Why Won’t My Poulan Chainsaw Start? A Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshooting and Repair

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Your Poulan Chainsaw Won’t Start

There are a few reasons why your Poulan chainsaw might not start.

The most common reason is that the chainsaw is out of gas. Make sure the fuel tank is full and that the fuel valve is open.
Another possibility is that the chainsaw is flooded. This can happen if you try to start the chainsaw too many times in a row. To clear the flood, turn the chainsaw off and wait a few minutes. Then, open the choke and pull the starter rope slowly until the engine starts.
If the chainsaw still doesn’t start, it could be because the spark plug is bad. To check the spark plug, remove it from the chainsaw and look at the electrode. If the electrode is blackened or damaged, the spark plug needs to be replaced.
Finally, if the chainsaw still doesn’t start, it could be because the carburetor is dirty or clogged. To clean the carburetor, you will need to remove it from the chainsaw and take it to a qualified technician.

Why Won’T My Poulan Chainsaw Start

Poulan chainsaw won’t start because of:
1. No spark
2. Fuel not reaching the engine
3. Clogged air filter
4. Blocked spark plug
5. Bad starter motor

Why Won’t My Poulan Chainsaw Start?

Troubleshooting a Poulan Chainsaw That Won’t Start

There are a few different reasons why your Poulan chainsaw might not start. Here are some of the most common causes and how to troubleshoot them:

The chainsaw is out of gas:
This is the most obvious reason why a chainsaw won’t start, but it’s also the easiest to fix. Simply check the fuel tank and make sure that it’s full of gas.

The spark plug is fouled:
A fouled spark plug can prevent the chainsaw from starting. To check the spark plug, remove it from the chainsaw and look at the electrode. If the electrode is black and sooty, it’s fouled and needs to be replaced.

The carburetor is dirty:
A dirty carburetor can also prevent the chainsaw from starting. To clean the carburetor, you’ll need to remove it from the chainsaw and disassemble it. Once the carburetor is disassembled, clean all of the parts with a carburetor cleaner.

The air filter is dirty:
A dirty air filter can restrict the airflow to the carburetor, which can prevent the chainsaw from starting. To clean the air filter, remove it from the chainsaw and rinse it with warm water. Be sure to dry the air filter completely before reinstalling it.

The choke is on:
The choke is a mechanism that restricts the airflow to the carburetor. It’s used to start a cold chainsaw. If the choke is on when you try to start a warm chainsaw, it will prevent the chainsaw from starting. To start a warm chainsaw, turn the choke off.

The chainsaw is flooded:
If you’ve flooded the chainsaw, it will be difficult to start. To clear the flood, turn the choke off and pull the starter rope several times. Once the chainsaw starts, let it run for a few minutes before using it.

If you’ve tried all of these troubleshooting steps and your chainsaw still won’t start, it’s possible that there’s a more serious problem with the chainsaw. In this case, you should take the chainsaw to a qualified service technician for repairs.

Preventing Chainsaw Problems

You can prevent many chainsaw problems by following these simple tips:

Always use the correct type of fuel for your chainsaw:
Never use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol.

Store your chainsaw in a cool, dry place:
This will help to prevent the carburetor from becoming gummed up.

Clean your chainsaw regularly:
This will help to prevent the chainsaw from becoming dirty and clogged.

Inspect your chainsaw regularly:
This will help you to identify any problems before they become serious.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your Poulan chainsaw running smoothly for many years to come.

Also Read THis: Why Won’T My Stihl Chainsaw Idle

FAQs: Why Won’t My Poulan Chainsaw Start?

Q: What are the most common reasons why a Poulan chainsaw won’t start?

There are a number of reasons why a Poulan chainsaw might not start. Some of the most common include:

  • A dirty or clogged carburetor
  • A faulty spark plug
  • A bad fuel filter
  • A weak battery
  • A problem with the starter motor

Q: How do I clean the carburetor on my Poulan chainsaw?

To clean the carburetor on your Poulan chainsaw, you will need the following tools:

  • A small screwdriver
  • A can of carburetor cleaner
  • A clean rag

Follow these steps to clean the carburetor:

  1. Remove the air filter from the chainsaw.
  2. Locate the carburetor on the chainsaw.
  3. Unscrew the carburetor bowl drain screw and drain the old fuel from the carburetor.
  4. Remove the carburetor cover.
  5. Spray the carburetor cleaner into the carburetor throat and ports.
  6. Use the clean rag to wipe away any dirt or debris from the carburetor.
  7. Reassemble the carburetor and reinstall the air filter.

Q: How do I replace the spark plug on my Poulan chainsaw?

To replace the spark plug on your Poulan chainsaw, you will need the following tools:

  • A spark plug wrench
  • A new spark plug

Follow these steps to replace the spark plug:

  1. Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
  2. Locate the spark plug on the chainsaw.
  3. Use the spark plug wrench to loosen the spark plug.
  4. Remove the old spark plug.
  5. Install the new spark plug.
  6. Tighten the spark plug with the spark plug wrench.

Q: How do I change the fuel filter on my Poulan chainsaw?

To change the fuel filter on your Poulan chainsaw, you will need the following tools:

  • A small screwdriver
  • A new fuel filter

Follow these steps to change the fuel filter:

  1. Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
  2. Locate the fuel filter on the chainsaw.
  3. Use the small screwdriver to loosen the fuel filter clamp.
  4. Remove the old fuel filter.
  5. Install the new fuel filter.
  6. Tighten the fuel filter clamp.

Q: How do I charge the battery on my Poulan chainsaw?

To charge the battery on your Poulan chainsaw, you will need the following tools:

  • A battery charger

Follow these steps to charge the battery:

  1. Turn off the chainsaw and disconnect the spark plug wire.
  2. Locate the battery on the chainsaw.
  3. Connect the battery charger to the battery terminals.
  4. Turn on the battery charger.
  5. Charge the battery for the amount of time specified by the battery charger manufacturer.
  6. Disconnect the battery charger from the battery terminals.

Q: What should I do if my Poulan chainsaw still won’t start?

If your Poulan chainsaw still won’t start after following these troubleshooting steps, you should take it to a qualified chainsaw repair technician.

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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