Picked me up a (Craigslist) Poulan 3800 on Friday.

Arborist Forum

Help Support Arborist Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Joined
Jan 7, 2001
Messages
6,923
Reaction score
2,145
Location
Poopin’ in yer bathroom
It's overall in really good shape. Picked it up for a good price too! Needs a little TLC, but other than that it runs real good. Even came with it's original manual. Not bad for an older 61cc saw. You can feel the vibes - it's no MS362, lol. But it's not bad at all.

No videos of cutting wood with it yet - it needs a new chain pretty badly. I sharpened it and tried to do what I could with it, but it's rather spanked. Not to mention it's safety chain with the anti kickback links in it. She needs a real chain for sure.

The carb was set all screwy when I started to play with it. I toyed around with it for a while - it's not completely 100% perfect but it's running much better than when I first started it up. That and the guide plates for the bar and chain - one plate has an upper slot and the other does not. They were on incorrectly. The upper slotted plate goes on the crankcase side so the oil can have a place to go through when making it to the chain. The outer plate has no slot. And guess what.... the inner crankcase plate was on the outside. The oiler was literally plugged and about 98% of the oil (tahat actually made it's way from behind the plate) was making it to the clutch as it bled out from behind the plate. The chain was nearly dry. When I brought the saw home, the fuel tank was near empty but the oil tank was 9/10 full. :cry:

It's running at 11,500 at WOT. If I lean it out anymore, it quits 4-stroking. I only mention that because (in the video) it doesn't sound like it's running that high. It's on the rich side for sure, but better safe than sorry! :)

------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JiIBOHg89A
------------------------------------------------------------

IMG_5756.jpg


IMG_5757.jpg


IMG_5755.jpg


IMG_5753.jpg


IMG_5754.jpg


IMG_5761.jpg
 
Last edited:
Looks like a good saw. That chain looks like there is a bunch of life left in it. Good craigslist grab.
 
Looks like a good saw. That chain looks like there is a bunch of life left in it. Good craigslist grab.

Yeah there's some life left, but the hooks in the cutters are garred up pretty bad and all peaned over. It'll take me a while to file it back. It's not really worth it to me - I hate that anti kickback safety chain.
 
From where I'm sittin', that saw looks great and sounds great.

Bill
 
That is a nice saw you have there. It looks like a later model from '88-'89? Im not 100% but I think that saw has the thick rings and plated piston, like the 3400s. I believe that was the only difference between the 3700-3800 saws. Once you have it tuned right and a good bar and chain, that saw will impress you.
 
That is a nice saw you have there. It looks like a later model from '88-'89? Im not 100% but I think that saw has the thick rings and plated piston, like the 3400s. I believe that was the only difference between the 3700-3800 saws. Once you have it tuned right and a good bar and chain, that saw will impress you.

Thanks.! :)

The manual says 1990, but that probably doesn't mean much for the saw. My guess would be you're correct about it's year.

Yeah it definitely feels torquey. I can't wait to get a sharp new chain on this thing. As far as tuning, I think I'm just about there. Although I won't fully know until I start cutting wood with it. Once I get a new chain I'll make that saw sing! :D
 
That is one nice 3800. They have a great sound. Just my opinion, but your chain seems like it's on a bit tight... don't stress out those bearings!

Very nice find.
 
Back
Top