Nik's Poulan Thread

[Chris J.]

I'm still figuring out which of these older saws are worth collecting, so can someone here tell me if this is a Poulan in Craftsman colors?
...

DD, on Craftsman chainsaws the 358 prefix in the model number, 358.xxxxxx, indicates made by Poulan. There are several threads here discussing which Poulan saws are the good ones; trying to keep track of which Craftsman models are rebadged "good" Poulans is a different story. BTW, you got one of the good Craftsman Poulan saws one :msp_thumbup:!

Plus one for NOT running a saw on old mix, even to just give it a quick test.

 

[Rakoprtr]

I got my 3300 today from marc already tearing into it and having some fun got a few questions what's the best to clean gunk off a saw I was thinking carb cleaner but might be to harsh on the electronics any suggestions? Also I'm on the lookout for a set of felling dawgs for it if anybody got some layin around got some Poulan and Mac parts saws to trade shoot me an offer

 

[a. palmer jr.]

I got my 3300 today from marc already tearing into it and having some fun got a few questions what's the best to clean gunk off a saw I was thinking carb cleaner but might be to harsh on the electronics any suggestions? Also I'm on the lookout for a set of felling dawgs for it if anybody got some layin around got some Poulan and Mac parts saws to trade shoot me an offer

Carb cleaner is too harsh...try Purple Power or Simple Green, they're a lot milder but good at removing dirt.

 

[rms61moparman]

I got my 3300 today from marc already tearing into it and having some fun got a few questions what's the best to clean gunk off a saw I was thinking carb cleaner but might be to harsh on the electronics any suggestions? Also I'm on the lookout for a set of felling dawgs for it if anybody got some layin around got some Poulan and Mac parts saws to trade shoot me an offer

Depends on what you are cleaning and where.
For the exterior, carb cleaner is too harsh and can practically ruin the appearance of the plastics and some paints.
The EPA has killed some of the best cleaners and left us with trash like simple green, mean and green, purple power and the like.
They will work but make sure you don't have anything to do for a while.
Wisk is better to me as well as some of the stronger dish washing liquids.
The Dollar Store carries a product called Totally Awesome and while not "totally awesome" it works as well or better than simple green and it's cheaper.

The carb cleaner will work fine when cleaning engine parts and shouldn't harm the electronics.
For really bad cleaning "dollar store" oven cleaner has given me some really good results.


Mike

 

[Rakoprtr]

I think I got some of that dollar store stuff il try that as soon asthe rain let's up lol Thxguys

 

[a. palmer jr.]

I clean all the chainsaw stuff with Purple Power anymore...used to use Simple Green but it got expensive..

 

[joeymt33]

I clean all the chainsaw stuff with Purple Power anymore...used to use Simple Green but it got expensive..

I don't know if it will clean a poulan, but the Castrol Super Clean is awesome at cleaning Macs. I buy it in the gallon jug and most of the time I dilute it and it does great. It will make your skin peel if it gets on you straight. Not bad, but it will peel like a sunburn the day after. I've probably cleaned 100+ saws with it and haven't had any issue.

 

[diggers_dad]

Not a good idea to crank a saw with unknown mix in it, possibly stale. Should always put good mix in first.

That's sage advice. I ALWAYS drain out the fuel that comes with an old saw. Never know what's in there........

DD, on Craftsman chainsaws the 358 prefix in the model number, 358.xxxxxx, indicates made by Poulan. There are several threads here discussing which Poulan saws are the good ones; trying to keep track of which Craftsman models are rebadged "good" Poulans is a different story. BTW, you got one of the good Craftsman Poulan saws one :msp_thumbup:!

Plus one for NOT running a saw on old mix, even to just give it a quick test.

I'll keep the advice on old fuel in mind; but in my defense I'd like to point out #1 - I was on the road and stumbled across this saw by accident - no fresh mix with me, and #2 - I did have the presence of mind to pour a little on the ground to check the color and "sniff" test it before I started the saw. It was the best I could do under the circumstances, I didn't even have my tools with me to pull the muffler.

I'll know better next time! Thanks for the advice. :msp_thumbup:

 

[Chris J.]

There are other useful Poulan threads & posts, but these two should provide some good reading:

http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/180077.htm

http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/151393.htm

 

[diggers_dad]

There are other useful Poulan threads & posts, but these two should provide some good reading:

http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/180077.htm

http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/151393.htm

Good information on both of those threads. I'm pretty familiar with the newer "plastic" or "homeowner" Poulans. I have a dozen or so in the shop; I use them to practice muffler mods and porting work. Very inexpensive if I make a mistake and very fun to play with. They respond well with minimal work and the A/V models are OK for daily use.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

I don't know if it will clean a poulan, but the Castrol Super Clean is awesome at cleaning Macs. I buy it in the gallon jug and most of the time I dilute it and it does great. It will make your skin peel if it gets on you straight. Not bad, but it will peel like a sunburn the day after. I've probably cleaned 100+ saws with it and haven't had any issue.

I'm guessing it's more expensive than the Purple Power@ $5 a gallon.

 

[Rakoprtr]

I used oven cleaner to clean most the plastic got some fresh stripes on it to match my cream sickle fresh bar and chain now I gotta find somethin to cut maybe the storm damage at my inlaws View attachment 244889View attachment 244890

 

[Warped5]

I got my 3300 today from marc already tearing into it and having some fun got a few questions what's the best to clean gunk off a saw I was thinking carb cleaner but might be to harsh on the electronics any suggestions? Also I'm on the lookout for a set of felling dawgs for it if anybody got some layin around got some Poulan and Mac parts saws to trade shoot me an offer

Carb cleaner waaay too harsh. I am trying Aaron's home brew .... 2 parts diesel fuel and 1 part ATF .... works very well! Can substitute mineral spirits if diesel isn't handy.

I don't know if it will clean a poulan, but the Castrol Super Clean is awesome at cleaning Macs. I buy it in the gallon jug and most of the time I dilute it and it does great. It will make your skin peel if it gets on you straight. Not bad, but it will peel like a sunburn the day after. I've probably cleaned 100+ saws with it and haven't had any issue.

I saw you mention that stuff before and just cannot find it anywhere! I'll be in AL in February and will see if I can locate some.

 

[joeymt33]

I'm guessing it's more expensive than the Purple Power@ $5 a gallon.

About $8-9 a gallon. But it's worth it.

I mix it up in a pump up sprayer and apply it. It works great for alot of other uses as well. My wife keeps some in the laundry room and uses it on stains

 

[wendell]

I'm sure this doesn't happen to you experts but I always get a tad nervous when nobody else bids on a saw I'm watching. I figure there's something really wrong that I'm not seeing.

Seems I bought me a S25DA.

Poulan S25DA chainsaw | eBay

 

[Warped5]

I'm sure this doesn't happen to you experts but I always get a tad nervous when nobody else bids on a saw I'm watching. I figure there's something really wrong that I'm not seeing.

Seems I bought me a S25DA.

Poulan S25DA chainsaw | eBay

Well, then report back when it gets delivered and you've tried it!

I'm betting it will surprise you!

 

[redunshee]

Wendall, I saw it but already have 5 s25's in various configurations. They are great saws with plenty of power.
Bob

 

[wendell]

Wendall, I saw it but already have 5 s25's in various configurations. They are great saws with plenty of power.
Bob

I know they are great saws. I was just worried there was something wrong with this saw when nobody else bid.

 

[3000 FPS]

I know what you mean. I did see that saw on there, but I already have a nice S25DA that runs great. Looks to me like you did alright. The seller has 100% feedback and seems like he covered everything very well. Nice saw and a good buy. I have seen them go for close to a 100.00 dollars on ebay before.

 

[rms61moparman]

I'm sure this doesn't happen to you experts but I always get a tad nervous when nobody else bids on a saw I'm watching. I figure there's something really wrong that I'm not seeing.

Seems I bought me a S25DA.

Poulan S25DA chainsaw | eBay

Looks like you did okay Steve!
You just can't buy a saw of that power or quality for $65.00.
If they were to make a saw equivalent to that today it would be $400.00.


Mike