How to start Poulan Chainsaw – Foolproof Method


So you have a new Poulan chainsaw, and you need some help starting it. Well, you have come to the right place. Starting a Poulan chainsaw is very easy, but there are a few things you need to know first. In this article, we will go over how to start your Poulan chainsaw the right way and some important safety tips to keep in mind.

Before you even think about starting your Poulan chainsaw, you must ensure you have all the proper safety gear. This includes things like gloves, eye protection, and ear protection. You also need to make sure that you are wearing closed-toe shoes or boots and long pants or chaps. Once you have all your safety gear on, you are ready to start your chainsaw.

Safety Items Needed for Operation of Chainsaw:

  • Gloves
  • Eye Protection
  • Ear Protection
  • Closed Toe Shoes or Boots
  • Long Pants or Chaps

To start your Poulan chainsaw, first, ensure you have properly mixed 2-stroke fuel in the gasoline tank and bar oil in the oil reservoir for lubrication.

Without properly mixed fuel, your chainsaw may be damaged permanently, and without bar oil, your bar and chain will get extremely hot, leading to a shortened life span.

Items Needed For Starting and Running Chainsaw.

  • Properly Mixed Fuel
  • Bar Oil Lubrication

How To Start A Poulan Chainsaw – 14 Easy Steps

After equipping yourself with the proper safety apparel and fueling your chainsaw, it is time to start it.

  1. Engage the blade brake – (by pushing the brake handle forward)
  2. Place the chainsaw on the ground.
  3. Place your right foot through the rear handle
  4. Place left hand on the front handle
  5. Move the On/Off switch to On Position
  6. Pull the choke knob to full extension
  7. Push the primer bulb 5 to 7 times
  8. Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger, and press.
  9. Press the fast idler lock with your thumb and release the trigger.
  10. Grasp the starter handle with your right hand
  11. Pull Rope 5 times with your right hand (if the engine sounds like it is trying to start before the 5th pull, stop pulling.
  12. Push the choke knob all the way in and pull the rope again until the engine starts.
  13. Let the engine run for 5 seconds, then squeeze and release the trigger to let the saw idle
  14. Pat yourself on the back – YOU DID IT.

How Do I Get My Poulan Chainsaw to Start?

First, ensure you have all the proper safety gear. This includes gloves, eye protection, and ear protection. You also need to make sure that you are wearing closed-toe shoes or boots and long pants or chaps. Once you have all your safety gear on, you are ready to start your chainsaw.

Next, ensure you have properly mixed 2-stroke fuel in the gasoline tank and bar oil in the oil reservoir for lubrication. Without properly mixed fuel, your chainsaw may be damaged permanently, and without bar oil, your bar and chain will get extremely hot, leading to a shortened life span.

To start your Poulan chainsaw, engage the blade brake (by pushing the brake handle forward) and place the chainsaw on the ground.

Place your right foot through the rear handle and place your left hand on the front handle. Move the On/Off switch to the On Position and pull the choke knob to full extension. Push the primer bulb 5 to 7 times. Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger, and press.

Press the fast idler lock with your thumb and release the trigger. Grasp the starter handle with your right hand and pull the rope 5 times (if the engine sounds like it is trying to start before the 5th pull, stop pulling).

Push the choke knob all the way in and pull the rope again until the engine starts. Let the engine run for 5 seconds, then squeeze and release the trigger to idle the saw.

Congratulations! You’ve just started your Poulan.

How Do You Start a Chainsaw That Has Been Sitting?

If your chainsaw has been sitting for a while, here are 8 steps to get it running quickly.

  1. Drain old fuel from chainsaw
  2. Check all fuel lines and the fuel filter (make sure they are not hard or broken – replace them if necessary)
  3. Replace or clean the spark plug
  4. Replace or clean the air filter
  5. Fill the chainsaw with fresh fuel
  6. Start and run the chainsaw at low rpm for 30 seconds to get new fuel into the system.
  7. Accelerate the chainsaw to full rpm and release the trigger several times
  8. Make sure the chain does not spin when the chainsaw is idling. (If the chain spins, turn the idle screw counterclockwise to reduce engine idle speed until the chain stops)

How Many Pulls Should It Take To Start a Chainsaw?

There is no definitive answer, as it could take anywhere from 1 to 5 pulls – depending on the age and model of your chainsaw. However, if your chainsaw is well-maintained, it should start in 5 pulls or less.

If you find yourself having to pull more than 10 times, there may be an issue with your chainsaw, and you should consult a professional.

Some common issues that prevent chainsaws from starting are:

– A dirty air filter

– A fouled spark plug

– Old, stale fuel

– A clogged carburetor

– A damaged ignition coil

If you are having difficulty starting your chainsaw, be sure to check all of these potential issues before taking it to a repair shop. In most cases, you should be able to fix the problem yourself – saving time and money.

Poulan Chainsaw Troubleshooting

If your Poulan chainsaw is giving you trouble starting, here are some steps to fix most problems.

  1. Check fuel condition – drain and replace if more than 1 month old
  2. Check the fuel lines and fuel filter (make sure they are not hard or broken – replace them if necessary
  3. Replace or clean the spark plug
  4. Check the spark from the ignition coil with a spark tester (available on amazon HERE)
  5. Replace or clean the air filter

These 5 basic steps should help in getting your Poulan chainsaw running again. However, if you are still having issues, it is best to consult a professional.

Wrapping Up

Starting a Poulan chainsaw is easy once you know the steps. Be sure to follow the above instructions carefully, and always be safe. Wear proper protective gear, and never start the chainsaw without first engaging the blade brake.

If you have any further questions, feel free to comment below, and we will do our best to help. Thanks for reading!

Steven R

I have been part of the chainsaw and outdoor power equipment business in one way or the other for over 35 years. There are not many things that I have not seen in the business. From repairs, sales, equipment operation, and safety I can help you with your questions.

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