..I believe in fixing things rather than throwing them away, especially older, quality stuff...BUT...these are one of the one's I'd rather fix by inserting into dumpster...should be inserted into dumpster as soon as they were built...
@@donyboy73 Great video, wish I found it sooner. I agree these things are turds. But I will reach for it when someone wants to "borrow" my chainsaw and keep the Husqvarna in its protective case.
I had a poulan and nothing but problems with it. Recoil spring constantly breaks. Hard to start. Piston ring broke and cooked the saw in less than a year. I inherited mt dads sthill ms 170 and Noth but general maintenance. Never again will I buy any but a sthill
This video was comprehensive and nicely edited so the audience is not watching you do a lot of prep. Just the raw facts with nothing left out. Excellent video! Thank you!
You're the best man! One of the differentiating factors that makes you the best is that you show us exactly what the problem is and let us hear what it sounds like. It takes more effort to do it that way; but by doing so you are providing much better education than most. Thanks for the extra effort.
I recently acquired a Poulan P3816 from a firewood customer. Needed serious cleaning in and out. All of the adjustments were way out. Low Idle (which is adjustable with a long Phillips head) was dialed down so low the saw would not stay running without punching the trigger. Long story short, I saw you use a T25 to remove the top cover and I followed you long to the other video featuring the spline tool and bought it from Amazon along with a tune up kit and an Oregon Bar/Chaine Combo. EVERYTHING was installed and all three adjustments set up. Now, the idle is fine. Quick trigger response and the high end is screaming and NOT bogging in even big logs one bit. All it needed was some TLC. It is like a whole different saw now. Thank you for showing the Torx T25 and the correct spline tool.
A lot of people say Poulans are junk but that's literally all we've used on the farm for years and years. Working them all day long in the summer and they barely give us any issues besides when things get dirty/plugged up. Got 4 of them, and personally I won't bother spending extra on anything else. Also have a 15 year old Poulan-Weedeater Riding lawnmower. Runs flawless, no issues at all. Now their weed wackers are a different story. Gone through 2 of those already.
One thing I often do, especially on a saw that's been sitting for awhile, is to bottom out (lightly, of course) both L and H screws (counting the number of turns) and then bring them back to where they were to squeeze away any gunk that may have deposited in the very thin ring of opening that the needle and seat provide. This often fixes the problem without having to do any tuning/open the needle valves any further at all. They're usually just clogged and don't need re-setting. Just opening up a slightly clogged needle valve without bottoming it out first may mean a too-rich mixture later as the gunk dissipates on its own during the next use.
I love your videos! you had me fixing and maintaining my snowblowers myself in no time a few years ago . Now I am going down the rabbit hole of chainsaw adjustments and tinkering.. As a working parent with kids, and where every dollar counts it gives me great pride to fix my own things.
Stihl kept bogging. Watched your videos. Dumped gas, checked gas filter and screen on exaust. Still bogged on top end. While running slightly turned top end carb screw and it took off. Saved $$$. Thanks!
Stihl is my go-to brand. And one of my favorite firewood saws is an old 1970s Homelite XL-12. But I've worked on many brands. Poulan is actually pretty good for the money: around here a 14" Poulan sells for under $200. For backyard tree-trimming, delimbing, smaller firewood tasks, a small inexpensive saw like that is all the homeowner needs. The Poulans are better made than you might think, easy to work on and not made in China (at least the ones I've worked on were made in the US). I need serious saws on my rural property, but Poulans have their place in the suburbs,
Didn't have the adjuster tools so we tapped a small phillips head into a RED wire splice connector and it fits perfect over one of the adjusters. The other adjuster was a bit larger in outside diameter but a BLUE splice fitting fit perfect. That along with your tips and it runs like a champ. Thank you !
Thank you very much,this will make my small engine repair man,not so happy,but he charges me out the ass and I'm sick of it.I'll fix my own saws from now on.Your video was AWESOME!!!
I bought a poulan pr5020 and it ran like mad when I bought it but lately it’s started not starting well, not idling and bogging and dying immediately when I give it gas, this video helped immensely, thank you, also a new spark plug
I have a Poulan Wood Shark 1950, 14" chain saw. It is an older model, with slotted carb. adjustment screws. This is a saw which I inherited from a relative, and I have always been impressed with it. It starts quickly, even after prolonged storage, or in cold weather. I like a Stihl for heavy work, but for small wood or for limbing, especially overhead, it is great! Really light weight. It has been cupping to the point of binding in anything over about two inches in diameter. I have had the bar trued, and replaced the chain with little improvement, so I finally replaced the bar and chain with Oregon products. It is back to cutting like a champ. Thanks for the video.
Many thanks from Athens, Greece. Had the same problem. I followed your advices and fixed it! I could not wait for this special tool to come, so I used a hard plastic cover which I removed from a wire. Thanks again !!
It worked.. I adjusted as you said and "Presto" it worked and I tweaked as you said with a 1/4 turn! I could cut my limbs with no problem after that! Thank You so much for the Information and upload!
hangingman1 Yes, but it is a miserable job cleaning up all the blood afterwards. LOL When I was a kid, one of my neighbors showed me a scar, on his knee, which was the result of a chain saw accident. It was a surprisingly clean, straight edged cut, about a quarter inch wide.
Have this model saw and the issues so far is: -Bar oil leaking out after use *Started loosening both bar oil and fuel cap to release pressure before putting away resolved the problem -Low end bog after starting *Sprayed seafoam into the intake resolved until it killed, let sit, started back up and problem resolved It's run 2 blades dull with good reliability and the saw still starts well after sitting a few months with old fuel. My advise is to ensure the air filter and muffler are not caked up with wood (especially after sawing in the rain). Also, to use the spray type of seafoam through the intake prior to replacing the carb or carb kit. Also make sure your plug healthy. This will save you time and money prior to any in-depth tune. Very easy motor to work on.
this is the second video of yours I have watched. Just came across your channel. Thank you for these awesome videos, they make my life much easier and less expensive. Thanks again.
Very nice! I'm trying to bring an old Stihl 011AV back to life and I've never messed with yard equipment like this, only bikes and cars. So this has been great to watch.
Great video as usual mate. I like the way you explain everything slowly, clearly and keep it nice and simple for those of us who are not experts in the field. Well done 👍
Make your own carburetor adjusting tool using a blue, electrical butt connector. Take one female end of a butt connector and force it on a torx tool with handle to make the tool. Then the other female plastic end will "form" to the carburetor adjusting screw when you push it on to make a low cost tool. No need to spend big money for a special tool and many mechanics have the blue electrical butt connectors in their toolbox. Check it out. I've done it for years.
Thank you. My Stihl MS171 had that same symptoms. I cleaned all filers and spark plug but that didn't help. After watching your video I made the adjustment you showed and it works perfect. Thanks again. Greetings from Ireland.
I was just about to take my Poulan 3314 to a small engine shop when I found your video!! In seconds had the cover off and backed out the "high" screw 1/10? turn with a Gerber Multitool, put the cover back on and was cutting. It's fun to use again!!
Hi Don. Just wanted to say that i love your videos and never regret one day since i first subscribed. You take your time to show why the engines behave like they do before you show how to fix it and that is what i love with your videos. Hope all is good with you and the family.Cheers and take care
After I cleaned the way too dirty air filter I used an old flathead from 1914 to edge that screw forward a 1/12 a turn and bam! Better than new. Tyvm great video!
Great video Dony! I like the fact that you show what the problems are before you provide the fix. Gives us a chance to stop the video and try to determine the problem and then watch the rest of the video. lol
Very helpful, thanks! I have a different make and model of chainsaw with the same problem but the carb adjustment principles are almost exactly alike so your demo was spot on. Keep it up...
I'm going to try your advice before chucking this piece of **** in the street. It never ran right out of the box, hates to idle, bogs down frequently,and is a mother to get to restart after refuel/bar oil top off. It was a gift (despite my warnings against this brand), wish me luck. GO STIHL!
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My Poulan model 4018 has hex head type adjustment tabs...nothing like the spline screws here. Thanks Poulan for making thing even more difficult.
I used a piece of small hose, like the kind you would use for a larger aquarium bubbler. Got it at the hardware store, and cut off a 4 inch piece and slipped it over the adjustment screw. It works for me, although I haven't tried it with the black plastic top on the chainsaw.
I started having this same problem with my Poulan Pro last year around this time, and then I didn't use it for a while and drained the gas. Today I put gas and chain lube in it, and with some difficulty got it started and idling OK. When I carried it to the top of the hill where some deadfalls are, it again started but would not rev up. I thought it might be the air cleaner or bad fuel (I used some premixed from last year), but the filter was clean. I figured the carb needed adjusting but it has those spline screws and I did not have the tool. I used the suggestion from David Addy to use 1/4" copper tube and after I squeezed it a bit smaller it fit the screws. I had a hard time telling when the screws were fully tightened, but with the cover off I could see them turn. I backed them off 2 turns which allowed it to start, and then I found it worked well with 2-1/2 turns on the low and 3-1/2 turns on the high. Now I might be able to cut up those downed trees for firewood. Thanks for the great TH-cam tutorial! :)
Excellent job. You show and tell in a very straightforward manner. I’m not here to be entertained or enlightened about other matters. Thank you sir for your help. ;-)
Thanks for posting this. Just as you said, my 1yr old sparsely used Poulan Pro 18" had same issue bogging as your demonstration. Not too knowledgeable with 2-strokes. So picked up that tool on Amazon and did just as you demonstarated. Cut's like butter now.
Hey Don, I just revisited this video of yours. You are a legend, helping everyone and teaching what we need to know. I've got a five year old McCulloch chainsaw but made here in Spain by Husqvarna. The guy at the Sthil shop is a bit sniffy about it but it's been a good saw. I've never had to adjust it but it's bogging down now. Thanks for the vid. I'm off to adjust my saw.
Great video! Great show and tell. First video I watched that identified a malfunction at high speed can be fixed with a minor adjustment of the carburetor. Everyone else jumps to replacing fuel lines and rebuilding the carburetor. Thanks.
nice cutting dony! thanks for the video.. Small Print: I appreciate the video to be informative. I understand that not every Poulan chainsaw is the same. I will never hold donyboy73 responsible for any problems with my chainsaw, including but not limited to, chainsaw massacres, cold winters, missing digits, mad ex-wives, and tax collectors.
I appreciate all of the good advice you give on your videos, I have fixed several snowblowers to make a few extra $ to help out as I am unemployed.keeps me busy and no food bank
Thanks for the video im going to try to get my saw running properly tommorrow. Its not been used very much but I have the same symptoms. Im getting into camping season here in PA so need to be able to cut my wood. Thanks again.
Very informative. Thanks. Knew my one husqy needed tweaking but wasn't sure which way to go. Have had problems with it since day one. My other husq has been a beast since day one. Had that one for 10 years and never an issue, other than trying to use it for smaller jobs that it's not meant for. Hopefully can get my little one to that standard.
Always love to watch your videos, they are very informative and there is no wasted time. And really HELPFUL! Please keep up the good work. Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!
Hi Donny, I just wanted to say thanks for all the videos. I replaced a gasket and throttle cable on a friends Troybilt weed eater and it runs great now. I also bought a replacement carb for my Poulan 2775. The difference in carbs is that the oringinal Walbro carb didn't automatically close the choke when you pulled the throttle trigger, you had to manually close it. The replacement carb has a spring that will close the choke when the throttle is pulled. Also maybe you can explain why the Walbro carb has only one fuel tube going into it, some have 2. I coudn't have repaired these tools without gaining a lot of knowledge from you. Thanks again. PS- I also repaired a snow blower carb after 2 years of not starting, turns out it was clogged.
Thanks for this video. I have a 14" woodshark that did the exact same thing. I would have to pump the throttle to make a cut. I took the cover off and backed out the H screw a couple turns. Now it runs great. I had to trim away the plastic housing around the adjustment screws to get a pair of needle nose pliers in there because I don't have a carb tool. Thanks!
I did everything just like you said, my chainsaw now sounds great but cuts like crap! Oh, wait. I had the chain on backwards. Never mind. It runs like a champ, thanks for the great vid.
Great video! Exactly my problem (with Ryobi chainsaw), and you explained perfectly. I didn't know there were specific carb adjustment tools (mine used "Pacman" style head), so I purchased an inexpensive tool set on Amazon. Thanks again!!
*I have a 38cc Craftsman 16" bar, that I bought in 2011, and it runs perfect. I run it wide open and there's a slight sputter at high rpm, and then you put a load on it by starting your cut and it smooth's out and runs strong*
Donny as usual great video. Thanks a lot. I did not know those limiting caps came off. I had a weed wacker that I could not adjust because of those things. Now I know. Thank you!
The low speed screw is not only for Idle, but also for Low to Mid RPM and acceleration. If it bogs down while accelerating, I would richen the Low screw, 1/4 turn (counterclockwise), and then lean it out (clockwise) in 1/16th turn increments.
Great video on carburator adjustment. I have a Poulan chainsaw that when I pull rope to start the chainsaw. The pull rope kick back. The pull rope is hard to pull. I took the rope assemble off the chainsaw and it works ok. Can you make a video how to fix this? Thanks!
Great video man, super informative. I'm about to try it on my saw. Mine ran fine last week (2nd time ever using it) but today it bogs down like crazy... I think it got wet in my shed from the monsoons here in AZ.
Hey, got the saw to idle, the saw is running fine. Adjust the T-screw and cleaned out the spark arrester. adjusted the high and low until the until it ran good at high speed and idled. THANKS
Dony, If I think the problem with my Poulan is the carb and a new carb cost $25 and the rebuilt kit cost $10.50 isn't just best to get a new carb for the average homeowner? How often are Zema carbs unfixable? Oops ! never mind, I just heard you said the answer on the video. Thanks, Dony You da man!
This is the very information my saw and me are in need of just now. Frustrated as my Poulan Pro regularly bogs down while trying to buck up next years firewood I've been giving those 2 screws the evil eye each time I take the hood off to open up the carburetor or check the filter. Surly, I tell myself it can't be as simple as adjusting those 2 screws that have been carefully designed to be tamper resistant? Thanks dony, looks like we'll have some wood here for coming season.
Hi Donnyboy, really appreciate your videos. I'm having trouble adjusting my poulan chain saw. I have followed few videos, no success. None of the videos show sequence to adjust. It's always based on a given problem. How should I start from both jet screwed all the way in. And throttle screwed all the way in? Please help. Thank you.
I've had to do a lot of that sort of that adjustment on the Ryobi 2 stroke line trimmers as they are set up roughly in the factory meaning they don't tune them there. I've found that I bought a crappy carby for a Stihl hedge trimmer where the 1 way check valve was loctited into the main body of the carby then the fuel ate the Loctite away. I did the Mason jar trick to find out that the carby was leaking fuel & sucking air into the fuel chamber so it was impossible to tune,it bogged down like that chainsaw. So ,I ordered a really good carby for $30 AUD & the hedge trimmer went like a beauty,AFAIK it's still going good & that's one I had a lot of trouble with due to crap parts such as being supplied with a dud carby & incorrect ignition coils !!!! I had to go OEM to get the right coil as Stihl made it hard by also changing the crankshaft later on,meaning if you get a late model crankshaft then you also need to get the ignition coil to match !!!!
I always feel like 18" bar is too much for a 38cc saw. 14 or 16 would be fine for this size saw. Great video by the way. I love Poulan saws and they ALWAYS require tuning, even new ones. Sadly I suspect many new owners never fully realize the potential of these saws due to the fine tuning these require.
However, the good news is when you realize the saw's potential when all things are right, you'll want to keep it that way or maybe even better. I just acquired a Poulan P3816 and now? It is a whole different saw! Thank God for that spline tool, huh?
Thanks for the tip on carburetor adjustments. I found the problem with mine. The little black cam for the secondary is broken on mine. Where can I get one?
I'm looking for a suggestion on replacement blade for my Pollan 3816? I'm in Canada so options seem limited, just want a non safety blade..by the way love your videos...
Thanks for the video. That's exactly what my saw is doing. I got the saw free, so an easy adjustment to make it work right is worth keeping a Poulan around. I assume if its running light on idle, you could adjust the 'low' the same way? Thanks again!
Thanks for your great video....have replaced the carb, fuel lines , filters and coil but still have the same running problem, sometimes it does rev high, but when I go to cut, it bogs down and dies, guess I will need a carb. tool.
So here's my question,I can sometimes hear the 4 stroking ppl talk about,but I'm not much on tuning by ear just yet lol,if I use a tachometer and bring it up to the right rpms,will that mean the saw is set perfectly or will I need to turn it out a little richer to make it 4 stroke?? Thanks man and awesome video
Very good video, thank you. I am going to try to adjust mine. My Ryobi bogs down and throws a lot smoke, overheating. I think that I am seeing the same, not sure if I need to look at something else, any advice will be muchly appreciated.
This is almost the exact problem I have with mine! The only difference is it will rev up but as soon as it touches wood it bogs down and doesn't want to run.
Nice, I have a Jonsered which kind of suffers from the same sickness, so I'll try this. The difference is that it doesn't happen all the time, but rather when it's been working for a while, sometimes just minutes, sometimes about an hour, and then sometimes it doesn't want to turn on again until it cools down or something (though I don't give it that hard of a time), so I guess there is something else, but I have to start somewhere.
Danny please i need your help, what if the carb has only one adj. screw? And chainsaw bogs when throttle as in your video? It was supposed to be adjusted ( chain not moving at idle etc) . Thank you so much.
I have this exact problem with my Rockwell. I bought it as an impulse buy some 8 years ago, and its always done me well. But lately, despite the air filter being clean, the chain sharp (although the bar isn't in the best condition), starts well, revs high under full throttle when not cutting, it bogs down WHILE cutting. Guess I'm off to buy a carb adjusting tool!
Might be your clutch, if it runs at idle and full throttle fine but bogs while cutting it is likely the clutch has failed. That or your bar is cutting crooked and causing it to bind mid cut. Good luck!
Excellent video. Do you know if a Poulan Woodsman 16" can be tuned in the same manner? Mine has the opposite problem: doesn't idle for longer than 3 seconds. I have to keep the throttle pushed to keep it from stalling.
..I believe in fixing things rather than throwing them away, especially older, quality stuff...BUT...these are one of the one's I'd rather fix by inserting into dumpster...should be inserted into dumpster as soon as they were built...
yes lol, and rejected at the border
@@donyboy73 Great video, wish I found it sooner. I agree these things are turds. But I will reach for it when someone wants to "borrow" my chainsaw and keep the Husqvarna in its protective case.
@@donyboy73 atg
I had a poulan and nothing but problems with it. Recoil spring constantly breaks. Hard to start. Piston ring broke and cooked the saw in less than a year. I inherited mt dads sthill ms 170 and Noth but general maintenance. Never again will I buy any but a sthill
@@RichardWilson-sh3kr Poulan is made by Husqvarna
This video was comprehensive and nicely edited so the audience is not watching you do a lot of prep. Just the raw facts with nothing left out. Excellent video! Thank you!
You're the best man! One of the differentiating factors that makes you the best is that you show us exactly what the problem is and let us hear what it sounds like. It takes more effort to do it that way; but by doing so you are providing much better education than most. Thanks for the extra effort.
thanks for the feedback
yea man thx for the info! I got my saw going.And I was just before bringing out the smoke pole,to put that saw to rest!
My Poland saw revs fine until I start cutting then it bogs down while in the wood the saw does have great compression
Exactly!!!
I recently acquired a Poulan P3816 from a firewood customer. Needed serious cleaning in and out. All of the adjustments were way out. Low Idle (which is adjustable with a long Phillips head) was dialed down so low the saw would not stay running without punching the trigger. Long story short, I saw you use a T25 to remove the top cover and I followed you long to the other video featuring the spline tool and bought it from Amazon along with a tune up kit and an Oregon Bar/Chaine Combo. EVERYTHING was installed and all three adjustments set up. Now, the idle is fine. Quick trigger response and the high end is screaming and NOT bogging in even big logs one bit. All it needed was some TLC. It is like a whole different saw now. Thank you for showing the Torx T25 and the correct spline tool.
This was exactly what was wrong with my Poulan. You saved me a lot of time and frustration. Thanks for such an easy to follow video!
A lot of people say Poulans are junk but that's literally all we've used on the farm for years and years. Working them all day long in the summer and they barely give us any issues besides when things get dirty/plugged up. Got 4 of them, and personally I won't bother spending extra on anything else. Also have a 15 year old Poulan-Weedeater Riding lawnmower. Runs flawless, no issues at all. Now their weed wackers are a different story. Gone through 2 of those already.
You saved a Poulan's life today. I adjusted the high screw and it ran great did everything I needed it to do
One thing I often do, especially on a saw that's been sitting for awhile, is to bottom out (lightly, of course) both L and H screws (counting the number of turns) and then bring them back to where they were to squeeze away any gunk that may have deposited in the very thin ring of opening that the needle and seat provide. This often fixes the problem without having to do any tuning/open the needle valves any further at all. They're usually just clogged and don't need re-setting. Just opening up a slightly clogged needle valve without bottoming it out first may mean a too-rich mixture later as the gunk dissipates on its own during the next use.
I love your videos! you had me fixing and maintaining my snowblowers myself in no time a few years ago . Now I am going down the rabbit hole of chainsaw adjustments and tinkering.. As a working parent with kids, and where every dollar counts it gives me great pride to fix my own things.
Thanks man. I'm no small engine mechanic, but this did the trick for me and got my chainsaw back in smooth working order!!
Stihl kept bogging. Watched your videos. Dumped gas, checked gas filter and screen on exaust. Still bogged on top end. While running slightly turned top end carb screw and it took off. Saved $$$. Thanks!
Stihl is my go-to brand. And one of my favorite firewood saws is an old 1970s Homelite XL-12. But I've worked on many brands. Poulan is actually pretty good for the money: around here a 14" Poulan sells for under $200. For backyard tree-trimming, delimbing, smaller firewood tasks, a small inexpensive saw like that is all the homeowner needs. The Poulans are better made than you might think, easy to work on and not made in China (at least the ones I've worked on were made in the US). I need serious saws on my rural property, but Poulans have their place in the suburbs,
Didn't have the adjuster tools so we tapped a small phillips head into a RED wire splice connector and it fits perfect over one of the adjusters. The other adjuster was a bit larger in outside diameter but a BLUE splice fitting fit perfect. That along with your tips and it runs like a champ. Thank you !
I know its a old video but you just saved me a trip to the repair shop. Thanks
You have the best how-to videos for small engines on the internet! I bought the carb adjustment tool and it has made my life so much easier.
thanks
Thank you very much,this will make my small engine repair man,not so happy,but he charges me out the ass and I'm sick of it.I'll fix my own saws from now on.Your video was AWESOME!!!
I bought a poulan pr5020 and it ran like mad when I bought it but lately it’s started not starting well, not idling and bogging and dying immediately when I give it gas, this video helped immensely, thank you, also a new spark plug
I have a Poulan Wood Shark 1950, 14" chain saw. It is an older model, with slotted carb. adjustment screws. This is a saw which I inherited from a relative, and I have always been impressed with it. It starts quickly, even after prolonged storage, or in cold weather. I like a Stihl for heavy work, but for small wood or for limbing, especially overhead, it is great! Really light weight. It has been cupping to the point of binding in anything over about two inches in diameter. I have had the bar trued, and replaced the chain with little improvement, so I finally replaced the bar and chain with Oregon products. It is back to cutting like a champ.
Thanks for the video.
Many thanks from Athens, Greece. Had the same problem. I followed your advices and fixed it! I could not wait for this special tool to come, so I used a hard plastic cover which I removed from a wire. Thanks again !!
It worked.. I adjusted as you said and "Presto" it worked and I tweaked as you said with a 1/4 turn! I could cut my limbs with no problem after that! Thank You so much for the Information and upload!
hangingman1 Yes, but it is a miserable job cleaning up all the blood afterwards. LOL
When I was a kid, one of my neighbors showed me a scar, on his knee, which was the result of a chain saw accident. It was a surprisingly clean, straight edged cut, about a quarter inch wide.
Have this model saw and the issues so far is:
-Bar oil leaking out after use
*Started loosening both bar oil and fuel cap to release pressure before putting away resolved the problem
-Low end bog after starting
*Sprayed seafoam into the intake resolved until it killed, let sit, started back up and problem resolved
It's run 2 blades dull with good reliability and the saw still starts well after sitting a few months with old fuel.
My advise is to ensure the air filter and muffler are not caked up with wood (especially after sawing in the rain). Also, to use the spray type of seafoam through the intake prior to replacing the carb or carb kit. Also make sure your plug healthy. This will save you time and money prior to any in-depth tune. Very easy motor to work on.
Thanks. Had the exact problem on a new 18" Poulan after about 5 hours of use. Just got back from the shop and its running great now. Awesome video!
this is the second video of yours I have watched. Just came across your channel. Thank you for these awesome videos, they make my life much easier and less expensive. Thanks again.
you're welcome, make sure you are subscribed
Very nice! I'm trying to bring an old Stihl 011AV back to life and I've never messed with yard equipment like this, only bikes and cars. So this has been great to watch.
Great video as usual mate. I like the way you explain everything slowly, clearly and keep it nice and simple for those of us who are not experts in the field. Well done 👍
Make your own carburetor adjusting tool using a blue, electrical butt connector. Take one female end of a butt connector and force it on a torx tool with handle to make the tool. Then the other female plastic end will "form" to the carburetor adjusting screw when you push it on to make a low cost tool. No need to spend big money for a special tool and many mechanics have the blue electrical butt connectors in their toolbox. Check it out. I've done it for years.
Thank you. My Stihl MS171 had that same symptoms. I cleaned all filers and spark plug but that didn't help. After watching your video I made the adjustment you showed and it works perfect. Thanks again. Greetings from Ireland.
I was just about to take my Poulan 3314 to a small engine shop when I found your video!! In seconds had the cover off and backed out the "high" screw 1/10? turn with a Gerber Multitool, put the cover back on and was cutting. It's fun to use again!!
Hi Don.
Just wanted to say that i love your videos and never regret one day since i first subscribed.
You take your time to show why the engines behave like they do before you show how to fix it and that is what i love with your videos.
Hope all is good with you and the family.Cheers and take care
After I cleaned the way too dirty air filter I used an old flathead from 1914 to edge that screw forward a 1/12 a turn and bam! Better than new. Tyvm great video!
stumbled on this 10 years after you posted thank you solved my problem
Great video Dony! I like the fact that you show what the problems are before you provide the fix. Gives us a chance to stop the video and try to determine the problem and then watch the rest of the video. lol
Very helpful, thanks! I have a different make and model of chainsaw with the same problem but the carb adjustment principles are almost exactly alike so your demo was spot on. Keep it up...
I always enjoy and learn from your videos. You've been a tremendous help to me on these Poulans 👍
Had the same problem with my Poulan 4218 even after a disassembly and thorough carb clean. This fixed the problem. Thanks!
I'm going to try your advice before chucking this piece of **** in the street. It never ran right out of the box, hates to idle, bogs down frequently,and is a mother to get to restart after refuel/bar oil top off. It was a gift (despite my warnings against this brand), wish me luck. GO STIHL!
My Poulan model 4018 has hex head type adjustment tabs...nothing like the spline screws here. Thanks Poulan for making thing even more difficult.
Different manufacturer but exactly my problem. Thank you. Saved me a bunch of time trying to figure this problem out.
I used a piece of small hose, like the kind you would use for a larger aquarium bubbler. Got it at the hardware store, and cut off a 4 inch piece and slipped it over the adjustment screw. It works for me, although I haven't tried it with the black plastic top on the chainsaw.
Thanks for posting this. I'm having the exact same problem with my Poulan 3816. I'm going to try it tomorrow and hopefully it runs smooth again.
Informative and useful as well. From the best of us to the rest of us. Thanks Donny, you're the best.
I started having this same problem with my Poulan Pro last year around this time, and then I didn't use it for a while and drained the gas. Today I put gas and chain lube in it, and with some difficulty got it started and idling OK. When I carried it to the top of the hill where some deadfalls are, it again started but would not rev up. I thought it might be the air cleaner or bad fuel (I used some premixed from last year), but the filter was clean. I figured the carb needed adjusting but it has those spline screws and I did not have the tool.
I used the suggestion from David Addy to use 1/4" copper tube and after I squeezed it a bit smaller it fit the screws. I had a hard time telling when the screws were fully tightened, but with the cover off I could see them turn. I backed them off 2 turns which allowed it to start, and then I found it worked well with 2-1/2 turns on the low and 3-1/2 turns on the high. Now I might be able to cut up those downed trees for firewood.
Thanks for the great TH-cam tutorial! :)
donyboy73
Dude, you're a great asset to TH-cam !
Excellent job. You show and tell in a very straightforward manner. I’m not here to be entertained or enlightened about other matters. Thank you sir for your help. ;-)
Thanks for posting this. Just as you said, my 1yr old sparsely used Poulan Pro 18" had same issue bogging as your demonstration. Not too knowledgeable with 2-strokes. So picked up that tool on Amazon and did just as you demonstarated. Cut's like butter now.
Hey Don, I just revisited this video of yours. You are a legend, helping everyone and teaching what we need to know. I've got a five year old McCulloch chainsaw but made here in Spain by Husqvarna. The guy at the Sthil shop is a bit sniffy about it but it's been a good saw. I've never had to adjust it but it's bogging down now. Thanks for the vid. I'm off to adjust my saw.
On this adjustment is this what some call 4 stroking adjustment. Thank you for another great video.
Great video! Great show and tell. First video I watched that identified a malfunction at high speed can be fixed with a minor adjustment of the carburetor. Everyone else jumps to replacing fuel lines and rebuilding the carburetor. Thanks.
nice cutting dony! thanks for the video..
Small Print:
I appreciate the video to be informative. I understand that not every Poulan chainsaw is the same. I will never hold donyboy73 responsible for any problems with my chainsaw, including but not limited to, chainsaw massacres, cold winters, missing digits, mad ex-wives, and tax collectors.
+Frank Brooks lol
I appreciate all of the good advice you give on your videos, I have fixed several snowblowers to make a few extra $ to help out as I am unemployed.keeps me busy and no food bank
you're welcome, nice to read your comment
Thank you very much. Got a new to me hedge trimmer running right now. Can’t say thanks enough.
Great to hear!
Having the exact problem with my Poulan saw. This video was very helpful--thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Great tutorial. Thanks for the help and showing the adverage "Joe" can do it himself.
Thanks for the video im going to try to get my saw running properly tommorrow. Its not been used very much but I have the same symptoms. Im getting into camping season here in PA so need to be able to cut my wood. Thanks again.
Very informative. Thanks. Knew my one husqy needed tweaking but wasn't sure which way to go. Have had problems with it since day one. My other husq has been a beast since day one. Had that one for 10 years and never an issue, other than trying to use it for smaller jobs that it's not meant for. Hopefully can get my little one to that standard.
Always love to watch your videos, they are very informative and there is no wasted time. And really HELPFUL! Please keep up the good work. Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!
+Wally Knorr Canadian Hunter thanks
Hi Donny, I just wanted to say thanks for all the videos. I replaced a gasket and throttle cable on a friends Troybilt weed eater and it runs great now. I also bought a replacement carb for my Poulan 2775. The difference in carbs is that the oringinal Walbro carb didn't automatically close the choke when you pulled the throttle trigger, you had to manually close it. The replacement carb has a spring that will close the choke when the throttle is pulled. Also maybe you can explain why the Walbro carb has only one fuel tube going into it, some have 2. I coudn't have repaired these tools without gaining a lot of knowledge from you. Thanks again. PS- I also repaired a snow blower carb after 2 years of not starting, turns out it was clogged.
Thanks for this video. I have a 14" woodshark that did the exact same thing. I would have to pump the throttle to make a cut. I took the cover off and backed out the H screw a couple turns. Now it runs great. I had to trim away the plastic housing around the adjustment screws to get a pair of needle nose pliers in there because I don't have a carb tool. Thanks!
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I did everything just like you said, my chainsaw now sounds great but cuts like crap! Oh, wait. I had the chain on backwards. Never mind. It runs like a champ, thanks for the great vid.
You're the man Don !!! This solved my bog down problem with my Poulan 295 chainsaw. Thanks.
Great video! Exactly my problem (with Ryobi chainsaw), and you explained perfectly. I didn't know there were specific carb adjustment tools (mine used "Pacman" style head), so I purchased an inexpensive tool set on Amazon. Thanks again!!
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It is very rare that I find my answer on the first try. Thank you, Well Done
+Uncle grumpy thanks, make sure you are subsribed
Thanks for this fix, it worked for me as it did you!!!! Your the man!
Thanks for the tip. I purchased a small 12" Homelite and it has the same problem. Looking forward to fixing it.
*I have a 38cc Craftsman 16" bar, that I bought in 2011, and it runs perfect. I run it wide open and there's a slight sputter at high rpm, and then you put a load on it by starting your cut and it smooth's out and runs strong*
My saw looks very similar, a McCulloch 738. I'm in the UK and we don't have Poulan here but your fix worked on mine, cheers!
Donny as usual great video. Thanks a lot. I did not know those limiting caps came off. I had a weed wacker that I could not adjust because of those things. Now I know. Thank you!
thanks for watching
great video i have a hard time with carb adjustments and this helped me understand it alittle bit more
The low speed screw is not only for Idle, but also for Low to Mid RPM and acceleration. If it bogs down while accelerating, I would richen the Low screw, 1/4 turn (counterclockwise), and then lean it out (clockwise) in 1/16th turn increments.
Jeep Renegade true there is overlap. Like dirt bikes .
Very informative. I've never that trouble with the Stihl Farmboss or Dolmar 116si but who knows? The day may come as they're both ancient machines.
I appreciate your video's on small engine repairs.
+Ronald Martin thanks
I’m waiting for the adjustment tool in the mail. Thanks
i have the poulan p3314 chain saw..and this video will give me an idea on making it stay running. thank you for showing us how to do it projects.
Great video on carburator adjustment. I have a Poulan chainsaw that when I pull rope to start the chainsaw. The pull rope kick back. The pull rope is hard to pull. I took the rope assemble off the chainsaw and it works ok. Can you make a video how to fix this? Thanks!
Great video man, super informative. I'm about to try it on my saw. Mine ran fine last week (2nd time ever using it) but today it bogs down like crazy... I think it got wet in my shed from the monsoons here in AZ.
Hey, got the saw to idle, the saw is running fine. Adjust the T-screw and cleaned out the spark arrester. adjusted the high and low until the until it ran good at high speed and idled. THANKS
Wow it really help me with my Jonsered CS2138C Thanks from Quebec!!
I got one of these new for 68 dollars with everything and I love mine I've cut way bigger stuff than you're supposed to and it does great
Lol same here they are goid saws just use ours for cuttin up firewood out camping and day trips in the recreation areas if our local mtns
Were did you get that at for that low of a price I paid $230.00 something for mine from menards six years ago
Dony, If I think the problem with my Poulan is the carb and a new carb cost $25 and the rebuilt kit cost $10.50 isn't just best to get a new carb for the average homeowner? How often are Zema carbs unfixable?
Oops ! never mind, I just heard you said the answer on the video. Thanks, Dony You da man!
This is the very information my saw and me are in need of just now. Frustrated as my Poulan Pro regularly bogs down while trying to buck up next years firewood I've been giving those 2 screws the evil eye each time I take the hood off to open up the carburetor or check the filter. Surly, I tell myself it can't be as simple as adjusting those 2 screws that have been carefully designed to be tamper resistant?
Thanks dony, looks like we'll have some wood here for coming season.
Hi Donnyboy, really appreciate your videos. I'm having trouble adjusting my poulan chain saw. I have followed few videos, no success. None of the videos show sequence to adjust. It's always based on a given problem. How should I start from both jet screwed all the way in. And throttle screwed all the way in? Please help. Thank you.
I've had to do a lot of that sort of that adjustment on the Ryobi 2 stroke line trimmers as they are set up roughly in the factory meaning they don't tune them there.
I've found that I bought a crappy carby for a Stihl hedge trimmer where the 1 way check valve was loctited into the main body of the carby then the fuel ate the Loctite away.
I did the Mason jar trick to find out that the carby was leaking fuel & sucking air into the fuel chamber so it was impossible to tune,it bogged down like that chainsaw.
So ,I ordered a really good carby for $30 AUD & the hedge trimmer went like a beauty,AFAIK it's still going good & that's one I had a lot of trouble with due to crap parts such as being supplied with a dud carby & incorrect ignition coils !!!!
I had to go OEM to get the right coil as Stihl made it hard by also changing the crankshaft later on,meaning if you get a late model crankshaft then you also need to get the ignition coil to match !!!!
I always feel like 18" bar is too much for a 38cc saw. 14 or 16 would be fine for this size saw. Great video by the way. I love Poulan saws and they ALWAYS require tuning, even new ones. Sadly I suspect many new owners never fully realize the potential of these saws due to the fine tuning these require.
However, the good news is when you realize the saw's potential when all things are right, you'll want to keep it that way or maybe even better. I just acquired a Poulan P3816 and now? It is a whole different saw! Thank God for that spline tool, huh?
Thanks for the tip on carburetor adjustments. I found the problem with mine. The little black cam for the secondary is broken on mine. Where can I get one?
I'm looking for a suggestion on replacement blade for my Pollan 3816? I'm in Canada so options seem limited, just want a non safety blade..by the way love your videos...
Greatest teacher. Thank you. You have saved me over a 1000.00 dollars (US)
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MY 3416 poulan is doing the same. i put all new lines and new carberator and filter and primer bulb. i will try this tomorrow thanks a lot.
Thanks for the video. That's exactly what my saw is doing. I got the saw free, so an easy adjustment to make it work right is worth keeping a Poulan around. I assume if its running light on idle, you could adjust the 'low' the same way? Thanks again!
Thanks for your great video....have replaced the carb, fuel lines , filters and coil but still have the same running problem, sometimes it does rev high, but when I go to cut, it bogs down and dies, guess I will need a carb. tool.
Marvellous! I'll certainly try that. But a question to anyone passing by: while bogging down in the wood I'm seeing some smoke. Oil? Normal? Tanks.
So here's my question,I can sometimes hear the 4 stroking ppl talk about,but I'm not much on tuning by ear just yet lol,if I use a tachometer and bring it up to the right rpms,will that mean the saw is set perfectly or will I need to turn it out a little richer to make it 4 stroke?? Thanks man and awesome video
Thanks for the video. First to speak to the screw caps on H & L. Mine runs great now!
It would help if you explained how many adjusting screws there are, what they do, and which one you're turning. I didn't learn a thing.
Very good video, thank you. I am going to try to adjust mine. My Ryobi bogs down and throws a lot smoke, overheating. I think that I am seeing the same, not sure if I need to look at something else, any advice will be muchly appreciated.
This is almost the exact problem I have with mine! The only difference is it will rev up but as soon as it touches wood it bogs down and doesn't want to run.
Nice, I have a Jonsered which kind of suffers from the same sickness, so I'll try this. The difference is that it doesn't happen all the time, but rather when it's been working for a while, sometimes just minutes, sometimes about an hour, and then sometimes it doesn't want to turn on again until it cools down or something (though I don't give it that hard of a time), so I guess there is something else, but I have to start somewhere.
Danny please i need your help, what if the carb has only one adj. screw? And chainsaw bogs when throttle as in your video? It was supposed to be adjusted ( chain not moving at idle etc) . Thank you so much.
Can you adjust the adjusting screws using tweezers or pliers?
Because currently where I am we are in lockdown but I have to start cutting now
I have this exact problem with my Rockwell. I bought it as an impulse buy some 8 years ago, and its always done me well. But lately, despite the air filter being clean, the chain sharp (although the bar isn't in the best condition), starts well, revs high under full throttle when not cutting, it bogs down WHILE cutting.
Guess I'm off to buy a carb adjusting tool!
Might be your clutch, if it runs at idle and full throttle fine but bogs while cutting it is likely the clutch has failed. That or your bar is cutting crooked and causing it to bind mid cut. Good luck!
Excellent video. Do you know if a Poulan Woodsman 16" can be tuned in the same manner? Mine has the opposite problem: doesn't idle for longer than 3 seconds. I have to keep the throttle pushed to keep it from stalling.
+John Galt yes it could