MST, The filter foam was dry ,the cylinder bolts were tight but the
carby could have been running lean.
Here is another photo of a damaged piston from a poulan 2450 chainsaw. The air filter is also the foam type which was dry.
The last owner spent $120.00 on a new piston & barrel then sold it
with a chainsaw case on ebay.
I bought it for $50.00.
Once i modded the muffler and fitted a decent chain oil pump,it goes
very well for a poulan.
[Linked Image from i4.photobucket.com]