Chainsaw does not start - what to do?


If the chainsaw does not start, it's time to start troubleshooting. What you can do in detail, what causes can be found, and how to properly check the chainsaw, you will learn in this post.

Troubleshooting and start attempts

As a rule, every chain saw requires two to three start attempts during a cold start. This is normal and not a sign of damage. Even with a warm start, occasionally two to three attempts may be necessary.

If the chainsaw does not start after four to five attempts, it is time to start troubleshooting. Too many unsuccessful start attempts damage the chainsaw and lead to high wear of the saw. You should definitely avoid this and get up early to troubleshooting.

Check in advance

First, check after the instructions for use, whether you have actually carried out the start attempt according to the manufacturer's specifications. This is important because chainsaws can contain different controls, and sometimes special adjustments need to be made to individual models.

Then check the two fluid levels:

  • Fuel mixture
  • Chain oil

The fuel mixture (a mixture of engine oil and fuel) must be of sufficiently high quality and in the correct mixing ratio (usually 1:25 or 1:50 - ie 1 part oil and 25 or 50 parts gasoline).

Too old fuel that has been in the chainsaw too long may lose its quality. Of course, make sure that there is enough fuel at all.

With chain lubricating oil you should check whether the container is actually full. This should be a habit before every start attempt anyway to avoid damage to the chainsaw.

Possible causes for non-response

The chainsaw does not work - common causes are:

  • Air filter dirty
  • Spark plug sooty, needs to be cleaned
  • clogged fuel strainer
  • Carburetor dirty, must be cleaned
  • Carburettor set incorrectly

In the worst case may also be an engine failure. If there is a piston seizure, starting is impossible. Engine damage can also be caused by overloading, wear of the saw or by wrong fuels.

Tips & Tricks

Just old fuel is often overlooked as a cause - but actually very often leads to starting difficulties. Be sure to always and especially to use only high quality and suitable fuel.
Chainsaw does not start - what to do?

FAQ - 💬

❓ Is there a trick to starting a chainsaw?

👉 6:108:37Chainsaw is HARD TO START? Try this EASY TRICK, especially on the ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull the pull rope a couple times. Just because it has an impulse line that actually pumps air intoMorePull the pull rope a couple times. Just because it has an impulse line that actually pumps air into the carburetor that lets you know a little fuel go through. So i always come up a couple pulls like.

❓ How long to wait if chainsaw is flooded?

👉 Steps to Start a Flooded Chainsaw: You do not need to worry much if you are encountering the trouble of a flooded chainsaw. It only takes five to ten minutes to start a flooded chainsaw. You need to pull the rope to start the chainsaw. If it fails to start, check the spark plug and replace the air filter.

❓ Where do you spray starter fluid on a chainsaw?

👉 6:0211:54How I Got My Chainsaw Started After 3 Years of Not Using ItStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut I just squirt it in the spark plug hole.MoreBut I just squirt it in the spark plug hole.

❓ How do you start a reluctant chainsaw?

👉 Activate the choke by moving the lever to the full choke position and pull the starter rope 3 or 4 times to start the engine. If that doesn't work, move the choke lever to half choke and pull the starter rope, 6 times maximum, to start the engine.

❓ How do you clean the carburetor on a chainsaw?

👉 Step by Step Procedure for Cleaning a Chainsaw Carburetor

  1. ● Step 1: Clean the Air Filter.
  2. ● Step 2: Clean the Carburetor's Intake Components.
  3. ● Step 3: Clean/Wash the Carburetor's Needle Valves.
  4. ● Step 4: Work the Pull Cord.
  5. ● Step 5: Drain the Old Fuel and Add Fresh Fuel.
  6. ● Step 1: Blend the Cleaner With Gas.
  7. ● ...

❓ How do you Unflood a chainsaw fast?

👉 5:088:51Quickly UNFLOOD YOUR CHAINSAW Using NO Tools

❓ What causes a chainsaw to flood out?

👉 There could be various causes: incorrect fuel mixture, carburation not calibrated properly, or a wet spark plug. In spite of their power and robustness, chainsaws are actually rather delicate machines that require careful and precise maintenance at every stage of their life cycle.

❓ What makes a chainsaw hard to start?

👉 #1 Dirty carburetor This is easily the top culprit. In fact, anytime I run into a chainsaw, string trimmer, lawn mower or other small engine that won't start, is hard to start or runs poorly, I suspect a dirty carburetor first – and it's usually the case. Gasoline begins to break down in as few as 30 days.

❓ How do I know if my chainsaw is flooded?

👉 One tell-tale sign that a chainsaw has flooded is the smell of fresh petrol near the muffler. To ascertain whether this is indeed the problem, simply disassemble the part, pull the starter cord as if you were switching on the engine, then dry it, reassemble it and try switching it on again.

❓ Can you clean a chainsaw carburetor without taking it apart?

👉 Alternatively, you can also clean the carburetor by blending some carburetor cleaner with the gasoline and running your chainsaw at a slow speed. You can also use a cleaner, such as aerosol B12, to clean the pilot air jet. 4 Cleaning a Carburetor Without Opening/Removing It.

❓ Can you use wd40 to clean a carburetor?

👉 On the other hand, WD-40 is safe for your device and allows you to clean the carburettor, throttle body, as well as unpainted metal parts of the machine. The dual-action cleaning system of the liquid leaves no stone unturned to provide you with a clean carburettor.


Video Board: Chainsaw Won't Start 3 Reasons Why