Why does my chainsaw cut out when hot?

Category: hobbies and interests woodworking
4.6/5 (152 Views . 36 Votes)
When your chainsaw quits after it gets hot, you either have a problem with gas flow being restricted into the engine or with the spark. This is a common occurrence on older-model chainsaws. By replacing your spark plugs and keeping your gas lines clear you can reduce the chances of this problem recurring.



Hereof, why does my chainsaw keeps cutting out?

A clogged air filter is usually the most common reason as to why your chainsaw keeps on stalling. This is purely down to the fact that if an air filter is blocked in any way, it will have a knock-on effect to the air circulation within the machine and subsequently kill the engine.

Also, why does my chainsaw overheat? Chainsaw engines run at high temperatures, usually in the summer, so they can quickly overheat. If dust, wood chips or other material blocks these systems, the engine will start to overheat. The engine also needs to expel hot air, so the muffler must also be kept clean to keep the engine from overheating.

Likewise, why won't my chainsaw start when it's hot?

Re: Chainsaw won't re-start when Hot Typically when a chainsaw wont start when warmed but starts and runs fine when cool, it's because the air/fuel ratio is too rich (too much fuel). It starts fine when cold because extra fuel is the same as using a choke. When it's warm and still too much fuel, it's flooding.

Why does my Stihl saw keep stopping?

An engine stalls when it's getting too much or not enough fuel from the carburetor. Stihl chainsaw carburetors usually have three adjustment screws: one each for idle, low speed and high speed. If the saw is stalling when you pull the throttle trigger or it doesn't reach its full power, adjust the high-speed (H) screw.

34 Related Question Answers Found

Why does my chainsaw bog down when I give it gas?

The Job of the Carburetor
Without the right amount of air and fuel in the piston cylinder, the 2-cycle engine in a Stihl chain saw runs inefficiently and the saw loses power. When the saw bogs down during cutting, it's usually the high-speed screw you need to adjust.

Why does my engine die when I give it gas?

The car will stall if the valve is too clogged or when it finally fails. If, while holding the accelerator pedal down, a small amount of pressure keeps the car running at a stop, the idle control valve may require attention. In most late model cars, this problem will usually trigger the Check Engine light.

Is Stihl better than Husqvarna?

Stihl Advantages
Many users say that Stihl has more low-end torque, making it a better choice for tough cutting. A smaller fuel tank reduces the weight of the saw, making for easier handling. Stihl chainsaws tend to cost less than Husqvarna. Stihl has a reputation for requiring less routine maintenance.

What is the H and L on a carburetor?

On every saw the "h" means that's the "high" side adjustment. It regulates how much fuel is being poured into the motor during high rpm's. The "L" means that's the "low" side adjustment.

How do you adjust the H and L on a chainsaw?


Carburetor Adjustment Procedure
  1. Before you start the saw, locate a small flat-bladed screwdriver.
  2. Begin by checking the saw's air filter.
  3. Check the fuel level.
  4. Start the engine and warm it up.
  5. Begin by setting the idle speed.
  6. Set the low speed fuel adjustment.
  7. Go back to step (4) and reset the idle speed.

Is it OK to use a chainsaw on wet wood?

Cutting Wet Wood with a Chainsaw. Gas powered chainsaws are perfectly okay to use in wet weather; the same is true for the log itself. Cutting through wet wood is fine for your chain and bar, though there might be some extra build up from wet saw dust. It's nothing you can't clean off with a rag, though.

Why does my Poulan chainsaw keeps cutting off?

This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the chainsaw engine to stall. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn't effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor. A clogged fuel filter is often caused by leaving old fuel in the chainsaw.

How do you start a chainsaw that won't start?

To solve this problem, open the spark plug hole with it facing away from you to drain all the fuel in the tank. Deactivate the choke by pushing in the control then pull the starter cord 6-8 times as you press in the throttle control. Dry off the spark plug and refit it back in place.

What causes a chainsaw to vapor lock?

Usually a tank vent problem will cause a vacuum as the fuel is pulled out. Make sure there is no gunk built up. Heat and humidity can also create a vapor lock. If you have recently changed the fuel lines, and the fuel line is laying too near the engine, it could also cause a vapor lock.

How do you start a hot chainsaw?


Gas Chainsaw Hot Start
  1. Close the Choke, Then Set It to “Run” or "On" Because your saw has been running, it's already had fuel cycled into its carburetor.
  2. Press the Decompression Valve. Even with a warm saw, pressing the decompression valve is still a helpful step.
  3. Pull the Starter Cord.
  4. Set the Engine to “Low Idle”

How do you tell when a chainsaw chain is worn out?

Here are some of the warning signs that will tell you that the chain is worn out and need to be sharpened or replaced.
  1. Inefficient cutting performance. When a chainsaw chain is sharp, it cuts through anytime easily and without any efforts.
  2. Difficult positioning.
  3. If you notice smoke.
  4. Damaged chain teeth.

Why does my chainsaw chain dull so quickly?

You may be putting to steep of an angle on the cutters, which will dull quickly. You're rakers may be too far down, which will contribute to a quick dulling chain. You may be cutting dirty wood. You may be slightly touching the ground with the tip of the bar.

How tight does a chainsaw blade need to be?

A properly-tensioned chainsaw chain should still be just a little loose on the chainsaw guide bar, but the chain needs to be tight enough that you can't pull the drive links out of the bar nose.

How often should I replace my chainsaw chain?

Chainsaw Chain Life Expectancy: When to Sharpen or Replace
  1. A chainsaw chain can last for 5+ years with frequent use.
  2. Here's what you should do to check if your chain can be safely sharpened again:
  3. When to sharpen with a file guide: a good rule of thumb, is to give your chain a 1-2 swipes with the file guide every time you fuel up.

Why is my chainsaw bar smoking?


While a chain saw does produce some heat while in use, it should never overheat or begin smoking. The most likely causes of smoking and overheating are a lack of air and/or a lack of lubrication to the engine or the chain saw chain guide bar.

Why does chainsaw cut to the right?

Uneven cutting teeth is often the cause. If the chain is cutting to the left that means the right teeth on the chain are longer, and vise versa. To correct, sharpen only the side with the longer teeth. If the bar has worn unevenly it will also cause the chain to not cut straight.

When should I replace my chainsaw bar?

If the groove is worn, the chain will lean. With enough lean, there will be no gap between the straightedge and the bar's body. If you find the latter, the inside rails are worn out and the bar needs to be replaced. A good bar rail will hold a straightedge away from the bar body.