Stihl Chainsaw Won’t Start (What To Do)

If you own a Stihl chainsaw, chances are you may have experienced the frustration of not being able to start it when you need it.

Whether it’s due to a poor spark plug, fuel problems, or a clogged air filter, there are several common issues that can lead to your chainsaw not starting. But don’t worry – there are a few simple steps you can take to get your chainsaw up and running again.

First, check to make sure that your chainsaw is properly tuned and in good working order. If it’s properly maintained and has been used recently, you may simply need to give it a little bit of extra TLC in order to get it going.

Let’s look at a few other common causes of Stihl chainsaw not starting:

Check the Spark Plug

The first step is to check your spark plug. A faulty spark plug can prevent your chainsaw from starting. To check it, remove the spark plug boot and inspect the inside of the plug for signs of corrosion or deposits.

If you see any corrosion or deposits on the spark plug, then replacing it will be the most straightforward option.

You should also check the gap between the electrodes for any irregularities; if they’re not properly aligned then you’ll need to adjust them before replacing the spark plug boot.

Check Fuel and Air Filter

Next, check your fuel tank and make sure there’s enough fuel in it so that your chainsaw will start up properly. If there isn’t enough fuel, then add more until you reach the desired level.

See also  Bad Spark Plug Symptoms In A Chainsaw [3 Ways to Identify It]

Then check your air filter and make sure that it’s clean and free of debris. A clogged air filter will prevent air from getting into the engine which can cause you problems with starting your Stihl chainsaw.

If you need to, consider replacing or cleaning your air filter before attempting to restart your chainsaw.

Adjust The Throttle Switch 

If neither of those solutions works, there may be an issue with the throttle switch.

To test this, turn off all power sources and unscrew the four screws holding down the handle cover using a Phillips screwdriver.

Once inside, take out the two wires connected to the switch and make sure they are tight; if they feel loose at all, use needle nose pliers to tighten them up a bit. Then reattach them securely before replacing the handle cover and turning on the power source again.

This should resolve any issues related to the throttle switch and allow your chainsaw to start up properly.

Low Fuel Pressure

Finally, low fuel pressure can also cause Stihl chainsaw starting problems. If there isn’t enough fuel getting through to your carburetor, then it won’t be able to supply enough fuel/air mixture into the cylinder for combustion – resulting in a cold start or no start at all.

To test if you’re experiencing low fuel pressure issues with your saw, remove the fuel line from where it connects to the carburetor and check if there’s enough fuel flowing out of it.

If there isn’t, then you may need to replace your fuel pump or fuel filter in order to get it working properly again. This is not necessarily a task for a beginner, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual or reach out to a professional if you’re not comfortable performing this task on your own.

See also  Fixing Echo CS-400 Chainsaw Problems

Test It Out

Once you’ve completed these steps, try starting your chainsaw again. If all goes well then you should be able to get it up and running without any problems.

If you’re still having issues, however, then you may need to talk to a professional or take your chainsaw to a local repair shop for further assistance. But with the right care and maintenance, your Stihl chainsaw should start up without any further issues.

Final Thoughts

Being proactive about maintaining your new Stihl chainsaw will help ensure that you’re able to get it up and running quickly when you need it.

Taking care of basic maintenance tasks like cleaning your air filter regularly and checking your spark plug for signs of corrosion can go a long way in preventing starting issues from arising in the first place.

Knowing where to look for potential causes and how to troubleshoot your Stihl chainsaw starting problems will help ensure that your saw is running smoothly and reliably when you need it most.