Craftsman 2.3

[Opihi59]

I wasn't really expecting this since it has been over 3 weeks in transit, but it was on the doorstep tonite. I opened the package and couldn't help myself but start playing with it. This was an ebay find $36 with free shipping. I felt it was a good deal for a nice little saw.

It literally looked new. The bottom of the case wasn't scuffed, the muffler looked brand new without heat changes or rusting.

This little saw was very clean, has a nice metal case, its only issues were the fuel line was rotted away, and there is no air filter in it. I'll have to cut a chunk of foam of some kind to stuff in there as a filter.

On to page 2 for more photos.

 

[Opihi59]

I pulled off the muffler, the cylinder looked brand new. Pulled off the carb, the crank looked fine, very clean, had some oil in it so someone had put it away with care at some point. The compression felt great, but I didn't check it on the gauge.

I blew out the gas tank, put in a fuel line, and fired it up. It runs very nicely, adjusted the idle and let it run for about 10 mins then lit it up a few times, it burned out the oil that was in it and quit smoking and ran just fine. I shut it down and came back to it and it fires up about 3rd pull and really sounds nice. So now I have a runner.

I'll be trying to learn what I can about what series Poulan this was built around so I can figure out things like what parts I need if any, what bar/chain combos I need and then just enjoy playing with it. Maybe even throw some chips this weekend.

 

[joe25DA]

Very nice saw. Its an early craftsman hence red/black also has the larger more desirale 2.3ci/38cc engine. That will pull that 14" no problem as the pull a 16" easily. Well worth your bid

 

[67L36Driver]

Very nice. The rings still have the machine grooves.

Almost nothing to 'improve' on that one. Cut down a B&S lawnmower filter to fit with a utility knief. And, keep the 14" bar but ditch the safety chain.

 

[Guido Salvage]

Sears Parts Direct can help you with your parts needs.

 

[pastryguyhawaii]

Very nice looking saw! How the heck did you get the free shipping to Hawaii?

 

[Opihi59]

Very nice looking saw! How the heck did you get the free shipping to Hawaii?

I suppose I would just have to say that I was fortunate. Of course, it took almost a month, but who's in that much of a hurry?

 

[o8f150]

nice find,, it looks almost brand new

 

[67L36Driver]

Now all you need is a bucket truck and/or harness and climbing rope.:jester:

 

[Chris J.]

That saw looks nearly new! At one time the 38cc top-handle Poulans were "the" climbing saw, and variations of the 38cc saw remained in Poulan's lineup for years.

I'm sure that one of the Poulan guys will be along to ID exactly which Poulan model it is.

 

[Modifiedmark]

Very nice. The rings still have the machine grooves.

Almost nothing to 'improve' on that one. Cut down a B&S lawnmower filter to fit with a utility knief. And, keep the 14" bar but ditch the safety chain.

Bad advice Carl. Why the B&S filter? They cost more and dont flow the same as a original Poulan or even a Oregon/Stens replacement. You will find carb adjustments much eaiser with a OEM filter and there still available from Poulan. Cheap too.

I suppose I would just have to say that I was fortunate. Of course, it took almost a month, but who's in that much of a hurry?

That was worth the wait. That is a Poulan 2300AV by the way.

 

[JimMorrison]

Congrats, nice find. I too have recently tried to educate myself on this series of saws. Yours looks like it has anti-vibe mounts on the front handle and not on the rear. I'd be very interested in your thoughts on how the saw handles one handed.

 

[pastryguyhawaii]

I suppose I would just have to say that I was fortunate. Of course, it took almost a month, but who's in that much of a hurry?

Yes you were.There's usually a disclaimer about Hawaii. The shipping cost is what normally kills a good deal on things out here.
BTW, it's good to see three members from Hawaii on here now. Too bad we're all on different islands.

 

[Opihi59]

Air Filter

Ordered an air filter for a Poulan 2300AV. Figure it will get here before too long. The Dragon Lady told me that I had a "cute little saw." Once I get the air filter on it, I may see if she wants to throw some chips. She doesn't quite make 100lbs and this could be just right for her. Honestly, I make 2.2 of her and feel it's pretty right for me as well.

Thanks ModifiedMark for the Poulan cross reference. Good-to-know information.

 

[Roanoker494]

That is a very fine looking saw and you got it for a great price. The only saws I ever remember my dad owning were little top handle Poulans, mostly because he got them free from a family member who owns a tree business. I am personally a Craftsman junky so I like it from both sides.

 

[Chris J.]

Johnnie, did you bid on the Craftsman 4.5 that was listed on eBay?

 

[Roanoker494]

Johnnie, did you bid on the Craftsman 4.5 that was listed on eBay?

I was watching it but there is no way I could swing the money right now, plus I am pretty darn happy with the 550.

 

[Opihi59]

Oiler

Carb rebuilt, running nicely now and the filter I was lacking came in the mail. Looking at it I suppose I coulda cut a hunk of soft packing foam or torn a chunk outa the sofa lining, but it's there now. I have run it with the bar off to watch the oil hole, it has an automatic oiler function but I am uncertain as to how this functions on this saw. I have run a wire thru the oiler line, and there is no obstrution, it has a small circular foam filter which is also new in appearance. While running, I have not noticed any oil coming from the oiler hole though.
So, what are the requisite conditions for the oiler to function? Does it have to run at a load for a certain time to pressurize, is there a diaphragm or mech pump involved, etc? Just trying to figure this out by inquiry before I tear into the saw to assess something that doesn't need that type of assessment. I have looked at the parts schematic on the Poulan 2300AV, but it doesn't really picture things all that well. Thanks.

 

[Modifiedmark]

I could explain it how it works but I dont like to type that much.

You need a service manual for that saw, so you need to send me a PM with a email address......

 

[Opihi59]

Thank you!!

I could explain it how it works but I dont like to type that much.

You need a service manual for that saw, so you need to send me a PM with a email address......

Thank you for your help. PM sent.