Why Does My Poulan Chainsaw Keep Cutting Off?

Is your Poulan chainsaw giving you a hard time by cutting off unexpectedly Picture this you’re in the middle of a project
and just when you need your chainsaw the most
it decides to call it quits. Frustrating
right The good news is that you’re not alone
and there are several possible reasons why this might be happening. From fuel system issues like a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel cap to air and spark problems
a Poulan chainsaw can cut off for various reasons. Understanding these common culprits and knowing how to address them can save you time and frustration. Let’s dive into the potential causes and solutions to keep your Poulan chainsaw running smoothly and reliably.

Why Does My Poulan Chainsaw Keeps Cutting Off

Poulan chainsaws can stop working for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

Low oil level:

The chainsaw’s engine needs oil to lubricate its moving parts. If the oil level is too low, the engine can overheat and seize up, causing it to stop working.

Dirty air filter:

The air filter prevents dirt and dust from entering the engine. If the air filter is dirty, it can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to run poorly and eventually stall.

Clogged spark plug:

The spark plug ignites the fuel/air mixture in the engine. If the spark plug is dirty or fouled, it can cause the engine to misfire and eventually stall.

Bad fuel:

Using old or stale fuel can cause the engine to run poorly and eventually stall.

Overheating:

The chainsaw’s engine can overheat if it is run for too long at full throttle or if it is not properly maintained. Overheating can cause the engine to seize up and stop working.

If your Poulan chainsaw keeps cutting off, you should first check the oil level. If the oil level is low, add oil to the crankcase until it reaches the full mark. If the oil level is correct, you should then check the air filter. If the air filter is dirty, remove it and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the air filter is clean, you should then check the spark plug. If the spark plug is dirty or fouled, remove it and clean it or replace it with a new one. If the spark plug is clean, you should then check the fuel. If the fuel is old or stale, drain the fuel tank and replace it with fresh fuel. If the fuel is fresh, you should then check the engine for overheating. If the engine is overheating, you should allow it to cool down and then try running it again. If the engine continues to cut off, you should take it to a qualified service technician for further diagnosis and repair.

Why Does My Poulan Chainsaw Keeps Cutting Off?

Possible Causes

There are a few possible causes for why your Poulan chainsaw keeps cutting off. Here are some of the most common:

The carburetor is dirty:
If the carburetor is dirty, it can cause the chainsaw to run lean and eventually stall. To clean the carburetor, you will need to remove it from the chainsaw and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The spark plug is fouled:
A fouled spark plug can also cause the chainsaw to stall. To check the spark plug, remove it from the chainsaw and inspect it for signs of wear or damage. If the spark plug is fouled, you will need to replace it.

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

The chain is too tight:
If the chain is too tight, it can cause the chainsaw to stall. To check the chain tension, loosen the chain tensioner until you can fit two fingers between the chain and the bar.

The chain is too loose:
If the chain is too loose, it can jump off the bar and cause the chainsaw to stall. To check the chain tension, tighten the chain tensioner until you can just barely fit two fingers between the chain and the bar.

The bar oil level is low:
If the bar oil level is low, it can cause the chain to overheat and stall. To check the bar oil level, remove the oil cap and look inside the oil reservoir. The oil level should be between the full and add marks.

The bar oil is dirty:
Dirty bar oil can cause the chain to gum up and stall. To clean the bar oil, remove the oil cap and pour the old oil into a container. Rinse the oil reservoir with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly. Refill the oil reservoir with fresh bar oil.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you have checked all of the possible causes and your chainsaw is still cutting off, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

Try starting the chainsaw with the choke on. This will help to enrich the fuel mixture and make it easier to start.
If the chainsaw starts but then cuts off immediately, it may be flooded. To clear the flood, turn the chainsaw off and wait a few minutes. Then, open the choke and try starting the chainsaw again.
If the chainsaw starts and runs for a few minutes but then cuts off, it may be running lean. To correct the lean condition, adjust the carburetor according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you are unable to troubleshoot the problem yourself, take the chainsaw to a qualified service technician for repairs.

Preventative Maintenance

The best way to prevent your Poulan chainsaw from cutting off is to perform regular maintenance. Here are a few tips:

Clean the carburetor and spark plug regularly.
Replace the air filter every 25 hours of use.
Inspect the chain tension and adjust it as needed.
Keep the bar oil level full.
Store the chainsaw in a dry, well-ventilated area.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your Poulan chainsaw running smoothly and prevent it from cutting off.

Also Read: Why Does My Stihl Chainsaw Keep Cutting Out

FAQs: Why Does My Poulan Chainsaw Keeps Cutting Off?

Why does my Poulan chainsaw keep cutting off when I pull the trigger?

The chain is too tight: If the chain is too tight, it will bind up and cause the saw to stall. To check the chain tension, follow these steps:
Turn off the saw and let it cool down.
Release the chain brake.
Use a chain tension gauge to measure the tension of the chain.
The chain should have between 1/8 and 1/4 of slack.
If the chain is too tight, loosen the tensioner screw until the chain has the correct amount of slack.

The chain is dull: A dull chain will not cut through wood as efficiently, which can cause the saw to stall. To sharpen the chain, follow these steps:
Remove the chain from the saw.
Use a chain sharpening file to sharpen the teeth of the chain.
Make sure to sharpen each tooth evenly.
Reinstall the chain on the saw.

The bar is dirty or damaged: A dirty or damaged bar can cause the chain to bind up and stall the saw. To clean the bar, follow these steps:
Remove the chain from the saw.
Use a brush or rag to clean the bar.
Make sure to remove all dirt, sawdust, and debris from the bar.
If the bar is damaged, replace it with a new one.

The carburetor is dirty or misadjusted: A dirty or misadjusted carburetor can cause the saw to run erratically and stall. To clean the carburetor, follow these steps:
Remove the carburetor from the saw.
Use a carburetor cleaner to clean the carburetor.
Make sure to follow the instructions on the carburetor cleaner label.
Reinstall the carburetor on the saw.

The saw is not getting enough fuel: If the saw is not getting enough fuel, it will stall. To check the fuel supply, follow these steps:
Make sure that the fuel tank is full.
Make sure that the fuel line is not kinked or blocked.
Make sure that the fuel filter is clean.
If the saw is still not getting enough fuel, replace the fuel filter.