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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Poulan Chain saw strange problem

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Perryl

08-21-2004 12:49:26




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I have a Poulan 20" chain saw that has been used very little. Last time about 2-3 weeks ago. Got it out today and it would not crank. Never had any problem whatsoever in the past with this saw.

Checked fire...got a good strong blue/white spark. Tested compression... got 100 pounds.
Put in new spark plug. Plug gets wet with fuel. Has, fire, fuel, compression, but will do absolutely nothing. Tried a quick squirt of starting fluid...did not even get a cough...nothing.

Pulled muffler, ring appears good as indicated by compression test. Took muffler apart...screen clean not clogged. Tried with bar on and with bar off. Drained all fuel and put new fuel in. Checked fuel filter in gas tank.

Any ideas on what to check next??? Or is there some kind of crazy "safety" mechanism on these saws that is shutting me down? Any and all help appreciated.

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lwilson

08-22-2004 08:10:25




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 Re: Poulan Chain saw strange problem in reply to Perryl, 08-21-2004 12:49:26  
I've got an elderly 4000 model that exhibited a similar symptom (mine actually died slowly while running); examination revealed that the ignition module had loosened and had rubbed against the flywheel. After moving it back, I get a spark but never even a hint of fuel ignition. Ignition setting is another thing to check. The poulan site is mute on the subject of replacement parts; anybody have a suggestion for where to find a replacement ignition module for one of these?

good luck

lloyd

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CRUSADER

08-22-2004 09:41:57




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 Re: Poulan Chain saw strange problem in reply to lwilson, 08-22-2004 08:10:25  
You should be able to get the parts you need from Billou's, a company out in California. If you need a phone number let me know and I'll look around and see if I can find it.

Jim



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TheRealRon

08-22-2004 08:25:10




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 Re: Poulan Chain saw strange problem in reply to lwilson, 08-22-2004 08:10:25  
Try Link



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stronics

08-22-2004 04:54:15




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 I'm afraid she's passed on......... in reply to Perryl, 08-21-2004 12:49:26  
Dump the fuel out and mix a fresh batch. Clean out the carb and the pickup in the tank. Gas goes bad in 30 days. It can smell fresh and still be bad, I've seen it many times.
David



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Mac

08-21-2004 23:11:47




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 Re: Poulan Chain saw strange problem in reply to Perryl, 08-21-2004 12:49:26  
Try starting without air filter. Mine does same after laying up while I'm away at work for 6wks. Night need to back off mix adj. Worked for me



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Hermit

08-21-2004 17:51:57




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 Re: Poulan Chain saw strange problem in reply to Perryl, 08-21-2004 12:49:26  
You might check to see if the key in the flywheel has sheared. If the flywheel isn't properly aligned, the spark timing will be off and it won't start even thought everything else looks good.



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TheRealRon

08-21-2004 14:09:48




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 Re: Poulan Chain saw strange problem in reply to Perryl, 08-21-2004 12:49:26  
Don't you just hate 2 stroke engines?

Anyway, does the engine flood... do you smell raw fuel? If so, the choke may be stuck closed. That's what it sounds like. If you can verify the choke really does open, try starting it with the choke open and set at fast idle (see Owner's Manual).

This can also happen if there is even a little water in the fuel. The plug will be wet with fuel but it still won't start. I know you put fresh fuel in it but there may still be some water in the carb/filter/hose... in other words, it might take a dozen or so pulls to get to the fresh fuel.

I'd go real easy on that starting fluid with a 2 stroke. You can scuff a piston real fast.

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perryl

08-21-2004 16:52:27




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 Re: Poulan Chain saw strange problem in reply to TheRealRon, 08-21-2004 14:09:48  
Thank you very much for your help Ron. However, there is no evidence of flooding. The choke works as it should and I have tried with choke open and fast idle. I have also removed the plug, squirted ether in to clean and help evaporate, then blown out with compressed air (canned) then tried it. I have done this twice, once normal and once with the plug dipped in gas before putting back in.

As for the water possibility, trust me it has been pulled much more than a dozen times, dozens is more like it. Also, I do not like using ether to start a 2 cycle, just tried a tad as a desperation move to see if I could get even a hit or two with it to help eliminate some possibilities.

Anything else you can think of? Again, thank you for your help.

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Jean Lalonde

01-16-2005 15:14:48




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 Re: Poulan Chain saw strange problem in reply to perryl, 08-21-2004 16:52:27  
I have a chain saw model 1641 Skil saw 1982. I look for part: the fan housing for stater
Do you have? my e-mail :jeanlalonde42@hotmail



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TheRealRon

08-22-2004 03:25:30




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 Re: Poulan Chain saw strange problem in reply to perryl, 08-21-2004 16:52:27  
You're welcome! Rarely an ignition module will be weak but not dead. It will fire in open air but not under compression. You can use a $10 spark plug tester to see. It plugs in between the plug and wire and lights up if the plug actually fires. Good tool to have anyway for diagnosing ignition problems on any gas engine.

You may want to call Poulan or maybe visit their website to see if they can focus in on the problem. You've covered all the bases I would have. The last resort would be to take it to a Poulan repair shop and let them have a shot at it.

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