Why Won’t My Chainsaw Start? A Guide to Solving Common Problems

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Updated in September 2025 | By John

Your chainsaw won’t start You’re not alone. Chainsaw engines are complex machines, and there are a number of reasons why they might not start. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common causes of chainsaw starting problems, and we’ll provide tips on how to troubleshoot and fix them. So if your chainsaw is giving you trouble, read on for help!

Why Won’T My Chainsaw Start

There are many reasons why a chainsaw might not start. Here are a few of the most common:

Fuel problem:

Make sure that you have enough fuel in the chainsaw and that the fuel is fresh. Also, check the fuel filter to make sure that it is not clogged.

Spark plug problem:

If the spark plug is fouled or damaged, it will not be able to produce a spark, which is necessary to start the chainsaw.

Chainsaw chain too tight:

If the chainsaw chain is too tight, it will not be able to move freely and will not start.

Chainsaw chain too loose:

If the chainsaw chain is too loose, it will not be able to grip the wood properly and will not start.

Chainsaw not primed:

Some chainsaws require priming before they will start. Make sure that you have primed the chainsaw according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you have checked all of these things and your chainsaw still won’t start, you may need to take it to a qualified chainsaw repair technician.

Why Won’t My Chainsaw Start?

There are a few reasons why your chainsaw might not start.

The chain brake is engaged:
Make sure that the chain brake is disengaged before trying to start the chainsaw.

The fuel tank is empty:
Check the fuel tank and fill it up if necessary.

The spark plug is fouled:
Remove the spark plug and clean it with a spark plug cleaner.

The carburetor is dirty:
Clean the carburetor according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The air filter is dirty:
Clean or replace the air filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The engine is flooded:
If the engine is flooded, turn the chainsaw off and wait a few minutes for the fuel to evaporate. Then try starting the chainsaw again.

If you have tried all of these things and your chainsaw still won’t start, you may need to take it to a qualified chainsaw repair technician.

How to Prevent Chainsaw Starting Problems

Keep the fuel tank full:
A full fuel tank will help to prevent the carburetor from becoming flooded.

Clean the spark plug regularly:
A dirty spark plug can cause the chainsaw to misfire and not start.

Clean the carburetor regularly:
A dirty carburetor can cause the chainsaw to run poorly and not start.

Clean the air filter regularly:
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine and cause the chainsaw to run poorly and not start.

Flood the engine occasionally:
Flooding the engine will help to clear out any dirt or debris that may be blocking the spark plug or carburetor.

Conclusion

Chainsaws are powerful tools that can be dangerous if they are not used properly. If your chainsaw is not starting, it is important to troubleshoot the problem and fix it before continuing to use the chainsaw. By following these tips, you can help to prevent chainsaw starting problems and keep your chainsaw running safely.

Also Read THis: Why Won’T My Stihl Chainsaw Start

FAQs: Why won’t my chainsaw start?

Why won’t my chainsaw start?

There are a few reasons why your chainsaw might not start. Here are some of the most common causes and solutions:

The chainsaw is out of gas: This is the most common reason why a chainsaw won’t start. Make sure that the chainsaw is filled with gas and that the gas cap is on tightly.

The chainsaw is flooded: If the chainsaw is flooded, it will not start because the carburetor is filled with too much fuel. To clear the flood, turn the chainsaw off and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, open the choke and pull the starter rope until the chainsaw starts.

The spark plug is dirty or fouled: A dirty or fouled spark plug can prevent the chainsaw from starting. To clean the spark plug, remove it from the chainsaw and use a spark plug cleaner to clean the electrodes. If the spark plug is damaged, replace it with a new one.

The carburetor is dirty or clogged: A dirty or clogged carburetor can also prevent the chainsaw from starting. To clean the carburetor, remove it from the chainsaw and use a carburetor cleaner to clean the jets and passages.

The chainsaw is not getting enough air: If the chainsaw is not getting enough air, it will not start. Make sure that the air filter is clean and that there is no debris blocking the air intake.

How do I start a chainsaw that won’t start?

To start a chainsaw that won’t start, follow these steps:

1. Make sure that the chainsaw is out of gas and that the gas cap is on tightly.
2. Open the choke.
3. Pull the starter rope until the chainsaw starts.
4. Once the chainsaw starts, close the choke.

If the chainsaw still won’t start, try the following troubleshooting steps:

Check the spark plug. If the spark plug is dirty or fouled, clean it or replace it with a new one.
Clean the carburetor. If the carburetor is dirty or clogged, clean it with a carburetor cleaner.
Check the air filter. If the air filter is dirty, clean it or replace it with a new one.
Make sure that the chainsaw is getting enough air. If the chainsaw is not getting enough air, there may be debris blocking the air intake.

What should I do if my chainsaw starts and then dies?

If your chainsaw starts and then dies, there are a few possible causes:

The chainsaw is out of gas: Make sure that the chainsaw is filled with gas and that the gas cap is on tightly.

The carburetor is dirty or clogged: A dirty or clogged carburetor can prevent the chainsaw from running properly. To clean the carburetor, remove it from the chainsaw and use a carburetor cleaner to clean the jets and passages.

The spark plug is dirty or fouled: A dirty or fouled spark plug can prevent the chainsaw from running properly. To clean the spark plug, remove it from the chainsaw and use a spark plug cleaner to clean the electrodes. If the spark plug is damaged, replace it with a new one.

The chainsaw is not getting enough air: If the chainsaw is not getting enough air, it will not run properly. Make sure that the air filter is clean and that there is no debris blocking the air intake.

What should I do if my chainsaw is smoking?

If your chainsaw is smoking, there are a few possible causes:

The chainsaw is running too rich: This means that there is too much fuel in the air-fuel mixture. To fix this, adjust the carburetor so that the air-fuel mixture is leaner.

The chainsaw is overheating: This can happen if the chainsaw is running too fast or if it is not getting enough air. To fix this, let the chainsaw cool down and then adjust the carburetor so that the air-fuel mixture is richer.

The chainsaw is leaking oil: This can cause the chainsaw to smoke. To fix this, tighten the oil cap and check for leaks around the oil filter and the crankcase.

What should I do if my chainsaw is making a loud noise?

If your chainsaw is making a loud noise, there are a few possible causes:

The chainsaw is running too fast: This can cause the chainsaw to make a loud noise. To fix this, adjust the carburetor so that the air-fuel mixture is richer.

The chainsaw is not getting enough air: This can cause

About The Author

Hi, I’m John, the creator of this site.
With years of hands-on gardening experience, I’m passionate about growing fresh fruits and vegetables and making gardening easy for everyone.
Here, I share tips, ideas, and inspiration to help you enjoy a thriving garden—no matter your skill level!