QuestionQUESTION: Hi John...I have an older but wonderfull condition poulan 260 saw that does not run...Got it for free so I'm gonna try to work on it...Old owner suspected piston ring problems...I took out the spark plug and found pieces of a rubber type material that looked like a seal sitting on top of the piston...The engine has good spark but would not fire when gas was put into the cylinder and compression seems just a little low....What would you diagnose with that info and where would I start...Thank You..Mark
ANSWER: Hello Mark:
>>Remove the Muffler and Look at the Inside of the Engine.
>>Turn the Engine by Hand and Inspect the Piston and Jug/Cylinder.
>>If the Piston and Jug/Cylinder are Smooth like Glass, then the Compression Loss may be Due to a Bad Jug Seal.
>>If the Piston and Jug/Cylinder look Scratched/Scoured, then the Piston and Jug/Cylinder are Trashed and Require Replacing.
>>If the Piston and Jug are Smooth, then Send me the Model Numbers Off the Saw, Please. With these I can Locate the Correct Manual and Better Assist you.
>>Thanks.
Respectfully
John
>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Follow Up Questions are Accepted at Anytime. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi John...Did as you requested..For the most part the piston looked decent with maybe some light scratches but on the very left side of what I could see was a heavier scratch...The back of the jug that I could see looked clean and shinny...I assume you are going to tell me to replace the jug and piston...What do you think the rubber type pieces I found on the top of the piston were, they looked like the parts of a round rubber seal...Here are the numbers I could find on the saw...It's a Poulan Pro 260 42cc...2001 us epa ph1....Family--1pwes.0424cs:em.....Ser.# 01222d102059-3.....Think it's worth fixing? I know they are not expensive saws and am I going to spend more than it's worth? And is it something you think a tinkerer can do? Thanks John....Mark
AnswerHello Again Mark:
>>Sorry for the Delay. We have had High Winds and the Electic has been More Off the on and my Generators have All been in the Field Until this AM.
>>I Suggest you Keep this Saw for Parts and Purchase Another Poulan Saw.
>>The Cost of Replacing the Piston ($16.11us) and Jug Assy ($58.71us) is More than Half of the Cost of a New Saw.
>>The O-Ring Piece is Most likely the Jug Seal or Crankcase Seal.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select "Click Here For The Parts Menu". Now Select "P". Then Select Poulan or Poulan Pro (Saw and Tiller Parts). Then Select "Click Here If You Don't Have Your Part Numbers". Now Select the Folder "Gas Saws". Now Select yuor Model from the List Provided to View a Breakdown of this Saw.
>>As Always, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. All Follow up Questions are Accepted at Any Time. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
