Chain saw troubleshooting guide  

Chainsaws like everything else can break down and have problems.

If you can figure out what the problem is, you can save on repair bills, plus keep your chainsaw working properly longer. The following is a basic list if symptoms and the possible mechanical problems and Solution.

Symptom: Difficult or poor cutting

Possible Problems/ Solutions: There can be several reasons why your chainsaw isn’t cutting properly. To investigate the cause, always start with the obvious - the saw chain. Is the chain dull? If so sharpen it. Has the chain been improperly sharpened? If this is the reason, then you will have to carefully inspect the chain and reshape it correctly or replace it. Are your depth gages set too high? Check to see if you have place the chain on backwards. (My father did this all the time.) If this is the cause then simply turn the chain around. Next, move to the guide bar. Has it been damaged? If so, then you may have to replace it. Is your bar and chain getting lubrication? If not, check and fill the oil reservoir and adjust the oilers. If this doesn’t correct the problem then move to the muffler, are the exhaust ports dirty? If so, clean the muffler and exhaust ports. You also want to see if your fuel filter needs cleaning and if your carburetor is properly adjusted. If none of these solutions resolves your problem, then take your chainsaw in for service.

Symptom: Engine will not start

Possible Problems/ Solutions: Again there could be several reasons for this, and like before, we are going to start with the obvious. Check to see if the switch is turned on. Next, pull out your owner’s manual and follow their starting procedure. If your chainsaw still will not start, check the fuel tank. The next possible reason the chainsaw won’t start is that the spark plugs may be fouled or the engine is flooded, in either case, clean, or replace the spark plugs. Lastly, the problem could be the carburetor is adjusted incorrect. If this is the problem then simply adjust the carburetor. If none of these solutions resolves your problem, then take your chainsaw in for service.

Symptom: Engine shuts off or doesn’t accelerate:

Possible Problems/ Solutions: Generally, when this occurs I always check to see if there is full in the tank. Next, I check the air cleaner and clean them. If this doesn’t solve my problem, I next clean or replace the spark plug as well as check the carburetor adjustment and lastly, I check to see if debris has clogged the vent on the fuel tank cap. If none of these solves my problem, I take my chainsaw in for service.

These are a few of the simple solutions, as you can see, many of the problems could have been avoided with proper maintenance.

 

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