Nik's Poulan Thread

[redunshee]

O.K. Guys!!!

What's the verdict???

Did I pay too much for a 3400 with 4000 parts on it, or did I get a pretty good buy on a 4000 with a 3400 decal on it?????
It was listed as a 3400 but I'm not so sure.


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Mike

Sure looks like a 4000 to me.
Bob

 

[dave76]

Thanks for the input Mike. Now to really show my Poulan ignorance. Do I understand your statement correctly in that there were 3400/3700/4000 Poulans that had plated pistons and unplated jugs? I thought those saws had plated jugs and bare pistons, and the Poulan unplated jug nonsense happened subsequent to the poulan/weedeater changeover........after the 3400-4000 saws weren't being produced anymore. I've got a lot to learn about these Poulans...

My own experience with unplated jugs has been poor. I can't stand bare alluminum cylinder B&S and Tecumseh engines (iron liners or chrome/nik plating for me thank you). I worked on hundreds of pieces of unplated jug poulan/weedeater OPE. Was never impressed with the durability (or lack thereof). The 3400-4000 series isn't one that I have much experience with however (other than the simple carb work and such I mentioned earlier). Hmmm.........:msp_blink:

Well here is my Craftsman 3.7/20 (3800 Poulan). I'd say aside from the unplated bore this saw has plenty of power, the original owner bought it new in 1987 and used it to buck firewood for years, he had the saw serviced at a local saw shop every year, and it looks it as it is in mint condition. This was a craigslist find for $60, he even kept using the safty chains Lol.

Here is my 3800 with 24" B&C

Even tryed to copy Marks muffler mod on this saw

 

[Eccentric]

Like Mike said, The number of 3400's out there, still running strong is great testament to the chrome piston/bare cyl. setup. Even though I personally favor the opposite.
As far as differences in the Poulan/Craftsman versions. Your likely to find all kinds of combos. Nothing was set in stone seems to me. I have not owned a 3800 or a grey Craftsman, so can't speak from exp. All Poulan 3700's I have seen, have magnesium clutch covers. But, all red Craftsman versions were plastic. Same for the 4000, all I have seen were plastic on them also.
The 3400 Poulans seem to all have magnesium covers also.

I guess we need a Poulan engineer from back in the day, to join this forum, to answer questions like these. LOL To my understanding the 3400 was the first in that line of saws. The 3700 was added couple years later. So why did they switch to plated bore and bare piston on those, and continue making the 3400 far a number of years with the opposite.
You would think if it wasn't a good design, they would have changed over, but they didn't.:msp_confused:

To my knowledge the 4000 replaced the 3700 after several years. Few minor changes with that saw, slightly bigger cc displacement & better air filter setup. Little better starter to flywheel setup also, metal on metal instead of plastic to metal. Plus added opening to the muffler.

Throwing the 3800 & Craftsman versions in the middle of that mix is baffling to me..LOL Then they added the 375,385,395 models in at the end of production of that series of saws, when they changed the name to Poulan Pro, and colors too. Sure wish we could find a higher-up that worked at Poulan, that could answer some of these questions.

Gregg,

Well first of all as Gregg said, when it comes to Poulan there is nothing set in stone.
I'm not sure if there were any unplated cylinder 4000s but I would say there probably are.
I know that most of the 3400s where unplated and at least part of the 3700s too.
I have a real clean 3700 cylinder that I saved for a project that isn't plated.
I believe that Poulan had multiple parts vendors and used the parts that they could get the best deal on when their supplies ran low.
The different combinations I've seen of choke levers, A.V. mounts, starter pawls and recoil covers, clutch covers and thick/thin rings would blow your mind.

I do understand your apprehension about unplated cylinders, as well as the stupid comments and statements about them from the "non Poulan" world, but I have seen MANY 3400s and 3700s with low compression due to worn rings but VERY few with any cylinder wear at all.
In short, an unplated cylinder on a Poulan would be at the very bottom of my list of things to be concerned about. If it has good compression and a clean p/c looking through the exhaust port, starts and runs out good, oils the chain and isn't loose in the A.V. buy it!


Mike

Aaron, I know where your coming from but you need to get over that Briggs phobia. :msp_cool: You seem to have been infected by some nasty AS virus brought on by listening to some undeducated saw snobs.

These unplated cyl on this series is not the same as those old briggs. Poulan touted them as a high silicone inpregnated cyl for whatever that means, but the bottom line is that there basically a non issue as long as the saw got any kind of care at all.

The unplated ones were sold by the tons and there are so many still out and running its truely a testement to there design. Yes the air filtration leaves some to be desired but to me a 3400 doesn't seem to be any worse then a Sthil 290 in that department. What do the Stihl boys say in that defense? Clean the air filter often!

The 3700's slotted cover seem to offer some inprovement and the filters seemed to stay alot cleaner longer and by the time the 4000 rolled around it was a good system and a non issue.

The main thing with these is the unplated cyls do offer a little less tolerance to overheating and being leaned out. The plated cyls offer just a little more time on a lean engine before they score.

Under the same conditions I believe that both are going to score anyway.

Now to your questions, the 3400 and 3800 were the only saw in this series without plated jugs.

As to the red 3.7 saws, most were 3700's with plated bores and thin ring pistons, but I have seen at least one with a thick ring piston and unplated bore. I have no way of knowing if it was stock that way or a replacement but I think it is fair to say that most are 3700's.

As far as I know all the gray 3.7's were 3800's.

The unplated jugs were not caused by the Weedeater deal they were there before that with the 3400.

Back in the day I was sure that I seen a plated 3400 but I cannot document that and I now seem to think I might have seen a saw with a rebuilt Sunbelt piston and cyl on it.

Like I said its a big to do about nothing around here on this site, in the real world it seems to matter little.

Poulan did continue with the unplated cyls in some of the next series of saws like the 3300 etc while some like the 3000 got the plated cyls. Who knows why?

Thanks for all the input gentlemen. Very helpful.

You seem to have been infected by some nasty AS virus brought on by listening to some undeducated saw snobs.

Not so Mark. I have always totaly ignored the snobbish "Pull-On" BS comments from the Husky/Stihl/Jonsered/Dolmar modern saw snobs. Also ignore the same crapola that they fling at Homelites and McCullochs based on their regurgitated 'observations' of the box-store crapsaws that unfortunately wear the names of those once great brands (just like with the Poulans).

My opinions are based soley on my experiences with "high silicon content" bare alluminum cylinders on B&S, Tecumseh, and Poulan/Weedeater consumer OPE (including the later 'clamshell' Poulans built for Sears). I like cast steel/iron cylinders best, followed (distantly) by chrome/nik plated cylinders. In dirt bikes, I've always prefered the borable steel/iron liners over the plated bores as well. Old habits die hard.

I am honestly relieved that the plated piston/bare jug 3400-4000 saws are a non-issue. I promise to not turn those saws down based on that charactaristic. I also have hangups with Zama carbs based on my own experiences. Looks like you fellows have another hurdle to help me over...

 

[dave76]

I also have hangups with Zama carbs based on my own experiences. Looks like you fellows have another hurdle to help me over...

The Zama used on the 3800 is a C3A I believe it has a 16mm venturi, the Walbro HDB-8 uses a 16.66 mm venturi. I've had no issues with any Zama carbs though.

 

[Eccentric]

The Zama used on the 3800 is a C3A I believe it has a 16mm venturi, the Walbro HDB-8 uses a 16.66 mm venturi. I've had no issues with any Zama carbs though.

I haven't been impressed with the materials or workmanship on Zama carbs. The venturi size difference isn't enough of an issue for me either way.

 

[OhioGregg]

O.K. Guys!!!

What's the verdict???

Did I pay too much for a 3400 with 4000 parts on it, or did I get a pretty good buy on a 4000 with a 3400 decal on it?????
It was listed as a 3400 but I'm not so sure.


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Mike

It sure looks like a 4000 to me Mike. Even if by chance it isn't, you got a few hard to find 4000 parts there in the deal. Air cleaner covers like that are hard to come by.

Gregg,

 

[OhioGregg]

Well here is my Craftsman 3.7/20 (3800 Poulan). I'd say aside from the unplated bore this saw has plenty of power, the original owner bought it new in 1987 and used it to buck firewood for years, he had the saw serviced at a local saw shop every year, and it looks it as it is in mint condition. This was a craigslist find for $60, he even kept using the safty chains Lol.

Dave, You got a couple real nice saws there! Very nice finds. I see you have been bitten bad by the Poulan Bug!! :msp_ohmy: There ain't no cure either, that I know of..

Gregg,

 

[longbar]

Picked this up saturday along with a couple 3400,3700 parts saws.
Its and 8500. Im not sure the covers are correct since the saw was/is in pieces and missing many parts. Im hoping to dig most of the parts for it outta boxes. What can you guys tell me about these saws I see they are under the poulan/weedeater section on collectors corner so not sure who exactly made them.

 

[OhioGregg]

Picked this up saturday along with a couple 3400,3700 parts saws.
Its and 8500. Im not sure the covers are correct since the saw was/is in pieces and missing many parts. Im hoping to dig most of the parts for it outta boxes. What can you guys tell me about these saws I see they are under the poulan/weedeater section on collectors corner so not sure who exactly made them.

Well, The 8500 is 85cc, same as 5200 & 5400, most parts are interchangeable some aren't. The bucking spike on that one screams 8500, however the rear handle/fuel tank looks like 5200, along with the air cleaner cover, thats definitely not 8500. The bar studs on the 8500 are 3/8". studs on the 5200/5400 5/16". If the piston & cyl are in good shape, you got the makings for a great saw. Will easily handle 30-36" bars.

Gregg,

 

[67 Mustang]

Picked this up saturday along with a couple 3400,3700 parts saws.
Its and 8500. Im not sure the covers are correct since the saw was/is in pieces and missing many parts. Im hoping to dig most of the parts for it outta boxes. What can you guys tell me about these saws I see they are under the poulan/weedeater section on collectors corner so not sure who exactly made them.

That's not the correct top cover and AF cover for an 8500, LB. This is my 7700 which is the next smaller version of that series. BTW, it's made of plastic.

 

[Modifiedmark]

Thanks for all the input gentlemen. Very helpful.



Not so Mark. I have always totaly ignored the snobbish "Pull-On" BS comments from the Husky/Stihl/Jonsered/Dolmar modern saw snobs. Also ignore the same crapola that they fling at Homelites and McCullochs based on their regurgitated 'observations' of the box-store crapsaws that unfortunately wear the names of those once great brands (just like with the Poulans).

My opinions are based soley on my experiences with "high silicon content" bare alluminum cylinders on B&S, Tecumseh, and Poulan/Weedeater consumer OPE (including the later 'clamshell' Poulans built for Sears). I like cast steel/iron cylinders best, followed (distantly) by chrome/nik plated cylinders. In dirt bikes, I've always prefered the borable steel/iron liners over the plated bores as well. Old habits die hard.

I am honestly relieved that the plated piston/bare jug 3400-4000 saws are a non-issue. I promise to not turn those saws down based on that charactaristic. I also have hangups with Zama carbs based on my own experiences. Looks like you fellows have another hurdle to help me over...

Aaron, I forgot the laughing smiliy behind that quote, more or less kinda joking while making a point.

Yes I was in the business in the late 70's early 80's and remember those briggs cylinders very well. I'm not sure were comparing apples to apples though as those motors had a crappy splash oiling and most were always run with plugged or missing air filters as well.

I have no doubt your your own man and not easily influenced.

 

[longbar]

Well, The 8500 is 85cc, same as 5200 & 5400, most parts are interchangeable some aren't. The bucking spike on that one screams 8500, however the rear handle/fuel tank looks like 5200, along with the air cleaner cover, thats definitely not 8500. The bar studs on the 8500 are 3/8". studs on the 5200/5400 5/16". If the piston & cyl are in good shape, you got the makings for a great saw. Will easily handle 30-36" bars.

Gregg,

Thanks for the info Gregg! I just picked a top cover out of the box that looked like it would fit but havent tried to bolt down yet. Its great to know other saw parts will interchange with it so now my hunt wont be as hard. The saw looked sweet with the spikes so I had to have it!!! It feels like it has comp. but havent looked at p/c yet or been able to do a comp test. Im crossin my fingers

That's not the correct top cover and AF cover for an 8500, LB. This is my 7700 which is the next smaller version of that series. BTW, it's made of plastic.

Mustang you have a awesome lookin saw there. Im hoping to get this one almost as nice as yours:msp_cool: Thanks for the info on the top cover also I know that cover was in the box but wasnt sure it was for this saw since it was plastic but now I know!!

I think Im gettin Poulan fever now

 

[Modifiedmark]

Thanks for the info Gregg! I just picked a top cover out of the box that looked like it would fit but havent tried to bolt down yet. Its great to know other saw parts will interchange with it so now my hunt wont be as hard. The saw looked sweet with the spikes so I had to have it!!! It feels like it has comp. but havent looked at p/c yet or been able to do a comp test. Im crossin my fingers



Mustang you have a awesome lookin saw there. Im hoping to get this one almost as nice as yours:msp_cool: Thanks for the info on the top cover also I know that cover was in the box but wasnt sure it was for this saw since it was plastic but now I know!!

I think Im gettin Poulan fever now

Nice find, and Poulan fever is not hard to catch is it?

I hope you find the 8500 has a good P/C so you can get it all back to its former glory.

 

[metalspec]

CL find. Ad said $40. The guy fired it up to show me it runs. Gave me two extra beat up chains and threw in a old Husky bar cover. I was ready to leave and said "ok I'll take it. You said $40 right?" The guy said kind of annoyed, "No, I said $35." I said "You sure? Your ad said $40" He seemed to get a little agitated and said, " I know what I wrote! Do you want it or not?!"

Never been talked into paying less for something by a seller...


Had to check when I got home... The ad did say $40!

 

[redunshee]

4000 rings

Has anyone ever seen a 4000 with thick rings? Ebay has a used 4000 P&C but if you look at the piston it has thick rings. I've never seen one like this but you never know. Might be a 3800 or Craftsman 3700.
Bob

 

[redunshee]

CL find. Ad said $40. The guy fired it up to show me it runs. Gave me two extra beat up chains and threw in a old Husky bar cover. I was ready to leave and said "ok I'll take it. You said $40 right?" The guy said kind of annoyed, "No, I said $35." I said "You sure? Your ad said $40" He seemed to get a little agitated and said, " I know what I wrote! Do you want it or not?!"

Never been talked into paying less for something by a seller...


Had to check when I got home... The ad did say $40!

Good find. Couple months agi I stopped in a shop and the guy had a 3400 sitting outside in a junk pile. Wanted $20, so I bought it. P&C were shot but I fixed that easily enough

 

[rms61moparman]

Yes Bob!

My 4000 has thick rings.


Mike

 

[redunshee]

Yes Bob!

My 4000 has thick rings.


Mike

Dang. Never seen one with thick rings. Boy I feel foolish as I asked the seller the same question.
Bob

 

[redunshee]

Yes Bob!

My 4000 has thick rings.


Mike

Mike, how would one order rings if there is only one part#(I assume for thin rings). I wonder if you ever needed new ones how would you proceed?
Bob

 

[Modifiedmark]

Has anyone ever seen a 4000 with thick rings? Ebay has a used 4000 P&C but if you look at the piston it has thick rings. I've never seen one like this but you never know. Might be a 3800 or Craftsman 3700.
Bob

Are you talking about this one?
POULAN 4000 CHAINSAW CYLINDER, PISTON & CRANK (USED) - eBay (item 120687910043 end time Feb-25-11 15:42:30 PST)

Somthing don't look rigth to me if it is, its piston is very shiney and the cyl is pretty dull.

I think that it is a unplated cyl and chrome piston.

Better ask the seller for a bore measurement.