More power from Poulan?

Dan F · Jan 3, 2004

This is a serious question, not a troll!

I have a Poulan 2025 (16" bar) that I tore down completely the other day. Started out doing it just to clean it, ended up tearing it all the way down...

Is there any way to get more power out of this "homeowner" saw? Right now, it is the only saw I have, I use it for cutting firewood. It's on it's third chain, so it's probably seen a little more use than a typical homeowner would throw at it. I've cut a fair amount of wood with it and intend to keep cutting wood with it until I can afford a better saw, hopefully in the next year (either a Stihl 26 or 29, or comparable Husky).

Right now the budget does not allow for a new saw, so I don't want to hear "go buy a new saw"!!
The saw is in good shape, I probably need to replace the bar, one side of it is worn a fair amount. I cleaned the carbon off of the top of the piston, what else can I do before putting it back together?

Dan

NeTree · Jan 3, 2004

Probably not too much. Unlike a pro saw, the components of the cheaper saws wouldn't likely hold up under more pressure/force than they were made for.

Stumper · Jan 3, 2004

Brian , pretty much nailed it. I would add that before you spend any more money on it trying to add performance you should go shopping for a used saw. -or even a factory reconditioned Poulan Pro. _You can move a long way up in Power and performance with a $125.

tony marks · Jan 3, 2004

ill agree ,,cutting head and low pro chain sharpened proper ly ,,is about all i know to do.. but if u arnt good at sharpening,,thats gonna ammount to a pretty big difference.
the time u been using the saw indicates to me its been pretty sharp ,,as it would be settin somewhere broke if u weren t ,,probably..jmo ..
u dont have to buy them thangs new tho .. i can gettum pretty easy at the fleas for 50 or less. most time with case and an 2 dull chains.. as far as they concerned its wore out..

Jacob J. · Jan 3, 2004

Carve a couple of boost ports over the intake port and install a .0048" brass flow metering injector 1/10" from the top of the cylinder inside and hook up an external pressure-operated alcohol tank with a small microprocessor that intiates injection@ 22 degrees TDC. Use alcohol mixed@26:1 with Bel Ray HR-1. That'll pretty much double the power you got out of it before.

Dan F · Jan 3, 2004

Originally posted by RockyJSquirrel
I probably sound like a broken record... saws I see have dull chains. Probably 85%-90%. Over half the 'pros' I know can barely sharpen a chain. So don't get all bent out of shape if I tell you to practice your filing.

I won't, especially since I just learned the correct way.

Amazing what a free Oregon saw chain maintenance manual can do for your sharpening technique...

I had a Carlton manual, but the sharpening technique for Carlton chains is vastly different from Oregon. I had no idea what that "file holder" "thingy" was for until I read the Oregon manual! A depth gauge also helps, I had a tendency to guesstimate too low when filing the rakers before..... I think the first two chains would have lasted a lot longer had I known the proper filing technique. I was close, but the way I was doing it gave them too much hook....

A sharp chain on a wimpy saw will outcut a dull chain on a strong saw.

I already knew that, but it's still worth repeating to those that don't...

Also, open the muffler outlet to about 3/4" or 7/8" instead of the restrictive 3/8" hole.

There's currently no round hole in the muffler.

The muffler is a two-piece muffler, the inner section (connects to the exhaust port) is slightly larger than the outer section, leaving a gap around the perimeter for exhaust passage. There will be at least a 1/2" hole (that's as big of a drill bit as I have, maybe 2 holes?) in the muffler when I put it back together though... Hmmm, should I be like Butch and leave off the spark arrester too?!?!?

(I'm KIDDING!)

Ok, now that my personal Poulan has been discussed, what about the Stihl 018C we have at work? Is there anything else that hasn't been mentioned that can be done to it?

Thanks all!

Dan

preach it · Jan 3, 2004

I have used poulans for 12 years. The Poulan Pros last quite a while. The regular Poulans are really a disposable saw. But if the chain is kept sharp and they are maintained well they hold up quite a while. As the saw ages the compression declines and the oil going to the bar eventually stops. At that time, to put a new piston and rings in is a waste of time as the cost is near what a new saw costs. Then I buy the same model again and use the old one for parts.

tony marks · Jan 4, 2004

yep preach ,,u rite about th poulan pros..
i got the 295.. itll do the job.. i have occasion to see all my old customers tools.. at one time i knew of 10 green saws setting in sheds , with this or that not workin on them..i started to buy them at one time.. but found it to be an
lost cause.. nobody wants them at the fleas an such.. thats why they so cheap
at the flea..
i think its just the wrong saw for the person, who dont know didly about an saw..i know an tree climber, that thinks his little poulan is the answer.. he sold me his 028 stihl for 60 bucks... after i bought it,, he pulls out an little 36cc green saw and says this the best saw made..
of course, he can climb a tree,, with one hand an never uses a lanyard..different strokes an all.

stihltech · Jan 4, 2004

more power

The poulans I have worked on have two problems, a very restrictive exhaust outlet and a very lean carb. Opening up the muffler and richening the carb would be low cost and give you the biggest gain. Search the posts and you will see lots of good advice on how to help the saw out with some freer breathing.

And don't forget a good tuneup and maintenance.

Dan F · Jan 22, 2004

Ok, I feel like a dumba$$....

I got the Poulan put back together just fine. Drilled two holes in the muffler, a 1/2" towards the bottom, and a 3/8" in the top. Made it sound like a real saw.

The problem arose after I started cutting... I had it running for less than 5 minutes, it was cutting great. Thought (Ok, maybe I was dreaming) I was coming close to cutting almost as fast as the MS 310 that Dad was running right next to me. Then it just died....

Turns out I didn't tighten the nut down on the flywheel enough! Stripped out the key on the flywheel. The crank appears fine though, that's good news.

So, anybody got a spare flywheel laying around for a 2025? I promise I'll tighten the nut down enough this time!!!

Dan

tony marks · Jan 22, 2004

dan if u are interested my son has an renter salvage brand new poulan pro
220.. i took it to get it ready so it would cut good,, so he could sell it.. it didnt even have any wood dust under the bar cover so i just left it alone as it was driven off the lot ,,so to speak.. there not but 149 at sears rite now ,,but thats half price..
its new and ive cranked it ,,but it would be an as is.. as i dont want to get in the middle here.. hes got lots of big money
problems with several renters movin at once so just want to help him move it ,,nd possibly help u at same time..
shipping i dont know but with case mite run shippin higher . probably 10 bucks without case.. that be up to u..
also a one liimber 2053 green ,,looks to have cut one small blow dn .. just a thot probably 55 or so..by the way these are not claimed saws .. wayne let the lady have about five hundred off her rent ,,to try an help her out..he got a few other things push walkbehind mower an such.. let me know if u interested..

Newfie · Jan 22, 2004

I think you should be able to get spare parts at Walmart, They sell the kit for the whole saw for like $99.

Dan F · Jan 22, 2004

Not really looking for a new saw right now, but thanks for the offer, Tony.

All I need is the flywheel, I haven't searched for one much yet, figured I'd ask here first....

Dan

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