Poulan Chainsaw Won’t Start

Poulan Chainsaw Won’t Start.  However, if you’re having trouble with your Poulan chainsaw, don’t panic.

This article will provide you with effective solutions that will get your saw running smoothly again in no time at all.

Just remember these steps: first, you must check the fuel, engine, spark plug, carburetor, spark arrestor, ignition coil, and recoil starter.

Next, take note of which components need to be replaced due to faults. Finally fix the issue so your saw will always run perfectly.

Poulan Chainsaw Won’t Start

poulan chainsaw won't start

If you’re having trouble starting your Poulan chain saw, check to see if you have petrol in it. Then turn on the saw, hold it firmly and pull the start rope in short, brisk pulls until it starts.

If it doesn’t start after 15 tries, the spark plug may be damp (it shouldn’t really take more than 5 pulls to properly dry out). Remove and check for moisture on the electrode as damage will cause difficulty starting next time.

Our team discusses the possible causes of a Poulan chainsaw not starting.

Analyze the Chains

In order to get the most from your Poulan, you may have to keep an eye on the chain brake. It should automatically stay attached to the chains when sudden movements occur; but if it’s becoming detached for no reason, then you might have a problem.

If the chainsaw is still running even though the brake was disengaged, then there may be dirt or burrs preventing the chains from turning.

Make sure there aren’t any objects stuck in between the grooves of the chain where lubrication can get lodged at times as well.

In case your chain does become dull or broken, it is best to seek professional help and replace this before proceeding. You can also check out this file size chart for chainsaws before buying one.

Spring Rewind Issue

A rewind spring recoils the starter rope onto a pulley when it is pulled and released. If this spring is broken, the rope won’t be able to make that transition from handheld to pulley-held.

As a result, the engine may be difficult or impossible to start. If your recoil starter can no longer recoil by hand, it’s time to replace it with a new one.

Many rewind springs are sold individually, but wow – you might save some dough and just put an order in for a completely new replacement assembly instead.

Starter-Recoil Problem

The recoil starter assembly engages the crankshaft to turn over the engine. If the recoil starter is defective, the engine won’t turn over and the chainsaw won’t start.

Remove the starter assembly and inspect it to see if it is functioning properly when you pull on it. When you pull it back, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab onto a hub on the engine, causing it to turn.

Release your pull at any time and the tabs should retract so that you can rewind the rope back onto your pulley soon after. If your recoil starter assembly is not functioning properly, replace it.

Faulty Ignition Coil

The ignition coil sends energy to the spark plug so the engine will start. If the ignition coil starts failing, it might result in the engine not starting.

Before you replace the ignition coil, make sure that the spark plug is functional so that you don’t have another problem on your hands with a brand new part installed.

If you find out after testing that your spark plug is fine and unfunctional, then next test your ignition coil using an ignition coil tester to figure out if it’s defective or otherwise before replacing it entirely.

Carburetor Not Working

carburetor not working

It is possible that the carburetor is clogged. It is common for a carburetor to become blocked if fuel is left in the chainsaw for a long period of time.

Certain ingredients may evaporate over time and leave behind thicker, stickier substances that can clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting.

You may need to rebuild the entire cylinder or replace it altogether if cleaning doesn’t work after using a petroleum-based cleaner or simply purchasing one from your local hardware store.

Error with Spark Plugs

The spark plug may be defective. To determine this, remove the spark plug and inspect it. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode has been visibly damaged or burned away to exposed metal.

There is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode tip of the plug, then acquire a replacement spark plug as soon as possible!​ Alternatively, if you haven’t replaced your spark plugs in a couple of years, then now might be a good time to invest in some new ones.

Final Thoughts

We hope we were able to provide you with a feeling of relief the next time your Poulan chainsaw stops cooperating. Whether you solve the problems yourself or with someone’s help, these solutions should be more than enough to get your chainsaw back to a “good as new” state.

Troubleshooting a problem can save you both time and money because it might not necessarily mean you have to replace your chainsaw if it refuses to start.

Poulan Chainsaw Won’t Start

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