Old Poulan 1800 worth fixing up?

[BillK]

I recently bought a Stihl MS250 for use up at our hunting camp. My dad had an old Poulan 1800 he kept there but hasn't used for probably 15 years - but still seems to be in pretty good condition (at least visually).

Just wondering if the 1800 is worth cleaning up and fixing up as a spare or for little jobs. Not sure if this was considered a good model or a piece of junk. Also - am I safe in using any 40:1 oil with it (I have a Craftsmen snowblower that's 40:1) - or should I try to track down the Poulan/Weedeater brand oil?

Thanks!

Bill

 

[MnSam]

I think they're a decent little saw, definitely worth looking into getting it running.

 

[Warped5]

Definitely worth the time to fix up. Easiest saw in the history of history to work on, too! 12" of Tygon replacement fuel line (3/16" OD x 3/32" ID) and run the disassembled carb through a USC. Throw it back together 1+ turns out on the H and L screws and you're ready to start dialing it in .... good luck!

 

[homelitejim]

Yes, fix it up.

[video=youtube;U7X2mm25hxI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7X2mm25hxI[/video]

 

[barneyrb]

Take the muffler off and look at the cylinder, if good a carb kit and fuel lines with filter should do it. $15 for a 4 wheeler saw, your decision.....

 

[jerrycmorrow]

Definitely worth the time to fix up. Easiest saw in the history of history to work on, too! 12" of Tygon replacement fuel line (3/16" OD x 3/32" ID) and run the disassembled carb through a USC. Throw it back together 1+ turns out on the H and L screws and you're ready to start dialing it in .... good luck!

for some reason i can never get tygon to work on the small poulons. it always kinks at the bend between the fuel tank and the handle where that sharp bend is. i've quit even trying tygon there and use the fuel line from o'reillys (don't know the name but its prepackaged and somewhat clear looking); seems to be stiffer and more resistant to kinking.

oh, btw, definitely get that saw running. you'll be impressed with the saw and then with yourself for restoring it to running condition.

 

[BillK]

Thanks guys! I was hoping it would be worth salvaging. I like tinkering.

 

[MnSam]

I actually exhaust ported and opened up the muffler on a similar model. Turned out very nice. My cabin saw.

 

[jus2fat]

Well...I'll be the 'out-cast' here...and say I wouldn't throw any $$ into that little saw.

If it came into my small shop...I'd say buy a New 'wild-thing" from Lowes or TSC for $99 when on sale.

These little Poulans are $$ bandits..!! - JMHO

J2F

 

[Fish]

Well...I'll be the 'out-cast' here...and say I wouldn't throw any $$ into that little saw.

If it came into my small shop...I'd say buy a New 'wild-thing" from Lowes or TSC for $99 when on sale.

These little Poulans are $$ bandits..!! - JMHO

J2F

You will be a Stumpy outcast now too!!!!!

 

[jus2fat]

I expect I've been on 'Stumpy's' **** list for some time now...

Not exactly "a fate worse than death"...

J2F

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

Light weight at 7.5lbs PHO weight (if my memory is right) and great for the little jobs. Very cheap up keep on these. Worth throwing a few bucks at IMO.

I took 4 saws to build this 1800 for no cost to me just my time. Sold it to a guy wanting a light weight trim saw last spring 11 and traded it back to me a year and half later this month after not needing it anymore.

 

[3000 FPS]

Yes fix it up. I have a 2000 which is very similiar to yours. I had no problem using tygon tubing when replacing the fuel line. Yes 40-1 is just fine for the 1800 as long as you have the carburetor set correctly. In other words do not set it to lean.

 

[Warped5]

Well...I'll be the 'out-cast' here...and say I wouldn't throw any $$ into that little saw.

If it came into my small shop...I'd say buy a New 'wild-thing" from Lowes or TSC for $99 when on sale.

These little Poulans are $$ bandits..!! - JMHO

J2F

Then just collect them up and send to ME!

 

[jus2fat]

Then just collect them up and send to ME!

Well..actually I seldom get a Poulan small saw in for repair.

The closest stocking dealer is 27 miles away (54 miles round trip)..so the owner does the driving..NOT me..!!

I mostly get 'wild-thing's in to fix...not top handle Poulan saw for sure...actually never had one in.

Just sayin'..these small engine Poulan saw are $$ bandits....i.e."$$ traps"....just not worth the coin to fix.

And even if you do pay to have them fixed..(other than carb adjustment)..they're still "one step from death"..!!

J2F

 

[roostersgt]

If the piston / cylinder are scored, dump it. Pretty sure the cylinder is all aluminum and the piston has the steel, or harder metal on it, as the 2000 model has. If either are shot, it's toast. Cylinder's can't be saved and to pick up the replacements parts would be cost prohibitive in the end.

 

[MnSam]

Well..actually I seldom get a Poulan small saw in for repair.

The closest stocking dealer is 27 miles away (54 miles round trip)..so the owner does the driving..NOT me..!!

I mostly get 'wild-thing's in to fix...not top handle Poulan saw for sure...actually never had one in.

Just sayin'..these small engine Poulan saw are $$ bandits....i.e."$$ traps"....just not worth the coin to fix.

And even if you do pay to have them fixed..(other than carb adjustment)..they're still "one step from death"..!!

J2F

Partially agree. If the p/c is toast, leave it be. However, if the fix is simple as it is often, this saw is definitely worth a few bucks investment. Not sure how you can completely dismiss a saw without actually running one. Fun little saw.

 

[joe25DA]

Well..actually I seldom get a Poulan small saw in for repair.

The closest stocking dealer is 27 miles away (54 miles round trip)..so the owner does the driving..NOT me..!!

I mostly get 'wild-thing's in to fix...not top handle Poulan saw for sure...actually never had one in.

Just sayin'..these small engine Poulan saw are $$ bandits....i.e."$$ traps"....just not worth the coin to fix.

And even if you do pay to have them fixed..(other than carb adjustment)..they're still "one step from death"..!!

J2F

So top handle poulans are money traps...And you've never actually worked on one.... And you have a saw shop and $11 for carb kit and $3 worth of fuel line is too much coin to put into a saw? Honestly man if I repaired saws for a living..... well I guess Ill give you the benefit of doubt and say your only giving advice based on what you've heard others say about these saws without actually putting a wrench on one or operating one yourself.

 

[Warped5]

Partially agree. If the p/c is toast, leave it be. However, if the fix is simple as it is often, this saw is definitely worth a few bucks investment. Not sure how you can completely dismiss a saw without actually running one. Fun little saw.

Fun? I've got a little Craftsman 1.8 with a 10" B&C out int he garage. That little guy is a hoot! Like cutting with an angry bee! :msp_thumbup:

 

[naturelover]

I'd fix it up too, great little top handle limbing or trail saws.

I abused my old Poulan 2000, and it kept on ticking.

I'm having trouble finding new parts though, but there are a lot of these saws out there, so there should be a good supply of used parts.

Both of my parts saws were freebies, hopefully I can find a good p/c for one someday and fix me up a trail saw.