Poulan gas cap

[meb9796]

My saw is over 10 yes old, but runs great. About 1yr ago, I replaced the gas cap because it was getting harder and harder to remove/close it. Well, today I used the saw for the first time after 4 months and the same thing happened?? Anyone heard of this happening??? How about ideas on how to prevent this from happening????

Thanks in advance

 

[/pine]

I've heard (and seen it mentioned in another thread here) that the ethonal in the gas causes this (and other) problem(s)

 

[meb9796]

Funny thing is that it just started happening in the last two years. Maybe that is when they started adding more of it into our every day gasoline. Wonder if they make a cap that won't be effected by this??

 

[rbcsaver]

I've heard (and seen it mentioned in another thread here) that the ethonal in the gas causes this (and other) problem(s)

And now the all-knowing morons in DC have just allowed it to be raised to 15%. Wait till you see the havoc that will be brought to engines.
regards,
Steve

 

[blackie65]

Have the same problem with mine. Anywhere I can find Poulan caps? I bought the saw at Rural King and all they sell are Mac caps. Pretty darn frustrating

 

[Brad_Blazer]

I had that problem with a newer yellow Poulan Pro 42cc. First I used a belt sander on the outside of the threads. Remove the o-ring if you do that. It helped but then the cap vent started leaking. I took the saw model # to Northern Tool's service desk and they ordered me a cap. It was about $4.00. Works great so far.

My older green Poulans have not had the cap problem.

 

[blackie65]

That's the saw I have Mr. Blazer. It runs great, cuts good, easy to start....until it runs out of fuel and I have to take that #$%^@# cap off. I have the Poulan (Yellow) 42cc, an older Poulan (green & metal) and a couple older Macs.
I have been told that my older Mac requires a 16:1 fuel mixture and the rest can run on, I think 40:1. Whatever the smallest bottle mixed with one gallon gives ya. I have also been reading about the effects of ethanol in the gas we are buying and the pros and cons of using aviation fuel.
Here are my questions:
1. how do I know if my saw has a catlytic converter?
2. Can I use the aviation fuel in all of these saws?
3. What are the thoughts of you more experienced fellas about the fuel stabilizer you can purchase at TSC in remedying the alcohol issue?

This has been my best find on the internet. I lovey TBN

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Yeah, I like that saw. It's a 4218avx. The tool-free blade adjustments and anti-vibe are nice. I got mine from a surplus place for $40 with a 16" Homelite bar - I guess it's normally an 18. The carb adjustments were messed up and the screw heads looked like male Torx. I cut some short pieces of 1/4" polyurethane air line and pushed them onto the screw heads so they stick out of the saw body just far enough to adjust by hand.

Here are my short answers to your questions.
1. Pretty sure it doesn't.
2. Yes. Higher octane won't hurt anything.
3. I usually use the Poulan brand oil which is not expensive and includes a stabilizer. I haven't heard of a stabilizer that negates the effects of ethanol. The concept doesn't sound plausible.

Many of the fuel stations around here still carry ethanol-free gas.

My older saws are a 2150 (16") and a 2750 (46cc Farmhand). They both still run good. The little saw is nice and light for limbing but the handles are mounted solid and it gives me the tingles if I run it for long.

 

[ragkar]

Have you considered replacing the gas cap with an alternate. Last year I left my gas cap at the gas station and needed an emergency replacement. I used a wiffle golf ball (plastic) wrapped in saran wrap. Luckily there was a crossbar in the neck so that the ball couldn't fall in.
Well you get the idea.

 

[tommu56]

You jinxed me I went to cut wood this weekend (poulan saw) and coulden't get my gas cap out.
The thread is binding I had to wind it all the way out of the tank with the bar wrench the cap appears to has swelled or the tank shrunk.
I had to crank it back in with channel locks the bar oil cap is fine.

tom