Why Your Chainsaw Keeps Stalling: Causes and Solutions

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Your chainsaw is stalling because the chain is too tight.

When the chain is too tight, it puts too much strain on the engine and causes it to bog down. This can also damage the chain and sprockets. To fix this problem, you need to loosen the chain until it can move freely without binding.

Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Stalling

There are a few reasons why your chainsaw might be stalling.

Too much oil in the chain oiler:
This can cause the chain to become too oily, which can lead to it slipping and stalling.

Too little oil in the chain oiler:
This can cause the chain to become too dry, which can lead to it overheating and stalling.

A dirty or clogged air filter:
A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict the flow of air to the engine, which can cause it to stall.

A dull chain:
A dull chain can cause the chainsaw to work harder than it needs to, which can lead to it stalling.

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

Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Stalling?

Possible Causes

There are a number of possible causes for a chainsaw to stall. Some of the most common include:

Insufficient fuel: If the chainsaw’s fuel tank is empty or nearly empty, it will not have enough fuel to run properly. Make sure to check the fuel level before starting the chainsaw and add more fuel as needed.

Dirty or clogged air filter: A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict the flow of air to the chainsaw’s engine, which can cause it to stall. Clean or replace the air filter as needed.

Clogged fuel filter: A clogged fuel filter can prevent fuel from flowing to the engine, which can also cause it to stall. Clean or replace the fuel filter as needed.

Incorrect carburetor adjustment: The carburetor is responsible for mixing the air and fuel in the correct proportions. If the carburetor is not adjusted properly, it can cause the chainsaw to stall. Have the carburetor adjusted by a qualified technician.

Low compression: Low compression can prevent the engine from firing properly, which can cause it to stall. A compression test can be performed to check the compression in the engine. If the compression is low, the engine will need to be repaired or replaced.

Spark plug problems: A faulty spark plug can prevent the engine from firing properly, which can cause it to stall. Check the spark plug for damage or wear and replace it as needed.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your chainsaw is stalling, here are a few troubleshooting tips that you can try:

Check the fuel level:
Make sure that the chainsaw has enough fuel. If the fuel level is low, add more fuel and try starting the chainsaw again.

Clean the air filter:
Remove the air filter and clean it with a clean, dry cloth. If the air filter is dirty or clogged, it can restrict the flow of air to the engine, which can cause it to stall.

Replace the fuel filter:
If the fuel filter is clogged, it can prevent fuel from flowing to the engine, which can also cause it to stall. Remove the fuel filter and replace it with a new one.

Adjust the carburetor:
If the carburetor is not adjusted properly, it can cause the chainsaw to stall. Have the carburetor adjusted by a qualified technician.

Perform a compression test:
If the compression in the engine is low, it can prevent the engine from firing properly, which can cause it to stall. A compression test can be performed to check the compression in the engine. If the compression is low, the engine will need to be repaired or replaced.

Check the spark plug:
If the spark plug is faulty, it can prevent the engine from firing properly, which can cause it to stall. Remove the spark plug and check it for damage or wear. If the spark plug is damaged or worn, replace it with a new one.

Preventative Maintenance

The best way to prevent your chainsaw from stalling is to perform regular preventative maintenance. This includes:

Checking the fuel level and adding fuel as needed:

Cleaning the air filter regularly:

Replacing the fuel filter regularly:

Adjusting the carburetor as needed:

Performing a compression test regularly:

Checking the spark plug regularly and replacing it as needed:

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

Also Read THis: Why Does The Chain Keep Coming Off My Chainsaw

FAQs: Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Stalling?

What are the most common reasons why a chainsaw stalls?

The chain is too tight: When the chain is too tight, it puts too much strain on the engine and can cause it to stall. To check the chain tension, hold the chainsaw level and let the chain hang loosely. The chain should be able to move up and down about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm). If the chain is too tight, loosen the chain tensioner until it can move freely.

The chain is too loose: When the chain is too loose, it can jump off the bar and cause the chainsaw to stall. To check the chain tension, hold the chainsaw level and let the chain hang loosely. The chain should be able to move up and down about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm). If the chain is too loose, tighten the chain tensioner until it is snug against the bar.

The carburetor is dirty or clogged: A dirty or clogged carburetor can cause the chainsaw to stall because it is not getting enough fuel. To clean the carburetor, remove the air filter and carburetor cover. Use a carburetor cleaner to clean the carburetor jets and passages. Reassemble the carburetor and start the chainsaw.

The spark plug is fouled: A fouled spark plug can cause the chainsaw to stall because it is not firing properly. To check the spark plug, remove it from the chainsaw and inspect it. The spark plug should be clean and dry. If the spark plug is fouled, clean it with a spark plug cleaner or replace it with a new one.

The fuel filter is clogged: A clogged fuel filter can prevent the chainsaw from getting enough fuel. To check the fuel filter, remove it from the chainsaw and inspect it. The fuel filter should be clean and free of debris. If the fuel filter is clogged, replace it with a new one.

What can I do to prevent my chainsaw from stalling?

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 stalling.

Keep the chain sharp: A sharp chain will cut through wood more easily and will not cause the chainsaw to stall.

Clean the carburetor regularly: A dirty or clogged carburetor can cause the chainsaw to stall.

Replace the spark plug regularly: A fouled spark plug can cause the chainsaw to stall.

Replace the fuel filter regularly: A clogged fuel filter can prevent the chainsaw from getting enough fuel.

What should I do if my chainsaw stalls?

If your chainsaw stalls, the first thing you should do is check the chain tension. If the chain is too tight, loosen it until it can move freely. If the chain is too loose, tighten it until it is snug against the bar.

If the chain tension is correct and the chainsaw is still stalling, you should check the carburetor. A dirty or clogged carburetor can cause the chainsaw to stall. To clean the carburetor, remove the air filter and carburetor cover. Use a carburetor cleaner to clean the carburetor jets and passages. Reassemble the carburetor and start the chainsaw.

If the carburetor is clean and the chainsaw is still stalling, you should check the spark plug. A fouled spark plug can cause the chainsaw to stall. To check the spark plug, remove it from the chainsaw and inspect it. The spark plug should be clean and dry. If the spark plug is fouled, clean it with a spark plug cleaner or replace it with a new one.

If the spark plug is clean and the chainsaw is still stalling, you should check the fuel filter. A clogged fuel filter can prevent the chainsaw from getting enough fuel. To check the fuel filter, remove it from the chainsaw and inspect it. The fuel filter should be clean and free of debris. If the fuel filter is clogged, replace it with a new one.

How can I avoid future problems with my chainsaw?

To avoid future problems with your chainsaw, you should:

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 stalling.

Keep the chain sharp: A sharp chain will cut through wood more easily and will not cause the chainsaw to stall.

Clean the carburetor regularly: A dirty or clogged carburetor can cause the chainsaw to stall.

Replace the spark plug regularly: A fouled spark plug can cause the chainsaw to stall.

Replace the fuel filter regularly: A clogged fuel filter can prevent the chainsaw from getting enough fuel

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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