Symptoms
- Pull cord resists or engine won't fire
- Engine turns over but never catches
- Starts briefly then dies
- No spark felt or heard
Likely causes
- CommonChain brake engagedMany saws won't start or will stall immediately if the front hand guard chain brake is activated.
- CommonStale fuelOld ethanol-blended gas degrades and resists ignition.
- CommonFouled spark plugCarbon buildup prevents a strong spark.
- PossibleFlooded engineOver-priming or excessive choking floods the cylinder with fuel.
- PossibleClogged fuel filter or vented capBlocked fuel flow or a non-venting cap starves the carburetor.
What to do
- Check that the chain brake is disengaged by pulling the front hand guard back toward the handle.
- Drain old fuel if it's been sitting more than a month and refill with fresh 2-stroke mix.
- Remove and inspect the spark plug; clean carbon deposits or replace it if worn.
- If flooded, remove the plug, pull the cord several times to clear fuel, dry the plug, and reinstall.
- Follow the correct cold-start sequence: choke on, prime, pull until it sputters, then choke off and pull again.
- Check the fuel cap vent and filter for blockage if fuel isn't reaching the carburetor.
- If it still won't start, have the ignition coil and carburetor tested by a small-engine shop.
Tools and parts
- Spark plug wrench
- Fresh 2-stroke fuel mix
- Wire brush
Chainsaw spark plugSearch: “chainsaw spark plug replacement”
Fuel filterSearch: “chainsaw fuel filter”
When to call a pro
If the saw still won't start after fuel, plug, and chain brake checks, take it to a small-engine repair shop for ignition testing.
Safety
Use caution
Keep the chain guard on or the brake engaged whenever you're not actively cutting, and never pull the starter cord with the chain touching anything.