How to Troubleshoot a Chainsaw That Won’t Start

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

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

There’s nothing more frustrating than a chainsaw that won’t start when you need it most. But don’t despair, there are a few common reasons why your chainsaw might not be starting and they’re all relatively easy to fix. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the most common chainsaw starting problems and how to troubleshoot them. So whether your chainsaw is flooded, has a dirty air filter, or a bad spark plug, we’ll help you get it up and running in no time.

Troubleshooting Why My Chainsaw Won’T Start

Chainsaw Won’t Start

Check the chain brake:
If the chain brake is engaged, the chainsaw will not start. To release the chain brake, press the release button.

Check the fuel level:
Make sure there is enough fuel in the chainsaw.

Check the spark plug:
Remove the spark plug and check for damage. If the spark plug is damaged, replace it.

Clean the carburetor:
If the carburetor is dirty, it can cause the chainsaw to not start. Clean the carburetor according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Adjust the carburetor:
If the carburetor is not adjusted properly, it can cause the chainsaw to not start. Adjust the carburetor according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Troubleshooting Why My Chainsaw Won’t Start

Chainsaw Won’t Start: Common Causes

There are a number of reasons why your chainsaw might not start. Here are some of the most common causes:

Low fuel:

Make sure that your chainsaw has enough fuel in the tank. If the fuel level is low, your chainsaw won’t be able to generate enough power to start.

Dirty air filter:

A dirty air filter can restrict the flow of air to the engine, which can prevent it from starting. Check the air filter and clean it if necessary.

Clogged spark plug:

A clogged spark plug can prevent the engine from firing. Remove the spark plug and clean it with a wire brush.

Bad spark plug:

A bad spark plug can also prevent the engine from starting. If the spark plug is damaged or worn out, replace it with a new one.

Weak battery:

If your chainsaw has a battery-powered starter, a weak battery can prevent the engine from starting. Charge the battery or replace it if necessary.

Engine damage:

If your chainsaw’s engine is damaged, it won’t be able to start. This could be caused by a number of things, such as a broken piston, a cracked cylinder head, or a damaged crankshaft. If you suspect that your engine is damaged, take your chainsaw to a qualified technician for repairs.

Troubleshooting Steps

If your chainsaw won’t start, here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow:

1. Check the fuel level:
Make sure that your chainsaw has enough fuel in the tank. If the fuel level is low, fill up the tank and try starting the chainsaw again.

2. Check the air filter:
Remove the air filter and clean it with a wire brush. If the air filter is dirty, clean it and try starting the chainsaw again.3. Check the spark plug:
Remove the spark plug and clean it with a wire brush. If the spark plug is damaged or worn out, replace it with a new one.

4. Check the battery:
If your chainsaw has a battery-powered starter, charge the battery or replace it with a new one.

5. Check the engine:
If you suspect that your engine is damaged, take your chainsaw to a qualified technician for repairs.

Preventative Maintenance

The best way to prevent your chainsaw from not starting is to perform regular maintenance. Here are some tips for preventative maintenance:

Check the fuel level regularly:
Make sure that your chainsaw has enough fuel in the tank.

Clean the air filter regularly:
A dirty air filter can restrict the flow of air to the engine, which can prevent it from starting.

Inspect the spark plug regularly:
A damaged or worn out spark plug can prevent the engine from starting.

Charge the battery regularly:
If your chainsaw has a battery-powered starter, charge the battery regularly.

Have your chainsaw serviced regularly:
A qualified technician can inspect your chainsaw for any problems and make repairs as needed.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your chainsaw from not starting. However, if your chainsaw does not start after following these steps, take it to a qualified technician for repairs.

Also Read THis: Why A Chainsaw Won’T Start

FAQs: Troubleshooting Why My Chainsaw Won’t Start

Why won’t my chainsaw start?

There are a few possible reasons why your chainsaw won’t start. Here are some of the most common causes:

The chainsaw is out of gas: This is the most common reason why a chainsaw won’t start. Make sure that the chainsaw is filled with gas and that the gas cap is properly tightened.

The spark plug is fouled: A fouled spark plug can prevent the chainsaw from starting. To check the spark plug, remove it from the chainsaw and inspect it for signs of fouling. If the spark plug is fouled, clean it with a spark plug cleaner or replace it with a new one.

The carburetor is dirty: A dirty carburetor can also prevent the chainsaw from starting. To clean the carburetor, you will need to remove it from the chainsaw and disassemble it. Once the carburetor is disassembled, clean it with a carburetor cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The air filter is dirty: A dirty air filter can restrict the flow of air to the carburetor, which can prevent the chainsaw from starting. To clean the air filter, remove it from the chainsaw and rinse it with warm water. Allow the air filter to dry completely before reinstalling it.

The chainsaw is flooded: If the chainsaw is flooded, it will not start because the carburetor is filled with too much fuel. To clear a flooded chainsaw, turn the chainsaw off and wait a few minutes for the fuel to evaporate. Once the fuel has evaporated, try starting the chainsaw again.

What should I do if my chainsaw won’t start?

If your chainsaw won’t start, here are a few things you can try:

Check the gas level: Make sure that the chainsaw is filled with gas and that the gas cap is properly tightened.

Check the spark plug: Remove the spark plug from the chainsaw and inspect it for signs of fouling. If the spark plug is fouled, clean it with a spark plug cleaner or replace it with a new one.

Check the carburetor: If the spark plug is clean and the chainsaw is still not starting, you may need to clean the carburetor. To clean the carburetor, you will need to remove it from the chainsaw and disassemble it. Once the carburetor is disassembled, clean it with a carburetor cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check the air filter: If the carburetor is clean and the chainsaw is still not starting, you may need to clean the air filter. To clean the air filter, remove it from the chainsaw and rinse it with warm water. Allow the air filter to dry completely before reinstalling it.

Clear a flooded chainsaw: If the chainsaw is flooded, it will not start because the carburetor is filled with too much fuel. To clear a flooded chainsaw, turn the chainsaw off and wait a few minutes for the fuel to evaporate. Once the fuel has evaporated, try starting the chainsaw again.

How can I prevent my chainsaw from not starting?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your chainsaw from not starting:

Keep the chainsaw clean: Make sure to clean the chainsaw regularly to prevent dirt and debris from building up. This will help to keep the chainsaw running smoothly and prevent it from starting problems.

Inspect the spark plug regularly: Inspect the spark plug regularly for signs of fouling. If the spark plug is fouled, clean it with a spark plug cleaner or replace it with a new one.

Clean the carburetor regularly: If you use your chainsaw regularly, you should clean the carburetor once a year. This will help to keep the carburetor running smoothly and prevent it from starting problems.

Clean the air filter regularly: Inspect the air filter regularly and clean it as needed. A dirty air filter can restrict the flow of air to the carburetor, which can prevent the chainsaw from starting.

Store the chainsaw properly: When you are not using your chainsaw, store it in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the chainsaw from starting problems.

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

There are a few signs that your chainsaw is not getting enough gas:

The chainsaw will start but will not stay running.
The chainsaw will run but will not produce much power.
The chainsaw will backfire.
The chainsaw will smoke.

If you notice any of these signs, it is likely that your chainsaw is not getting enough gas. To fix this problem, you will need to check the gas tank and make sure that

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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