I have a Poulan 5020AV. The thing cuts wood like a woodchuck on crack! The problem I'm having is regarding the reassembly of the handle/trigger mechanism. I took it apart in order to remove/clean the carb. Upon reassembly, the trigger fell out, along with the spring. I have all of the parts, but do not know how to reassemble it, as I didn't look specifically at the trigger when I took it apart. Help?

as long as your 5020av has a 3/8 sprocket it will work they make a professional landowner and homeowner for these saws each costing different prices tell the dearler what your doing and he can decide what you need

There are typically two springs connected to the throttle linkage. One is on the carb, and one is in the handle. Those springs are meant to shut the throttle down when you let go of the trigger. The one that could cause the problem you are describing would most likely be the one in the handle. If that one becomes dislodged, is installed incorrectly, or is jammed by a piece of debris it could limit how far you are able to pull the trigger. If you are not able to press the trigger fully into the handle, then that is where I would check. If you are able to press the trigger all the way, then the problem is elsewhere.

If you are saying the spring is missing because it is no longer inside the saw, please describe it the best you can, and I will do my best to give a more precise location for installing it.

Wasn't able to get Poulan's online manuals to load for me, but perhaps you'll have better luck.

Here is the web site:

http://www.poulan.com/

Select Download Manual

Select Illustrated Parts List and enter the model number for your saw. (It looked like there may have been two or three different models called wild thing.)

The Poulan manual will give you a detailed breakdown of every part in your saw, and where it goes.

heres the parts ipl should help
http://www.poulanpro.com/ddoc/POUI/POUI2008_AAaa/POUI2008_AAaa_PP4620AVX_952802146.pdf

I would say it has an air leak, through a gasket or crank seal, make sure the carb is tight and sealing properly.

If the carb hasn't been rebuilt in a few years, often the fuel pump diaphram gets weak or the little flap check valves get deteriorated. Carb kits are about $20.

tye going to psep.biz and looking at a breakdown for this saw. make sure you have the exact model and type number and their breakdowns are excellent. Let me know if this doesnt work

Remove the air cleaner which usually exposes the carburetor--operate the throttle (engine off) and watch what moves--likely wood chips blocking the action--less likely, a wire linkage got bent somehow, or there is sawdust in the trigger mechanism. From your description, this saw starts full-throttle at the get-go. Sort of dangerous!

Its a missing or broken spring in the handle(trigger). If you look inside the handle you should see a circular spring around the post of the trigger. This spring returns trigger to idle position. If its missing or broken the trigger won't spring back.

Use a pencil and straight edge to mark the cutting line on the wood. Place the wood on the saw table and line the mark up with the saw. Place the mark on the right side of the blade to ensure proper cutting. Plug the saw in and put on your safety goggles. Support the wood on the work surface with your left hand, placing it far from the saw blade. Place your right hand on the handle, and push the trigger to start the saw. Move the saw blade down onto the wood. Put constant pressure on the handle to slowly move the blade through the wood. Release the trigger and raise the blade once the cut is complete. Make diagonal cuts in the same manner, by marking the wood and lining the mark up just to the right of the saw blade. Continue as you would for a straight cut. Remove the wood from the saw. Unplug the chop saw and dust the sawdust off. Remove the dust bag from the back and empty it. Vacuum any remaining dust off of the saw.