Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Stalling? (And How to Fix It)

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Your chainsaw keeps stalling. You’ve tried everything you can think of, but nothing seems to work. You’re starting to get frustrated, and you’re not sure what to do next.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Chainsaw stalling is a common problem, and there are usually a few simple things you can do to fix it. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common causes of chainsaw stalling, and we’ll give you some tips on how to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

Why Does My Chainsaw Keeps Stalling

Why does my chainsaw keep stalling?

There are a few reasons why your chainsaw might be stalling. Here are the most common:

Too much oil in the chain oiler:
This can cause the chain to become too oily and slow down, or even stall.

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

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

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

A faulty spark plug:
A faulty spark plug can prevent the engine from firing properly, which can also lead to stalling.

If your chainsaw is stalling, try to identify the cause and take steps to fix it. If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, you can take your chainsaw to a qualified repair technician.

Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Stalling?

Possible Causes

There are a few possible causes for a chainsaw to stall. Here are some of the most common:

Insufficient fuel: If your chainsaw is running out of fuel, it will eventually stall. Make sure that you have plenty of fuel in the tank and that the fuel line is clear of obstructions.

Dirty air filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can cause it to stall. Clean the air filter regularly to prevent this problem.

Clogged carburetor: A clogged carburetor can also cause a chainsaw to stall. If you think your carburetor is clogged, you can try cleaning it yourself or taking it to a qualified technician.

Bad spark plug: A bad spark plug can cause a chainsaw to stall because it is not providing the engine with a spark. If you think your spark plug is bad, you can try replacing it.

Low compression: Low compression can also cause a chainsaw to stall. If you have low compression, you will need to have your engine repaired or replaced.

Troubleshooting Steps

If your chainsaw is stalling, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check the fuel level. Make sure that there is plenty of fuel in the tank and that the fuel line is clear of obstructions.
2. Clean the air filter. If the air filter is dirty, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Check the carburetor. If you think the carburetor is clogged, you can try cleaning it yourself or taking it to a qualified technician.
4. Replace the spark plug. If you think the spark plug is bad, replace it with a new one.
5. Check the compression. If you have low compression, you will need to have your engine repaired or replaced.

Preventative Maintenance

The best way to prevent your chainsaw from stalling is to perform regular maintenance. Here are some tips for preventative maintenance:

Keep the chain sharp: A sharp chain will cut through wood more easily and will not require as much power from the engine.

Lubricate the chain: Lubricating the chain will help to prevent it from overheating and wearing out prematurely.

Clean the chainsaw after each use: Cleaning the chainsaw will help to prevent dirt and debris from building up and causing problems.

Inspect the chainsaw regularly: Inspecting the chainsaw regularly will help you to identify potential problems before they become serious.

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

Also Read THis: Why Does My Poulan Chainsaw Keeps Stalling

FAQs: Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Stalling?

What are the most common reasons why a chainsaw stalls?

The chain is too tight: If the chain is too tight, it will be difficult to turn and will cause the engine to stall. To check the chain tension, hold the chainsaw with the blade pointed away from you and the chain at its highest point. The chain should have about 1/8 of play between the links. If the chain is too tight, loosen the chain tensioner until there is the correct amount of play.

The chain is too loose: If the chain is too loose, it will jump off the bar and cause the engine to stall. To check the chain tension, hold the chainsaw with the blade pointed away from you and the chain at its highest point. The chain should have about 1/8 of play between the links. If the chain is too loose, tighten the chain tensioner until there is the correct amount of play.

The carburetor is dirty or out of adjustment: A dirty or out-of-adjustment 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. Once the carburetor is clean, adjust the carburetor according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The spark plug is fouled: A fouled spark plug can cause the chainsaw to stall. To check the spark plug, remove it from the engine and examine it. The spark plug should be light brown in color. If the spark plug is black or wet, it is fouled and needs to be replaced.

The air filter is dirty: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to stall. To check the air filter, remove it from the chainsaw and examine it. The air filter should be clean and free of dirt and debris. If the air filter is dirty, replace it with a new one.

What should I do if my chainsaw stalls?

Check the chain tension: If the chain is too tight or too loose, it could be causing the chainsaw to stall. Check the chain tension and adjust it as needed.

Clean the carburetor: A dirty or out-of-adjustment carburetor can cause the chainsaw to stall. Clean the carburetor and adjust it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace the spark plug: A fouled spark plug can cause the chainsaw to stall. Remove the spark plug from the engine and examine it. If the spark plug is black or wet, it is fouled and needs to be replaced.

Clean the air filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to stall. Remove the air filter from the chainsaw and examine it. If the air filter is dirty, replace it with a new one.

Check the fuel: Make sure that the fuel tank is full and that the fuel is fresh. Old or stale fuel can cause the chainsaw to stall.

Have the chainsaw serviced: If you have tried all of the above and the chainsaw is still stalling, it may need to be serviced. Take the chainsaw to a qualified service technician for diagnosis and repair.

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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