It can be quite irritating to have a chainsaw that is hard to switch on. This is where the question will come in. Just why are chainsaws so difficult to start?
We’ll look at some of the reasons in this guide.
When it involves cutting trees and producing firewood, chainsaws can come in very handy. As is common with power tools, they begin to have problems with time. There’s a belief that this happens because some components of the chainsaw have begun to wear, but this isn’t always the case as we’ll see.
To make sure your machine works properly and efficiently, you need to look at a number of potential causes. For these issues to be resolved, all you have to do is use the guide that will be provided here.
These tips will prove helpful in solving any issues you might have when putting on your chainsaw.
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Check to see if the chainsaw is fueled
This might sound very obvious and it actually is. This is because it is important for chainsaw users to check if the fuel in their chainsaw is adequate. These days, chainsaws usually have indicators that will let its user know if the fuel will be sufficient or not.
Also, users should check if the fuel mix in the chainsaw is in the proper range. For this mix to be correct, it is advisable that the guidelines of the manufacturer are used.
In case you have problems putting on your chainsaw, ensure that it has enough fuel. This might just be the cause. However, if it still doesn’t start with adequate fuel and oil mix, you can at least rule out this as the problem. Also, if you own a chainsaw that is operated by a battery, ensure that it is charged.
For owners of electric chainsaws with cords, they need to make sure that the chainsaw’s power cord is functional – or if the cord has any cuts that are stopping the chainsaw from coming on.
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Put fresh gas in the chainsaw
To know why chainsaws are sometimes difficult to come on, it’s important to check if the fuel is fresh. This is because your chainsaw might have problems as a result of old fuel still in the machine. Doing this will help you tackle issues that might have occurred.
Gasoline doesn’t have a long life – meaning it will begin to deteriorate when it has been in the machine for an extended period of time. The consequence of this is that the gas will start to evaporate and will leave a gooey substance. That’s why it’s imperative to clean the inside of the chainsaw before putting fresh gas.
Changing the fuel in the chainsaw might ensure that the machine works smoothly and effectively. That’s why it’s important to always remember to change the fuel by putting a freshly mixed one for optimal performance. Also make sure that the fuel mix is appropriate so that your chainsaw doesn’t become smoky.
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Check the carburetor for clogs and clean if any
This should be considered if you want your chainsaw to perform properly. In an instance where the chainsaw has any kind of clogging, it can lead to problems with its ignition and use. It is a major reason why you need to check the carburetor so as to prevent avoidable problems.
The carburetor might have dirt or dust in it. This can be easily cleaned and the chainsaw can be subsequently tested to confirm if it is functioning. This should be done when the chainsaw is being used for the first time in a while – regardless if it initially comes on or not.
A lot of things are capable of clogging the carburetor, with the chainsaw getting affected in its entirety. This is why frequent maintenance is needed to ensure that the chainsaw is always clean and operational.
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Check if the spark plug still works
A fourth reason why your chainsaw might not start is its spark plug. If it is either damaged, dirty, old or not giving off a good spark, this might just be the reason why it has refused to start.
Make sure that the insulator doesn’t have any issues. Also, ensure that the terminal doesn’t have any burns or carbon deposits on/in it.
Clean the spark plug if it is dirty. However, spark plugs are not expensive, so it may be better to get a new one.
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Ensure that the engine isn’t flooded
In a scenario where there is dirt in the filter or it has become clogged, it might affect the proportion of air and gas. This might then lead to the chainsaw not starting. If this happens to you, then the air filter might be the problem. Check it – and if necessary, replace it.
If you have attempted to press the primer a lot of times, the engine might have become flooded. A way to know if this has happened is if you are able to smell gas.
If you believe that the engine has become flooded, you need to drain the gas, press the choke and drag the starter cable up to eight times – with the throttle also being held. Replace or dry the plug, then try again.
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The temperature might come into play
This is another factor that can affect a chainsaw. If you stay in a zone that is usually cold, the temperature might make it hard for the engine to start. This is due to the fact that the machine is below the standard temperature.
One way to ensure that this doesn’t occur is keeping the chainsaw in a location with a higher temperature. With this, the engine will not be too cold whenever it needs to be started. This should be considered whenever you’re finding it hard to put on your chainsaw. A lot of people don’t think this can be a factor, but it definitely is.
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Solve any problems that the recoil assembly might have
If your chainsaw has failed to start even after checking all the things earlier mentioned, the recoil spring should be checked. This is because the spark plug receives voltage from the recoil spring. What this means is that if it doesn’t work, then the chainsaw will not start.
To see if the machine’s start loop has a fault, an analyzer needs to be used. In case this is the problem facing your chainsaw, its assembly will have to be replaced.
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Clogged or blocked spark arrestor
The job of a spark arrestor is to stop the chainsaw from producing sparks while being utilized. This also influences the mixture of fuel and air.
After an extended period of use, the spark arrestor might be blocked – with regular cleaning necessary. If your machine fails to start, checking out the spark arrestor for clogging might just be the answer.
Final Thoughts
I hope some of these tips will prove helpful in scenarios where your chainsaw has failed to start. It is advisable to meticulously check each of the factors on the list so that you will be able to easily pinpoint the exact problem.
If you own an old machine, then you might need to see an expert for its repair. This is because the chainsaw might have technical problems that you don’t have the know-how to fix.
For people still facing problems with putting on their chainsaws, electric chainsaws will serve them well as either the corded or cordless saws don’t have problems with coming on.