TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS

PROBLEM

CAUSE

 

CORRECTION

 

 

 

 

 

Will not start

1.

Out of fuel.

1.

Fill fuel tank.

 

2.

Engine not “CHOKED” properly.

2.

See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section.

 

3.

Engine flooded.

3.

Wait several minutes before attempting to start.

 

4.

Bad spark plug.

4.

Replace spark plug.

 

5.

Dirty air filter.

5.

Clean/replace air filter.

 

6.

Dirty fuel filter.

6.

Replace fuel filter.

 

7.

Water in fuel.

7.

Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh

 

 

 

 

gasoline and replace fuel filter.

 

8.

Loose or damaged wiring.

8.

Check all wiring.

 

9.

Carburetor out of adjustment.

9.

See “To Adjust Carburetor” in Service Adjustments

 

 

 

 

section.

 

10.

Engine valves out of adjustment.

10.

Contact an authorized service center/department.

 

 

 

 

 

Hard to start

1.

Dirty air filter.

1.

Clean/replace air filter.

 

2.

Bad spark plug.

2.

Replace spark plug.

 

3.

Weak or dead battery.

3.

Recharge or replace battery.

 

4.

Dirty fuel filter.

4.

Replace fuel filter.

 

5.

Stale or dirty fuel.

5.

Drain fuel tank and refill with fresh gasoline.

 

6.

Loose or damaged wiring.

6.

Check all wiring.

 

7.

Carburetor out of adjustment.

7.

See “To Adjust Carburetor” in Service Adjustments

 

 

 

 

section.

 

8.

Engine valves out of adjustment.

8.

Contact an authorized service center/department.

 

 

 

 

 

Engine will not turn over

1.

Clutch/brake pedal not depressed.

1.

Depress clutch/brake pedal.

 

2.

Attachment clutch is engaged.

2.

Disengage attachment clutch.

 

3.

Weak or dead battery.

3.

Recharge or replace battery.

 

4.

Blown fuse.

4.

Replace fuse.

 

5.

Corroded battery terminals.

5.

Clean battery terminals.

 

6.

Loose or damaged wiring.

6.

Check all wiring.

 

7.

Faulty ignition switch.

7.

Check/replace ignition switch.

 

8.

Faulty solenoid or starter.

8.

Check/replace solenoid or starter.

 

9.

Faulty operator presence switch(es).

9.

Contact an authorized service center/department.

 

 

 

 

 

Engine clicks but will not

1.

Weak or dead battery.

1.

Recharge or replace battery.

start

2.

Corroded battery terminals.

2.

Clean battery terminals.

 

3.

Loose or damaged wiring.

3.

Check all wiring.

 

4.

Faulty solenoid or starter.

4.

Check/replace solenoid or starter.

 

 

 

 

 

Loss of power

1.

Cutting too much grass/too fast.

1.

Set in “Higher Cut” position/reduce speed.

 

2.

Throttle in “CHOKE” position.

2.

Adjust throttle control.

 

3.

Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower.

3.

Clean underside of mower housing.

 

4.

Dirty air filter.

4.

Clean/replace air filter.

 

5.

Low oil level/dirty oil.

5.

Check oil level/change oil.

 

6.

Faulty spark plug.

6.

Clean and regap or change spark plug.

 

7.

Dirty fuel filter.

7.

Replace fuel filter.

 

8.

Stale or dirty fuel.

8.

Drain fuel tank and refill with fresh gasoline.

 

9.

Water in fuel.

9.

Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh

 

 

 

 

gasoline and replace fuel filter.

 

10.

Spark plug wire loose.

10.

Connect and tighten spark plug wire.

 

11.

Dirty engine air screen/fins.

11.

Clean engine air screen/fins.

 

12.

Dirty/clogged muffler.

12.

Clean/replace muffler.

 

13.

Loose or damaged wiring.

13.

Check all wiring.

 

14.

Carburetor out of adjustment.

14.

See “To Adjust Carburetor” in Service Adjustments

 

 

 

 

section.

 

15.

Engine valves out of adjustment.

15.

Contact an authorized service center/department.

 

 

 

 

 

Excessive vibration

1.

Worn, bent or loose blade.

1.

Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt.

 

2.

Bent blade mandrel.

2.

Replace blade mandrel.

 

3.

Loose/damaged part(s).

3.

Tighten loose part(s). Replace damaged parts.

 

 

 

 

 

24

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Poulan PC1538A manual Troubleshooting Points

PC1538A specifications

The Poulan PC1538A is a versatile and reliable gas-powered chainsaw designed for homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts looking to tackle a variety of cutting tasks. With a focus on user-friendliness and efficient performance, this model stands out for its robust features and innovative technologies.

One of the primary characteristics of the PC1538A is its powerful 38cc two-stroke engine. This engine provides a balance of power and economy, enabling users to handle everything from light pruning to larger cutting jobs with ease. The engine is designed for optimal fuel efficiency while maintaining a solid power output, ensuring that users can work longer without frequent refueling.

The 15-inch bar and chain setup of the PC1538A is ideal for making quick cuts in relatively small to medium-sized wood, making it a perfect choice for backyard projects, cutting firewood, and managing fallen branches. The chainsaw's low-kickback chain further enhances safety for the user, allowing for more controlled cuts without the risk of unintended recoil.

Ergonomic design is another hallmark of the Poulan PC1538A, featuring a lightweight frame that is easy to maneuver. The comfortable grip handle reduces vibration, making prolonged use more tolerable and less strenuous on the hands and arms. This thoughtful design consideration allows users to maintain better control over the tool, leading to more precise cutting.

In terms of maintenance, Poulan has integrated several user-friendly features into the PC1538A. The tool-less chain tensioning system allows for quick adjustments to the chain tension, ensuring optimal performance without the need for additional tools. An easy-access air filter simplifies routine maintenance, enabling users to keep the engine running smoothly with minimal effort.

Additionally, the chainsaw incorporates technologies such as a primer bulb to facilitate easier starts, especially after long periods of inactivity. The automatic oiler system ensures proper lubrication of the chain and bar during operation, extending the life of the accessory components and maintaining cutting efficiency.

Overall, the Poulan PC1538A combines its powerful engine, ergonomic design, and thoughtful features to provide a reliable tool for a range of cutting tasks. Whether you are a novice or an experienced user, this chainsaw offers performance and efficiency, making it an excellent addition to any outdoor toolkit.