Starts then dies

SOURCE: poulan saw wont run

Clean the muffler spark arrestor screen and check the cylinder port for carbon build-up at the upper edge. Try presetting both carburetor H and L adjustments (from lightly CW stops) 1-1/2 turns CCW each. Start the engine and allow to warm up. Pull the throttle wide open and adjust H CW until the engine speed increases, but still 4-stroking. Correct setting is when the engine 4-strokes, but immediately 2-strokes when cutting. Allow to idle and adjust L for smoother running, yet allows the engine to 'follow the throttle'. Set idle speed to keep the engine running, but doesn't try to move the chain. You may have to look closer at your carburetor if the above doesn't help. Go to:
http://www.drystacked.com
for an excellent article (but poor pix) on Walbro carburetors, but related to most all 2-stroke carburetors. Hope this helps!

Mark T

• 776 Answers
• Posted on Mar 19, 2010

SOURCE: I have a poulan pro pp4620avhd chainsaw. I can get

The best thing you can do to these engines it take them completely apart - take piston out and everything. Believe it or not, my 12-year-old son was able to do it - very few parts in these little 2-stroke engines. He polished the carbon off of the piston with a drummel tool and cleaned everything with carb-cleaner. Put it back together and it ran like a champ. Still does. It was a great learning experience for him too. The worst that can happen is you have a bunch of parts that you will throw away.

SOURCE: I have a poulan pro pp4620avhd chainsaw. I can get

Check the fuel filter and muffler for plugging. Check the fuel lines for condition. Check the carburetor fasteners for tightness. If the saw has a lot of hours, remove the lower section of the carburetor and check the condition of the diaphragm--it should not be hard/cracked. If everything seems to check out ok, Turn both jet screws CW to stops (lightly), then CCW each 1-1/2 turns. The engine should start and run--allow the engine to warm up. Pull the throttle full on and adjust H needle CW til the engine speeds up, but still 4-strokes. Proper adjustment is when the engine 4-strokes, but immediately 2-strokes when cutting. Let idle and adjust L CW so that the engine runs fairly well, but allows the engine to 'follow the throttle'. Adjust the idle speed screw so that the chain stops turning, but the engine continues to run. Hope this helps!

SOURCE: Poulan pro 4218 avl, starts (sometimes) then dies,

may be choke problem,about 20.00 for repairman to fix

SOURCE: poulan pro 42cc starts when

Check the fuel filter, air cleaner, and muffler for plugging. Inspect the fuel lines for decay or other damage. If no help, remove the carburetor, disassemble and clean the interior with spray carburetor cleaner. Check the condition of the diaphragm in the lower chamber--it should be flexible with no holes or cracks. Also check the small needle valve that the diaphragm controls. Check the crankcase impulse passage behind the carburetor for gasket failure or other damage. This passage pulse-pumps additional fuel into the carburetor as it runs. Hope this helps!