The Most Frequent Chainsaw Issues and How to Fix Them (Troubleshoot)
Even if you do routine maintenance on your chainsaw and make sure that you are putting the correct fuel in it, there is still a chance that you may run into difficulties at some point throughout the lifetime of your chainsaw.
I hope that by following the steps in this troubleshooting tutorial, you will be able to determine what the issue with your chainsaw is. You can discover some straightforward charts with reasons and possible remedies in this section. In addition, I have included links to articles that go into additional depth to assist you.
Problems That Typically Affect Chainsaws:
- The chainsaw is unable to start.
- The chainsaw will turn on, but then it will stop working.
- The chainsaw chain is stuck on the bar and will not spin or move.
- Choke is engaged when the chainsaw is running.
- The chainsaw’s power decreases as it bogs down.
Always be sure you follow the instructions for safety measures that are in the operator’s handbook. Be careful to disconnect the wire leading to the spark plug before commencing any repairs.
Before diagnosing, repairing, or operating your equipment, be sure to follow all of the safety guidelines that are included in the operator’s handbook. In the event that you do not possess the necessary knowledge, abilities, or physical state to make the repair in a secure manner, you should seek the assistance of a trained expert.
Table of Contents
Common Chainsaw Problems & Solutions
Problem 1: The chainsaw is unable to start.
In order for the chainsaw to start, you are going to need air, gasoline, and a spark. When you are having trouble starting the engine, you should search for anything that might prevent the engine from acquiring certain things.
It is not uncommon for gas to get stale, which may lead to a shortage of fuel, which in turn might cause a difficulty with starting the vehicle. Be certain that you are using your chainsaw with the appropriate proportions of gasoline and oil. Use up all of the gasoline during the first month, before it starts to deteriorate.
2-cycle engines need a gas-to-oil fuel combination. Straight gasoline is required for 4-cycle engines. If the tank is refilled with the incorrect fuel, the chainsaw may become inoperable as a result. It is also capable of causing major harm to the engine.
Detailed information can be found at:
Reasons Your chainsaw is unable to start
| Cause | Reason for the Problem | Solution |
| Bad or old gasoline | Gasoline loses its quality with time, which results in the fuel having less of an impact on performance and an increased likelihood that it may clog the fuel system. | First, the gasoline tank should be emptied, and then it should be refilled with new fuel. To prevent the gasoline from deteriorating and to aid in cleaning the fuel system, you should use a fuel additive such as Sea Foam. 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines have differing fuel needs. Check out this advice to assist you in selecting the appropriate gasoline. |
| Either the incorrect gasoline was used in a four-cycle engine or the wrong oil combination was used in a two-cycle engine. Both of these mistakes might cause the engine to malfunction. | If the components are not mixed together in the right way, the engine could not get the necessary amount of lubrication. | When working with 2-cycle engines, mix the required volumes of gasoline and 2-cycle oil together. Make sure the gasoline you’re using has an octane rating of at least 89 and an ethanol content that’s no more than 10%. Straight gasoline is required for 4-cycle engines. |
| Bad spark plug | If the spark plug is dirty or damaged, the spark plug wire is loose, or the gap is incorrect, it may not be feasible to start the engine. | Change it out with a brand-new spark plug, check to see that the connections are secure, and adjust the gap according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. |
| The air filtration system which has been clogged. | It is possible for the air filter to get blocked with dirt, which would impede the flow of air. | Take the filter out of its housing and give it a thorough cleaning. You need to get a new filter if the one you have is in a bad condition. |
| Plugged fuel filter | In the event that the fuel filter is dirty, there will be a reduction in the flow of gasoline. | It’s about time you changed the filter on the fuel. |
| Blocked fuel lines | The deposits left behind by old gasoline, along with dirt, have the potential to choke the fuel lines, preventing fuel from reaching the engine. | To remove the blockage from the gasoline line, you may use a carburetor cleaner in conjunction with compressed air. If required, the line should be replaced. |
| Plugged fuel tank vent | If the vent on a gasoline tank is stopped, the tank will no longer be able to vent. After some time, a vacuum will create, which will prevent gasoline from leaking out of the tank. | Remove and replace any obstructions in the fuel tank vent. |
| Plugged spark arrestor | When carbon deposits build up in the spark arrestor, the chainsaw’s air vents get blocked, preventing hot air from escaping. | Take out the spark arrestor screen and give it a good cleaning. |
| An unclean carburetor | As a result of ethanol deposits and contaminated gasoline, the carburetor might get blocked and unclean, which restricts the flow of fuel. | It is essential to clean each and every component that constitutes the carburetor in order to ensure proper operation. If it’s broken, you should get a new one. |
| Bad primer bulb | In the case that the priming bulb is broken, there will be no way for fuel to reach the carburetor. | The priming bulb has to be replaced at this time. |
| Flooded engine | The proportion of fuel to air is far higher than it should be, and as a consequence, the mixture is unable to catch fire. This may occur if the priming bulb is squeezed an excessive number of times, or if the starting rope is pulled an excessive number of times while the choke is closed. Both of these actions may cause the choke to open prematurely. | Remove the spark plug from its location in the socket. Position the chainsaw so that it is lying on its side, and then secure it. It is essential to check that the hole in the spark plug is oriented in such a manner that it is not facing you. It is advisable to give the starter anywhere from six to eight pulls. After making sure that the spark plug is clean and dry, you should replace it. Turn on the chainsaw and get it running. |
| Broken starter recoil | If the recoil is broken or damaged in any way, it will not be able to start the engine. | Investigate the possibility of restringing the rebound and report back your findings. It is vital to fix any components that have been damaged. If it turns out to be essential, replace the assembly responsible for the recoil. |
Problem 2: The chainsaw will turn on, but then it will stop working.
When a chainsaw is in operation, many of the same variables that might prevent it from starting are also among the ones that can cause it to stall out and cease functioning.
Once the engine has reached operating temperature, you will need to ensure that the choke is in the open position before continuing. In the case that it is not, the engine will start to operate more slowly and will finally cease functioning altogether owing to a lack of available air.
If your chainsaw stops operating after it has been running for some time and it won’t start back up until air is allowed to enter the fuel tank, there may be a problem with the vent on the fuel tank. If this is the case, there is a possibility that there is a problem with the fuel tank vent.
Detailed information can be found at:
Your Chainsaw Will Turn on, But Then It Will stop working
| Cause | Reason for the Problem | Solution |
| Incorrect adjustment of the choke | After the engine has been warmed up, the choke lever must be moved to the open position before the engine may be restarted. | When starting a cold engine, close the throttle to limit the airflow. After the engine has warmed up, you may open it. |
| Bad fuel | As time passes, gasoline degrades, making it less effective and increasing the risk that it can block the fuel system or cause harm to the engine. | First, the gasoline tank should be emptied, and then it should be refilled with new fuel. Utilize a high-quality fuel additive so that you can aid in maintaining the fuel’s consistency and cleaning the fuel system. |
| Plugged air filter | The air filter might get clogged with dirt, which can limit airflow. | Take out the filter and give it a good cleaning. If the filter is in poor condition, you should replace it. |
| Plugged fuel filter | A gasoline filter that is clogged will not enable an adequate amount of gas to flow through it. | It’s time to change the gasoline filter. |
| Clogged fuel lines | Deposits of contaminated gasoline and dirt may accumulate and block the fuel lines, which prevents the engine from receiving the necessary amount of fuel. | To remove the blockage from the gasoline line, you may use a carburetor cleaner in conjunction with compressed air. Replace a faulty fuel line. |
| Dirty carburetor | Due to poor gasoline quality and ethanol deposits, the carburetor might get dusty and blocked, which prevents fuel from flowing properly. | It is important to clean each of the components that make up the carburetor. If necessary, either rebuild or replace it. |
| Plugged gasoline tank vent | A plugged fuel tank vent will no longer allow the tank to vent. A vacuum will form keeping fuel from flowing out of the tank. | Remove and replace any obstructions in the fuel tank vent. |
| Plugged spark arrestor | It is possible for the spark arrestor to get clogged with soot, preventing the exhaust of hot air. | Take off the spark arrestor screen and give it a good scrub with the metal brush. Replace a screen that has been damaged. |
Problem 3: The chainsaw chain is stuck on the bar and will not spin or move.
It’s possible that the chain won’t slide smoothly around the bar anymore. To begin, you should never touch the chain until the spark plug wire has first been removed for your own protection.
Check for broken bars or chains, as well as improper chain tension, after that. Check to see whether the Dutch pads have worn out and ensure that the bar and chain have an adequate amount of lubrication.
Detailed information can be found at:
The chainsaw chain is stuck on the bar and will not spin or move.
| Cause | Reason for the Problem | Solution |
| Chain brake is engaged | The chain brake is a safety protection that stops the chain in the case of a kickback, hence reducing the risk of an accident occurring as a result of the kickback. | Check that the chain brake is drawn all the way to the back of the saw to ensure that it is not engaged. |
| There is insufficient lubrication on the bar and chain. | If there is not enough lubrication, a buildup of friction and heat may cause the chain to get stuck on the bar, preventing it from rotating. | Completely fill the oil reservoir for the bar and chain. Check to see if there is any kind of obstruction in the oil route. |
| There is an excessive amount of stress on the chain. | The chain needs to be allowed to move freely around the guide bar despite the fact that it should be sitting firmly around it. There should be no slack in the chain where it is attached to the bar. | Take off the wire from the spark plug. To make the necessary adjustments to the chain, loosen the bar holding nuts. Keep the nose of the bar up. To loosen the chain, turn the tensioning screw in the opposite direction of what you would normally do to tighten it. |
| Clutch pads are worn | When the clutch pads are worn, they no longer contact the clutch drum, which prevents the chain from turning. | It’s time to get a new clutch assembly. |
Problem 4: Choke is engaged when the chainsaw is running.
When there is insufficient gasoline or too much air entering the chainsaw’s engine, the choke must be engaged for the chainsaw to operate. When the choke is engaged, the gas-to-air ratio in the mixture is adjusted to meet the requirements necessary for ignition.
Detailed information can be found at:
Choke is engaged when the chainsaw is running
| Cause | Reason for the Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Old fuel | Varnish and deposits may be left behind by stale gasoline, which can lead to limits in the fuel supply and failures in fuel component parts. | the gasoline tank should be emptied, and then it should be refilled with new fuel. To prevent the gasoline from deteriorating and to aid in cleaning the fuel system, you should use a fuel additive such as Sea Foam. 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines have differing fuel needs. Check out this advice to assist you in selecting the appropriate gasoline. |
| Fuel line puncture | In order to increase the volume of air that reaches the engine, it is possible to draw air into the line. | It’s time to change out the gasoline line. Make sure there are no limitations in the gasoline line. |
| Plugged fuel filter | Airflow might be restricted when an air filter is unclean and clogged. | It’s time to change the air filter. |
| Bad carburetor gasket | It’s possible that the gasket doesn’t seal properly anymore, which would let extra air into the carburetor. | take out the carburetor, and then switch out the gasket. |
| An unclean carburetor | It’s possible for fuel channels to get clogged, in which case they won’t be able to let through enough gas for the combustion process. | Take apart the carburetor and clean it well. If necessary, either rebuild it or replace it. |
| Plugged fuel tank vent | A vacuum will be created within the fuel tank if the outlet to the fuel tank is blocked off. Because of this, gasoline will not be able to escape from the tank. | Changing out the vent on the fuel tank. |
Problem 5: The chainsaw’s power decreases as it bogs down.
When it comes to a chainsaw losing power and becoming difficult to use, a clogged carburetor is often to blame. Gasoline that has expired will cause the fuel tube to get clogged.
Investigate everything that could have an impact on the way the air and fuel are combined. In addition to this, you need to check the exhaust of the chainsaw to make sure that it is discharging the hot air that it creates.
Detailed information can be found at:
Reasons chainsaw’s power decreases as it bogs down
| Cause | Reason for the Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Old fuel | Varnish and deposits may be left behind by stale gasoline, which can lead to limits in the fuel supply and failures in fuel component parts. | the gasoline tank should be emptied, and then it should be refilled with new fuel. To prevent the gasoline from deteriorating and to aid in cleaning the fuel system, you should use a fuel additive such as Sea Foam. 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines have differing fuel needs. Check out this advice to assist you in selecting the appropriate gasoline. |
| Plugged air filter | A clogged air filter will prevent a normal flow of air from passing through it. | It’s time to change the air filter. |
| Dirty spark plug | An intermittent spark could be caused by a spark plug that is filthy. | Spark plugs should either be cleaned or replaced. |
| Plugged fuel filter | A clogged filter prevents an adequate amount of gasoline from passing through. | It’s time to change the gasoline filter. |
| Clogged or punctured fuel line | If the gasoline lines get clogged, then fuel will not be able to reach the carburetor. | It is recommended that you either clean or replace the gasoline line. |
| Plugged fuel tank vent | A vacuum will be created within the fuel tank if the outlet to the fuel tank is blocked off. Because of this, gasoline will not be able to escape from the tank. | It’s time to get a new gasoline tank. |
| Plugged spark arrestor | It is possible for the spark arrestor to get clogged with soot, preventing the exhaust of hot air. | Take off the spark arrestor screen and give it a good cleaning with the wire brush. |
| Chain brake is engaged | In the case that the chain is kicked back, the chain brake will engage and stop the chain from moving. | Turn the chain brake off by moving the lever to the off position. |
| Dirty carburetor | It’s possible for fuel channels to get clogged, in which case they won’t be able to let through enough gas for the combustion process. | To remove the varnish that was left behind by the old gasoline, clean the carburetor. If it is essential, either rebuild it or replace it. |
| Carburetor requires an adjustment | For optimal performance, you may need to make adjustments to the RPMs both while the engine is idling and when it is at full power. | For instructions on how to correctly adjust the carburetor on your chainsaw, see the operator’s handbook. |
Don’t Neglect Your Chainsaw’s Preventative Maintenance
A issue will arise with your chainsaw at some point in time, just as it will with the rest of the outdoor gear you possess.
By doing routine maintenance on your saw and ensuring that it is supplied with new fuel at all times, you can help prevent issues from developing in the saw and extend its useful life.
It is highly recommended that you give your chainsaw a comprehensive maintenance service at least once every year in order to keep it in excellent condition.
The replacement of the spark plug, air filter, and fuel filter is included in the yearly service that is performed on the vehicle. In addition to that, you need to clean the outside of the vehicle and check the cooling and fuel systems.
Adjust any hardware that is loose and replace any components that are broken or missing. In addition, you are obligated to do a pre-use inspection on the chain to guarantee that it is in adequate condition for usage.
