I also bought a Mc at Menards, a AV1839 18". I only made up to the first 1/2 tank of gas / bar oil. After numerous chain adjustments, as it was a new chain, I gave up as it simply would not cut any more wood - it simply bogged out. Its now in the shop under its warranty, which will not cost me anything; however, I may be stuck with a bum saw.
If you have any problems take it back as soon as possible because Menards only has a 30 day return on items with gas engines (should be printed on bottom of receipt). Unfortunately I was couple days past this (ironically it sat unopened in my garage all that time until the faithful day of nonperformance).
I am curious if your saw came with one of those "low kick-back chains" - it has two depth spacers and then one cutter link AS opposed to the normal chains we use on our older Mc's which have one depth link and then one cutter link. Plan to replace it with a Oregon chain one as soon as it comes back.
I also noticed that Menard's Oregon chain and bar display does not have some current Mc models listed, such as mine; however, you can find what chain and bar you need by checking Oregon's site:
http://www.oregonchain.com/sawch.htm
"Italian outfit took oiver the Mac name"
I think it was a firm from Taiwan that bought the name after their bankruptcy. A local repair guy, who sells Husks, had a ???? fit when I brought in my Mc 3516 into the shop - telling me how it was one of those saws that ruined Mc and how the checks from those "boys in Taiwan" were always bouncing for warranty work. LOL - I guess he just wanted to sell me Husky because the 3516 is over 10 years old and was made prior to their bankruptcy.
