Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Stalling? 5 Common Causes and Fixes

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Chainsaws are powerful tools, but they can be frustrating when they stall. There are a number of reasons why a chainsaw might stall, but the most common cause is a dirty or clogged air filter. When the air filter is dirty, it restricts the flow of air to the engine, which can cause the engine to stall. Other causes of chainsaw stalling include a dull chain, a dirty carburetor, or a faulty spark plug.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common causes of chainsaw stalling and how to troubleshoot and fix each problem. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent your chainsaw from stalling in the future.

Why Does Chainsaw Keep Stalling

Chainsaw Stalling

There are a few reasons why a chainsaw might stall.

Too much oil in the chain oil tank:
This can cause the chain to drag and the engine to bog down.

Too little oil in the chain oil tank:
This can cause the chain to overheat and the engine to stall.

Dirty or clogged air filter:
A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to stall.

Spark plug problems:
A faulty spark plug can prevent the engine from firing, causing it to stall.

Carburetor problems:
A carburetor that is not adjusted properly can cause the engine to run too rich or too lean, which can lead to stalling.

If your chainsaw is stalling, try to identify the cause and correct it. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, take your chainsaw to a qualified service technician.

Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Stalling?

What Causes a Chainsaw to Stall?

There are a number of reasons why a chainsaw might stall. Some of the most common causes include:

Insufficient fuel: If the chainsaw’s fuel tank is empty or nearly empty, it will not have enough fuel to run properly.

Dirty or clogged carburetor: A dirty or clogged carburetor can prevent the chainsaw from getting the proper amount of fuel and air, which can cause it to stall.

Bad spark plug: A bad spark plug can prevent the chainsaw from firing properly, which can also cause it to stall.

Too much oil: If the chainsaw’s chain is too oily, it can cause the saw to bog down and stall.

Too little oil: If the chainsaw’s chain is not getting enough oil, it can cause the saw to overheat and stall.

Worn out parts: Worn out parts, such as the chain, sprocket, or muffler, can cause the chainsaw to stall.

How to Fix a Stalling Chainsaw

If your chainsaw is stalling, there are a few things you can check and do to try to fix the problem.

Check the fuel level: Make sure the chainsaw’s fuel tank is full or has enough fuel to run properly.

Clean the carburetor: If the carburetor is dirty or clogged, it can prevent the chainsaw from getting the proper amount of fuel and air. You can clean the carburetor yourself using a carburetor cleaner, or you can take it to a qualified technician to have it cleaned.

Replace the spark plug: If the spark plug is bad, it can prevent the chainsaw from firing properly. You can replace the spark plug yourself using a new spark plug, or you can take it to a qualified technician to have it replaced.

Adjust the oil level: If the chainsaw’s chain is too oily, it can cause the saw to bog down and stall. You can adjust the oil level by turning the oil adjustment screw.

Add more oil: If the chainsaw’s chain is not getting enough oil, it can cause the saw to overheat and stall. You can add more oil to the chainsaw by pouring it into the oil reservoir.

Replace worn out parts: If your chainsaw’s chain, sprocket, or muffler are worn out, they can cause the saw to stall. You can replace these parts yourself using new parts, or you can take the saw to a qualified technician to have them replaced.

Preventing Chainsaw Stalls

The best way to prevent your chainsaw from stalling is to properly maintain it. This includes keeping the fuel tank full, cleaning the carburetor regularly, replacing the spark plug when needed, and adjusting the oil level as needed. You should also make sure to use the correct type of chain oil for your chainsaw and to lubricate the chain regularly.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your chainsaw running smoothly and prevent it from stalling.

Also Read THis: Why Does My Chain Keep Popping Off My Chainsaw

FAQs about Why Does a Chainsaw Keep Stalling

What are the most common reasons why a chainsaw keeps stalling?

The chain is too tight: When the chain is too tight, it can cause the engine to work harder than necessary, which can lead to stalling. To check if the chain is too tight, you can try to turn the chain by hand. If it is difficult to turn, the chain is too tight and you will need to loosen it.

The chain is too loose: When the chain is too loose, it can cause the chain to come off the guide bar, which can also lead to stalling. To check if the chain is too loose, you can try to shake the chain. If it moves more than a few millimeters, the chain is too loose and you will need to tighten it.

The carburetor is dirty: A dirty carburetor can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to stalling. To clean the carburetor, you will need to remove it from the chainsaw and use a carburetor cleaner to clean it.

The spark plug is fouled: A fouled spark plug can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to stalling. To check if the spark plug is fouled, you can remove it from the engine and inspect it. If the electrode is black and sooty, the spark plug is fouled and you will need to replace it.

The air filter is dirty: A dirty air filter can restrict the airflow to the engine, which can lead to stalling. To check if the air filter is dirty, you can remove it from the engine and inspect it. If the filter is dirty, you will need to clean it or replace it.

How do I fix a chainsaw that keeps stalling?

Check the chain tension: If the chain is too tight, loosen it until it is just tight enough to turn the chain by hand.

Check the chain for wear: If the chain is worn, replace it with a new one.

Clean the carburetor: If the carburetor is dirty, clean it with a carburetor cleaner.

Replace the spark plug: If the spark plug is fouled, replace it with a new one.

Clean the air filter: If the air filter is dirty, clean it or replace it.

What should I do if my chainsaw keeps stalling after I have tried to fix it?

If you have tried to fix your chainsaw and it is still stalling, you may need to take it to a qualified technician for further diagnosis and repair.

How can I prevent my chainsaw from stalling?

Keep the chain properly tensioned: The chain should be just tight enough to turn the chain by hand.

Keep the chain sharp: A sharp chain will cut through wood more easily and will not stall as often.

Clean the carburetor regularly: A dirty carburetor can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to stalling.

Replace the spark plug regularly: A fouled spark plug can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to stalling.

Clean the air filter regularly: A dirty air filter can restrict the airflow to the engine, which can lead to stalling.

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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