What are the most common replacement parts for chainsaws?

When your gas chainsaw doesn't start or it barely sputters when you pull the starter cord, Sears PartsDirect has the help you need to figure out what’s wrong so you can replace parts and get the chainsaw going again.

Bad fuel can prevent the chainsaw engine from starting or running smoothly. Make sure the 2-cycle oil that you’re using in your chainsaw has fuel stabilizer. The Explorer 2-cycle oil that we sell at Sears PartsDirect has fuel stabilizer to help gas in the fuel tank and gas can for your chainsaw from going bad.

When bad fuel isn’t the problem plaguing your chainsaw, you’ll likely need to replace one of these common chainsaw parts.

Chainsaw engine air filter

The chainsaw engine air filter is an absorbent foam rectangle that's mounted on the air intake to the carburetor. It filters the air that enters the carburetor to mix with the fuel. When the air filter gets clogged with dirt, the carburetor can’t get air to mix with the fuel so the engine will sputter or it won’t start. Replace the engine air filter if it’s clogged or damaged.

Carburetor

The carburetor mixes air with fuel in the proper proportion to produce a combustible gas. That gas/air mixture then moves into the cylinder where it is compressed by the piston and ignited by the spark plug. The chainsaw carburetor can get clogged or eventually wear out. When the engine won’t start or run smoothly, you may need to replace the carburetor.

Carburetor rebuild kit

The carburetor rebuild kit contains the essential components such as diaphragms, seals and gaskets needed to tear down a carburetor and rebuild it so it works properly. In some situations, you may be able to rebuild the carburetor instead of replacing it. If replacement carburetor for your chainsaw is no longer available or you are confident that cleaning and rebuilding the carburetor will fix the chainsaw engine problem, find the right carburetor rebuild kit for your chainsaw carburetor and restore it using the rebuild kit.

Fuel filter

The fuel filter attaches to the end of the fuel line inside the gas tank. It filters particles from the gasoline as it moves from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Replace the fuel filter if it’s cracked or damaged.

Fuel line

Fuel lines are made of flexible tubing that carries fuel from the tank to the carburetor and from the primer bulb to the fuel system. A cracked fuel line is one of the most frequent causes of chainsaw engine starting problems. Replace the fuel lines on your chainsaw when you find cracks or damage to a fuel line.

Spark plug

The chainsaw engine’s spark plug ignites the air and fuel mixture in the cylinder of the engine. If the engine runs rough or is hard to start, check the spark plug. Replace the spark plug if the electrode is fouled with carbon or other buildup.

Guide bar

The chainsaw guide bar holds and supports the cutting chain. The bar controls chain tension and allows the cutting chains to spin freely along the edge of the bar. If the guide bar gets bent or damaged, replace it.

Cutting chain

The cutting chain rotate around the edge of the bar and cuts the wood. Although you can sharpen the chain, it will eventually wear out. Replace the chain immediately if the rivets are damaged or if the chain no longer maintains the proper tension. Our Chainsaw Chains page lists all of the popular replacement chains that we sell at Sears PartsDirect.

Oil pump

The oil pump lubricates the chain and guide bar during cutting. If your chainsaw is leaking bar and chain oil when not being used or the pump doesn’t lubricate the chain, the oil pump may need to be replaced. View this DIY step-by-step instruction video to see how to replace the oil pump in a common type of chainsaw.