I would guess that the Low speed mixture needle on the carburetor, the idle speed screw or both need to be adjusted. Unfortunately, the mixture needles on almost all newer carburetors are designed where the average person can't easily adjust them. You should be able to adjust the idle speed screw however. Tighten that screw a little to see if it will continue to run with a few more rpm at idle. You want the saw to idle slow enough that the chain does not move at idle. To adjust the mixture screws, you need a special tool, or to get creative in ways you can turn those needles. Like almost everything that is driven from Government forced regulations, these carburetors on recent small engines are pretty rediculous. Where years ago, you used to be able to adjust your own carburetor to get the engine running properly, now you have alot of engines that run marginally, have to be operated on half choke, or won't run at all due to carburetors that need to be adjusted but the average person can no longer do it. One more thing that we can blame on the liberal mindset that has taken over our country.

Richard , It,s been a while since my last post on this thread (Ewalk) As for Poulans they are light weight saw unit . If you maintain them religiously you will receive adequate service . If not then they will give you headaches lol. They are designed for light cutting requirements. !st you must ensure clean fresh fuel with adequate fuel conditioner due to ethanol fouling issues. You have not indicated how often you cut or how old your saw is . They primary failing of the previous saws complaints within this thread are in my opinion weak ignition modules causing irratic spark . Other than that compression or lack there of will cause hard starting and loss of power during prolonged cutting. I would start with cleaning your carb since fuel starvation is a basic cause . Also ensure you have adequate blue spark prior to cleaning carb . You must service your air filter and fuel filter seasonally or as required dependant on the hours of use . To summerize , check fuel , plug , filters , compression and clean carb . If unit does not start get back to us ...Chow !... aka formerly Ewalk

1. It sounds as if the dragging might have disturbed some trash in the carb. How often do you cleaned the carb or is it as needed from performance. Sawdust usually ends up in the fuel tank. If you tried to start it while the filter was off, it could have sawdust in the carb. 2. I can not remember if there is a fine fuel screen in the carb but it would be quick and easy to see. Plus, you could rem your adjustment screws and use fine wire and compressed carb cleaner to flush and verify âÂÂALLâ the ports in the carb are open. 3. What are the carbâÂÂs adjustment turns on your carb mixture screws? 4. The pic attach is of a 70s Poulan S25 that were also sold as Craftsman. 5. I can send a post showing the fine screen inside a carb if you are interested. Do you or others know if the fine screen is in your carb? 6. If the spark arrester is clogged. I hope it was shared that heating it with a lighter Etc will char the carbon and brush off easy.

Scott sounds like you are not a serious saw user. 1st ensure to use only properly stabilized fresh fuel . You are most likely using ethanol fuel which causes all kinds of issues with these small carbureted units. If you do not use your saw regularly once evey few weeks , then fuel with conditioner is very important . Otherwise hard starting or cutting out will be the norm. A little $$ goes a long way within prevention. 1st buy some new fuel and mix with premium oil for chainsaws not outboards or lawnmowers etc. I use Amsoil Sabre , but Stilh or Klotz or any other premium , preferably synthetic will give you great performance and protection . Ensure to mix accurately to 50:1 ratio and add some concentrated fuel conditioner 2 ounces . Let your saw run for approx. 20 minutes with full choke or 1/2 choke to maintain fast idle . Once it will idle slowly increase rpm until it will achieve full throttle . If cleaner does not work then check your fuel filter for restriction , you should be able to blow through it . Next if clear, spray some carb cleaner through carb venturi and remove jets and spray some there and inset tag wire if they seem gummed up as a last resort . Ensure to record the number of turns out 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 is the norm from gentley seated. Again I cannot stress enough the importance of proper saw and fuel maint. I have owned and repaired saws for over 40 yrs and this new ethanol fuels are wreaking havoc with all small engine leaf blowers , weed wackers and chainsaws. A little use of stabil , sea foam , marvel mystery oil or my choice of Star*tron during fuel usage and storage solves these problems before they ocurr . Let us know how you make out Dude !