Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Cutting Out? 5 Common Causes and Solutions

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Your chainsaw keeps cutting out because the chain is too loose, the bar is too short, the carburetor is dirty, or the spark plug is fouled. Let’s take a closer look at each of these possible causes and how to fix them.

Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Cutting Out

There are a few reasons why your chainsaw might keep cutting out.

Low oil level:

Make sure the oil level is correct. If the oil level is too low, the chainsaw will not be able to lubricate itself properly and will overheat, causing it to cut out.

Dirty air filter:

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to overheat and cut out. Clean the air filter regularly to prevent this problem.

Clogged spark plug:

A clogged spark plug can prevent the engine from firing properly, causing it to cut out. Clean or replace the spark plug as needed.

Bad fuel:

Using bad fuel can cause the engine to run poorly and cut out. Make sure you are using fresh, clean fuel.

Overheating:

If the chainsaw is running too hot, it will cut out as a safety precaution. Allow the chainsaw to cool down before continuing to use it.

Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Cutting Out?

There are a few possible reasons why your chainsaw might be cutting out.

The chain is too tight:
If the chain is too tight, it will put too much strain on the engine and cause it to cut out. To check the chain tension, hold the chainsaw level and let the chain hang. The chain should just touch the bottom of the bar. If the chain is too tight, loosen the chain tensioner until the chain is at the correct tension.

The chain is too loose:
If the chain is too loose, it will not be able to grip the wood properly and will cause the chainsaw to cut out. To check the chain tension, hold the chainsaw level and let the chain hang. The chain should not touch the bottom of the bar. If the chain is too loose, tighten the chain tensioner until the chain is at the correct tension.

The carburetor is dirty:
If the carburetor is dirty, it will not be able to provide the engine with the correct amount of fuel and air, which can cause the chainsaw to cut out. To clean the carburetor, you will need to remove it from the chainsaw and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The spark plug is fouled:
If the spark plug is fouled, it will not be able to provide the spark that the engine needs to run, which can cause the chainsaw to cut out. To clean the spark plug, you will need to remove it from the chainsaw and clean it with a wire brush.

The fuel filter is clogged:
If the fuel filter is clogged, it will restrict the flow of fuel to the engine, which can cause the chainsaw to cut out. To clean the fuel filter, you will need to remove it from the chainsaw and replace it with a new one.

The air filter is dirty:
If the air filter is dirty, it will restrict the flow of air to the engine, which can cause the chainsaw to cut out. To clean the air filter, you will need to remove it from the chainsaw and clean it with a brush.

If you have checked all of these things and your chainsaw is still cutting out, you may need to take it to a qualified chainsaw repair technician.

Also Read THis: Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Dying

FAQs: Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Cutting Out?

What could be causing my chainsaw to cut out?

The chain is too tight: If the chain is too tight, it will put too much strain on the engine and cause it to cut out. To check the chain tension, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The chain is too loose: If the chain is too loose, it will not be able to grip the wood properly and will cause it to cut out. To check the chain tension, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The carburetor is dirty: A dirty carburetor can cause the chainsaw to cut out because it will not be able to provide the engine with the correct amount of fuel. To clean the carburetor, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The spark plug is fouled: A fouled spark plug can cause the chainsaw to cut out because it will not be able to provide the spark that ignites the fuel. To clean the spark plug, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The air filter is dirty: A dirty air filter can cause the chainsaw to cut out because it will not be able to provide the engine with the correct amount of air. To clean the air filter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

What should I do if my chainsaw keeps cutting out?

Check the chain tension: If the chain is too tight or too loose, it could be causing the chainsaw to cut out. To check the chain tension, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Clean the carburetor: A dirty carburetor can cause the chainsaw to cut out because it will not be able to provide the engine with the correct amount of fuel. To clean the carburetor, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Clean the spark plug: A fouled spark plug can cause the chainsaw to cut out because it will not be able to provide the spark that ignites the fuel. To clean the spark plug, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Clean the air filter: A dirty air filter can cause the chainsaw to cut out because it will not be able to provide the engine with the correct amount of air. To clean the air filter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace the chain: If the chain is worn out, it could be causing the chainsaw to cut out. To replace the chain, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace the spark plug: If the spark plug is damaged, it could be causing the chainsaw to cut out. To replace the spark plug, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace the air filter: If the air filter is damaged, it could be causing the chainsaw to cut out. To replace the air filter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

How can I prevent my chainsaw from cutting out?

Keep the chain properly tensioned: A properly tensioned chain will not put too much strain on the engine and will help to prevent it from cutting out.

Keep the carburetor clean: A clean carburetor will provide the engine with the correct amount of fuel and help to prevent it from cutting out.

Keep the spark plug clean: A clean spark plug will provide the spark that ignites the fuel and help to prevent the chainsaw from cutting out.

Keep the air filter clean: A clean air filter will provide the engine with the correct amount of air and help to prevent the chainsaw from cutting out.

Inspect the chain regularly for wear and tear: If the chain is worn out, it should be replaced to prevent it from cutting out.

Inspect the spark plug regularly for damage: If the spark plug is damaged, it should be replaced to prevent it from cutting out.

Inspect the air filter regularly for damage: If the air filter is damaged, it should be replaced to prevent it from cutting out.

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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