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

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Stihl Chainsaw Won’t Start Here’s Why

A brand new Stihl chainsaw is a powerful and efficient tool that can make quick work of any cutting job. But what happens when your new chainsaw won’t start It can be frustrating and even dangerous if you’re not sure what to do.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common reasons why a Stihl chainsaw won’t start, and we’ll provide some tips on how to troubleshoot the problem. So if you’re having trouble getting your new chainsaw up and running, read on for help!

Why Brand New Stihl Chainsaw Won’T Start

Stihl Chainsaw Won’t Start

There are a few reasons why a brand new Stihl chainsaw might not start.

The carburetor is not adjusted properly:
The carburetor is responsible for mixing fuel and air in the correct proportions. If the carburetor is not adjusted properly, the chainsaw will not start or will run poorly.

The spark plug is not firing:
The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder. If the spark plug is not firing, the chainsaw will not start.

The fuel line is clogged:
The fuel line supplies fuel to the carburetor. If the fuel line is clogged, the chainsaw will not start.

The air filter is dirty:
The air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the carburetor. If the air filter is dirty, the carburetor will not function properly and the chainsaw will not start.

If you are having trouble starting your Stihl chainsaw, you should first check the carburetor, spark plug, fuel line, and air filter. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, you should take the chainsaw to a qualified service technician.

Why is My Brand New Stihl Chainsaw Not Starting?

Possible Causes

There are a few possible reasons why your brand new Stihl chainsaw might not be starting. Here are some of the most common causes:

The chainsaw is not getting enough fuel:
Make sure that the fuel tank is full and that the fuel line is clear of any obstructions.

The spark plug is not firing:
Check the spark plug to make sure that it is properly installed and that the electrodes are clean.

The air filter is dirty:
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to stall. Clean the air filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The carburetor is out of adjustment:
The carburetor controls the fuel and air mixture that is delivered to the engine. If the carburetor is not properly adjusted, the engine may not start or may run poorly. Have the carburetor adjusted by a qualified technician.

The engine is flooded:
If the engine is flooded, it will not start because there is too much fuel in the cylinder. To clear a flooded engine, turn the choke off and crank the engine several times until it starts.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you have checked all of the possible causes and your chainsaw still won’t start, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

Try a different spark plug. Sometimes a bad spark plug can cause a chainsaw to not start.
Try a different fuel. If you are using old or stale fuel, it may not be igniting properly.
Try cleaning the carburetor. A dirty carburetor can prevent the engine from getting the correct fuel mixture.
Have the engine serviced by a qualified technician. If you have tried all of the troubleshooting tips and your chainsaw still won’t start, it may need to be serviced by a qualified technician.

Preventative Maintenance

The best way to avoid problems with your chainsaw is to perform regular preventative maintenance. Here are a few things you can do to keep your chainsaw running smoothly:

Change the oil regularly:
The oil lubricates the engine and helps to prevent wear and tear.

Sharpen the chain regularly:
A dull chain can cause the engine to work harder, which can lead to problems.

Clean the air filter regularly:
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to stall.

Adjust the carburetor regularly:
The carburetor controls the fuel and air mixture that is delivered to the engine. If the carburetor is not properly adjusted, the engine may not start or may run poorly.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your chainsaw starts every time you need it.

Also Read THis: Why Can’T I Keep My Chainsaw Sharp

FAQs: Why is my brand new Stihl chainsaw not starting?

Q: What are the most common reasons why a brand new Stihl chainsaw won’t start?

There are a few common reasons why a brand new Stihl chainsaw won’t start. These include:

  • The chainsaw is not getting enough fuel.
  • The chainsaw is not getting enough air.
  • The chainsaw is not getting spark.
  • The chainsaw is flooded.
  • The chainsaw is not properly adjusted.

Q: How can I tell if my chainsaw is not getting enough fuel?

If your chainsaw is not getting enough fuel, you may notice that it starts and then dies, or that it runs but does not produce much power. You may also see a small amount of fuel leaking from the carburetor.

Q: How can I tell if my chainsaw is not getting enough air?

If your chainsaw is not getting enough air, you may notice that it starts and then dies, or that it runs but does not produce much power. You may also see the chainsaw’s spark plug getting fouled.

Q: How can I tell if my chainsaw is not getting spark?

If your chainsaw is not getting spark, you will not be able to start it at all. You may also see a small amount of fuel leaking from the carburetor.

Q: How can I tell if my chainsaw is flooded?

If your chainsaw is flooded, it will start and then die immediately. You may also see a large amount of fuel leaking from the carburetor.

Q: How can I tell if my chainsaw is not properly adjusted?

If your chainsaw is not properly adjusted, it may start and run, but it will not produce its full power. You may also notice that the chainsaw is difficult to start.

Q: How do I fix a chainsaw that won’t start?

If your chainsaw is not starting, there are a few things you can check and try to fix the problem. These include:

  • Make sure that the chainsaw is getting enough fuel.
  • Make sure that the chainsaw is getting enough air.
  • Make sure that the chainsaw is getting spark.
  • Make sure that the chainsaw is not flooded.
  • Make sure that the chainsaw is properly adjusted.

If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, you can take your chainsaw to a qualified chainsaw repair technician.

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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