How to Replace Crankcase Seals on Poulan Chainsaws

Poulan is a well-known chainsaw manufacturer that has been around since 1946. One of its models was even featured in "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" film from 1974. Chainsaws typically operate in similar fashion as far as design, but the quality of parts and assembly varies, depending on brand and model. Get the most out of your Poulan chainsaw by performing occasional maintenance on it. If the crankcase seal begins to leak, replace it as soon as possible to keep your saw working properly.

Spray bottle
Liquid dish soap
Puller tool
Silicone grease
Seal installer tool
Rubber mallet

Instructions

- 1
  Verify that the seal needs to be replaced by spraying it with a mixture of liquid dish soap and water in a spray bottle. If the soapy solution starts to bubble, the seal is leaking air and needs to be replaced. The seal is usually located in a circular node that comes out of the side near the bottom of the chainsaw motor.
- 2
  Insert each prong of a puller tool into the inside of the seal on both sides so the prongs are opposite each other. Connect the prongs to the base of the puller and then turn the bar on the base. This pushes a piston forward that applies pressure on the crankcase. As this happens, the two prongs pull upward to pop out the crankcase seal. Puller tools are available at automotive parts stores.
- 3
  Hold up the old seal to each piece of a seal installer set to locate the tool that is sized correctly for the seal. Lubricate the new seal with silicone grease and place it on the end of the seal installer tool.
- 4
  Line up the seal installer tool with the crankcase on the chainsaw and gently tap the seal in place with a rubber mallet. It should pop right off the installer tool as it slides in and around the crankcase.

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