Chainsaw Bogs Down When Cutting. Chainsaw bogs down
Chainsaw Bogs Down When Cutting
Chainsaws are powerful tools that have revolutionized the way we cut firewood, prune trees, and even fell trees. However, chainsaws are not without their faults. One of the most common issues chainsaw owners encounter is when the chainsaw bogs down when cutting.
This can be frustrating and dangerous, as it can cause the chainsaw to kick back or even stall, potentially causing injury or damage to the saw. In this article, we will explore the reasons why chainsaws bog down when cutting and provide some solutions to help you get your chainsaw back to working condition.
What does it mean when a chainsaw bogs down?
If a chainsaw bogs down when cutting, this indicates that the chainsaw is not operating at its peak performance. The engine of the chainsaw is having trouble keeping up with the demands that are being placed on it by the chain, which might lead it to either slow down or stop working entirely. This problem can arise in a variety of contexts, such as when the chainsaw has been used for an extended period of time, when starting the chainsaw, or when it is being used to chop through heavy branches.
A chainsaw may bog down when cutting for a variety of causes. The following are some of the most common reasons:
Dull chainsaw chain
One of the most typical causes of a chainsaw bogging down while cutting is a dull chainsaw chain. A dull chainsaw chain struggles to cut through wood, causing the engine to bog down. This is because the chain’s teeth are no longer sharp enough to properly cut through wood, putting extra load on the engine and perhaps causing it to stall or bog down.
Stihl MS660 Bogs In The Cut
Normal wear and tear and hitting hard things like pebbles or nails when cutting can create dull chainsaw chains. The teeth on the chain wear down and lose their sharpness over time, making it difficult for the chain to cut through wood.
Dirty air filter
A dirty air filter is another reason why a chainsaw may bog down while cutting. The air filter is an important component of the chainsaw because it keeps dust, grit, and debris out of the engine. A clogged air filter can reduce the flow of air to the engine, causing it to perform poorly and bog down when cutting.
Over time, sawdust and other debris can block the air filter, making it harder for air to flow freely to the engine. This might result in a loss of power, poor acceleration, and stalling. A clogged air filter might also cause the chainsaw to use more fuel than necessary, resulting in higher fuel expenses.
Clogged fuel filter
Another typical reason for a chainsaw to stall while cutting is a clogged fuel filter. Before the fuel enters the engine, it must be filtered by the fuel filter to remove any dirt or particles. Debris might accumulate in the fuel filter over time, preventing adequate fuel from reaching the engine. This might lead to poor engine performance and sluggishness when cutting.
Problems like the chainsaw stalling, losing power, and being difficult to start can all be traced back to a blocked fuel filter. Engines can suffer irreparable damage if this happens often enough.
Incorrect fuel mixture
The use of an improper fuel mixture can cause a chainsaw to bog down when cutting, as well. The majority of two-stroke chainsaws need a particular fuel-to-oil ratio for best results. Engine overheating can harm internal engine parts if the fuel mixture is too lean (has insufficient oil). An overly rich fuel mixture (too much oil) might cause the engine to bog down or make it difficult to start.
An engine that runs badly and bogs down when cutting can be brought on by using the wrong fuel mixture. over, it may result in the chainsaw using more fuel than is necessary, raising fuel expenses.
Use high-octane gasoline. Low-octane fuel can cause engine bogging when cutting. Use a high-quality chainsaw-specific two-stroke oil. Automotive oil can damage engines.
Carburetor problems
A chainsaw carburetor is in charge of properly mixing fuel and air and delivering it to the engine. The carburetor might become clogged or broken over time, causing the chainsaw to bog down during cutting.
A clogged carburetor jet is a typical carburetor problem that can cause a chainsaw to bog down. A clogged carburetor jet can impede fuel flow to the engine, resulting in a lean fuel mixture and bogging down the engine during cutting.
A jammed float is another carburetor issue that can cause the chainsaw to bog down. The float is in charge of controlling the fuel level in the carburetor bowl. If the float becomes trapped, the engine will operate badly, resulting in bogging down when cutting.
Ignition problems
Another potential cause of a chainsaw bogging down when cutting is ignition problems. Ignition systems are what cause the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in an engine. If the chainsaw’s ignition system is broken, it won’t start or will operate poorly, causing the machine to stall while you’re cutting.
A spark plug that has been clogged with residue is a common cause of ignition problems. Inadequate performance and sluggishness when cutting can result from an engine that isn’t firing properly due to a fouled spark plug. Ignition difficulties, including irregular spark production and poor engine performance, can also be caused by a malfunctioning ignition coil.
Worn or damaged engine parts
It’s possible that the worn or broken engine parts of your chainsaw are the cause of its sluggish performance. If the engine is worn or broken, the chainsaw may not run smoothly, causing it to bog down during cutting.
Worn or damaged pistons and cylinders are a common reason of the chainsaw’s inability to operate. Loss of compression and subpar performance might result from damage to the piston, which moves up and down in the cylinder. Engine problems, such as bogging down when cutting, can also be caused by worn bearings, connecting rods, and crankshafts.
How can a bogging chainsaw be fixed?
Sharpen the chainsaw chain
As the chain on your chainsaw becomes dull, it may not cut as efficiently and the machine will stall. Reducing the amount of effort required from the engine by sharpening the chain is a win-win. Sharpen the chain with a chainsaw file guide or a chainsaw sharpening tool. Always use the recommended sharpening angles and depth gauges for your chain.
Remove and/or clean the air filter
If the air filter is dirty or clogged, the engine won’t get enough air, which will cause it to sputter and stall. You can take out the air filter and give it a good washing with some soap and water. The air filter may need to be replaced if it has been broken or if it is too unclean.
Change the fuel filter
If the fuel filter is dirty or clogged, the engine may not get enough gasoline, which might cause it to bog down when cutting. The gasoline filter should be changed out every X number of miles.
Check the fuel mixture
Chainsaw fuel mixtures vary by manufacturer and model. Most two-stroke engines need 50:1 gasoline-to-oil ratios. Certain chainsaws need 40:1 or 30:1 fuel-to-oil ratios. So, check the owner’s handbook for the suggested ratio.
Use high-octane gasoline. Low-octane fuel can cause engine bogging when cutting. Use a high-quality chainsaw-specific two-stroke oil. Automotive oil can damage engines.
Use a clean container to measure and combine gasoline and oil. Before filling the chainsaw’s fuel tank, mix oil and gasoline. Always use new fuel and mix only what you need.
Fix the carburetor by cleaning it or replacing it:
The chainsaw may sputter if the carburetor is damaged or clogged. Use a carburetor cleaner on the carburetor or repair it according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Replacement of the carburetor may be necessary in the event of significant damage.
Ignition difficulties, such as those caused by a fouled or damaged spark plug, can reduce engine performance and cause the vehicle to bog down when cutting. Spark plugs can be changed out as per the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Inspect the engine for damaged or worn components
A sluggish chainsaw is often the result of old or broken engine components. Be that there is no damage to the crankshaft, piston, cylinder, bearings, or connecting rods. If a part is damaged or worn out, it should be replaced as directed by the manufacturer.
For a chainsaw to stop bogging during cutting, the problem’s root cause must be determined and then fixed. Chainsaws should undergo routine servicing and maintenance in order to reduce the likelihood of experiencing problems like these in the first place. It is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified mechanic if you are unclear on how to remedy the issue.
Does Your Poulan Chainsaw Stall When Giving It Gas?
Poulan makes a popular line of chainsaws that do-it-yourself types and landscaping aficionados have come to depend on for years. Chainsaws can make for a highly versatile tool depending on what you use it for and how it is cared for.
Replace the fuel in your chainsaw if the fuel filter is clogged so that it doesn’t stall. Clean the carburetor passages with compressed air to remove debris so that the chainsaw starts properly. Make sure that you put fuel in your chainsaw that contains at least 10% ethanol.
Spark Arrestor
The most common solution when your Poulan chainsaw stalls when it gets some gas is that the spark arrestor is clogged. The spark arrestor in a chainsaw is a small screen that keeps the engine from producing sparks.
As is the case with just about anything, it can wear over time. In this case, the soot clogs up the arrestor. When this happens, the chainsaw might run rough or even stall when given gas. It is a good idea to perform basic cleaning and maintenance from time to time to ensure all of the components run properly.
If the spark arrestor becomes clogged, you can remove it and clean it thoroughly with a wire brush. In the event that the spark arrestor has become damaged, you can replace it altogether for relatively cheap.
Carburetor
If the spark arrestor isn’t the culprit behind your Poulan chainsaw stalling, it is likely that the carburetor is clogged. The most common reason that the carburetor can become clogged is when fuel is left inside the chainsaw for far too long.
Over enough time, the ingredients in the fuel can evaporate. This leaves a stickier, thicker substance in its wake. That sticky fuel can then clog the carburetor, leaving the chainsaw to stall whenever it is given some gas.
When examining the problem, cleaning the carburetor is relatively easy. As a matter of fact, there are cleaners specifically designed for carburetors. Should that not improve the performance, you may need to either rebuild or replace the carburetor entirely.
Air Filter
The theme here is that the Poulan chainsaw’s components can become dirty or clogged over time. When one of these components is clogged, it can result in the chainsaw stalling out during use. So, it should come as no surprise that the air filter is another part that can become dirty or clogged.
When the air filter is clogged, the engine gets too much fuel without the requisite air needed. When that happens, the engine can run roughly or stall out entirely. After checking the carburetor and spark arrestor, the air filter is the most likely culprit. The air filter can be cleaned, but if that doesn’t do the trick, replace the air filter entirely.
Fuel Filter
Another of the chainsaw’s major components is the fuel filter. It can become clogged whenever old fuel is left in the chainsaw for some time. As is the case with the carburetor becoming clogged, some of the fuel’s ingredients can evaporate over time, producing a much thicker substance in its wake.
In addition to clogging up the carburetor, the stickier fuel can clog the fuel filter as well, calling the engine to stall completely. Try draining out the old fuel first and foremost and then replace the fuel filter entirely. This should be enough to get the chainsaw working optimally once again.
Air Supply Issues
What you may not have known is that air supply is critical, as much so as proper fuel supply is to any kind of internal combustion engine. Whenever factors contribute to the lessening of the air supply, be they internal or external factors, the engine will bog down.
Clogged filters are a major contributing factor, but it can also have to do with where the chainsaw is stored. It is a good idea to clean out filters often, especially when the chainsaw has seen heavy usage in a short amount of time. When the filters are clogged, they supply less airflow to the carburetor, which can become clogged. All of these factors come together to bog down and stall out the chainsaw.
Try using compressed air when cleaning out the carburetor passages and jets. This should be enough to blast out the dust and debris that can build up in the filters, keeping them clean and free while allowing proper airflow to pass.
Proper Percent of Ethanol
The integrity of the fuel being used in the chainsaw plays an integral role in the way that it operates. If the fuel that you are using doesn’t have the proper amount of ethanol in it, that can eventually lead to stalling out when in use.
The ethanol in fuel vaporizes quickly and combines with the water in the air to create actual water. The water is meant to stop combustion; this is necessary for keeping the motor running properly.
Fuels with up to 10% ethanol are optimal. This solution has a better tendency of separating the varnishes from the gas. All of this means that there is greater accumulation in the tank and the fuel lines and the resulting residue is meant to combat the combustion in the carburetor.
How To Easily Fix A Chainsaw That Bogs Down By Adjusting The Carburetor
Carburetor Fuel Flow
The flow of fuel is perhaps the most integral part of the chainsaw. When there is too little or too much fuel, the engine will likely stall out. There are three adjustment screws that should come standard in the carburetor that can help to prevent stalling: idle, low speed, and high speed.
When your chainsaw starts to idle out and you have checked to verify that all of the appropriate filters are clean and free of dust and debris, the next thing to do is to tweak the screws. By adjusting the idle screw, the corrective measure is taken for when the chainsaw is idle.
When the chainsaw is unable to hit full power during the full throttle, it’s a good sign that your chainsaw is bogging down. Adjust the high-speed screw to remedy this issue.
Cleaning Tips
The goal when diagnosing issues with bogging down is to implement a quick fix and avoid any disassembly (like the carburetor). There are a couple of things that can be done to improve the performance of the chainsaw without the need for disassembly.
The first is to use a starting fluid. The starting fluid is meant to flush through the system, removing gunk from the jets. This can be a fantastic way to clean out the carburetor instead of having to rebuild it entirely. Confirm this by flushing water through your fuel tank to ensure that the flushing has worked.
Make sure to properly clean the fuel filters on a regular basis to prevent stalling. When the filters become worn down or clogged, you will have to replace them entirely. Filters should be relatively cheap to replace and can help to extend the life of the chainsaw, delivering better efficiency and keeping the chainsaw running with fewer issues.
If you have an old chainsaw that starts to sputter and stall out, consider replacing the carburetor. It may not be the most ideal of solutions, but a new carburetor should be able to deliver greater efficiency and new life to an old chainsaw.
Ryan Womeldorf has more than a decade of experience writing. He loves to blog about construction, plumbing, and other home topics. Ryan also loves hockey and a lifelong Buffalo sports fan.
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Why Briggs And Stratton Engine Bogs Down Under Load? Find out and Fix it!
At times you might get in trouble because of your riding lawn mower engine that bogs downs and prevent the mower from slicing the grass.
The problem is solved as the engine is set to rest for sometimes but again, when in use or accelerating the mowing, you might suffer the issue, but why? Is there any reliability issue with the mower? Or any part just broke down?
To know the reason, let’s check out the problems causing Briggs and Stratton’s engine bogs down under load to troubleshoot and fix easily.
Despite that, Briggs and Stratton on reliable engine performance, better fuel efficiency, low maintenance, and easy starting, there are cases when your engine bogs down under load, and that’s a devastating query to handle in the middle of mowing.
So, for that, we got you covered with the query-solving guide ensuring fixes to meet various users’ needs to fix the residential to commercial use equipment using the Briggs and Stratton engine.
Briggs And Stratton Engine Bogs Down Under Load- Quick Solution!
Briggs and Stratton engine bogs down under load and includes failed or limited fuel supply because of leaky gaps, low fuel, or excess air that cause the engine to stall. excess gas can also be the reason for the bog down of the engine.
In addition, a faulty, dirty spark plug or excess gap might also cause poor ignition leading the engine to bog down.
Overheating, blockage in a shroud, stick choke, or faulty electric solenoid causes Briggs And Stratton Engine problems making it bog down. To know in more detail, check out the guide!
What causes Briggs And Stratton Engine to Bog Down Under Load- Reason and Easy Fix!
To find the reason for your Briggs And Stratton Engine causing bogging Under Load, Let’s find out and do some repairs to fix the bog-down lawn mower. Check out the table to review at a glance!
| Problem | Reason | Cause | Fix |
| Engine bogs down under load | Excess airLeaky fuel line | losses bolts and nutsPoor atomization of fuel | Tighten the bolts and gapsSecure leaky junctions |
| Engine bogs down under load | Failed spark plug | High gap, dirty, or faulty | Reset, clean, and if worn out, replace it. |
| Engine bogs down under load | Low oil level | Overheating | Check the oil level |
| Engine bogs down under load | Overheating | Clogged cooling fans | Clean or replace if required |
| Engine bogs down under load | Overheating | Dirty or Clogged plastic shroud | Clean the shroud |
| Engine bogs down under load | Stick choke | Failed solenoid or dirt builds up | Replace the solenoid that is faulty or Clean the choke |
| Engine bogs down under load | Fuel restriction | Dirt built up or faulty parts | Clean and replace |
Check out the carburetor and fuel lines
At times with the engine components, gap formation lets the air in, causing excess air in the engine carburetor.
Experts suggest that an average gas-to-air ratio is required to run the engine efficiently but incase if either gas or air gets high in the chamber, the engine might stall and be unable to operate.
Their reason for excess air might be leaky gaps and spaces between components causing the air to enter. The gaps also widen because of the engine overheating, so you must troubleshoot and fix the issue immediately.
To fix the issue, check the carburetor or other internal components. Tighten the bolts, nuts, or site with lossy connected parts allowing excess air. Once tightened, the issue is resolved.
Check out Spark Plug
According to a report, it’s said that for briggs and stratton engine loses power due to under load might be because of the dirty spark; plus, that isn’t initiating good ignition for the mower to run.
Because of an adequate gap between the electrodes, the spark can’t reach the gasoline mix to let it ignite.
Another reason for spark plug failure might be dirt or carbon build-up, unable to initiate a spark for combustion, which is why it affects the engine’s performance and efficiency.
Sometimes damaged spark plugs may also be the reason for brigs and Stratton engines to bog down.
To fix the issue, you need first to try resetting the electrode gap, then go for cleaning the plugs, and at the end, if a broken spark plug is an issue, go with replacement parts.
Check Out Cooling Fans
If your briggs and stratton surging under load due to overloading, there might be an underneath cause of overheating that stops the mower from working or might regularize your work.
In the standard engine, heat dissipates when energy is generated, and heat is removed with cooling fans operational.
But during mower, the grass clippings cause the fans to block and prevent heat dissipation. So, what happens? The heat stays in the engine, causing overheating, mower gets under load and ends up bogging down.
Those clippings behave like an insulating barrier, so unless they aren’t removed, the problem persists. To know if overheating is the cause, check the mower engine; if it’s hotter than usual, try to stop the mower and check the cooling area; if you found grass clipping preventing heat dissipation, you got the cause.
Try to clean the fans and in case of worn out replace them. Once done, check the engine; hopefully, it won’t bog down. If still an issue, check out other reasons.
Check Out The Plastic Shroud
The shroud function as a protective element at the engine top, but what makes it enlisted here is that it can entrap the particulates or clippings, causing a blockage.
With a blocked shroud, some heat is again prevented from dissipating, causing the engine to heat up and bog down. If the problem persists without fixing, you might suffer an accidental burn, so what’s the fix?
To make the engine cooler stop it and find the shroud. (engine top) now clean it and remove the entrapped debris. After cleaning the shroud, the engine would run cooler without the casing big down.
Check out the Choke
If the issue persists after reviewing the previous problem, your choke might get stuck, causing the engine to stall and bogs down.
But how? Do you know that choke plays a pivotal role in dealing with engine power because, as a carburetor component, it is set to open and closed at desired gasoline rates to enable the engine to run efficiently?
On average, when the mower is set to start, the choke is off, providing rich fuel for a quick start-up, but once started, the coke is opened, and the fuel-air mixture lets the mower able to run, but what happens next? If the choke remains closed, there is a chance the mower bogs down and stalls, and that is where you need to FOCUS.
The reason can be dirt built up or not servicing over time, making the choke sticky. Therefore, try cleaning the choke to let the choke open and close generally as per the case.
Another reason includes failed solenoid because if it fails, it cannot handle the hoke function, causing choke failure. Try to check the electric solenoid; if worn out or faulty, replace it with a new one.
FAQs
Every engine requires a fixed gas-air ratio to ensure the proper running of the equipment, but if you opt for excess gas, there might be chances of the engine bogging down. The reason can be a bad fuel pump, faulty plugs, faulty ignition, camshaft/crankshaft sensor issue, and many others. Find the one causing trouble to your engine to fix it with ease. Mostly you require adequate maintenance or replacing the worn-out parts to let the engine work efficiently.
During mowing, there are chances your engine will lose power because if the engine isn’t maintained over a long period or clogged air filters, dirty spark plugs or filters, or in case of clipping and dirt building up, the engine can lose power more frequently. All you need is to check the faulty part or go with the maintenance of the equipment.
The engine in your lawnmower might not be able to run at full throttle or cause stalling during use; the reason can be a clogged air filter, blocked fuel filter, contaminated gas, faulty or dirty spark plug, excess or less engine oil, dirty or damaged plugged carburetor, clogged cutting deck or dull blade. Check out each problem to troubleshoot the exact cause and fix it.
Final Thoughts
To know who’s behind “Briggs and Stratton’s engine bogs down under load,” all you need is to check our handy guide, and we hope you found the culprit with the easy fix as enlisted.
Briggs and stator engines provide durable, robust, high-efficiency engines added to your lawn mower. Still, at times they might cause an issue because of underlying causes, so find it ad fix it to let the engine work with high performance and efficiency.
William Nathan specializes in landscaping and lawn care. He has years of experience of the management of the garden and national lawn by the use of mostly machinery and his hand experience. He enjoys delivering experience by words.
