So I had my Poulancc 3800 out today to cut up some Elm. The saw has a few mods done to it and will hold its own in the 60 cc class of saws. I was noodling up the Elm because I hate splitting it. I had not run this saw for 3 years and It was 20* out today but no wind. Just thought I would show a few pics.
Nice saw. I used to have a 3400, I really like the old poulans. I think most of the 4200 and larger size green meanies have been snapped up by collectors.
They seem to have gained some popularity. I have a 4200, 4400, and a 5200 myself. The old reed valve saws seem to have pretty good torque.
I like the old 3400-4000 saws. Picked up this clean 3.7 at the PA GTG saterday. Going to end up with the rear handle from my 3400 parts saw as someone dropped a tree on it. For $20 I couldn't pass it up.
Not only did you get that saw for practically nothing but they can be made to run with just about any 60cc saw out there. My only complaint would be the weight compared to a newer saw in its class. Twenty bucks is not much. Those are all magnesium and can be welded back together. Is your saw the thick ring or thin rings on the piston.
I’ve got a 3700 (was my dads saw, he bought it back in 1983 or so) and a 3400. I only run them when I have bigger stuff to cut. The weight and vibration wear me out too quick, but they cut great.
I'm pretty sure its thin ring. I was going to do fuel lines and make some test cuts today but will have storm damage to clean up. Once I know it runs good it will come apart again for base gasket delete and muffler mod to start.
Got it running yesterday and made some tuning cuts today. Seems to run good but the auto oiler needs gone through as it's not working.
The diaphragms get old and will not flex anymore. They work off of an impulse from the crankcase. The one on my 3800 is not working so well right now either so I make sure to use the manual pump when cutting. The diaphragms are no longer available but I have seen where people are making copies that are on other forums. You can always take it apart and clean it real well and thin the bar oil out some also which will help.
These old Poulan saws are solid cutters. Maybe a little slow but most older saws were slow, with lots of torque. I like torque myself. I have a 4000 that’s been in the family a loong time as they were made here in my hometown and shipped to Shreveport. I run mine often as it reminds me when I first started cutting. I’m not in a hurry I just enjoy it.
Yep the countervibes are a very rugged saw. I have a bunch like the 4000 and the Poulan Pro 395. Also very reliable.
Just kind of stumbled on to these saws. I like the looks of them and ended up picking up a craftsman 3.4 from a fellow member. It’s apart now for general maintenance and I can’t wait to run it!
