Cause 1

Clutch

The clutch pads engage the clutch drum to rotate the chain. When the engine slows, the return springs retract the pads to disengage the chain. If the springs are broken, the clutch pads won’t retract, preventing the chain from stopping. If the clutch pads are sticking, the clutch drum will stay engaged and continue to turn. If the springs are broken or the clutch pads are sticking, replace the clutch assembly.

Cause 1

Carburetor Repair Kit

The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is often caused by leaving fuel in the chainsaw for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the chainsaw engine to stall. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.

Cause 2

Carburetor

The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is often caused by leaving fuel in the chainsaw for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the chainsaw engine to stall. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.

Cause 3

Spark Arrestor

The spark arrestor is a small screen that prevents the engine from emitting sparks. Over time, the spark arrestor can become clogged with soot. If the spark arrestor is clogged, the chainsaw may run stall or run rough. To unclog the spark arrestor, remove it and clean it with a wire brush. You can also replace the spark arrestor.

Cause 1

Adjustment Screw

The chain may not have the proper amount of tension. If the adjustment screw is too loose, the chain may not make good contact with the wood. If the chain is too tight, the chain may not rotate at the proper speed, causing the chain not to cut properly. To adjust the chain, tighten or loosen the adjustment screw.

Cause 2

The Chain is Improperly Adjusted

The chain may not have the proper amount of tension. If the adjustment screw is too loose, the chain may not make good contact with the wood. If the chain is too tight, the chain may not rotate at the proper speed, causing the chain not to cut properly. To adjust the chain, tighten or loosen the adjustment screw.

Cause 3

Cutting Chain

The most common cause of a chainsaw that won't cut properly is a dull cutting chain. Try sharpening or replacing the chain.

Cause 1

Carburetor Repair Kit

The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is often caused by leaving fuel in the chainsaw for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel will evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.

Cause 2

Carburetor

The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is often caused by leaving fuel in the chainsaw for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel will evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.

Cause 3

Spark Plug

The spark plug might be defective. To determine if the spark plug is defective, remove the spark plug and inspect it. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode has been burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. Alternatively, if the spark plug hasn’t been replaced in a few seasons, replace it.

Cause 1

Drum Brake

The clutch band drum brake engages the clutch drum to allow the chain to rotate. If the clutch band is worn out, the motor will run, but the clutch band will not engage the clutch drum. As a result, the chain won't turn. Make sure that the stop lever is disengaged. If the stop lever is engaged, the chain won't turn. If the clutch pads are worn out, replace the clutch assembly.

Cause 2

Clutch Band Kit

The clutch pads engage the clutch drum to allow the chain to rotate. If the clutch pads are worn out, the motor will run, but the clutch pads will not engage the clutch drum. As a result, the chain won't turn. Make sure that the stop lever is disengaged. If the stop lever is engaged, the chain won't turn. If the clutch pads are worn out, replace the clutch assembly.

Cause 3

Clutch

The clutch pads engage the clutch drum to allow the chain to rotate. If the clutch pads are worn out, the motor will run, but the clutch pads will not engage the clutch drum. As a result, the chain won't turn. Make sure that the stop lever is disengaged. If the stop lever is engaged, the chain won't turn. If the clutch pads are worn out, replace the clutch assembly.

Cause 1

Air Filter

The air filter may be clogged or dirty. If the air filter is clogged, the engine will get too much fuel and not enough air. As a result, the engine may stall or run roughly. Inspect the air filter to determine if it is clogged. If the air filter is clogged, replace it.

Cause 2

Carburetor Repair Kit

The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is often caused by leaving fuel in the chainsaw for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel will evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall or run roughly. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.

Cause 3

Carburetor

The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is often caused by leaving fuel in the chainsaw for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel will evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall or run roughly. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.