Chainsaw Won't Start? 7 Causes and Fixes

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Last updated October 28, 2026 · Applies to: chainsaws from Husqvarna, Craftsman, Echo and Stihl

Cause 1: Old or wrong fuel-oil mix

Step-by-step instructions for this cause are being written.

Fuel path: tank to cylinder: Fuel tank → Cap vent → Shut-off valve → Fuel filter / line → Carburetor bowl → Main jet → Intake → cylinderFuel tankfresh fuelCap ventlets air inShut-off valveopen?Fuel filter / lineno cracksCarburetor bowlfloat + needleMain jetmeters fuelIntake → cylinderfuel + air
Fuel path: tank to cylinder. Fuel must flow through every stage. A blockage at any box starves the engine.

Cause 2: Flooded engine

Step-by-step instructions for this cause are being written.

Cause 3: Fouled spark plug

Step-by-step instructions for this cause are being written.

Ignition path: magnet to spark: Flywheel magnet → Ignition coil → Stop / kill wire → Plug lead & boot → Spark plug → CombustionFlywheel magnetkey aligns timingIgnition coilair gap to flywheelStop / kill wiregrounds coilPlug lead & boottight fitSpark pluggap + conditionCombustionspark ignites mix
Ignition path: magnet to spark. Test the end of the chain first: a spark tester on the plug lead.

Cause 4: Clogged air filter

Step-by-step instructions for this cause are being written.

Air intake path: Air filter cover → Pre-filter / foam → Paper filter → Carburetor throat → Intake gasket → CylinderAir filter coverclips / screwPre-filter / foamclean, oiledPaper filternot oil-soakedCarburetor throatchoke plateIntake gasketno air leaksCylinderintake valve / port
Air intake path. A restricted filter richens the mixture; a leak after the carburetor leans it out.

Cause 5: Blocked spark arrestor screen

Step-by-step instructions for this cause are being written.

Exhaust and spark arrestor: Cylinder → Exhaust port → Muffler → Spark arrestor screen → OutletCylindercombustionExhaust portcarbon build-upMufflerbafflesSpark arrestor screenfine meshOutletfree flow
Exhaust and spark arrestor. Carbon on the screen chokes the exhaust: the engine idles but bogs at full throttle.

Cause 6: Clogged fuel filter or carburetor

Step-by-step instructions for this cause are being written.

Inside a float-bowl carburetor: Fuel inlet → Needle & seat → Float → Float bowl → Main jet → Emulsion tube → Venturi / throttleFuel inletfrom tankNeedle & seatshuts off flowFloatsets fuel levelFloat bowldrain screwMain jettiny orificeEmulsion tubemixes airVenturi / throttleto intake
Inside a float-bowl carburetor. Varnish from old fuel usually blocks the main jet or emulsion tube first.

Cause 7: Faulty ignition module or stop switch

Step-by-step instructions for this cause are being written.

Ignition path: magnet to spark: Flywheel magnet → Ignition coil → Stop / kill wire → Plug lead & boot → Spark plug → CombustionFlywheel magnetkey aligns timingIgnition coilair gap to flywheelStop / kill wiregrounds coilPlug lead & boottight fitSpark pluggap + conditionCombustionspark ignites mix
Ignition path: magnet to spark. Test the end of the chain first: a spark tester on the plug lead.

Which cause is it?

The decision table is being compiled from shop pricing and manufacturer data.

Brand notes

Brand-specific notes for Husqvarna, Craftsman, Echo and Stihl are being researched.

When to take it to a shop

Hand it over if the engine still will not run after the fuel, spark and air checks, if you find metal in the oil or the engine is seized, or if the machine is under warranty (opening it yourself can void it).

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Frequently asked questions

Answers being written: Why won't my chainsaw start after sitting? · How do I unflood a chainsaw? · What fuel mix does my chainsaw need? · Is it worth repairing an old chainsaw?