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It can be really frustrating when you’re using your chainsaw and something breaks. Finding the right replacement parts can be the difference between being able to carry on with your job or having to stop altogether. If your chainsaw does break, the next step is working out which replacement part you will need.
In this Poulan chainsaw parts guide, I’m going to talk you through exactly which parts you’ll need and which will fit your saw. We aim to make fixing your Poulan saw as easy as possible.
Of course, the best advice for repairing any tool is to look after it well in the first place. For example, if you keep your Poulan chainsaw in good condition and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance, then you won’t need to repair it anywhere near as often.
In this article, I’ll be looking at all of the different options you have when it comes to repairing your Poulan. I’ll outline the key features of each, their pros and cons, make some recommendations, and give you several alternatives to think about.
But before I get into it, let’s take a look at an overview of the Poulan parts list.
Poulan Chainsaw Parts List
Poulan provides detailed diagrams on its website that have been designed to help users figure out which parts on their saw have broken. They include details of each component, part names, and product numbers to help you identify exactly what you need.
There are plenty of parts that make up a Poulan chainsaw. Each of them may need replacing during its lifetime.
Some parts that you will need to replace regularly include:
Chain
- Chainsaw chains will dull and become blunt over time
- A blunt chain will impact performance and needs to be replaced as soon as possible
Read also: How to Find the Best Chainsaw Replacement Chains.
Fuel Filters
- Fuel filters that fail will not efficiently remove dirt or debris that may get into and damage the fuel.
- Fuel filters need to be inspected after every use and replaced at the very least once per year.
Fuel Lines
- Fuel lines that harden are prone to cracking and breaking
- Cracked lines can lead to fuel leaking and will allow air into the engine. This causes significant engine problems.
Spark Plugs
- If the engine doesn’t fire, it’s likely an issue with spark plugs.
- Spark plugs have to be maintained and replaced every couple of years.
- Spark plugs need to be removed from your chainsaw in order to maintain them.
Air Filters
- Air filters prevent dust, dirt, and other debris from getting into your engine.
- Debris clogs the carburetor and reduces power – sometimes, the engine will not fire at all.
- Air filters need to be checked and cleaned after every use and swapped out every 12 months.
Carburetors
- Carbs frequently get blocked by debris that gets through the air filter.
- Carburetors will also get damaged when fuel is left in the saw.
- Engines will not perform well and may not start if the carb becomes clogged.
- Clogged carburetors should be cleaned with specialist cleaner as often as possible.
- If cleaning doesn’t work, you will need to replace it.
Primer Bulb
- When activated, a primer bulb pushes fuel into the carburetor and air out.
- Primer bulbs may crack over time due to their regular fuel contact.
- If your primer bulb cracks, you will not be able to get fuel into your carburetor – this makes it very difficult for your engine to start.
Best Poulan Chainsaw Replacement Parts
Although it can be tempting to purchase the cheapest replacement parts for your Poulan chainsaw, this is rarely the best way to go. It may be cheaper initially, but you’ll often end up spending more in the long run if those replacement parts are faulty or break down completely.
Original manufacturer parts (OEM) are the safest bet as you’ll be guaranteed the same quality as the rest of your tool. They’ll also be 100% compatible, so no need to worry there.
However, these can be expensive, especially if they come from a premium brand like Poulan. In this case, it is a good idea to be familiar with a range of aftermarket products available from reputable vendors. This way, you can balance cost with quality.
Poulan is best known for its chainsaw range, and its 42cc model is one of its most popular. Here is a rundown of our favorite replacement parts:
Hipa Carburetor + Air Filter Spark Plug Carb Adjustment Tool
This incredibly handy kit ships with 1 carburetor, 2 primer bulbs, 2 gaskets, 2 fuel filters, 2 air filters, 1 spark plug, and a carb adjustment tool.
Pros
- Comprehensive kit solves a wide range of chainsaw issues
- Duplicate parts included so that you have backups for the future
- Good value
Cons
- The air filter that ships with this set does not fit all Poulan models
Oregon Chainsaw Chain
Oregon chainsaws are a well-established brand that supplies both aftermarket replacement chains and originals for certain manufacturers. Their chains are widely regarded as excellent quality and fit most models.
If your chainsaw is bogging down when cutting, it may be a sign that you need a replacement chain. Of course, you could sharpen your original chain, but with the ready availability of quality replacements like the Oregon, many choose to buy a new one.
Pros
- Great quality
- Stays sharp
- Cheaper than a Poulan chain
Cons
- Not quite as durable as Poulan’s own chain
Best Poulan Chainsaw Accessories to Keep
To keep your Poulan chainsaw running at full capacity, there are a few accessories you should always keep laying around, like chain oil and fuel mix. Chainsaws need optimal levels of fuel, lubricant, and oil to run smoothly. While it is possible to mix your own fuel, it is recommended that you buy premix to avoid incorrect levels.
When it comes to lubricant, the chain will need to be kept oiled to prevent wear and tear. Poulan offers their own branded stuff, but there are also several cheaper options on the market. Here are our top picks for accessories to keep for improved performance and reliability:
Husqvarna Pre-blended Fuel
Pre-blend fuel is an excellent accessory for any 2-stroke engine, particularly when it is made by one of the biggest names in the industry, Husqvarna.
If you have some lying around, it means you can use your tool with very little preparation – no need to spend time mixing oil and gas together. It also means that anyone who is not familiar with mixing fuel to the correct ratio can pick up the chainsaw and use it.
The correct ratio is 40:1 or 50:1, meaning 40/50 parts gas to one part oil. For anyone not comfortable mixing, or if you simply don’t want to mix, pre-blend is the best option.
Chainsaw Chain and Guide Bar Oil
Almost all Poulan chainsaws come with an automatic chain oiling system that keeps both the chain and its bar properly lubricated during use. A chain that is not sufficiently lubricated will dull much quicker and will ultimately be more likely to break, meaning you’ll have to purchase and install a new one.
This is an absolute must for anyone keeping Poulan accessories to hand as you should be lubricating the chain before every use, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Poulan File Kit
Owning and using Poulan’s file kit will allow you to keep your chain in the best possible condition. Taking the time to file the chain every few months (depending on your usage) means the saw will operate with maximum efficiency and allow you to cut into tougher materials with ease.
Keeping your chain sharp also means less wear and tear, allowing you to use the original chain for much longer.
Grease Gun
A grease gun may not be at the top of everyone’s chainsaw accessory list, but it is vital to have one if you want to properly maintain your saw.
They allow you to apply chain lubricant precisely, rather than plastering it on using your finger and an old rag. This reduces wastage and cleanup time after application. Remember, you should be applying grease after every use.
Srench
A good quality srench is a necessity for many tools, not just chainsaws. They allow you to loosen and tighten various bolts, meaning you can adjust and maintain your tools as you should.
You’ll be able to adjust chain length, as well as remove certain parts should you need to. These are incredibly useful pieces of kit that can be used to look after other power tools in your work shed.
Chainsaw Bars
If you undertake different types of work, you may need a variety of chainsaw bars to use. Shorter ones are around 14” and provide more precision cutting, whereas longer ones of up to 24” will mean you can tackle the biggest jobs.
Remember that you will need a powerful saw if you want to put a larger bar on it – there is little use putting the largest Poulan bar on the smallest model. You simply won’t have enough power to use it effectively.
Poulan Chainsaw Parts Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why Does my Poulan Chainsaw Keep Stalling?
Answer: Usually, this means the carburetor is clogged. A clogged carb is usually caused by fuel being left in the chainsaw for extended periods. This fuel can then become sticky and clog the fuel filter, causing the engine to stall.
If you think you’ve left old fuel in your Poulan, you’ll need to drain it from the tank and replace the fuel filter before you are able to use it again.
Question: How Do You Troubleshoot a Poulan Chainsaw?
Answer: If you’re having issues with your Poulan saw, try looking at the following things to fix it:
- Ensure you are starting the engine correctly (refer to owner’s manual)
- Make sure you’re using the correct fuel mixture
- Check your fuel line for any breaks or kinks
- Replace your fuel filter
- Clean out your air filter
- Replace the spark plug
These are some of the most common reasons for issues with Poulan chainsaws. Check them all before talking to a mechanic.
FAQs
Question: Why Does My Poulan Chainsaw Bog Down when I Give it Gas?
Answer: If you feel your Poulan is bogging down when giving it gas, this could be a sign of an incorrect gas-to-oil ratio. If you have too much gasoline to oil, you’ll have what’s known as a ‘rich mixture’ – this causes chainsaw issues such as engine bogging and reduced overall performance.
Question: Why Does My Poulan Chainsaw Die when I Give it Gas?
Answer: If your engine idles but dies when you rev it, it usually means that your fuel filter is partially clogged. It will allow enough fuel to start and run but not enough to sustain full throttle. Simply unclog or replace the fuel filter altogether to fix the issue.
Question: Why Does My Poulan Chainsaw Rev Too High?
Answer: This is usually down to the oil and fuel mixture you have in the tank. If the mixture is too rich, the engine will load up and die at idle speed. If, on the other hand, the mixture is too lean, the engine will be starved of fuel and cause it to surge or rev highly. Both mixtures are wrong and will cause your chainsaw to die.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubting the fact that Poulan makes some excellent chainsaws. Their Pro range, for example, is well suited to both professionals and amateurs alike, providing an excellent balance of power, flexibility, and reliability.
Although not the absolute cheapest on the market, Poulan chainsaws, and their accessories offer great value to consumers. Whether or not they have a long lifespan mostly comes down to the owner and how much time and effort they are willing to invest in maintenance.
That being said, making sure you have the necessary replacement Poulan parts and extra accessories to hand will mean you can extend the life of your Poulan well beyond what you might expect.