Your Chainsaw Won’t Start? Here’s Why and How to Fix It

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Running out of gas in the middle of a project can be frustrating, especially when your chainsaw won’t start back up. But don’t worry, there’s usually an easy fix. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix a chainsaw that won’t start after running out of gas.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening in the future. So if you’re ready to get your chainsaw up and running again, keep reading!

Chainsaw Won’T Start After Running Out Of Gas

Your Chainsaw Won’t Start? Here’s Why and How to Fix It

Your chainsaw won’t start for a few reasons. It could be because:

The spark plug is fouled.
The carburetor is dirty.
The air filter is clogged.
The chain brake is engaged.
The fuel tank is empty.
The chainsaw is out of oil.

To fix the problem, you will need to:

Clean the spark plug.
Clean the carburetor.
Clean the air filter.
Disengage the chain brake.
Fill the fuel tank.
Add oil to the chainsaw.

If you have tried these steps and your chainsaw still won’t start, you may need to take it to a professional for repairs.

What to Do When Your Chainsaw Won’t Start After Running Out of Gas

Refuel and Prime the Chainsaw

If your chainsaw won’t start after running out of gas
the first step is to refuel the chainsaw with the appropriate fuel mixture. Once refueled
prime the chainsaw by pressing the primer bulb several times to ensure that the fuel reaches the carburetor.

Check the Air Filter

A clogged or dirty air filter can prevent the chainsaw from starting. Remove the air filter cover and inspect the air filter for any debris or blockages. Clean or replace the air filter if necessary to ensure proper airflow to the engine.

Inspect the Spark Plug

A worn or fouled spark plug can also be the culprit behind a chainsaw that won’t start. Remove the spark plug and inspect the electrode for wear or buildup. If the spark plug is dirty or damaged
replace it with a new one to facilitate proper ignition.

Examine the Carburetor

The carburetor may need to be adjusted or cleaned if the chainsaw is still not starting. Check for any clogs or varnish buildup in the carburetor and clean it thoroughly. Additionally
ensure that the carburetor settings are within the manufacturer’s recommended specifications.

Verify the Fuel System

If the chainsaw still fails to start
it’s essential to verify the fuel system for any issues. Check the fuel lines for cracks or leaks
and ensure that the fuel tank is properly sealed. Address any fuel system issues to allow for proper fuel delivery to the engine.

Seek Professional Assistance

If
after performing these steps
the chainsaw still refuses to start
it may be best to seek professional assistance from a qualified technician. They can diagnose any underlying issues and perform more in-depth maintenance to get the chainsaw up and running again.
By following these steps
you can troubleshoot and address the common reasons why a chainsaw won’t start after running out of gas
allowing you to get back to your cutting tasks with a properly functioning tool.

Also Read THis: Gas Chainsaw Won’T Start

FAQs: Chainsaw Won’t Start After Running Out of Gas

Why won’t my chainsaw start after running out of gas?

There are a few possible reasons why your chainsaw won’t start after running out of gas.

The carburetor is flooded: When the chainsaw runs out of gas, the carburetor can become flooded with fuel. This can prevent the chainsaw from starting because the fuel can’t reach the spark plug. To fix this problem, you can try to clear the carburetor by following the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.

The spark plug is fouled: The spark plug can also become fouled if the chainsaw runs out of gas. This can prevent the spark plug from firing, which will prevent the chainsaw from starting. To fix this problem, you can try to clean the spark plug by following the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.

The air filter is dirty: The air filter can also become dirty if the chainsaw runs out of gas. This can prevent the chainsaw from getting enough air, which can also prevent it from starting. To fix this problem, you can try to clean the air filter by following the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.

The chainsaw is not getting enough compression: The chainsaw may not be getting enough compression if the piston rings are worn out or if the cylinder is scored. This can prevent the chainsaw from starting because the compression is not high enough to create a spark. To fix this problem, you will need to take the chainsaw to a qualified repair shop.

What should I do if my chainsaw won’t start after running out of gas?

If your chainsaw won’t start after running out of gas, you can try the following steps:

1. Check the carburetor to make sure it is not flooded.
2. Check the spark plug to make sure it is not fouled.
3. Check the air filter to make sure it is not dirty.
4. Check the chainsaw to make sure it is getting enough compression.

If you have tried all of these steps and your chainsaw still won’t start, you will need to take it to a qualified repair shop.

How can I prevent my chainsaw from not starting after running out of gas?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your chainsaw from not starting after running out of gas.

Don’t let the chainsaw run out of gas completely: If you let the chainsaw run out of gas completely, it will be more likely to flood the carburetor.

Clean the carburetor regularly: A dirty carburetor can prevent the chainsaw from starting.

Clean the spark plug regularly: A fouled spark plug can prevent the chainsaw from starting.

Clean the air filter regularly: A dirty air filter can prevent the chainsaw from getting enough air, which can also prevent it from starting.

Check the piston rings and cylinder regularly: Worn piston rings or a scored cylinder can prevent the chainsaw from getting enough compression, which can prevent it from starting.

What are the signs that my chainsaw is not getting enough compression?

There are a few signs that your chainsaw is not getting enough compression.

The chainsaw will be difficult to start.
The chainsaw will lose power when it is under load.
The chainsaw will backfire when it is started.
The chainsaw will smoke when it is running.

If you notice any of these signs, you should have your chainsaw checked by a qualified repair shop.

What should I do if my chainsaw is not getting enough compression?

If your chainsaw is not getting enough compression, you will need to take it to a qualified repair shop. The repair shop will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it.

About The Author

I am John, and I am the creator of this website. I have been in the woodworking industry for about 5 years. I developed my passion for DIY projects around the house when I was in high school. I have discovered a new appreciation for those who have the experience to pass along their expertise. They know what works best and are able to help others. I am proud to be among them.

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