Go to some other store that sells the same brand and see if a new in
the box smells, or ask the salesperson whats up with the gas smell, see
what he says, then request he bring out a 2nd one so you can lesson your
fears of a return.
Grandpa

FWIW, I like my 18" Husky 55 Rancher, kicks butt and takes names. Sears
sells them too.

Denis Marier wrote:
Today I was at Sears looking at their 18" chainsaw.
The salesperson went into the back store and came back with a large box.
We removed the steel staples and unpacked the box. The chainsaw look good.
I removed the gas cap on the tank. I immediately smelled gasoline. I did
not know if the residual gasoline left in the tank was the result of an
engine test before shipping or something else.
Or maybe someone used this chainsaw, cleaned it and repacked it. On the
other hand it could be quite normal that every Sears (Poulan) chainsaw's
engine are tested prior to assembly and shipping. Comments would be well
appreciated.