Owning chainsaws is good only until you know how to fix them when they’re being trouble freaks!
Machines could be problematic at times but because you work with them, knowing how to fix them is very important. If you’re a chainsaw user, you would definitely know that gas chainsaws act weird at times, and they start and then stop running when you give them gas. Also, sometimes, a new chainsaw starts and then dies. This might be due to some minor issues inside the saw, and they can easily be fixed.
Why does my chainsaw die when I give it gas? You must be looking for the reasons and solutions for that for this. Well, you’re just at the right place. There isn’t just one reason for a chainsaw that dies or doesn’t stay running. There could be multiple issues with the saw such as spark plug issues, filter issues, oil issues, and a few others.
We’ll be further guiding you in detail on the reasons why a chainsaw won’t stay running and then what solution to opt for what reason. Continue reading!
When I Start My Chainsaw, It Stops Again. Why is that?
The most common reason for a chainsaw that starts and then stops is the problematic carburetor. The carburetor screws need to be adjusted if your chainsaw doesn’t start. A fuel line and ignition system inspection may also be necessary if the problem doesn’t resolve after adjusting the carburetor screws.
The three screws available on the carburetor are:
- Low-speed adjustment (L)
- High-speed adjustment (H)
- And idling adjustment (I)
When the carburetor is running at low speed, the L screw controls how much fuel enters, whereas, at high speed, the H screw controls how much gasoline enters. When the engine is idle, the air-fuel mixture’s mass flow rate is controlled by the idling screw (I).
The fuel flow rate is improved when a screw is loosened, and the mixture is enriched when it is tightened. An idle screw that is too loose will result in an extra rich mixture, preventing the chainsaw from running. But neither of these should be extra loose nor extra tightened.
Let’s dive into the details of all possible reasons for a chainsaw that dies when you give it gas and how to fix them.
Causes and Solutions to a Chainsaw that Doesn’t Keep Running
We’ve been using chainsaws for years now and we’ve discovered solutions to every problem over these years. To help our readers with this issue of chainsaws dying when you put gas in them, we’ve described some of the causes and solutions to it. Stick by these till the end and you’ll be able to fix your chainsaw!
- Carbon Accommodation in Spark Plug
- Spark Plug Might be Out of Line
- Filters Might be Dirty
- Thick Oil in the Carburetor
- The Oil is Dirty
- An Unbalanced Mix of Oil Ingredients
Carbon Accommodation in Spark Plug
This is a very common issue in chainsaws and usually the very first thing that’s tested for our concerned problem. There could be carbon accommodation in the spark plugs and you could easily see it there if you examine them. If the spark plugs have turned black, this is a clear sign that there’s carbon accommodation.
Solution: You simply need to clean up the spark plugs. There’s nothing complicated or complex about a spark plug being carbon accommodated and can be fixed by just cleaning the spark plugs.
Spark Plug Might be Out of Line
This issue relates to a gap that occurs in the spark plugs which means they get out of line and do not work as they should. And so, when it doesn’t deliver the proper electrical spark for the ignition of the air-fuel mixture, the chainsaw won’t start sometimes or fails to keep running if started.
Solution: The gap can be checked and adjusted using a spark plug gap tool, but many people don’t have one. If you can buy it, that’s well and good. Otherwise, it would be better to replace the spark plug if cleaning it didn’t work. If you’re like me, you’ll have a few from the hardware store since they’re only a few bucks.
Filters Might be Dirty
Dirty filters could be a major reason for many of the chainsaw problems, including that chainsaw won’t keep running when you give it gas. If the filters are dirty, it means they won’t be doing their job as they should. As a result of this, the dust and dirt accumulate in there and prevent the chainsaw from running.
Solution: Clean up your chainsaw filters frequently. We recommend checking them for cleanliness every time you want to use your chainsaw.
In your chainsaw, there are two kinds of filters, each of which performs a different function. A chainsaw’s air filter ensures that the engine works properly by filtering the air and maintaining airflow. While the other filter prevents impurities from entering the fuel. Both of them must be clean in order for them to work properly.
Thick Oil in the Carburetor
Oil in the carburetor should have an appropriate consistency and good quality as well. Carburetors can be clogged up with a thick layer of oil if the chainsaw oil quality isn’t good. Fuel circulation in the chainsaw could be disturbed due to this, resulting in the engine not working as it should. And, when there’s the pressure exerted on the engine due to such fuel, the chainsaw dies.
Solution: The fuel tank should be kept clean so that dirt and waste will not clog the vents of the tank. Make sure that the oil you use for your chainsaw is of high quality. Always use fresh oil. If you keep a check and balance on these, your chainsaw would be prevented from a lot of issues.
You can also fix this problem by running your chainsaw on low idle for a few minutes. By doing so, dirt from the carburetor will be removed, allowing air to flow freely.
The Oil is Dirty
Impure oil could also be the reason that your chainsaw dies when you start it. This usually happens when your chainsaw hasn’t been in use for quite some time, which means its oil hasn’t been used and replaced so the impurities added to it.
Solution: To fix this, always replace the previous oil before you start using your chainsaw that has been kept idle for some time. You will stall your chainsaw if you start it up with the previous oil still in it without removing it or cleaning the oil container.
It’s better that you empty the oil container before storing the chainsaw and also inspect the chainsaw when before you use it again. If not emptied before storing, it must be emptied before the next use, which might require a little effort because of being dirty and clogged. But it can be removed anyway.
An Unbalanced Mix of Oil Ingredients
In addition to having dirty oil, an imbalance in the mixture of oil and gasoline could also be the cause of your chainsaw’s current problem. Due to this imbalance, the chainsaw may be put under too much pressure or maybe put under too little force, which will again exert pressure on the chainsaw. As a result, both cases can damage your chainsaw’s engine and cause it to die off when you put gas in it.
Solution: To fix this, measure the amount of oil and gasoline you need in a measuring beaker depending on the model of your chainsaw. The perfect amount can be found in the guide manual or on the internet if you don’t know what it is. Install it in your chainsaw after mixing the perfect amount.
Why Does My Chainsaw Die When I Give it Gas – FAQs
Conclusion
In a nutshell, these kinds of problems usually involve defective equipment parts of a chainsaw or issues with the fuel. Plugs and filters are usually easy to replace if there is a problem. However, a carburetor problem that isn’t fixed by adjusting the fuel regulator screw may indicate a more serious problem.
After all, the best way to avoid frustrating problems is to maintain your saw regularly. So, we recommend keeping a frequent check and balance on your chainsaw to prevent it from undergoing such issues!
