Did you clean the air filter? Did you sharpen the chain (is the chain dry and warm while cutting)?

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I even tried running it without the air filter. The chain is sharp and is getting lubrication.

I'm not a 2 stroke guy, but-
Check for a carboned up spark arrestor in the muffler.
Second, I'd check the exhaust port(s) for carbon build up.
Either can prevent the engine from "breathing" properly.

Check what Bill said, if clogged you'll have no power. Other than that did it have better power before or is it new to you, maybe your just expecting to much for 42cc. If it had more in the past it could be a partially clogged carb from storage, you could try turning the high adjuster out a little 1/4 turn (keep track of where it was) and see if that helps. If your carb is plugged a little and running lean that makes saws bog real easy. With the gas now days carbs get clogged a lot. Use Stabil or Sea Foam and try and get gas without ethonal. Steve

Today's 2 strokes are set up lean from the factory for minimum emissions which creates problems.If it has mixture adjustment screws, try turning the hi speed anti clockwise if possible. What ladylake said.

A feller gave me a 2 cycle weed wacker--said "it didn't run--keep it--don't want it back--done everything--still no run"!
took it home, removed the spark screen--machine runs good now--offered to give it back--friend sez a deal is a deal! HMMMPH!

Not fimilar with the model, but if it's the older 18" poulan knock off I agree may not have enough power to pull the chain is hard dry wood. Especially if it's least little bit dull. If the air filter is clean, the gas mix right,and the spark plug is clean and gap adjusted right I would suspect next the carb. is out of adjustment.

Usually if it boggs down like it running out of gas it's too lean at high rpms. But, it could also be a dull chain and weak oiling system when the saw gets buried in a big log. this is when full power and shape chain is needed to cut a full swath across the limb or trunk or your applying too much pressure.

As suggested I would try to adjust the carb. alittle richer and make sure the bar oil passages, oiler feed is clean, and the chain is sharp. You should be cleaning and sharpen the saw after ever use this way it's ready to use the next time you need it and not caked up with harded saw dust in the bar and oil feeder system to the chain.

IMO the key to making a low end model work is regliously pre-ventinve maintenance and cleaning this includes adjusting chain, cleaning the bar and chain, air filter, fuel filter, sharpen the chain, and keeping the carb clean and adjusted). (after every use removing the bar and chain cleaning out the oil feeder oils and chain groove, cleaning around the clutch, cleaning the chain, assemble and adjust the chain. drain the gas and oil if you don't plan on using it for awhile.)

I know this cause I have had several and the work fine if you do your part?

A dull chain pulls a lot easyer than a new sharp one but doesn't cut. I think some people are use to running a dull chain then put on a new sharp chain, apply the same pressure as the dull one and the saw bogs and they wonder whats wrong with the saw. Steve

Very good point steve now that I think about it.