Anonymous-0

Well-known Member
Looking for ideas on what could be wrong with my 15 year old chaninsaw. I go through several cords of wood a year so maybe it just plain wore out??? Poulan 16inch. Compresson is 110, new gas filter, new plug, clean air filter, carb is nice and tight to manifold, exhaust is clean, fuel lines were replaced last year and use alchol-free gas. It has zilch for power. When cutting a 3 inch log it wants to bog down - better the chain bites the worse it is. Once done cutting the log I have to work the gas several times to get the speed to come back up. When setting flat it does leak some gas and will until it is empty - cracked gas tank? Would this cause it? Gas cap is difficult to screw on and off but even using it with the cap very loose makes no difference. Anything else I can check?
 
This maybe silly but have you checked the pickup under the flywheel for dirt and rust? While (if you check) your in there check for side play on the crank shaft and bearings and the distance between the pickup and flywheel. The gas tank could have a crack, Anything's possible with a plastic tank that's 15 years old. Hope this gives you some new ideas. Bandit
 
Don't know about Poulans, but Stihls are very prone to developing leaks in the fuel pickup hose in the gas tank. Might want to fish it out and take a look.
 
Hello korfused,

If you have side play on the crank, it is probably sucking air. Some of those Poulan have a tendency to sheer the flywheel key. That would be easy check. BUT.............YOU Got your moneys worth an that saw. I think you deserve a new one!
Now if you want to start a long thread, ask for advice on the best saw!

Guido.
 
There is a small micro screen inside the carburetor that is used as a filter. I think you will find it stopped up. Take it out and replace if possible. It can be cleaned and replaced if you are careful.
 
A long shot - especially since you've had it 15 yrs - but might check if the spark arrestor screen in the muffler is plugged up. Probably a tiny little screen, held in with a small screw or two, and the screws might also be covered with oily crud.

Had these very same symptoms on our Homelite and it was that screen. Took awhile to figure it out.
 
All good suggestions, but 110 psi. compression is low. 130+ psi is minimum for a good performing saw.
 
you're right, when I think of the wood I have cut over the years I guess i have gotten my money's worth. Ya just hate to replace something too quickly.
 
once had couple act that way. Rings & pistons were wore out & cylinder too. Put new rings & piston in one but no good either til we put a new cylinder on to go with them. Then...varoooooom.
 
I had a carb that the screen we are talking about was clean except it had something that looked like white lime deposit on the screen. I know that is not possible but it was hard to see and once removed it worked fine. Crazy I know.
 
Hello korfused,

I know what you mean, I should talk! My chain saw is a 1981 vintage, and still working for me.
Actually IT has been work me. Its 18 LB, dry with the 16 IN bar. I have a couple of those Poulans here, one needs an oiler, may be I'll ship it to you...HA! HA!

Guido.
 
Hello oilit,

50 LB. pressure is all you need to get one started. It won't kick wright off but it will start!

Guido.
 
Hello banditfarmer,

Rust on the flywheel is not an issue. The gap has to be correct fir the machine.

Guido.
 
(quoted from post at 05:40:16 04/26/13) Hello korfused,

I know what you mean, I should talk! My chain saw is a 1981 vintage, and still working for me.
Actually IT has been work me. Its 18 LB, dry with the 16 IN bar. I have a couple of those Poulans here, one needs an oiler, may be I'll ship it to you...HA! HA!

Guido.

I just bought a new saw, new to me anyway, that was made the same year I was born. 53 years old. A Mcculloch 1-50. Powerhead alone is 20 lbs, but it was a felling and limbing saw back in the day. 5.3 ci of pure Mac snort! I have a a 250 and 300 too. When my oldest gets complaining about how heavy the 365 Husky is I hand him one of those!
 
Hello Bret4207,

I got the baby brother to your 5.3 CU.IN.
Mine is a 3.7 Cu. In. And will run all day long.
It will run a 24" bar, but the 20" is all I needed up to now.

Guido.
 
Stiff diaphram in the carb?

A new diaphtam will owrk ownders for a saw that is running poorly.

Also cracked fuel line, you did say it is leaking gas...
 
Yeah it will start on 50PSI compression but it won't even have enough power to spin the chain let alone cut wood.

110PSI compression is definitely low for a chainsaw. 130 at minimum, 150 is better, 160 is ideal, and higher is great.

The old girl is just plum wore out. Time for a new one.

I'm quite impressed that you got that much use out of a Poulan saw. Poulan used to be a good brand but they went the cheap plastic route back in the 1980's and never looked back.

What you get now for a Poulan is just a generic Chinese saw that's the same as a dozen other brands.

I see Tractor Supply is now carrying Jonsereds saws... Maybe something to consider?
 

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