"i've had it since 2014 i think. no repairs or replacements till now, but as of this week its not running properly i think it's the carburator. it speeds as soon as you turn it on. wants to run fast even on the choke all the way out. its also hard to start it."
Sounds like every late model cheap plastic Poulan saw I've had come thru here in the last 25 years or so. They are great for casual use, cutting a limb or two after a storm, etc. As a general rule the fair very poorly with long lay-up periods unless the fuel tank is drained and the carburetor ran dry after their last outing..........Cliff