Why Does My Poulan Chainsaw Keep Cutting Off? (And How to Fix It)

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Updated in June 2025 | By John

Have you ever been using your Poulan chainsaw and it suddenly cuts off If so, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. In this blog post, I’ll discuss the most common reasons why your Poulan chainsaw might be cutting off, and I’ll provide some tips on how to fix the problem.

Why Does My Poulan Chainsaw Keeps Cutting Off

Poulan chainsaws can stop working for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

Low oil level:

The chainsaw’s engine needs oil to lubricate the moving parts. If the oil level is too low, the engine can overheat and seize up, causing it to stop working.

Clogged air filter:

The air filter prevents dirt and dust from entering the engine. If the air filter is clogged, it can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to run poorly and eventually stall.

Spark plug problems:

The spark plug provides the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If the spark plug is dirty or damaged, it can cause the engine to misfire and eventually stall.

Fuel problems:

The chainsaw needs clean, fresh fuel to run properly. If the fuel is old or contaminated, it can cause the engine to run poorly and eventually stall.

Engine problems:

The chainsaw’s engine can also malfunction due to a variety of other problems, such as a broken valve, a cracked piston, or a faulty carburetor.

Why Does My Poulan Chainsaw Keeps Cutting Off?

Possible Causes

There are a few possible causes for a Poulan chainsaw to keep cutting off. Here are some of the most common:

Low oil level:
If the oil level in your chainsaw is too low, the engine will not be able to cool properly and will eventually overheat. This can cause the chainsaw to cut off. To prevent this, make sure to check the oil level regularly and add oil as needed.

Dirty air filter:
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to overheat. This can also cause the chainsaw to cut off. To prevent this, clean the air filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Clogged carburetor:
A clogged carburetor can prevent the engine from getting the proper amount of fuel, which can cause it to stall or cut off. To prevent this, clean the carburetor regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Spark plug problems:
A faulty spark plug can prevent the engine from firing properly, which can cause it to cut off. To prevent this, make sure the spark plug is properly gapped and installed.

Engine problems:
If the engine itself is damaged, it may not be able to run properly and could cut off. To prevent this, have your chainsaw serviced regularly by a qualified technician.

Troubleshooting

If your Poulan chainsaw keeps cutting off, here are a few things you can check to try to troubleshoot the problem:

Check the oil level:
Make sure the oil level is at the proper level. If the oil level is too low, add oil as needed.

Clean the air filter:
Remove the air filter and clean it with a clean, dry cloth. Be sure to replace the air filter if it is damaged or torn.

Clean the carburetor:
Remove the carburetor and clean it with a carburetor cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check the spark plug:
Remove the spark plug and inspect it for damage. If the spark plug is damaged, replace it with a new one.

Have the engine serviced:
If you have checked all of the above and the chainsaw is still cutting off, have the engine serviced by a qualified technician.

Prevention

The best way to prevent your Poulan chainsaw from cutting off is to:

Keep the oil level at the proper level:

Clean the air filter regularly:

Clean the carburetor regularly:

Inspect the spark plug regularly and replace it if necessary:

Have the engine serviced regularly by a qualified technician:

By following these tips, you can help keep your Poulan chainsaw running smoothly and prevent it from cutting off.

Also Read THis: Why Does My Stihl Chainsaw Keep Cutting Out

FAQs: Why Does My Poulan Chainsaw Keeps Cutting Off?

Why does my Poulan chainsaw keep cutting off when I pull the trigger?

There are a few possible reasons why your Poulan chainsaw might keep cutting off when you pull the trigger.

The chain is too tight: If the chain is too tight, it will put too much strain on the engine and cause it to stall. To check the chain tension, follow the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.

The chain is dull: A dull chain will not be able to cut through wood as efficiently as a sharp chain, and it will also put more strain on the engine. To sharpen the chain, you can use a chainsaw sharpener or take it to a professional.

The carburetor is dirty: A dirty carburetor can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to stalling. To clean the carburetor, you can follow the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.

The spark plug is fouled: A fouled spark plug can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to stalling. To check the spark plug, remove it from the engine and visually inspect it. If the electrodes are blackened or coated with deposits, replace the spark plug.

The air filter is dirty: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can lead to stalling. To clean the air filter, remove it from the engine and rinse it with warm water. Allow the air filter to dry completely before reinstalling it.

What should I do if my Poulan chainsaw keeps cutting off?

If your Poulan chainsaw keeps cutting off, you should first try to identify the cause of the problem. Once you have identified the cause, you can take steps to fix it.

If the chain is too tight, you can loosen it by turning the tensioning screw clockwise. If the chain is dull, you can sharpen it using a chainsaw sharpener or by taking it to a professional. If the carburetor is dirty, you can clean it using the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual. If the spark plug is fouled, you can replace it with a new spark plug. If the air filter is dirty, you can clean it by rinsing it with warm water and allowing it to dry completely.

If you are unable to identify or fix the problem yourself, you should take your chainsaw to a professional for service.

How can I prevent my Poulan chainsaw from cutting off?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your Poulan chainsaw from cutting off.

Keep the chain properly tensioned: A chain that is too tight will put too much strain on the engine and cause it to stall. To check the chain tension, follow the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.

Sharpen the chain regularly: A dull chain will not be able to cut through wood as efficiently as a sharp chain, and it will also put more strain on the engine. To sharpen the chain, you can use a chainsaw sharpener or take it to a professional.

Clean the carburetor regularly: A dirty carburetor can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to stalling. To clean the carburetor, you can follow the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.

Replace the spark plug regularly: A fouled spark plug can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to stalling. To check the spark plug, remove it from the engine and visually inspect it. If the electrodes are blackened or coated with deposits, replace the spark plug.

Clean the air filter regularly: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can lead to stalling. To clean the air filter, remove it from the engine and rinse it with warm water. Allow the air filter to dry completely before reinstalling it.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your Poulan chainsaw from cutting off.

What are the safety precautions I should take when using a Poulan chainsaw?

When using a Poulan chainsaw, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

Wear proper safety gear, such as a hard hat, safety glasses, ear protection, and gloves:

Never operate the chainsaw while under the influence of alcohol or drugs:

Be aware of your surroundings and the potential hazards:

Never operate the chainsaw near power lines or other electrical hazards:

Never start the chainsaw with the chain touching the ground:

Never cut overhead:

Never use the chainsaw to cut limbs that are

About The Author

I am John, and I am the creator of this website. I have been in the woodworking industry for about 5 years. I developed my passion for DIY projects around the house when I was in high school. I have discovered a new appreciation for those who have the experience to pass along their expertise. They know what works best and are able to help others. I am proud to be among them.

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