Stihl Chainsaw Won’t Start: 10 Common Causes and Fixes

Is your Stihl chainsaw refusing to start It’s a frustrating situation
but fear not
as I’m here to shed light on this common issue. There are several reasons why your Stihl chainsaw might be giving you a hard time
from fuel and spark plug problems to carburetor and choke issues. Understanding these potential culprits and knowing how to troubleshoot them can save you time
money
and frustration. Whether it’s a brand-new Stihl S250 or a trusty MS250
the solution to your starting woes might be simpler than you think. Join me as we unravel the mystery behind a stubborn Stihl chainsaw and get to the root of the problem.

Why Stihl Chainsaw Won’T Start

Stihl Chainsaw Won’t Start: 10 Common Causes and Fixes

1. Fuel: Make sure the chainsaw has fuel and that the fuel is fresh.

2. Spark plug: Check the spark plug for damage and clean or replace it if necessary.3. Chainsaw chain: Make sure the chain is properly tensioned and lubricated.

4. Chainsaw carburetor: Clean or adjust the carburetor if necessary.

5. Chainsaw air filter: Clean or replace the air filter if necessary.

6. Chainsaw starter rope: Make sure the starter rope is not frayed or damaged.

7. Chainsaw clutch: Check the clutch for damage and adjust or replace it if necessary.

8. Chainsaw bar: Make sure the bar is not bent or damaged.

9. Chainsaw chain brake: Check the chain brake for damage and adjust or replace it if necessary.

10. Chainsaw engine: If the chainsaw is still not starting, there may be a problem with the engine. Contact a qualified chainsaw repair technician for assistance.

Why Stihl Chainsaw Won’t Start

There are a few reasons why your Stihl chainsaw might not start.

The chainsaw is not getting enough fuel:
Make sure that the fuel tank is full and that the fuel valve is open. If the fuel tank is empty, fill it up with fresh gasoline. If the fuel valve is closed, open it by turning the red knob clockwise.

The chainsaw is not getting enough air:
Make sure that the air filter is clean. If the air filter is dirty, remove it and clean it with a brush or compressed air.

The spark plug is not firing:
Check the spark plug for damage and replace it if necessary. To check the spark plug, remove it from the chainsaw and hold it against the cylinder head. Crank the engine over and look for a spark. If there is no spark, replace the spark plug.

The carburetor is not adjusted properly:
If the carburetor is not adjusted properly, the chainsaw will not start or will run poorly. Have a qualified technician adjust the carburetor.

The chainsaw is seized:
If the chainsaw is seized, it will not start. You can try to free up the chainsaw by spraying some penetrating oil into the cylinder and letting it sit for a few hours. If that doesn’t work, you will need to take the chainsaw to a qualified technician.

Troubleshooting Tips

If the chainsaw is not getting enough fuel, you will hear a clicking sound when you try to start it.
If the chainsaw is not getting enough air, you will see smoke coming from the exhaust.
If the spark plug is not firing, you will not see a spark when you check the spark plug.
If the carburetor is not adjusted properly, the chainsaw will run poorly and may stall.
If the chainsaw is seized, it will not move at all.

Preventative Maintenance

To prevent your Stihl chainsaw from not starting, you should perform regular maintenance. This includes:

Cleaning the air filter every 25 hours of use.
Replacing the spark plug every 50 hours of use.
Adjusting the carburetor every 100 hours of use.
Having the chainsaw serviced by a qualified technician once a year.

By following these tips, you can help keep your Stihl chainsaw running smoothly and prevent it from not starting.

Also Read: Why Won’T Chainsaw Start

FAQs: Why Won’t My Stihl Chainsaw Start?

Why won’t my Stihl chainsaw start?

There are a few possible reasons why your Stihl chainsaw won’t start. Here are some of the most common causes:

The chainsaw is out of gas: This is the most common reason why a chainsaw won’t start. Make sure that the chainsaw is filled with gas and that the gas cap is properly tightened.

The spark plug is fouled: A fouled spark plug can prevent the chainsaw from starting. To check the spark plug, remove it from the chainsaw and look at the electrode. If the electrode is black and sooty, it is fouled and needs to be replaced.

The air filter is dirty: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the carburetor, which can prevent the chainsaw from starting. To check the air filter, remove it from the chainsaw and look at it. If the air filter is dirty, it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

The carburetor is out of adjustment: The carburetor is responsible for mixing the fuel and air in the correct proportions. If the carburetor is out of adjustment, it can prevent the chainsaw from starting. To adjust the carburetor, you will need to consult your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.

The chainsaw is flooded: If the chainsaw is flooded, it will not start because the engine is flooded with fuel. To clear a flooded chainsaw, turn the choke off and pull the starter rope slowly until the engine starts.

How do I fix a Stihl chainsaw that won’t start?

To fix a Stihl chainsaw that won’t start, you will need to identify the cause of the problem and then take the appropriate steps to fix it. Here are the steps to troubleshoot and fix a Stihl chainsaw that won’t start:

1. Check the fuel level: Make sure that the chainsaw is filled with gas and that the gas cap is properly tightened.
2. Check the spark plug: Remove the spark plug from the chainsaw and look at the electrode. If the electrode is black and sooty, it is fouled and needs to be replaced.
3. Check the air filter: Remove the air filter from the chainsaw and look at it. If the air filter is dirty, it needs to be cleaned or replaced.
4. Adjust the carburetor: If the carburetor is out of adjustment, it can prevent the chainsaw from starting. To adjust the carburetor, you will need to consult your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.
5. Clear a flooded chainsaw: If the chainsaw is flooded, it will not start because the engine is flooded with fuel. To clear a flooded chainsaw, turn the choke off and pull the starter rope slowly until the engine starts.

What are the common problems with Stihl chainsaws?

The most common problems with Stihl chainsaws include:

The chainsaw won’t start.
The chainsaw is hard to start.
The chainsaw is losing power.
The chainsaw is smoking.
The chainsaw is making a loud noise.
The chainsaw is leaking gas.
The chainsaw is overheating.

How do I prevent problems with my Stihl chainsaw?

To prevent problems with your Stihl chainsaw, you can take the following steps:

Keep the chainsaw clean and well-maintained: This includes regularly cleaning the air filter, replacing the spark plug when needed, and adjusting the carburetor as needed.

Store the chainsaw in a cool, dry place: This will help to prevent the chainsaw from corroding or freezing.

Use the chainsaw for its intended purpose: Do not use the chainsaw for tasks that it is not designed for, such as cutting metal or concrete.

Read and follow the owner’s manual: The owner’s manual contains important information about how to operate and maintain your chainsaw safely.

What should I do if my Stihl chainsaw is still not starting after troubleshooting?

If your Stihl chainsaw is still not starting after troubleshooting, you should take it to a qualified service technician for diagnosis and repair.

Disclaimer: This document is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions about your chainsaw.