Poulan wont restart after being used & how I solved my problem.

Just me adding to the confusion of how to solve hard to restart on Poulan Chainsaws. The cool part is you can find these saws in the used equipment section of CL all day long for fifty bucks or less because owners get frustrated and get another saw. Lol! Leave me a comment if you try this at your own risk on your saw and now you are a happy Poulan owner. I am!

[@mrboom4570]

The "2 barrel" is because it is a stratocharged saw to meet EPA emissions. Commonly refered to a strat saw. Yes , it is a crap cheap design. The cockroach of saws.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Larry, thanks so much for informing me about the stratocharge engine. I never heard of it before or just overlooked it. I just spent the last 2 hours researching it. Very interesting to say the least. Thanks again and I appreciate you taking the time to comment. I learned something today. Stay safe. 🍺😷👍

[@rickforsty9410]

@@ZombieDaveAZ think your spot on ! I would also would look into changing filter media ! good presenttation

[@dangilbertville2577]

@Antonio Jaxton SCAM

[@lukez1729]

Yeah these 42cc saws are complete.juck!

[@thenoneckpeoplerepresentat8074]

Cockroach of saws is the perfect description 😂.

[@detrimundo]

I'm just going to repeat what hundreds before me said. 1. Thank you. 2. You're a great communicator. 3. Excellent catch on the design flaw. 4. I hate the new design on gas containers but I now have a new appreciation.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

I love starting my day with a kind comment. I hope you have a great day and stay safe my friend.

[@aruntyagi4767]

I was looking for a lightweight blower for my deck. kzbin.infoUgkxgioZQl3J5wPGAeDINzbieKbT5qomSEx3 There are some huge trees around my house and the leaves and pods drop all over my deck. Having to move furniture around to sweep has become too big a chore. This blower was the answer. It is light enough for this 70yr old lady and powerful enough to blow all the tree droppings off my rather large deck. Thank you B&D. Be aware the cord is not included. I use a 3 prong outdoor cord 25' cord for my 12' x 20' deck. The cord retainer works very well, but don't try to pass the plug through it. That is NOT how it works. You just have to loop the cord and it works great. One of my best purchases. Very happy.

[@toddmorgan8208]

setting the plug gap to 0.030 " fixed my problem, today... a you tube guy said the gap shrinks when gets hot, and just need to open it up a little... (ran for 4 min, then died & no start...) Over the years, I have done various things... replaced gas, carbs, fuel lines, filters, & even a gas cap... I do something every 1 or 2 years... it always, eventually, will get working again... but this was the fastest fix I've seen. I have yet to try cutting a hole(s) in the air filter cover....

[@ellasweet2393]

Man, your solution works PERFECT! I have the poulan p3314 saw. I had the cover off to get at the low/high jets and idle screw to set the mixture and had it running great. I noticed the black area on the lower carb jet. Put the cover on the carb, installed the cover and the damn thing WOULD NOT restart. Choked, not choked. then I found your solution. took off the carb cover and put 2 3/4" holes on either side of the top jet, reassembled and bada-bing, fired right up.

[@dougsimon9788]

Just want to thank you,,, great demonstration! I have a RYOBI that was giving me the problems you described. I changed the spark plug, then the fuel, then the air filter, and last the gas filter and still no luck. Cut a wider opening over the air filter cover... and finally.. The saw is back in action....

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Thank you Doug.

[@albert39520]

Wow Oh Wow! I have a Chainsaw again! I bought the 3314 after my Wild Thing that was just worn out after Katrina cleanup (the Forrest came down on us) and expected it to work as great as my Poulan Wild Thing 2375. Alas no. The flooding after you use it once was unfixable by local techs until I watched your video. My 3314 didn’t have a separate filter cover rather a gridded plastic cover that SHOULD have allowed airflow. Prehaps there isn’t sufficient air coming into chamber at all? What do I have to lose? I decided to drill a very small vent hole in front of the upper filter area. 1/8” bit Voile’. It starts every time. It’s now as effortless as my old Wild Thing. Thank you for the clue. So great to have it working.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

No more coffee and researching youtube. Time to go to work! Stay safe Allyson. 😷👍🍺

[@kevinhouston4273]

Gave my pastor a Poulon. He complained later that he couldn't get it started. I told him that sometimes that chainsaw needs a good cussin. He told me he cussing days were long gone. I told him "Keep pulling preacher. It'll come back to you." Good video my friend. Good explanation and solution. My kind of 'making it work'.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

That made me laff so hard. Thanks👍😉

[@alexandrevaliquette1941]

I would suggest a 5$ donnation to your Patreon account for every happy camper that saved their saw with your tips! Ok, you don't have a Patreon account and you are only doing this KZbin for the passion of helping people making a better world! That is inspiring! I wish you a great day and be safe! Alex from Québec, Canada

[@jasonbeal7932]

This fixed my problem!! I replaced the spark plug and cut a big square in that filter cover and it runs like a freakin charm! After a carb adjustment, it runs well, idles well, and starts after its been running a while (after its hot) Thanks for the help!

[@Aronyeakey67]

Going to try this tomorrow, I’ve watched a ton a video on how to fix this issue and this is the first I’ve heard of this trick, if it works I will update this, and I will be very very grateful for you because that will be amazing!! UPDATE: holy crap!!! It worked!! I could not get the dang thing to idle nor could I get the chance to even try to tune the carb because it would shut off and then after I tried I couldn’t even come close to getting it started again, but after drilling 3 small holes... GAME CHANGER!! The dang thing started up great, I was able to get the carb and idle tuned to perfection, great trigger response, I let it run until it was super hot shut it off and normally it would be game over until it cooled but not anymore starts after one pull just put it at half choke and pull starts up great!! Thank you so much!!!!!!!!

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Happy for you. We saved another one from the dump. 😂

[@Aronyeakey67]

@@ZombieDaveAZ one month later and still runs like a champ!! One pull start!! How is this not more well known!!!

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

@@Aronyeakey67 I don't have an answer brother. Thanks for the kind words. Greatly appreciated 👍🍺

[@davidskipperskip5403]

Excellent man I have 3 of them but I learned on a weedwaker years ago it works can't pull enough air through the oil soaked air filter .I think that is what they want you to do buy air filters. Good fix keep it clean and give it air!!!😅😅

[@garydyork6190]

I had given up on fixing my Poulan PRO for years. Every Thing I tried would not work, Till Today. I drilled the holes in the cover, then tuned the carburetor one last time. It is purring like a Buss Saw should now! Thank you so very much for posting that fix.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

GARY D YORK Hey Gary, Thanks for taking the time to comment and I'm really happy it worked out for you. You are the reason I do this. Thanks again.

[@johnwells7931]

you are a very good mechanic keep up the cool work !! it's good to see people on here that know what they are doing !

[@ClarenceLloyd]

Wow! I've been cranking my Poulan till exhausted. When cold, it always started up as per starting instructions. But once warmed up, it just never wanted to start. Thanks so very much. I'm fixing it now, and I know ahead of time, it will work!! God bless you sir!!

[@ItsAlive111]

Did this fix it?

[@feralcrafter7043]

(Dark Humor) I'm worried that it worked and he got so excited he had an accident ... RIP Clarence Lloyd!

[@csstechguy7554]

That is the best idea i have seen in a long time to prevent lack of air getting into the carb after it has been running for a while. I will be drilling a hole in my air filter covers from now on and replacing the air filter far more often. Thank You for the TIP...

[@albertcassler8763]

You are truly a mechanic in the full sence of the word...thanks for showing this modification, I'm impressed

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

You might like this one brother. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6LZiYtjrKeJhLM

[@johmu5466]

Excellent demo of venturi & also of effects of water in fuel in fuel tanks.... Makes it easy to understand & remember... Thanks much..!! ...also very helpful info on 'venting' the air cleaner covers by putting in a few extra well-placed holes...

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Thank you Joh.

[@FRANKSBESEK]

Excellent descriptive presentation on The Why and the Wherefore Dave. I cannot tell you just how much I enjoyed this video. Pure genius in understanding the stupidity of the engineering shortfall in the air cleaner system. I am going right down to drill my hole. Many thanks. Stay well and safe. G'day to you.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Thank You Frank. I hope it works for you too.

[@ammoalamo6485]

I recognize my saw must be a re-branded Poulon because it's controls look exactly like your Bumblebee. I have the same hard-to-restart problem. I thought it was unfixable, but now I see how I can try something new. Thanks. I have a hard-to-start weedeater also, will look for water in the fuel tank and gas cans.

[@wallysgaragenshop4567]

Hey Dave, I really wish I had your communication skills. This video has helped me a lot when it comes to two cycle carbs. Thanks :)

[@edwardwuntsch1021]

I did the Hole trick and it actually worked. It went from choking out at high rpm to actually running! Thanks for the video!

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Happy to help Ed

[@madgesonenterprisesltd6228]

Your comments are absolutely wonderful. You explain in really basic way what is going on with small engines. Educational and really entertaining. Brilliant thank you.Keep producing these.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Thank you so much. Please stay safe. 🍺😷👍

[@michaelmclaughlin2729]

@@ZombieDaveAZ Keep Safe and Covid Free Dave

[@vt6spd]

I cannot wait to go home and cut that hole in the filter cover! I have been searching and searching...I cleaned carbs, cleaned saw....new fuel. No change. I will try this out! My saw is about 8 years, 42cc saw. Black and Yellow. Works great the first time it starts, but don't put it down or let it idle...it'll be til the next day when you can start it again. Thank you for the thorough explanation. Great video

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Good luck James.

[@wolfmanrebel874]

I have a 3314 like your green one I got it recently for pruning jobs while I wait on Amazon dragging ass to send me my parts to restore my Husqvarna and that damn thing dies about 15 seconds after you let off the throttle to set it down and it's a pain in the ass to start I'm going to try this, my Husqvarna is an early 90's model 41 air injection and it always starts withing 4 pulls and the engine runs perfect just the oiler broke,clutch is worn out ,bar and chain are worn real bad and oiler tubes need changed I can't wait to have it in the field again I though the little 14 inch poulan for what I gave for it would work well for my wife to trim her fruit trees with but I'm the only one that can get it started so kinda defeated the purpose of buying it

[@campmein]

I am going to do exactly what you did. Last year all of the sudden mine would not crank, fresh tank of gas, oil mix, all new. Cranked it up no problem, did some cutting, eventually cut it off and it would not restart. Changed settings, added more gas, filter was clean, etc,... finally quit trying. I emptied the gas out of it and put it back in case. I have been wanting to take it and check on it. Happen to look at videos tonight...wow, I think I can get it to work now. Thanks for the video. When ever I actually go out and test it, I will give you an update.

[@freddiesmith6668]

I did this to the breather cover on mine and it works great. It will idle now where it never would before and much easier to start.

[@markthomas2166]

Can't believe I had to sit through 16 minutes of theory but the last 3+ minutes was worth giving you a thumbs up.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Lol, is that kinda like saying " you're the smartest stupid person"?! Don't follow this channel Mark, I have lots of theory videos. I appreciate the thumbs up very much. Stay safe.

[@markthomas2166]

@@ZombieDaveAZ Damn, dude! That was just mean. Is it too late to take my "thumbs up" back? No need to answer, I'm being sarcastic!

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

@@markthomas2166 I just subbed you brother. Sarcasm is funny.

[@carlosnegrin277]

After trying to start my Chainsaw Poland several times, for several days, I decided to call a professional, but at this time because the COVID-19 they are closed, so I decided to see if I was able to fix and after making a hole in the filter cover, my chainsaw start right away, great advice, because my other option could be replace the filter.

[@garyolson3315]

I wish I would have watched this video a few years ago and my Craftsman 42cc (Poulan). Great explanation of the various problems with fuel and carburetors! Great find with the problem and fix for your Bumble Bee, same as my Craftsman. I was in the middle of the woods the first time it happened to me, SOL an no 2nd chainsaw. I bought a Greenworks Pro 18 80v and 4 batteries. Hard to go back...... ;-) Thanks for the video!

[@davidhoward5586]

Very well presented and a great understanding of how an internal combustion engine works. As most problems if not all problems with intermittent use of any two or four stoke engine is with the fuel delivery system i.e. The carburetor from water,rotten fuel lines,blocked gas filter or gummed up carburetor or in the case of small two stroke engine, the diaphragms inside the carburetor.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

David Howard Thank you David. I hope you'll subscribe and check out my other videos. Always look forward to comments.👍

[@brotherlove100]

Hey, I just wanted to throw my 2c in here. I followed your lead, your discovery and made one more. You could very well be right about the filter cover suffocating it. However, take a good look at the saw cover! That air intake ares is completely sealed off. They even went so far as to add in a rubber gasket b/w the area and the engine bay. Look at the inside of the cover on your bench. Totally walled in. I cannot see where air can get in except by the carb adjustment area and by the throttle cable. So I think you're correct bout chasing the airflow, but I took it one step further and am going to cut holes in the cover right below the "start guide" sticker and glue a screen over them to keep the chunks out.

[@save4775]

Experiencing the same issues with my PP3816AV. I'm now convinced that this is what's happening to my saw when taking breaks the restarting. Thank you for your time in addressing this issue. It just makes sense.

[@jackallen6261]

When you first scanned by the jar with the gas in it and a small hose my first thought was "Oh, he has a sippy cup with some moonshine in it. This should be an interesting video!!" LOL Cool idea, I one of each of those saws, lol. Double trouble! Thanks for sharing!

[@Danafondo]

Last fall I did the poor man's version of this after I watched your video. I took the cover off to restart it and then put the cover back on. Depending on usage this year, I will probably drill the holes. Thank you very much for uploading this.

[@JOEZEP54]

Hi Dave, Nice presentation. Was just finishing a video putting a carb on an old Craftsman chainsaw only to find out now the coil is shot. Well on the bright side material for another video LOL. Stay well, Joe Z

[@josedejesus6185]

Great instructional video! I have a Poulan and it is very aggravating to start, after it dies, during a job! Thanks for the lesson on venturing the fuel! I will try the method that you did!

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Hope it helps you out. Thank you for the comment.

[@scottfirman]

Here in Northern Michigan, you can dump gas in a jar, come back in a half hour and actually see water forming in the gas. It becomes foggy and after a while, you can even tilt the jar and see water pooled up at the bottom of the jar. The best thing to do is keep your can tightly sealed and never use the last 1/3 of the fuel in your gas can. It will always have water at the bottom. Sometimes you need to think outside the box. I had a lawn mower that never worked right. I ended up putting a fender washer over the carburetor hole between the air filter and that cured its problem. By doing that, it restricted air flow a bit and improved performance and ran 100% better. I have also had to modify the air filter box on weed wackers, same issue!

[@lonnieblackwell5107]

The air fix sounds like a potential fix for my Poulan , possibly also an Earthquake which has the same hot start problem. I"ll have to check the air cleaner cover now that I have seen your fix.

[@markdavis3957]

Dave, Thank you very much for the very informative video, I like the thought process on how you got to the root of the problem. You explained the problem perfectly, and your solution. Good work!

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Thanks Mark. Appreciate the comment. I hope you are doing well.

[@leeisenberg]

Thanks for sharing Zombie Dave. My dad's Poulan P4018 is only 6 years old, hasn't been used hard at all & I'm replacing fuel line, cleaning air filter, & having to adjust high & low screws. Now looks like I'll be popping a few holes in the air cleaner as well. Thanks again, take care from Tn.

[@jeffreygoodson2563]

Hi Zombie Dave, I wondered the same thing that you mentioned. I don't know much about engines but I noticed that when I took the cover off of my Poulan Wood Shark, 1950 that the carburetor air intake is nearly blocked by the cover. Thank You so much for your great video and explanation!

[@ghiagoo]

Fabulous explanation about carburetors. Best I’ve ever seen on KZbin.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Thanks buddy.👍🍺

[@DanR411]

Thanks so much for this tip. I had a blister on my hand from trying to start a new Poulan. I cut a small hole in that filter cap and the chainsaw cranked on the first pull.

[@ronhanish]

same problem on mine, im gonna try this

[@JF-ge8hb]

Nice basic explanation of how a simple carburetor works and good catch on the air filter housing design flaw. Great job

[@andy7442]

Thank you! I wish I had done this a couple of years sooner, hell, even right out of the box. You literally saved my saw from the nearest dumpster!

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Thanks Andy

[@1055bobm]

Very interesting. My friends Poulan was not running smooth at top end and of course I thought someone had tried to adjust the carb wrong. After watching your video I am going to try your recommendation. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. P.S. I no longer use the gas at the pumps here in California. Strictly using race gas on all of my 2 cycle stuff. Thanks again.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

I use castor 927 mixed in with high octane fuel. I believe you have the right idea. But here in AZ, I give away more gas than I use. So If I service a chainsaw it goes out with a full tank of fuel and bar oil. Thanks for commenting and I hope you subscribe. Nearly all of my vids on small engines have a tip or trick that you may not have known before watching.

[@johnwells7931]

very very good and informative video ! I deal with this issue every day as a mechanic

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

John Wells. Thank You John. Your comment means a lot to me.

[@GreenPowerFarm]

I just want to say thank you! My chainsaw would never start warm & didn’t idle...I’d cut down a few branches set it down & it would die...then I would try to pull it like 29 times and nothing......AFTER doing you hole cut out method this chain saw runs better than ever!!...idles perfect!!..starts 1st pull with hot engine!!!...so thank you kindly brother!!...🙏

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

You are most welcome. I subbed you. Cool channel. Thanks for the positive comment too.👍

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

You are most welcome. I subbed you. Cool channel. Thanks for the positive comment too.👍

[@Rick-be8pw]

@@ZombieDaveAZ I subbed you 2.

[@donjohnson8627]

I like your analytic approach and your ability to articulate your experiments/explorations---so here is a word for ya---"VENTURI". That is what a reduction in inside diameter is called where an air flow passes through a carburetor and is forced to speed up. That area causes an increase in air flow speed AND (the important thing) a drop in pressure (so there is a relative vacuum there to pull the fuel in and vaporize it). You did a pretty good job of showing and explaining the simple venturi in this carb, but I just thought you and other folks might like to know what it is called. I also liked your demonstration of how the fuel is drawn out of the fuel line into the vacuum where the air passes over it at speed and turns into a vapor. GOOD JOB and VERY clear! One point to check AFTER a "no start" and you have changed the fuel for new is to clean the spark plug to be sure it wasn't contaminated with water before you changed the fuel and is still that way----won't work if it has water on/in it for some reason!

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Yeah I didn't explain the low pressure as good as I should have. But I did call it what it is @ 03:59 . Honestly I get too anal about stuff so some guys do the 10 second skip. Oh well just trying to cover all the bases. Thanks for the comment and the water soaked spark plug is an excellent point. Thank you. I hope you sub and comment more on other videos.

[@philliplawerence5784]

He named it properly in the video, at about the 3.58 mark. Good suggestion about the plug and water, but actually chemically pure water is an excellent INSULATOR ! It's the minerals/salt/etc in water that can make it electrically conductive.

[@NikLyons]

I have a brand new poulon and I am going to drill holes in the air filter case straight out the box before I mess up the air filter. Nice video and explanation

[@devilsoffspring5519]

If it's brand new, leave it alone.

[@nigelcarren]

Good morning Dave, (its me 'Welch' plug guy). Thanks for pointing me in the direction of this video. I teach armour-making to the enthusiastic a few times every year, and for me the essence (essence=french for petrol, but that is just a coincidence) is hands-on and all about myth-busting, which seems to be your standpoint. Your demo at 6:00 with your airline is the best and perhaps most important carburettor function demo I have ever seen... It really is as simple as that. Yesterday I learned the word 'Welch' plug, and today I learned the word 'Hygroscopic'. You are my kind of teacher... and if I lived in Arizona (I have armour collectors there by the way), I would take you for a pie and a pint! Cheers again and have a great summer. Nigel and all the mice

[@Halscamp]

Been scanning through your videos for the last few minutes. Very interesting stuff to me. My first power saw 19 years ago was a McCulloch Mac (forget the size) and it would never start the second time. I got fed up and got a Husqvarna. When my father passed I got his old saw and unknown to me it was the exact same McCulloch as mine. I kept both running for the next 15 years or so and finally sold them for $25.00. I told the buyer they were hard to start when warm -- hope he made out ok. Subscribed so I can learn something.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

+Halscamp I appreciate that buddy. I subbed you as well. Please join in and ask a Q or help out with an answer when you can. I need all the backup I can get. Welcome aboard!

[@Halscamp]

Thanks for the invite. I have a small business and have at least 6 gas push mowers, 3 ride ons, 1 zero turn, 2 - 2 stroke grass trimmers, 1 - 4 stroke grass trimmer, hedge trimmers, leaf blower, power saw, old, old tractor, 4 wheelers, snowmobiles, about 5 electric mowers, and 5 or 6 electric grass trimmers, generator, and and and. I spend 1/2 the year trying to keep these running and I am no mechanic by any means but I do survive without going to the small engine shop very often unless for parts. Live and learn I guess. If you don't mind you will hear from me.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

+Halscamp anything I can do just ask.

[@timtravasos2742]

I've never seen a demonstration like that. Wow!

[@casperpffppobob590]

THANKS FOR SHOWING THAT, SOLVED MY PROBLEM

[@lostalchemist3180]

Thanks for great video and tip. After blowing out filter and drilling 3 holes in carb cover like you showed my poulan 40cc restarts after use much better. Before this fix would almost have a heart attack trying to restart it.

[@Yorktown-pb8bd]

Tgank you for the tip. Another guy stated if it gets hit and stops running increase the spark plug gap to .30.

[@CascadeGriz]

After several frustrating days trying to get mt Poulan Wild Thing running I tried your fix, shazzam I now have a working chain saw. Thanks! Great fix and makes perfect sense.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Chuck Holton. Thanks Chuck, just trying to share what I know,errr what I THINK I know. One of these days I will show and share a true story that happened to me with a echo hedge trimmer. humbled me deeply. a lesson I taught myself and will never forget, stay tuned for that one and Thanks so much for your comment. 👍

[@martystevens3969]

Chuck Holton Usually the Wild thing problem is the carb.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Carl I just put out a new carb clean video. 100%.

[@martystevens8357]

Chuck Holton Replace the carb. or the diaphragm 1st. Adjust the mixture using the spline tool.

[@CascadeGriz]

It has run the rest of the summer and early fall perfectly.

[@charliesinatra1079]

i solved my poulan starting problems in a slightly different way... i threw the damn thing away and bought an electric...i couldnt be happier.

[@111000100101001]

What type of generator do you use to power it?

[@charliesinatra1079]

@@111000100101001 a 50 ft extension cord

[@SonOfLiberty1984]

I think your video is spot on. I have a newer model Poulan and they have changed the housing for the air filter. They have implemented a skeletonized version or the cap that you cut a hole in. Maybe they realized that had a problem. That said, I have recently had problems restarting the saw but was ignorant on proper fuel handling and treatment for chainsaws. I am almost certain that improper fuel management is my problem. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Thank you for thecomment brother.

[@frugallandlord6974]

I really enjoyed watching this video, I have a few different saws and unfortunately some of them are poulan thanks for sharing.

[@jamesrussell7501]

I'm impressed! I'm sold! I've been having that same issue with my poulan and now I have a pretty good idea as how to fix the issue. Poulan chainsaws used to be the best out there once but they dropped in popularity being they weren't as reliable as they once were, so other brands came into play and dominated the market like stihl, echo, husqvarna and a few others too, but since poulan chainsaws always worked well for me, I stuck with them because that's the name brand chainsaw I prefer to use above all others. I will say this, my old poulan can't even compare to my dad's 29yr old stihl chainsaw that still works hard each and every time he uses it. Your video is much appreciated and helpful to me and others that have been having trouble with poulan chainsaws

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Thanks so much for the kind words James. Best of luck to you, your dad and your families. Stay safe my friend. 😷👍🍺

[@tonygray5824]

well blow me down, that is just a great idea, you are a very smart guy, you have helped us all out here. a big THANKS

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Always happy to help out a fellow pirate. Thanks for commenting.

[@mohygen2882]

Thank you! I would have never thought of increasing the air flow through the cover. Brilliant discovery sir!

[@mohygen2882]

As life would have it, that wasn’t the issue. Going to try resetting the gap on the plug to .030. :)

[@Willy7212]

I own one of these pieces of junk. Thanks for the video, I am getting my hole saw. Cheers

[@cerberusbonsaiarboricultur774]

"Bumblebee" LOL I've called mine that as well, they've made a good deal of similar-looking saws of varying displacement but the pp4218a seems by-far the most common, I love mine I got it for $50 at a pawn shop and have been pushing it hard ever since, have the rakers filed so low on my chain (don't do this..) and obviously keep it razor-sharp and it just eats wood...I did a muffler-mod on it but got no gains (am using a tachometer) however the air-induction seemed the 'bottleneck' and I'd meant to devise some DIY /mcguyver'd filter-box but never got around to it (so my saw screams from teh muffler mod, w/o any power gains.....like a honda with its muffler cut off ;D ) so am VERY thankful you posted this am going to modify mine similarly (although I'm thinking to remove even more material, I mean it's just gotta be a skeleton for that filter right? ) Do you tape your filter-housing into place or does it stay firm? I have to tape mine every time I touch it or it'll be loose the next time I open it up, in fact more than half of my saws are that way so I always just run a line of tape around the filter-housing//saw-body interfacing!

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

My filter housing/cover no is loose when I take it off too. The old Stihl saws have a spring wire that hold the cover in place. Maybe I'll try something like that. Thanks for your insight brother.👍

[@bentback1]

I bought a 50cc from Sears warehouse not knowing anything about chain so I had to do some reading because it would not start. Bottom line, bad piston and sleeve, cap no vent drilled carb.' cover, coil, spark plug.

[@MiguelGarcia-rv3nj]

You took the time to explain in detail exactly where the situation is coming from. Something that not everyone else does . I DO really appreciate it Thank you!

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Miguel, KZbin seems to be very selective about when it wants to notify me of a comment. I just saw yours and wanted to thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it and apologize for delay. Have a great day my friend and stay safe. 😁😷👍

[@richarderamirez5909]

I have a poulan and husqvarna that experience those exact problems. Going to try your idea today. I have been taking the alcohol out of my gas before using in my two strokes.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Good luck. Don't forget to pull the choke out and then push it back in to set the hot restart. You should be good. 👍

[@JefferyRusnock]

Thank you so much for the advice, my poulan is doing the same thing even after a carb change 3 new fuel lines, new fuel and air filter and a rebuild kit to the original carb. It starts nice but eventually while it’s running and getting warmer will shut off and then very erratic when I do get it started when it is warm. I have it about 10 years new from Lowe’s and will try your breathing method! A very good video and informative ~ Jeff

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Hey Jeff, it seems to have worked for a number of guys if you read thru some of the comments. I hope it works for you as well. 👍. Best of luck.

[@charlessmith833]

My dad left me a small Poulan chainsaw. He loved my brother more than me. Didn't take long to get the message.

[@latestplague3762]

Out of all the comments I've seen this week, you my friend take the cake. For some reason this made me laugh the most.

[@MrSGL21]

of all the comments i've seen this week, this is the most fucked up one. and i understand it seeing as i have had a poulan chainsaw.

[@Pete4875]

Very good video. You really explain the gas, water, oil, well. I have seen tons of people that were also helped by gaping there plug to .30. I wish I purchased a Poulan instead of being conned by the propaganda. I purchased instead a Husqvarna 350 rancher. It has a ridicules one lever, choke, throttle, set up. Most of the time I have to pull it 3 or 4 times to start. Even when It's hot it wont start on the first pull. I could of purchased 3 Poulans for the price.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Honestly Pete Poulans are hit or miss. Your Husqvarna should give you many years of service. Dont feel bad.Thanks for the comment.

[@Ueddyyytube]

Thank you very much !!!!!! for the video, I have been messing with a poulan for almost 3 years, always changing Carburetor kits, lines , I have to replace 3 broken springs that I y broke them myself, trying to start this chain and all the hard work since do just A little. I made 2 holes just like the one you had there, now my saw runs like new, of course after I did some carburetor adjustment, but you're correct your idea truly works!!!!

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Happy that it worked for you too. Stay safe my friend. 😁👍

[@billyadams9985]

By far one of the best explanations I have seen. Well done

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

+harvey adams Thank you Harvey

[@steventhehistorian]

This was a really good video! Thanks for putting it up!

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

steven reddick Thank You Steven. 👍

[@telumears]

"Pullin, pullin, pullin" on your Poulon Poulon Poulon. That's how it got its' name.

[@thomasgronek6469]

Hahahahahahahahaaa!!!!!

[@1995dresser]

The Best and Fast Way to Fix a Poulan Chainsaw is to Take a Garbage Can take the lid off and place the saw inside and Put he Can at the Curb

[@terryspruill3799]

telumears poulon are no good

[@CyberPaulie]

lol

[@phylliswhite4154]

Treat your 500 dollar saw the same way and you will be doing the same thing with it! PULLIN, PULLIN, PULLIN and then it's off to a 200 dollar repair shop bill.

[@jimmclean4876]

Thank you for your help. I had the same problem with the air filter your video help me to fix my saw.

[@3dcrazyEth]

I'm so glad I came on here to see what was going on with my saw. Used it for a while stopped tried to start it again and nothin. So I really hope this works So i don't have to spend hundreds on a new saw

[@Slane583]

I acquired an older Poulan from the mid to late 80's from a friend a few days ago, all-metal casings except the recoil housing and air intake. It's a 2400 Woodmaster, easiest little thing I've ever worked on. Unlike a lot of newer saws, this thing is like a two-step set of LEGO blocks. But when I had it torn down to a little engine chunk to clean it I noticed that the intake wasn't really pulling air from anywhere, except from around the inside the air filter shroud. So it literally has no direct air feed from outside the saw except through maybe some cracks and crevices. I was pondering on drilling some holes in the outside housing but I'm reluctant of ruining an older saw since parts are harder to find. Even though the saw is in almost mint shape the gas cap also seems to leak gas from the vent hole. So it seems like even the smaller Poulans that were still made in the US back in the 80's had intake and gas cap flaws. Once I eventually work the kinks out it's going to be a small backup saw for doing smaller wood and limbs so I don't have to use my MS251 or Homelite 290 for that. Once I've got my blown Husqvarna 570 rebuilt I'll have a small four saw fleet. :)

[@runningbird1972]

Thanks for the info going to try it out. I should have known that because have three carbs on my Road Runner.

[@kraftzion]

I got a 4218 that I have modified everything on. Nothing left but the ring on the filter cover, bored the carb venturi out from 9.5mm to 12mm and shaved the butterfly shafts and screws, ported,muffler modded, ignition timing advance, opened the hole up from the fan to the carb section, ground all the safety rakers off the chain etc. Went from 14 seconds to 7 seconds on the same log. What has remained consistent is it won't hot restart unless you pull the trigger. Pull the trigger and it hot restarts 1st pull every time. So if you have one and nothing else works try that. Come to think of it, setting it back to fast idle might also work. I haven't tried it or even thought about it until now, found a solution that worked and didn't pursue it further.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

It sounds like you have a helluva saw! Yes, for hot starts and just general operations it's always best just to read the owners manual. For restarts : pull the choke all the way out and then halfway back in. That sets the high idle. Good luck with your modded saw. 👍🍺

[@kraftzion]

@@ZombieDaveAZ Yea it is 2010 saw I bought a couple of months ago for $20, no owners manual included. I'll try that next time. It didn't occur to me as all my other saws hot restart without a problem. Thanks!

[@TAO495]

Great, I learned so many simple fixes I can try and why I would be doing it before I junk my saw. I can not wait for the sun to come up tomorrow morning. I was ready to put my junk into the trash can😀😀 Thanks very much.

[@mr.chaosvicious5968]

Any updates on the progress of the repair of your saw? It would be appreciated.🙂

[@TAO495]

@@mr.chaosvicious5968 A few days ago I was doing some small tree cutting and my saw stopped and could not start it again. But yesterday I pulled A a couple of times and started working pretty well. I think bad gas. It's working now. So fR so good.

[@mr.chaosvicious5968]

@@TAO495 We don't really have those kinds of problems. We have a couple of gas stations in town where we live that still actually sells 100% gasoline with no ethanol mixed into it. That's what we actually use for ALL of our weed eaters chainsaws and what have you.

[@fernandopo6399]

Another possible fix is to adjust the carburetor screws, as described in this video: "How To Easily Fix A Chainsaw That Bogs Down By Adjusting The Carburetor". This is a Poulan specific video.

[@igoogleyo3552]

KZbin/the world needs more people like you:)... thanks for sharing and making the world a better place...I was gonna throw mine away:o

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

igoogle yo Thank You for the comment. Glad you didn't throw out your saw. Good Luck

[@thomasgronek6469]

I had a Mcculloch eager beaver that vibrated apart in my hands...I took it apart the rest of the way, and threw it in different trash bags so it couldn't be reconstructed. That is how dangerous I thought it was.

[@ammoalamo6485]

My gas string trimmer used to NEVER re-start after using it for even a couple of minutes. I had to quit and come back after a few hours then it would start. So I drilled several extra holes all over the cap over the filter, and now it re-starts easily every time. I guess it is the same principle at work shown here.

[@robcole332]

Great video. Great explanation for how a Venturi works for those that don’t know and how a bad vent will cause no fuel

[@jimbush8325]

Ya know Pulling Pro [Poulan] get clogged mufflers too. So when you service the carburetor and ignition, dis-assemble the muffler and clean the screen off that is part of the Spark arrester. The carbon will build up and not allow the exhaust to flow out, which will starve the engine of fuel. I have seen this on most all chainsaws and weed-eaters, but for some reason not as much on the backpack blowers...

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

I see this on "homeowner" equipment quite iften. They are not as likely to run their machine full throttle. Hardly anyone runs weedwackers full throttle. I check screens regularly and thanks for the comment.

[@BenjaminGoose]

Really good demonstration regarding the mist thing!

[@alsautner1732]

I have the same problem with a Poulan Blower....I tried what you did in this Video and it worked. Starts everytime now. Thanks. Al

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Thanks for stopping by Al. 👍

[@thomasgronek6469]

VERY WELL DONE !!! Thank you for the math, chem, and physics tutorial on a common sense level. Thank you.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Thomas Gronek Thank You Thomas. I didn't think of it as math,science physics etc until you said it. Thanks for the sub.👍

[@zionisimkills1098]

best advice, buy an old Husky, run only, Non - Ethanol gas and you will never have a problem, I have an old 480 and a 2100 they will cut anything you will ever encounter. Cheers.

[@jantonio991]

Thanks for the advice, I'll do it

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

jantonio991 let everyone know if it works for you. Best of luck with your Poulan

[@heavymechanic2]

Had the same starting problem back in 97, full throttle or it will not start hot. Never had that problem with a Homelite and now I have a MTD (Remington). The Poohlon runs good and I was tired of the leaking bar oil and it has rotten fuel lines, was not worth the time or money to fix a POS saw. Got the Remingtom RM4214CS from Amazon in March for around 100, its easy to start and cuts wood, no regrets.

[@timtravasos2742]

I could not believe the air flowing across that tube sucked the mix up and aerosolized it! Wow! And I didn't think the fuel mix was drawn into the crankcase first! Ok! Good info. Thanks!

[@lsattle]

see this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXXEgJaEp7hpeK8 done by the Walbro carb company that makes many of the carbs on chain saws. See at minute 1:10 a detailed view of the fuel delivery.

[@jeffcamp481]

A goldmine tip! Thank you!

[@JosephNine]

put a copy of this video away , so when poulan starts doing your fix . you can get some royalties

[@phylliswhite4154]

Ethanol has water in suspension since it is not refined to maximun of 196 proof but instead to only about 130 proof . After it sets for an extended time separation can occur. hence since water is heavier than alcohol or gasoline it collects at the bottom of the tank and is the first to be drawn into the carb essentially drowning the engine. Do not use ethanol blend gasoline if possible. If you do be sure to draiin it from the system before storage. or add a fuel stabilizer. Shake the saw to remix the fuel in the tank after storage before starting.

[@donemmons5065]

Intelligent, well thought out and delivered instructions.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Thank you Don. Ill be the first to know when you upload a video. I subbed you. Thanks for the kind words.

[@jasonschau4218]

That is great information I'm gonna try that out when I pull out my saw. You know if you aint pullin it it a Poulan.

[@KoKnYurAzz]

man i luv ya! this solved my issue almost smash the damn thing on concrete from frustration tryin ta start the thing

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Thanks Bobby. Luv you back and thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@donniebrown2896]

Lol, that reminds me of the first chainsaw I ever bought, didn't have much money so I bought a used 14" macolough (?) For 100$ from a pawn shop. That little saw ran great. Was 20 miles out away from nowhere, fueled up pulled the cord, it broke. Went home, found a place on the other side of town that had one. Went home and installed it. First pull, the new cord broke, I'm Irish, threw the saw down many many times, went inside the wife asked did I fix it, I said nope it's broke, she asked what's wrong, I looked at her and said it's broke.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Wish I could give this 5 thumbs up. Laffed my ass off!

[@richardmarte293]

That was an awesome tutorial on that brand of chainsaw. I plan to buy a Sears craftsman which is the Poulan brand. Thanks for the tips...

[@jackthereefer1]

That is a great idea to open up the air cleaner cover. It make so much sense. I am going to drill out mine. Thank you.