Why chain saw will not start - Poulan Pro 42CC 2 Cycle Chainsaw, 18"

If the chain is engaged properly in the sprocket and you've got the correct tension on the chain and the chain stops when you set it into a cut, you are probably riding the saw too hard...meaning you are pushing too hard for the saw to cut and the centrifugal clutch is stopping rotation. If this is an older saw, the pads inside the centrifugal clutch are probably badly worn necessitating replacement of the assembly.

Sometimes on a smaller saw, if the chain is sharpened with an aggressive angle, the little pads start slipping are wear quickly.

If you have the chain tension tightened too much, it will bind in the guidebar and stop the centrifugal clutch from rotating.

1st add fuel/oil mix to fuel tank , then top off oil tank with bar oil , place saw down on flat surface , press 'ON" button above trigger handle to ON (its marked on case) then pull out blue choke handle till it clicks and stays out , press primer bulb with thumb 8 to 10 times bulb will become harder to press as it fills carb , push chain brake forward (on) ` place left hand on top of saw and right hand on start cord , hold saw down firmly and pull cord vigorsly several times till it sort of starts (sound) , squeeze trigger in and pull cord once more , saw should take off running , chain wont move ,walk to wood pile then disengage the chain brake and cut wood , if saw fails to start after this procedure then there must be a fault in saw , consult a exp small engine dealer for repairs

Most electric saws will have a saftey cut out micro switch for the chain brake, pull the hand guard fully back toward the rear of the saw to make sure the brake is completly off, now try again.

Your OM (all manufacturers) says to engage the chain brake prior to starting. It is the safest way to start your saw.
I start my saws on the ground (like the OM recommends), right toe in rear handle, wide stance, left hand on front handle with the chain brake disengaged. The saw I used first (Pioneer 1980±) has no chain brake.
I now have a Mac 110 (top handle) that is very awkward to start on the ground. I engage the brake on it before I attempt a start. Whatever method you use Please exercise great caution.

If you have more questions or need additional help please reply below and I will get back to you. HTH & Good Luck.
Lou
Thank You for using FixYa.

Most saws have a safety or anti kickback brake. Yours might have tripped. There is a guard in front of where your left hand holds the saw. With the saw NOT running, pull the guard HARD towards the back of the saw. It should move a bit ant you may hear a click. The chain should now move. If the chain moves easily when the saw is not running, but doesn't move when you rev the saw up, the clutch is broken.

Chain is probably stretched. SAFETY FIRST. Electric saw, make sure power is unplugged. Gas saw, make sure sparkplug wire is removed. Remove the cover where the bar is attached to the saw. U should see an adjustment screw for chain tension and one or more bar lockdown screws. Loosen the lockdown screws and turn the tension adjustment screw to permit the bar to slide back toward the motor. Put the chain back in the bar track all the way around. Adjust the tension screw to tighten chain enough you can't pull it out of the track at any spot. Slide the chain by hand at least one complete revolution feeling for any rough spots. If it moves freely, turn the tension screw enough to tighten the chain properly. Correct tension should allow you to pull the chain appx. 1/16 to 1/8 inch from the bar. Tighten the lockdown screws, replace the cover. Rotate chain by hand a couple of revolutions again to check for smoothness again before starting the saw.

Make sure the chain brake is not engaged.Pull it toward the handle until it latches.Also check for sawdust under the chain sprocket cover.Adjust the chain to remove slack but make sure you can still move it by hand.

check your pick up coil . i had one it done the same thing to and that what it was

Hi

When the engine get warm and die(I suppose)check the spark at the sparkplug.You can let the saw run until it ran out of gas and you will not distroy the engine.Change the sparkplug.

best regards savumihai71

Steam vacuum? no clue but on your chain saw make sure you check the choke. it would explain why it wouldn't start again.