relatively easy way for a noob to find out if it is worth it to invest in a new chain and perhaps a fix for the muffler so I have a chainsaw that I can use a couple of times a year. Or should I toss it as it would be a recipe for disaster and money pit?

I am handy but no mechanic by any means.

 

[jacob j.]

This is a good saw for you to learn on - post a close-up picture of the chain and you'll get lots of advice.

 

[NoobSaw]

Thank you! Also here are some close ups.

 

[ammoaddict]

Chain looks very dull. A little life left in it though. If it's making dust instead of chips, it's dull. Forget about the leaded fuel. Use non ethanol mixed 40:1 with a good oil, or for occasional use just get some of the canned fuel, it has a very long shelf life. For the noise, just use hearing protection.

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[jacob j.]

I'd soak that chain in some diesel for a day, and then watch some Youtube videos to give yourself some pointers on sharpening.

 

[NoobSaw]

@ammoaddict Thanks. It's only for occasional use so I guess canned fuel will do. But I don't see a lot of options and what I do see for chainsaws is 1:50 Would you advise against that?

@jacob j. Thanks I have viewed some videos, will get a file and try sharpening it.

Anybody have more thoughts on the muffler, is this something that can be broken/fixed? I live in a residential area with neighbors on all sides of my garden. I know a chainsaw is always loud but this one seems ridiculous.

 

[ammoaddict]

@ammoaddict Thanks. It's only for occasional use so I guess canned fuel will do. But I don't see a lot of options and what I do see for chainsaws is 1:50 Would you advise against that?

@jacob j. Thanks I have viewed some videos, will get a file and try sharpening it.

Anybody have more thoughts on the muffler, is this something that can be broken/fixed? I live in a residential area with neighbors on all sides of my garden. I know a chainsaw is always loud but this one seems ridiculous.

They make canned fuel in 40:1. I know trufuel does and I think sef or vp and others.
As far as the muffler, older saw mufflers were more open design, so they are louder. EPA made them more restrictive. I don't know about those particular saws, you can search eBay for a muffler.

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[FergusonTO35]

If the muff is not cracked or rusted and the mounting bolts are tight then the noise is probably normal. Old Macs are about the loudest thing ever. The good thing about those saws is that millions were made, and used and new parts are still cheap and easy to find. For just occasional use it should do you just fine.

 

[HWRDBNZ]

I used to have one. Ran and cut good. They are loud for sure. I ran Echo powerblend 50:1 with no problems.

 

[Steve]

@ammoaddict Thanks. It's only for occasional use so I guess canned fuel will do. But I don't see a lot of options and what I do see for chainsaws is 1:50 Would you advise against that?

@jacob j. Thanks I have viewed some videos, will get a file and try sharpening it.

Anybody have more thoughts on the muffler, is this something that can be broken/fixed? I live in a residential area with neighbors on all sides of my garden. I know a chainsaw is always loud but this one seems ridiculous.

Mac never made mufflers, exhaust chute is a better term.

And yes, that chain is extremely dull.

 

[heimannm]

The 300 Series are not terrible saws but frankly speaking the uglier 330 and 340 are more convenient to use with that ghastly rear handle.

If you have to venture into that saw be patient, the area around the carburetor is very busy...getting the carburetor, impulse line, fuel line, and throttle cable all into the air box and connected can be challenging.

I have some 3D printer covers if you ever need one.



Mark

 

[legdelimber]

Not a bit of oil on the chain.

 

[heimannm]

There is a check valve in the automatic oil pump body that may be stuck. Sometimes you can free them up with a shot of carburetor or brake cleaner down the steel cylinder once you remove the piston assembly.



There were a few that came from the factory with that steel cylinder pressed in too far (or maybe it was not far enough), if you remove it carefully with a pair of pliers you can press it back in to the correct position. there is an opening in the cylinder that has to align with the opening in the pump body.

This one happens to be a Mini Mac but the principle is the same.









Mark