How do you take the outer shell off the engine of my Poulan 446 T pole saw/weedeater. I need to replace the pull cord. Also, how to properly install a new pull cord. Thank you. Don

Sorry we do not have the information on that.

I have pulled out the spark plug and stuffed some rope into the cylinder. The piston will then not be able to travel the full distance and will keep the clutch from turning. Use rope that will not shed particles. This will let you remove the clutch bell.

Check underside grass builtup.

Bill, the small hose connects to the fuel filter inside the tank feed the
hose thru the tank and pull out thru the filler hole and insert the fuel
filter, pull hose back to outside until you have 4" of hose in the tank
with the filter. this same hose connects to the bottom (shorter brass
stem to carburetor). the larger diameter hose will fit 1/4 " into the tank, and fit to the top (longer brass stem)

Hook the spring at the inner mount, then wind the spring CCW until the spool assembly can be attached to the outer spring, then continue to wind the spool until the spring is about half-tight or so. It must be able to wind about three or four turns more without becoming 'bound' which would lock the spool and not permit return of the cord. When the spring is wound, wedge it so that the cord can be attached, the work the cord around the spool so that the outer end will only project beyond the cord port a little way. Pull the cord out to make sure that the spring doesn't bind at full extension, the apply locking pliers to the cord to be able to attach the handle. Melt the cord ends to prevent the knots from pulling out. Hope this helps!

You have a broken recoil spring. Dis-assemble (pull-off) the recoil housing and check for proper dog alingnment, broken spring, or something jammed between recoil sprocket and engine block.

I'm so confused. This is reported as a Poulan and McCulloch pole saw, which one? Is it a pole saw? That is the only 445 Poulan I can find. It is reported as an electric but has a fuel routing problem.

If it is a Poulan Pro gas pole saw it is here: PP445 Gas Pole Pruner
The fuel system routing is terrible, but it is all there is.
Fuel Routing follows:
Tank to carburetor (hose in tank with filter on free end)
Carburetor to primer (primer draws fuel from the tank through the carb)
Primer to fuel tank (returns any excess fuel to tank when pushed) HTH
Lou

Take the saw outside and have a fire extinguisher handy.

SCENARIO #1)
With the switch in the OFF position, remove the spark plug and SLOWLY pull the rope.
CAREFUL HERE!
If you notice raw, liquid fuel coming from the spark plug hole you have a fire hazard in you bare hands!

Gradually increase pulling speed to see if you notice any fuel vapors or mist coming from the spark plug hole. If you do, you have found the problem: It's flooded.
Continue pulling rope and use an air blow gun to LIGHTLY blow into the spark plug hole and dry the cylinder. You should pull 20 or 30 times while blowing air in.

SCENARIO #2)
If the cylinder is bone dry reattach the spark plug wire to the plug and touch the outer shell of the plug (or the threads of it) to a metal surface on the saw's engine (AWAY from the spark plug hole!) You can use any metal object to conduct the electricity and increase your reach if needed. Turn the switch back on and pull the rope medium speed and check for spark on the electrode of the plug. If no spark, turn switch to other position and repeat.

NOTE: IT WILL NOT SHOCK YOU as long as you maintain contact with the outer shell of the spark plug and the engine's metal parts.
If spark is present, reinstall plug and try again.

Be sure the choke lever is set properly for either cold or warm starts (whichever applies) and it should start easily for you in the future.
Hope this helps!

Check in the handle, the wire connection to the electrical switch could have came loose or disconnected. The switch may need to be replaced. Maybe part of the cord went bad, but I would think that would be less likely, but possible if you had a electrical surge.

If the wire connection is okay, then I suggest you try to purchase a new switch part # 077525S, that may do the trick. You can by one by calling Master Distributors at 800-446-1446 or you can find them online at www.masterparts.net. I hope this helps!