Keeping your chain saw in tip-top cutting shape requires routine maintenance, such as sharpening the cutting teeth and adjusting the chain tension. But time spent maintaining the ignition system is also important, so when you pull on the starter cord the engine will fire right up. Few things are more frustrating than having a big wood cutting job to do, and your chainsaw won't start.
As obvious as it might seem, your chain saw will not start if no fuel is in the tank. But having no fuel is not the only fuel-related issue that will prevent your chain saw from starting. Chain saws need fresh fuel to run properly. Chain saw manufacturer, Poulan, recommends not allowing fuel to stay in the reservoir for more than 30 days. Chain saws may employ a 2-cycle engine, requiring an appropriate mix of oil and gasoline. Poulan recommends not using a gas/oil fuel that has been mixed for longer than 90 days.
Proper Ethanol and Octane
Ethanol is an alternative, plant-based fuel that is commonly mixed with petroleum-based gasoline. High levels of ethanol in the fuel supply of small engines, such as chain saws, can make them difficult to start, according to chain saw manufacturer, STIHL. The company recommends using gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89, containing no more than 10 percent ethanol.
Spark Plug Failure
Gas-powered chain saws rely on a spark plug to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber, which drives the engine. The electrode in the spark plug naturally erodes as it is used, and eventually the spark plug will lose its ability to ignite the fuel. The electrode might get corroded, preventing it from producing a sufficient spark. An improper gap in the spark plug can also keep the chain saw from starting. Always refer to your particular model's owner manual for the correct gap for the spark plug. Replacing the spark plug is often all it takes to get your chain saw back into working condition.
Flooded or Overheated
Too much fuel will prevent your chain saw from starting. It will flood the engine. Letting the chain saw sit for 20 to 30 minutes will allow excess fuel to evaporate. If the engine becomes overheated, it might stall and refuse to start. You can employ the same strategy for an overheated chain saw as you did for a flooded engine. Allow it to cool off for 20 to 30 minutes, then go through your regular starting procedures.
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