Typical Common Fixes for: What would cause a chainsaw not to start? and 12 quick possible answers.
Chainsaws are extremely useful tools for falling trees, trimming branches, and splitting firewood. However, like with any power tools, they might be a bit difficult to start. There are several things that may go wrong with gas-powered chainsaws, but thankfully, the most of them are pretty simple to repair. Here are some reasons your chainsaw won’t start in our quick fire guide to Chainsaw Starting Problems and How to Fix Them.
When any chainsaw fails, the proper technique to diagnose the problem is to begin with the most basic issues in a methodical way and remove each option one by one until you identify what’s wrong. Here’s what you should look for with a chainsaw.
Table of Contents
1. Check to See Whether it Has Fuel!
First and foremost, let’s get this out of the way. Is there gas in your chainsaw? Duh! Yes? That’s OK. On to the next.
2. Check to See Whether it has Fresh Fuel
Is the gasoline in your chainsaw fresh? Gasoline doesn’t last as long as you may think, and if it’s been sitting in your chainsaw for more than a month, it will begin to degrade. Following this, some of the liquid content will evaporate, leaving a sticky mess.
If your chainsaw has old fuel, you must remove it. Clean out the tank, add new gas, and try again.
3. Check The Spark Plug
The spark plug might be faulty. Remove the spark plug and check it to discover whether it is faulty. Replace the spark plug if the porcelain insulator is fractured, an electrode has been burnt away or damaged, or there is considerable carbon buildup at the electrode. Replace the spark plug if it hasn’t been updated in a few seasons.
4. Make Sure The Engine Isn’t Flooded
If you squeezed the priming bulb too many times, you may have flooded the engine; if you can smell gasoline, this is a good sign.
If you suspect a flooded engine, dump the fuel, reset the choke, and pull the starting cord eight times while holding the throttle. Clean or replace the spark plug and restart the engine.
5. Check The Air Filters
If the air filter is blocked or unclean, the air-to-gas ratio will be affected, and the engine may not start. If it won’t start, inspect the air filter and clean it as needed.
As part of your usual chainsaw maintenance, you should clean your air filter on a regular basis, and if it becomes overly unclean, you should replace it entirely.
6. Blocked Or Clogged Spark Arrestor
The spark arrestor is a screen that stops sparks from shooting out of the chainsaw while it is in operation, therefore influencing the fuel-air combination.
This can become clogged over time and use and must be cleaned on a regular basis. If your chainsaw will not start, inspect the spark arrestor to determine if it needs to be cleaned.
7. Is It Too Cold?
A chainsaw might be difficult to start if the temperature is too low. If you reside in a chilly climate and are having difficulties starting your chainsaw, give it a bit extra choke. In most circumstances, this should be sufficient.
8. Is There a Blockage in The Carburetor?
It’s possible that the carburetor is clogged. A blocked carburetor is frequently the result of leaving gasoline in the chainsaw for an extended length of time. Some of the components in the gasoline will evaporate over time, leaving a thicker, stickier residue. This sticky gasoline might block the carburetor and make the engine refuse to start. If the carburetor is blocked, use carburetor cleaner to clean it. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t enough, rebuild or replace it entirely.
9. Chainsaw Ignition Coil
While the engine is operating, the ignition coil transfers electricity to the spark plug. The engine may not start if the ignition coil is faulty. Make sure the spark plug is in good operating order before replacing the ignition coil. If the spark plug is not damaged, use an ignition coil tester to check the ignition coil. Replace the ignition coil if it is faulty.
10. Chainsaw Recoil Starter
To start the engine, the recoil starting mechanism contacts the crankshaft. If the recoil starting assembly fails, the engine will not start and the chainsaw will not start. Remove the starter assembly and check it to ensure it is in good working order. When you pull the starting rope, the tabs protruding from the pulley and cam should catch the engine hub, forcing it to revolve. When you let go of the rope, the tabs should retract and the rope unwind on the pulley. Replace the recoil starter assembly if it is not working correctly.
11. Chainsaw Recoil Starter Pulley
The recoil starter pulley retracts the starter rope when the rope is not in use. If the recoil pulley is broken or stuck, it won’t retract the starter rope. As a result, the engine will not start. If the recoil starter pulley is broken, replace it.
12. Chainsaw Rewind Spring
When the starter rope is pulled and released, the rewind spring recoils the starter rope onto a pulley. If the rewind spring is broken, the rope won’t be able to recoil onto the chainsaw pulley. As a result, the engine may be difficult or impossible to start. If the rewind spring is broken, replace it. Many rewind springs can be replaced individually, but it may be easier to replace the whole recoil starter assembly.
What is the best way to start an electric chainsaw?
When an electric chainsaw has been properly maintained, it is considerably easier to start. Before you attempt to start your electric chainsaw, you must complete the maintenance task. A fully charged backup battery is required for a cordless chainsaw, while an appropriate extension cable and wall outlet are required for a corded chainsaw.
The main advantage of an electric chainsaw is that there is no need to pull a cable and it requires little effort to start. There is no throttle to open and it may be started by just pushing a couple of buttons.
- First and foremost, you must deactivate the chain brake on your electric chainsaw. In contrast to the chain of a gas-powered chainsaw, which may revolve even while the engine is idle, the chain of an electric chainsaw will not rotate until you push the trigger. The chain of an electric chainsaw will not rotate unless the break is disengaged.
- You must press the trigger lockout or the throttle lockout. It is a small safety button located at the side of the rear handle. You can easily press the button with the thumb of the same hand that is holding your electric chainsaw’s handle.
- While holding down the safety button with your thumb, push the trigger switch with your index finger. To start the electric chainsaw, remove your thumb from the safety button and continue pushing the trigger switch with your index finger. You are now ready to start chainsawing with your electric saw functioning well.
Inside the engine of certain electric chainsaws is a brush that conducts energy. If your electric chainsaw won’t start, the brush within the motor has to be replaced. You should choose a brushless electric chainsaw since it is easy to start and requires less maintenance.