January 10, 2024

Gas Chainsaw: Why does my chainsaw run roughly?

If the chainsaw fuel has been in the tank unused for months, it can pick up moisture and fail to ignite (that's why you should drain the fuel before storing the chainsaw or add gas treated with fuel stabilizer). Replace the fuel with fresh gas if it's old and not treated with stabilizer. You might also need to replace the fuel filter at the same time.

Doing preventive maintenance including a tune-up also helps the engine run smoothly. Check the fuel lines for cracks and replace them if necessary. If you still have problems after checking those issues, consider replacing or rebuilding the carburetor.

gas chainsaw

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR GAS CHAINSAW PROBLEM

JC-CSAW-Rebuild-the-chainsaw-carburetor

Rebuild the chainsaw carburetor

Rebuild kits are available for most carburetors. The kit contains essential components for rebuilding a carburetor, such as diaphragms, seals and gaskets. You can sometimes fix a fuel supply problem by dismantling and cleaning a carburetor. Use the kit to rebuild the carburetor after cleaning it.

Rebuild the chainsaw carburetor

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-CSAW-Rebuild-Chainsaw-Carburetor-Intro-Image
February 01, 2014

How to rebuild a chainsaw carburetor

A clogged carburetor is one reason a chainsaw won't start. This repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for rebuilding a chainsaw carburetor, which is a cost-effective alternative to replacing it.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-CSAW-Replace-the-chainsaw-carburetor

Replace the chainsaw carburetor

The carburetor mixes air and gasoline in the proper proportions to create a combustible gas. If the engine starts and then sputters, or doesn't start at all due to lack of fuel, you might need to replace carburetor. It's often more cost effective and practical to replace the carburetor rather than rebuild it.

Chainsaw carburetor

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-CSAW-Replace-Chainsaw-Carburetor-Intro-Image
February 01, 2014

How to replace a chainsaw carburetor

If your chainsaw struggles to start or won't start at all, the carburetor could be clogged or its gaskets could be worn. This repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for replacing a chainsaw carburetor in less than 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-CSAW-Replace-the-chainsaw-fuel-lines

Replace the chainsaw fuel lines

Fuel lines become brittle over time and can crack or tear. Replace a fuel line that's brittle or damaged. Be careful to install new fuel lines on the engine the same way the original fuel lines were configured.

Chainsaw fuel lines

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-CSAW-Replace-Chainsaw-Fuel-Lines-Intro-Image
February 01, 2014

How to replace chainsaw fuel lines

If your chainsaw doesn't start even though it has plenty of gas, the engine might not be getting fuel because a fuel line is clogged or cracked. This DIY repair guide shows how to replace chainsaw fuel lines in 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-CSAW-Do-chainsaw-preventive-maintenance

Do chainsaw preventive maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures that a chainsaw runs smoothly and works properly. Refer to your owner's manual for guidance in maintaining the chain saw. Replace parts such as the air filter, fuel filter and spark plug.

Do chainsaw preventive maintenance

Find the required part specific to your product.

Symptoms for gas chainsaws

Choose a symptom to see related chainsaw repairs.

Main causes: cracked fuel lines, leaky carburetor seals, damaged fuel tank cap, cracked fuel tank…

Main causes: bad gas, engine needs tune up, cracked fuel lines, dirty carburetor…

Main causes: stale gasoline, cracked fuel lines, dirty carburetor, damaged spark plug, worn piston rings…

Repair guides for gas chainsaws

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your chainsaw.

How to rebuild a chainsaw carburetor

How to rebuild a chainsaw carburetor

If your chainsaw isn't running well, a dirty carburetor could be the problem. You can take it apart, clean it and rebuil…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a chainsaw carburetor

How to replace a chainsaw carburetor

If the engine won't start even though there's fuel in the chainsaw, the carburetor could be the problem. Sometimes, it's…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace chainsaw fuel lines

How to replace chainsaw fuel lines

The fuel line on a chainsaw becomes brittle over time and can crack. Replacing it doesn't require a lot of DYI experienc…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your chainsaws

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your chainsaw.

What are the most common replacement parts for chainsaws?

What are the most common replacement parts for chainsaws?

Learn about the most common replacement parts for chainsaws and how they can help you fix chainsaw problems.…

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Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

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