I know whats going through your heads already "why did he buy that saw? He shoulda bought a Stihl, Husquvarna, Shindaiwa etc." But, I bought the thing probably 5-6 years ago after an ice storm destroyed some trees in our yard. It was a necessary evil purchase at the time as I didn't have time to research a better purchase. Its the Poulan "wild thing" with a 42cc engine and an 18 inch bar. For the limited amount of cutting I do, it has worked extremely well. I was cutting with it last weekend and after cutting it would continue to rev high then gradually come down to idle. I took it in and the "manifold"/carb adaptor is broken. My question is, should I go ahead and get it fixed because otherwise it runs great? Or, is this probably the beginning of the end for the saw? Should I expect more and more problems now or is this a simple fix that is probably worth it for the amount of time I use the saw? I think the part is around 10-12 bucks and I'll probably have 20 bucks labor in it once all is said and done. Thanks for the time and input, Greg
Almost ashamed to ask, Poulan question...
- Thread starter gt2003
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wdchuck
Addicted to ArboristSite
Well fella, same saw and no prob's. For that little bit of coin it's not so bad, I'd say fix it. It really depends on your usage and expectations, budget. It'll take quite a bit more coin to get into the mainline brands, Husky, Stihl, Dolmar. $300 will get you a saw that'll last 20yrs or more(properly cared for), and have parts, service ease.
Welcome to AS.
Good Luck with it.
Welcome to AS.
Good Luck with it.
JTinaTree
ArboristSite Operative
Don't be ashamed about that saw.. Some of the local hackers aren't ashamed to take there Poulan up the tree with them LOL!!!!! On the ground is fine but I don't think they made that saw for above ground use..
Ditto. Modern Poulan good for around 100 hrs, if you don't saw much, it will fine. The guys here tend to be professionals, and tend to pretty much wear out a saw in a year or two. Most back yard specialists won't cut this much in 4 lifetimes. That said, it is always kind of nice to buy too much saw, there will be resale value when you're done with it.
Oh, and before I forget, you may want to go to the Stihl store and buy chain. From several threads, there is a general agreement that Stihl tends to make a little better chain (Swiss, no less) and it's about the same price.
If you're really risky, you buy the non safety chain in the yellow box, but not before buying those dopey looking chaps, because they are non safety chains (which may well bog your saw down, depending on the size of branch you are cutting).
good luck
........can always buy something nicer next time around. Besides, reading these threads, you can find out 1) the value of a used saw and 2) realize a decent used saw can be had for a 1/3 less than new and the seller has a mess of saws, trimming the herd before he buys another.
Thanks. Its always tempting to want to buy a new, better saw when things like this happen. But, for my purposes, this saw has performed very well. I'll plan on being frugal at this time and get the saw fixed. If I start having frequent problems with it then I'll consider a new one. Thanks for the comment. Anyone else? Thanks again, Greg
wdchuck
Addicted to ArboristSite
Regarding the chain, stick with a 'low profile', which is what was original, getting away from the Poulon(Oregon) safety chain from the hardware store is a beneficial move. If there's a saw dealer around you who will make a chain for you, ask for Carlton, or Stihl chain, low profile, and you will be happier with the cutting ability of this saw.
Once you use a good anti-vibe saw, the WT will become a back-up saw, so take care of it, sharp chain will help.
Once you use a good anti-vibe saw, the WT will become a back-up saw, so take care of it, sharp chain will help.
sawinredneck
Addicted to ArboristSite
Nothing wrong with that saw for a true homeowner. I have recomended it a few times, that of the refurb Craftsmans.
I don't know about fixing it, where would you take it if not fixing it yourself? That would be my worry, parts are cheap, but labor can kill you!! I would get it priced and maybe look for a new one?
Andy
I don't know about fixing it, where would you take it if not fixing it yourself? That would be my worry, parts are cheap, but labor can kill you!! I would get it priced and maybe look for a new one?
Andy
Dont be ashamed, i would gladly take some of the poulans i have had over their name brand counter parts, stock for stock.
Show me the part or a part number and if i got a used one it is yours for shipping cost.
Show me the part or a part number and if i got a used one it is yours for shipping cost.
Just caught you took it to the dealer, if he can fix you up for that price. Save you the troubles. Do it.
motorboy
ArboristSite Member
Does the Wildthing have an anti vibration system on it. I thought anti-vibration was standard on all saws since like 20 yars ago. I found out wrong with my 3314. But on a good note, it does cut very good.
sawinredneck
Addicted to ArboristSite
You took it in before it lean seized. Pretty cheap fix.
troutfisher
Addicted to ArboristSite
I've got a craftsman version of that saw, no problems. I even modded the muffler! maybe try to find a dead saw to scavage parts from, fix it!
Antivibe
Motorboy , I've never known a wildthing to have antivibe . I just looked up the type 2 and the latest model .
Motorboy , I've never known a wildthing to have antivibe . I just looked up the type 2 and the latest model .
Sparky_NY
ArboristSite Member
Interesting thread.... After reading this forum for a couple years I can understand your reluctance to ask a poulan question ! LOL
I started out with a poulan pro 295, 20 inch saw I bought new as a factory refurbished. My next saw shortly after was a stihl 032AV that was like new. The infection of the forum continued and I bought three 044's and a couple 272's this year.
Honestly... that poulan pro has been a real good saw. It performance is equal or better than the stihl, its reliability at least as good (starting etc)
The only problem I have had is the plastic for the chainbrake is melted some near the muffler... As I recall the poulan cost about $150 and I would say it was well worth it. It will no way no how last even close to as long as a stihl or husky BUT many people are not pro's and their saws see little use. Parts for the poulan are cheap too, I can buy a complete new saw for what stihl sells a ignition coil for the 032 for!
I started out with a poulan pro 295, 20 inch saw I bought new as a factory refurbished. My next saw shortly after was a stihl 032AV that was like new. The infection of the forum continued and I bought three 044's and a couple 272's this year.
Honestly... that poulan pro has been a real good saw. It performance is equal or better than the stihl, its reliability at least as good (starting etc)
The only problem I have had is the plastic for the chainbrake is melted some near the muffler... As I recall the poulan cost about $150 and I would say it was well worth it. It will no way no how last even close to as long as a stihl or husky BUT many people are not pro's and their saws see little use. Parts for the poulan are cheap too, I can buy a complete new saw for what stihl sells a ignition coil for the 032 for!
Six years ago I was away from the homeplace and had to have a chainsaw because of relations storm damage. I went to Lowes and got a 2150 Poulan. It has worked every year since and after I put a decent bar on it I would put it beside anything comparable. I log with Huskies and Stihls, but the little Poulan has it's place and it is not on the shelf.:deadhorse:
Wildthing
About 40 years ago the Troggs had a hit song named 'Wildthing' . My 38 cc Poulan has been a good little saw . Just don't like cleaning that foam air filter and then reoiling it .
About 40 years ago the Troggs had a hit song named 'Wildthing' . My 38 cc Poulan has been a good little saw . Just don't like cleaning that foam air filter and then reoiling it .
Thanks for all the quick replies. Let me update you as to whats going on.....The "manifold" is supposed to be in by the weekend. I also replaced the clutch cover because the chain tensioner had worn through the cheap plastic. Parts total about 26 bucks. I'm figuring labor is going to be around 20. So, for less than 50 bucks it will be fixed. When I took it in I had them make me a Stihl, low profile chain. We'll see how I like it once the saw is fixed. I appreciate all the help and really appreciate the respect all of you showed towards the saw I have. I almost expected ridicule for buying a homeowner type saw. Thanks again for the respect. It says a lot about this site as well as those that dwell here. Take care all, Greg
....you just said a mouthful. That's why these guys like the "big three" if you will, Dolmar, Husky and Stihl (and related, jonsered, echo, makita) the parts may be made of plastic, but it's not cheap plastic and the parts by and large have been field tested.
As an example of this, I can remember when my dad bought his 028 back in 1984 (think LA olympics) and the dealer said "this plastic housing is less brittle than STEEL at - 40." My first thought was, at -40 sawing would probably be the last thing on my mind.
So now you got dinged 50 bucks. Add that to the price of the saw, and all of a sudden a Stihl ms 250 isn't all that far out of range. Figure in the 250 probably would not have had to go in for repairs of any kind (failing abuse).
not a criticism by any means, just something to think about. Just like how I think about "......for a few dollars more, I could have (should have) bought the next model up......" and no, there is no end to it.
