Why Won’t My Chainsaw Spin? 5 Common Reasons and How to Fix Them

Your Chainsaw Won’t Spin Here’s Why

Your chainsaw is one of the most important tools in your arsenal, but it can be frustrating when it doesn’t work properly. If your chainsaw won’t spin, there are a few possible causes. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common reasons why chainsaws won’t spin and how to fix them. So, if you’re having trouble with your chainsaw, read on for help!

Why Won’T My Chainsaw Spin

5 Common Reasons Why Your Chainsaw Won’t Spin

1. A dull chain:
The most common reason a chainsaw won’t spin is because the chain is dull. To check if this is the case, try to pull the chain with your hand. If it doesn’t move easily, it’s time to sharpen it.

2. A jammed chain:
If the chain is jammed, it won’t be able to spin. To fix this, you’ll need to remove the chain and clean out any debris that may be caught in it.3. A bad spark plug:
If the spark plug is bad, it won’t be able to generate a spark, which is necessary to start the engine. To check if this is the case, remove the spark plug and inspect it. If it’s black and sooty, it’s bad and needs to be replaced.

4. A dirty air filter:
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can cause it to stall. To check if this is the case, remove the air filter and inspect it. If it’s dirty, clean it or replace it.

5. A low oil level:
If the oil level is low, the engine will not be able to lubricate itself properly, which can cause it to seize up. To check the oil level, remove the oil filler cap and look inside. If the oil level is low, add more oil until it reaches the full mark.

Why Won’t My Chainsaw Spin?

Chainsaws that won’t spin can be a major pain, but there are a few common causes that you can troubleshoot yourself.

The chain is too tight:
If the chain is too tight, it will bind against the bar and prevent the chainsaw from spinning. To check the chain tension, follow these steps:
Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
Loosen the chain tensioner screw.
Use a ruler to measure the distance between the top of the chain and the bottom of the bar. The distance should be between 1/8 and 1/4.
If the distance is too small, tighten the chain tensioner screw.
If the distance is too large, loosen the chain tensioner screw.

The chain is too loose:
If the chain is too loose, it will jump off the bar and cause the chainsaw to stall. To check the chain tension, follow these steps:
Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
Loosen the chain tensioner screw.
Use a ruler to measure the distance between the top of the chain and the bottom of the bar. The distance should be between 1/8 and 1/4.
If the distance is too small, tighten the chain tensioner screw.
If the distance is too large, loosen the chain tensioner screw.

The carburetor is dirty:
If the carburetor is dirty, it can cause the chainsaw to stall or not spin at all. To clean the carburetor, follow these steps:
Remove the air filter cover.
Locate the carburetor.
Remove the carburetor bowl.
Use a carburetor cleaner to clean the carburetor jets and passages.
Reinstall the carburetor bowl and air filter cover.

The spark plug is fouled:
If the spark plug is fouled, it can cause the chainsaw to stall or not spin at all. To check the spark plug, follow these steps:
Remove the spark plug.
Use a spark plug gap gauge to check the spark plug gap. The gap should be between 0.025 and 0.030.
If the gap is too small, widen it with a spark plug file.
If the gap is too large, narrow it with a spark plug file.
Reinstall the spark plug.

The fuel filter is clogged:
If the fuel filter is clogged, it can prevent the chainsaw from getting enough fuel to run. To check the fuel filter, follow these steps:
Remove the fuel filter.
Look for any debris or dirt in the filter.
If the filter is clogged, replace it with a new one.

The engine is seized:
If the engine is seized, it will not be able to turn over and the chainsaw will not spin. To check if the engine is seized, follow these steps:
Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
Try to turn the engine over by hand.
If the engine does not turn over, it is seized.
If the engine is seized, you will need to have it repaired or replaced.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are not sure what is causing the problem, try these troubleshooting tips:
Check the oil level. If the oil level is low, add oil to the chainsaw.
Check the spark plug wire. Make sure the spark plug wire is connected to the spark plug.
Check the air filter. Make sure the air filter is clean.
Try starting the chainsaw with a different spark plug.

If you are still having trouble, you can take the chainsaw to a qualified service technician for repairs.

Also Read: Why Won’T My Chainsaw Start When It’S Hot

FAQs: Why Won’t My Chainsaw Spin?

Why won’t my chainsaw start?

There are a few reasons why your chainsaw might not start. Here are some of the most common:

The chainsaw is not getting enough fuel: Make sure that the fuel tank is full and that the fuel line is clear.

The spark plug is not firing: Check the spark plug and replace it if necessary.

The air filter is dirty: Clean or replace the air filter.

The carburetor is dirty or out of adjustment: Clean or adjust the carburetor.

The chainsaw is overheating: Let the chainsaw cool down before trying to start it again.

What do I do if my chainsaw is flooded?

If your chainsaw is flooded, it means that too much fuel has entered the cylinder. This can happen if you try to start the chainsaw too quickly after it has been shut off. To clear a flooded chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the chainsaw and wait for it to cool down.
2. Remove the spark plug.
3. Use a clean rag to wipe out the spark plug hole.
4. Reinstall the spark plug.
5. Pull the starter rope slowly until the chainsaw starts.

Why is my chainsaw chain smoking?

There are a few reasons why your chainsaw chain might be smoking. Here are some of the most common:

The chain is too tight: If the chain is too tight, it will rub against the bar and create friction, which can cause the chain to smoke.

The chain is dull: A dull chain will also cause friction and smoke.

The bar is dirty: A dirty bar can cause the chain to smoke.

The chainsaw is not properly lubricated: A chainsaw that is not properly lubricated will also cause the chain to smoke.

How do I sharpen my chainsaw chain?

To sharpen your chainsaw chain, you will need a chainsaw file and a guide bar. Here are the steps involved:

1. Remove the chain from the chainsaw.
2. Align the file with the guide bar.
3. File the chain in a back-and-forth motion.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 until the chain is sharp.
5. Reinstall the chain on the chainsaw.

How do I properly lubricate my chainsaw?

To properly lubricate your chainsaw, you will need a chainsaw oil. Here are the steps involved:

1. Turn off the chainsaw and let it cool down.
2. Remove the bar cover.
3. Apply a thin coat of oil to the bar and chain.
4. Replace the bar cover.

Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting your chainsaw:

If your chainsaw is still not working after following these tips, you may need to take it to a qualified repair technician.
Always wear safety glasses when operating a chainsaw.
Never operate a chainsaw while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Keep children and pets away from the chainsaw when it is in use.