Poulan Lawn edger Parts — Browse All Models

Troubleshooting your Poulan lawn edger when its engine won't stay running

Fuel system problems often cause the engine to stall, so you'll need to rebuild or replace the carburetor if it won't stay running. Add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank and your gas can to keep the fuel fresh. Gasoline can go stale after about 6 months.

Some engines stall if the gas cap vent gets clogged. Check your edger's gas cap and clear the vent if it has one. Replace the gas cap if you can't clear vent clogs.

Tuning up the lawn edger's engine may also help keep the engine running as you're edging sidewalks and driveways. Replace the engine oil, spark plug and air filter regularly to keep the engine running smoothly.

Troubleshooting tips for your Poulan lawn edger when its engine won't start

When you can't start your edger, make sure the tank has fuel and that the fuel is fresh; stale fuel can become watery and won't ignite well. Tune up the edger's engine to give it the best chance of starting. Check the spark plug and replace it if it's covered with oil or other deposits.

If you can't pull the starter rope, check for a hydraulic lock of the piston. Remove the spark plug and pull the starter rope to see if the recoil starter spins the engine. If it does, then oil likely filled the cylinder when you tipped the edger sideways or backwards. Reinstall the spark plug and try starting the engine. The engine may smoke as it burns off oil inside the cylinder then the engine may run smoothly.

Replace the engine safety switch or the ignition coil if the spark plug isn't getting current through the ignition system.

The engine won't start if you hit a rock or stump and shear off the flywheel key, so replace the flywheel key if it's broken.

Carburetor problems often prevent an edger engine from starting. Replace or rebuild the carburetor if it's clogged.