How can I replace the pull cord spring in a Poulan chainsaw engine?

I am having the exact same problem. the only thing i have figured out is that you can wind it up tight with your hands, no easy task, and once you get it small enough to fit back in place use a few pieces of wire to tie it together. place it back in its proper place and while making sure to hold it down so it doesnt pop back out, remove the wires you ties it up with. also make sure you hook the outer end pice of the spring into its notch so it doesnt just sit loosely in there. i read another post saying you can coil the spring and put it into a piece of pipe to get it in place. if you cant get any of this to work you will either need to take it to a lawnmower/machine repair shop or buy a new spring, which comes already coiled and making it more easily placed. hope this helps, good luck

marcusaurelius
March 2009