You can’t wait to get this new outdoor project started… and then, unexpectedly, the chainsaw does not really work as planned. So you’ll need to know how to easily repair your chainsaw and want a decent guide for troubleshooting the chainsaw that will help you get ready for work. Well don’t be worried.
Here you can find the best chainsaw troubleshooting tips that will assist you repair your chainsaw so that it works like normal again.
Chainsaws will perform well and last longer if properly managed. Often you could notice a problem like a blunt chain during your occasional chainsaw inspection. However, not all chain problems are visible, especially if you’re a beginner.
See also: Chainsaw Tips for Beginners
There may be many factors why your chainsaw is facing a problem. That’s why I’m going to take you through the most basic issues and most specifically, the solutions for fixing a chainsaw.
You may be shocked, but it is not that hard to repair some of the more popular chainsaw problems. And if you are a beginner, much of these maintenance and troubleshooting can be performed by yourself. Without a professional’s need.
It is still a smart idea to read the manual of your chainsaw manufacturer for specific guidance about how to use your chainsaw, in addition to this chainsaw troubleshooting guide.
Sometimes if not adequately handled, a quick look at such pages in the manual will prevent from damage. See also our recommendations on How to Cut Firewood Efficiently with a Chainsaw, How to Start the Chainsaw, How Do You Sharpen a Chainsaw Blade, How to Use an Electric Chainsaw.
Chainsaw Troubleshooting Guide
Chainsaw is not starting
Check the Spark Plug
Check to see if there is a flaw in the spark plug. If the porcelain is broken, the electrode is harmed, or has a strong carbon build-up, you should break it and find out. You can replace the spark plug if one of these is the scenario.
Check the Carburetor
You should check if the carburetor is clogged. A clogged carburetor can be affected by leaving fuel in the chainsaw for a long period of time. This will stop the engine from running.
If the cleaning does not work, you can clean the carburetor with a can of carburetor cleaner or replace the part.
Test the Coil of Ignition
Due to a weak ignition coil, another explanation why the engine fails to start is. When the motor is on, the ignition coil transmits voltage to the spark plug. Until replacing the ignition coil, ensure that the spark plug is operating correctly.
For this chainsaw troubleshooting method, you should use an ignition coil tester.
Chainsaw Starts But Then Stalls
Check the Spark Arrestor
You can try out the spark arrestor that stops the engine from producing sparks to resolve this issue. After a long duration of operating the chainsaw, soot will clog the spark arrestor. The chainsaw can as a result, run rough or stall.
With a wire brush, remove and clean the spark arrestor or repair it if necessary.
Check the Air Filter
The air filter may be dirty or clogged. This leads it to have too much gasoline and less air in the engine. The engine would then stall.
To figure out if it’s clogged, check out the air filter and clean it. Otherwise, replace a new one with this filter.
Check here for Best Chainsaw for Cutting Firewood
Chainsaw is Running Rough
Check the Foam Filter
Try checking out the foam filter if your chainsaw is running hard. It’s dusty or clogged in the majority of situations. The approach to this challenge is simple. You need a foam filter replacement.
Check the Fuel Filter
A clogged fuel filter is another cause of your chainsaw running hard. A clogged fuel filter can be triggered by leaving old fuel in the chainsaw.
Any fuel ingredients evaporate and leave behind a material that is thicker and stickier. This clogs up the fuel filter, and the engine runs rough as a result.
When replacing the gasoline filter, make sure to remove and refill the old fuel with a fresh batch.
Chainsaw Chain is Not Turning
Check the Clutch
You’ll want to look at the clutch to fix this issue. To rotate the chain, the clutch pads activate the clutch drum. If the clutch pads are burned out the motor will still run, but the clutch drum will not be activated and the chain will not rotate.
The chain can not spin if the stop lever is engaged. So disengage the lever from the stop. Adjust the entire clutch assembly if you’ve worn out the clutch pads.
Check the Clutch Band Drum Break
The clutch band drum brake that activates the clutch drum to spin the chain may be another cause for the chain not spinning. The engine will run if the clutch band is worn out but the clutch band won’t trigger the clutch drum.
The chain would not switch, as a result. Replace the clutch if it’s worn out.
Check here for Top rated best chainsaws
Chainsaw Won’t Cut
Replace or Sharpen the Chain
If you do not cut your chainsaw, it is possibly rusty and needs to be replaced or sharpened.
If a chain is slow, the clutch, engine, and many other parts cause needless wear and tears. And why? And the chain works longer for the dullness to be lost.
When you file by hand, one of the easiest ways to sharpen a chainsaw is by mounting a file into a sharpening guide.
Adjust the Chain
Another factor why your chainsaw won’t cut may be that it isn’t correctly calibrated for your chain. If the adjusting screw is loose, the chain may not be able to comfortably grip the wood.
On the other hand, if the chain is very tight, it cannot be rotating at the proper speed. As a result, it doesn’t cut as expected and you’ll need to loosen the adjustment screw.
Replace the Bar
The chain bar may even be worn out if the chainsaw doesn’t cut. Normally, along the chain bar, the chain can slide quickly. If it doesn’t then the guide bar would need to be removed.
Often make sure that the oil reservoir is filled with bar oil while you’re using your chainsaw. This is vital for keeping the bar well lubricated in order not to wear out.
Chainsaw Lacks Power
Check Various Components
You can check out the piston, muffler, cylinder, and spark plug for any wear if your chainsaw is having power issues. The exhaust gases would be stopped from entering the engine by a plugged spark arrestor, muffler, or cylinder exhaust outlet, thus reducing engine efficiency.
Carbon could be clogged with these vital components and cleaning them would be a solution. If you use your chainsaw to ensure that your chainsaw operates more properly, you should replace them as well.
In order to power the chainsaw, the piston and cylinder work together to facilitate combustion. The ring in the piston will break off and fall, decreasing its ability to provide the compression required.
If that happens, so the chainsaw is not going to work at its best, creating a loss of control. You’ll need to replace the ring or the piston and cylinder to address this chainsaw problem.
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Chainsaw Engine Smokes
Having a smoking chainsaw can be bad news and delay your outdoor project. In most cases, something is wrong with the type of fuel you’re using or your chain bar is too hot.
To narrow down this chainsaw problem, check whether the smoke is coming from the engine or the chainsaw.
Check the Fuel
If the smoke comes from the engine, this is an immediate red flag since it can cause greater damage to the engine. This can be as a result of improperly mixed or contaminated fuel.
A combination of oil and diesel is the fuel used in chainsaws. For various chainsaws, the ratio of this combination varies, but it’s typically 40:1 or 50:1. To ensure that you use the right ratio, review your chainsaw manual.
Fuel containing water, dirt, or even wood particles might be other factors that could make the fuel go bad.
Check the Oil Reservoir and Chain Tension
If the smoke comes from the blade of the chainsaw, either the chainsaw bar is not sufficiently lubricated or the friction of the chainsaw chain is troublesome.
Ensured that the guide bar oil reservoir has enough oil. Than fill it up if not.
If the concern comes from the tension of the chainsaw chain, make sure the chain is not too tight or too loose.
How to Fix a Chainsaw – Final Thought:
Many of the basic chainsaw problems are easily fixed and preventable. If you buy a popular chainsaw with a great guarantee and positive ratings all around, you can rest assured that you will hardly experience any issues.
It can help prevent the worst problems by taking good care of your chainsaw, proper repair, and following the manual requirements.
Occasionally, you will get some minor wear and tear issues. But by maintaining the most critical pieces in good condition, you can stop all of them so that you have to repair them less often.
Now if you’re tired of using a gas-powered chainsaw and all the issues that come with it you can check out my guide for electric chainsaw reviews or the guide for battery chainsaw reviews to find decent equipment that need less maintenance.
Or, if you want to see what the best chainsaws of each kind are, check my top rating page for chainsaws to find out what’s available.
If you’re not experienced and not comfortable with how to fix a chainsaw yourself, you can always seek professional help. Most chainsaw repairs are easy, quick, and cheap.
I hope this article answered all of your questions about chainsaw troubleshooting tips.