5 tips for a hard-to-start chainsaw

When you have trouble starting your chainsaw, try these steps before you start tearing the chainsaw apart. If it still won't start, the problem could be the spark plug, fuel line or carburetor. See our DIY chainsaw repair page for symptoms and step-by-step repair instructions.

1.  It's so basic, but it happens: make sure the On/Off switch is set to On when you start it.

2.  Old fuel collects moisture, making the fuel difficult to ignite. If the fuel has been in the tank awhile, drain it and replace with fresh fuel.

3.  It's possible the engine is flooded with fuel. To clear excess fuel from the carburetor, place the choke lever in the Off position, hold the throttle trigger fully open and pull the starter rope 5 or 6 times. Try to start the chainsaw.

4.  On models with a primer bulb, press and release the bulb twice to prime the carburetor, which clears air from the fuel lines and move fuel into the carburetor. Try to start the chainsaw after priming the carburetor.

5.  Activate the choke by moving the lever to the full choke position and pull the starter rope 3 or 4 times to start the engine. If that doesn't work, move the choke lever to half choke and pull the starter rope, 6 times maximum, to start the engine.