How Does a Chainsaw Carburetor Work (And How to Tune One). Chainsaw tuning

How Does a Chainsaw Carburetor Work (And How to Tune One)

Understanding how your chainsaw works are essential for any Arborist. You can save time and money when diagnosing issues. In this article, we will look at a chainsaw’s carburetor.

What Is a Chainsaw Carburetor?

The carburetor of a chainsaw is relatively straightforward, but it still comes with its fair share of complications.

A carburetor’s job is to measure precise and small amounts of fuel. The carburetor will then mix the fuel with the air entering the engine. If this mixture isn’t perfect, the engine will run poorly.

A carburetor is a tube with an adjustable plate called the throttle plate. The throttle plate controls how much air can flow. A vacuum is generated at some point in the tube by a constriction known as the venturi. A hole in this constriction allows the vacuum to pull in fuel. This hole is named the Jet Hole.

At maximum throttle, the carburetor is working normally. The throttle plate in this example is parallel to the length of the tube, enabling optimal airflow into the carburetor. The airflow generates a good vacuum in the venturi. This vacuum sucks in a measured quantity of fuel via the jet.

The throttle plate is virtually closed when the engine is idle.

There isn’t enough air passing through the venturi to generate a vacuum. However, there is a strong vacuum on the rear side of the throttle plate since the throttle plate restricts airflow. You can pull fuel into the tube known as the idle jet by the throttle vacuum if a tiny hole is bored into the side of the carburetor’s tube.

When the engine is cold, and you try to start it with the pull-cord, it runs very low rpm. Because of this, the engine requires a very thick combination of fuel and air to start. This is when the choke plate enters the picture.

When the choke plate is engaged, it covers the venturi. The engine’s suction takes a lot of gasoline via the main jet and the idle jet when the venturi is covered. Typically, this extremely rich combination allows the engine to ignite just once or twice or to operate very slowly. When you remove the choke plate, the engine will restart properly.

What Carburetor Adjustments Are There?

On chainsaws and other two-cycle engines, carburetor adjustment is crucial.

A lean adjustment will also create insufficient power and is more likely to harm the engine due to lean seizure.

When the quantity of fuel in the combustible air/fuel combination is so high that the fuel does not burn effectively, an over-rich carburettor adjustment is made.

The power stroke is feeble because the burn does not generate much heat. The partly burnt mixture is ejected into the muffler and is expelled as smoke from the saw.

Over-rich conditions induce carbon accumulation and, if left unchecked for an extended length of time, will clog the fire screen and cylinder ports. Aside from carburetor modifications, this can be caused by too much oil in the fuel or old stale gasoline.

When the quantity of fuel in the combustible air/fuel combination is so low that there is insufficient fuel to burn, a lean carburetor adjustment is made.

This also results in a weak power stroke and inadequate power for the saw. Aside from insufficient power, a lean state causes the cylinder temperature to increase, frequently resulting in a seizure.

Excessive RPM is also permitted in a lean situation, which frequently results in large end rod bearing failure. Other reasons for a lean running state include a shortage of oil in the fuel mix and running out of gasoline.

Always bring a saw to a halt before the tank goes dry, and make sure you use the specified gasoline: oil combination ratio for your chainsaw.

How to Tune a Carburetor

Warm-up your saw by starting it and running it for a few minutes. Set your saw down, wait 30 seconds, take it up, tip it forward, handle up, and bar down.

Tighten the screw that says low-speed to lower the quantity of gasoline entering the carburetor if it starts to stall. If the idle saw “dogs,” release the Low-Speed Screw.

This increases the amount of gasoline that enters the carburetor. Then if the idle saw “flutters” while being revved, this is excellent, but if it “screams” while revved, this is negative. So, remember to listen!

Unscrew the High-Speed Screw and you’re all done if the chain remains stationary. If the chain spins around while idle, adjust the Idler Screw as needed to halt it, but don’t panic, this problem can be solved in seconds and is highly hazardous if not corrected.

Your owner’s handbook may warn you not to adjust the carburetor without a tachometer, which helps guarantee you don’t overheat the engine.

If you have a tachometer, that’s fantastic. If not, you may still tune the carburetor using the techniques outlined above, taking care not to over-rev the engine.

Now that you know all there is to about how a chainsaw carburetor works, its parts, and adjustments, you’re more than ready to use chainsaws for your DIY projects. Just make sure you are alert and aware while using one.

Hi, My name is Matt. As a profession, I have specialised in Arboriculture for more than seven years. I created this site to share my views on various aspects of trees to help beginners and semi-experts with pruning, planting, and cultivation of trees, shrubs, and woody plants and also their health assessments. I hope you find it useful.

How to Adjust a Carburetor On a STIHL Chainsaw: 4 Easy Steps

The carburetor is a very important component of STIHL chainsaws. This is because it regulates the fuel and air mixture that the chainsaw needs to run correctly. Adjusting the carburetor helps to ensure that the engine performs at an optimal level. It also decreases the

Improperly adjusting your carburetor can have terrible consequences. If there is too much air and not enough fuel, your engine may overheat and blow out. On the other hand, if there is too much fuel and an insufficient amount of air, the power output will reduce due to incomplete combustion.

recently produced STIHL chainsaws have an M-tronic engine management system that eliminates the need for carburetors. However, there are still many STIHL models on the market that require you to manually adjust the carburetor.

In this article, I will go over the step-by-step procedure for making a STIHL chainsaw carburetor adjustment. Keep reading to learn more about it.

Pre-adjustment preparation

There are a few things that you’ll need to do before adjusting the carburetor to ensure that you get the best results.

First, you will need to check the air filter to see if it is dirty or clogged. The air filter is responsible for cleaning the air that flows to the carburetor, so it needs to be clean and in good condition. Take out the air filter cover by turning the knob counterclockwise and lifting it off.

If the air filter is dirty, clean it with soapy water and let it dry. Alternatively, you can use compressed air to clean it. However, if it is already clean, proceed to inspect the spark plugs. However, if the filter is damaged, thus restricting airflow to the carburetor, just take it out and put in a new one.

Second, check the spark plugs to ensure that they are not dirty or worn out. This is because it will be difficult to fire up the chainsaw with dirty or faulty spark plugs. Clean them using an old toothbrush if they are just dirty and not damaged. Replace them with new ones if they are damaged.

Next, you’ll need to warm up your engine. Rev it up for a few minutes to ensure that the carburetor is operating at the correct temperature. This will provide a more accurate baseline for adjustment.

Ensure your air filter is on and the bar and chain are on. Warm up your machine outside or in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, put on some ear muffs as a safety precaution.

The last thing you’ll need to do before adjusting your carburetor is to identify the carburetor adjustment screws. STIHL chainsaws typically include three carburetor adjustment screws:

The idle speed adjustment screw controls the speed of your chainsaw when it is idle. It does this by regulating the air-fuel mixture that is delivered to the carburetor. This screw should be adjusted to the point where the chainsaw does not turn off but also does not rotate too quickly to cause injury.

The low-speed adjustment screw, usually marked L, adjusts the fuel-air mixture when the chainsaw is set at idle. When it is loose, the chainsaw can rapidly lose power and shut off.

On the other hand, when it is tightened, your chainsaw will respond instantly when you pull the trigger, and it will go up to maximum RPM without bogging. However, the engine might stop if this screw is overtightened.

The high-speed screw regulates the air-fuel mixture when you’re operating the chainsaw at high RPMs. The more you screw it in, the faster the chain goes, and the reverse is also true. However, turning this screw too far in might cause the engine to blow.

How to Adjust a Carburetor on a STIHL Chainsaw

If you’ve already carried out the pre-adjustment preparation, then you can proceed to adjust the STIHL chainsaw carburetor. It involves fine-tuning three screws: idle, low adjustment, and high adjustment. Here are the steps to adjust your STIHL chainsaw carburetor:

Step 1: Determine the Carburetor Type

You will first need to determine the type of carburetor your machine has before adjusting it. I usually do this by turning the “L” screw in a clockwise direction. If it completes one revolution, then your machine has a Type A carburetor. However, if it goes below that, your machine has a Type B carburetor.

Step 2: Adjust the High-Speed Screw

To adjust the high-speed screw, you will need a flathead screwdriver. Start by turning the screw counterclockwise until it stops. This helps open the carburetor so more fuel can get into the engine. Some STIHL chainsaws have a limiter cap that prevents you from overturning the screw.

Next, turn on your chainsaw and allow it to run. Now listen to the sound to determine when it reaches the maximum RPM. A high-pitched sound should indicate this. The chainsaw also runs the smoothest at this point. Alternatively, you can place a digital tachometer over the spark plug, and it will give you the RPM value.

If you don’t hear this sound, turn the screw counterclockwise until you can find the point where the RPM value is highest. If it is over revving, then you can just turn this screw in until you find the sweet spot.

Step 3: Adjust the Low-Speed Screw

To adjust the low-speed screw, turn it counterclockwise using a flathead screwdriver until it stops. As I mentioned above, this enables more fuel to get into the engine by opening the carburetor.

Next, turn the screw in the clockwise direction until you hear the engine running smoothly while the chainsaw is idling.

If the engine continues to sound rough, turn the screw counterclockwise again and mark the point where it runs the smoothest. Once you’ve determined this point, turn the screw clockwise (to reduce fuel intake) just until the engine begins to run a little bit rougher again. This is the optimum point for idle speed and acceleration.

Step 4: Adjust the Idle-Speed Screw

Lastly, fire up your chainsaw and allow it to warm for a few minutes before turning the “LA” screw by a quarter rotation to halt the chain.

Fine-Tuning and Testing

I always fine-tune and test my chainsaw after adjusting the carburetor to help it achieve peak performance and prevent wastage of fuel. Here’s what you can do to improve yours.

Adjust the low-speed screw by turning it gradually while observing the chainsaw’s acceleration. Continue adjusting until you find a sweet spot where the saw does not stall when idling but also accelerates smoothly once you pull the trigger.

After you’ve found the perfect low-speed setting, move on to the high-speed screw. Similarly, make minor adjustments by turning the screw gradually clockwise and counterclockwise while observing the saw.

Find a point where the engine revs properly at the maximum RPM. If you notice any smoke, then this may be an indication that your chainsaw is overheating. You may need to tighten your high-speed screw for more fuel to be allowed into the engine.

Test the saw by cutting wood to see if it has enough power or if you need to adjust the carburetor. Finally, if the chainsaw makes unusual noises, then one of your components might be worn out or damaged. The problem might not be an improperly adjusted carburetor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tools Do I Need to Adjust a STIHL Chainsaw Carburetor?

You will need a flathead screwdriver for turning the screw, a digital tachometer for reading the RPM, and a flat working surface.

STIHL’S OFFICIAL 2 STROKE CARB TUNING PROCEDURE.

How do you adjust the H and L screws on a STIHL chainsaw?

A flathead screwdriver is required to adjust the high-speed and low-speed screws on a STIHL chainsaw. Turn them counterclockwise to allow more fuel into the engine and clockwise to decrease the fuel intake.

Episode 43: CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT SCREWS on 2-Stroke. (How it actually Work Inside)

What is the LA adjustment on a STIHL?

It is the idle adjustment screw on STIHL chainsaws. Its main function is to regulate the fuel-air mixture when the chainsaw is idling.

Final Verdict

STIHL chainsaw carburetor adjustment is important if you want your machine to perform at its peak. In addition, it minimizes the chances of an idle chainsaw injuring you. If you follow the steps I have outlined in this article, you should have an easy time adjusting your saw.

Always remember to put on the right safety gear before you start adjusting your carburetor. Once you’re done, test the chainsaw and fine-tune the adjustments if necessary.

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How To Adjust A Poulan Chainsaw Carburetor – Easy And Quick

Sitting here at my work desk, I thought about customers’ most common questions regarding their Poulan chainsaws. The most common question I have been asked lately was how to adjust the carburetor on a Poulan chainsaw.

The adjustment procedure of a Poulan chainsaw is fairly easy and straightforward. However, Poulan chainsaws require a special adjustment tool that has splined teeth to set correctly. These tools are readily available on Amazon and are always in stock. You need these tools to properly do a Poulan chainsaw carburetor adjustment. Before you begin the adjustment procedure start with fresh gasoline with the proper fuel and oil ratio. Old improperly mixed fuel can cause a chainsaw to run erratically affecting your adjustments.

The special carburetor adjustment tool for a Poulan chainsaw can be purchased HERE ON AMAZON.

The low-speed screw and high-speed screws need to be set at baseline to adjust a Poulan chainsaw carburetor. This is achieved by setting the low speed (marked L on carburetor) and high-speed (marked H on carburetor) jets open 1.5 turns from completely closed.

Once the baseline is set, adjust the low-speed screw until the chain stops turning at idle while the throttle remains responsive. Now adjust the high-speed screw to achieve maximum permissible RPMs at full throttle.

A Poulan chainsaw carburetor is much easier to adjust if you have access to a Tachometer. The operating range of most Poulan chainsaws to idle is 2800 – 3400 RPMs, and full-throttle is 12000 – 12500 RPMs.

Note: Different model Poulan chainsaws have different operating specifications in regards to idle speed and maximum allowed RPMs. Please refer to your specific Poulan chainsaw’s owners manual for your chainsaw’s specifications.

When adjusting your chainsaw, be sure not to exceed the maximum allowed speed of idle and high-speed RPMs, as doing so can permanently damage your chainsaw. If your engine idles too fast the chain will keep turning and can result in injury.

Adjusting A Poulan Chainsaw’s Carburetor

A dirty air filter, bad fuel, or fouled spark plug will affect how your chainsaw engine runs. To get a true adjustment of the carburetor, all other options need to be in correct working order.

Now that you have the air filter clean, fresh fuel, and a good spark plug, you are ready to adjust the carburetor of your Poulan chainsaw.

Step 1. Seat the low and high speed jets closed

Using the special adjustment tool, seat both the low-speed (marked L on carburetor) and high-speed (marked H on carburetor) all the way closed. This is done by turning both jets clockwise until they stop.

Step 2. Open the low and high speed jets 1.5 turns

Using the special adjustment tool, open both the low-speed jet (marked L on carburetor) and high-speed jet (marked H on carburetor) 1.5 turns from closed.

Step 3. Start chainsaw and adjust the low-speed jet until chain halts

Using the special adjustment tool, adjust the low-speed (marked L on carburetor) to the point where the chain stops turning while the throttle remains responsive.

Step 4. Adjust the high-speed jet to achieve maximum allowed RPMs

Using the special adjustment tool, adjust the high-speed jet (marked H on carburetor) to the point where the engine archives maximum allowed RPMs as indicated in the owner’s manual. (NEVER EXCEED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED RPMs FOR YOUR CHAINSAW; DOING SO CAN DAMAGE THE CHAINSAWS ENGINE)

Step 5. Optional – If needed, adjust the idle screw until the chain stops moving.

In some cases, it is necessary to adjust the idle speed screw, (marked T on the chainsaw cover), until the chain halts turning. If the idle is set too high the chain will continue to move by itself. If the idle is set to low the chainsaw will not idle and will die.

How do you adjust the idle speed on a chainsaw?

The idle of a chainsaw is affected by two different adjustments of the carburetor. The low-speed jet and the T-screw, (idle screw), both have an impact on the idling of the chainsaw.

When adjusting the low-speed jet of the carburetor of a Poulan chainsaw start with the low-speed jet open 1.5 turns from closed. Once the saw is running adjust the low-speed jet so that the chain stops or is as close to stopping as possible while still having a responsive throttle.

If you are not able to get the chain to stop completely at idle by adjusting the low-speed jet you will need to adjust the T-Screw (idle screw).

Turn the T-screw counterclockwise to slow the speed of the engine until the chain stops completely.

If you turn the idle screw too far counterclockwise the chainsaw will die, so make sure you turn it just far enough for the chain to stop turning.

Congratulations! You have successfully adjusted the idle speed of your chainsaw.

What are the L and H screws on chainsaw?

The L and H adjustment screws on your chainsaw are for low-speed and high-speed carburetor adjustments. These screws directly affect carburetor function during the adjustment process and can cause an engine to run inefficiently if improperly set.

The L screw controls the air-fuel mixture of the low end of the chainsaw’s throttle response. The low end is when the trigger is first pulled.

The H screw controls the air-fuel mixture of the high end of the chainsaw’s throttle response. The high end is when the chainsaw’s engine speed is topped out.

Adjusting the Low and High screws controls the chainsaws’ throttle response, (low end), and high-end engine RPMs.

It’s tempting to turn the L and H screws to make the chainsaw be as responsive and as fast as possible. However, this should not be done. If you set your chainsaw too lean and fast it can destroy your chainsaw’s engine.

NEVER SET THE SPEED OF YOUR CHAINSAW’S ENGINE ABOVE THE MANUFACTURES SPECIFICATIONS. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR OWNER MANUAL FOR THE CORRECT RPMS.

Why does my chainsaw die when I give it gas?

A stalling chainsaw engine can be caused by a few different scenarios. However, the most common cause is an incorrectly adjusted carburetor.

If a chainsaw dies when the throttle is engaged it indicates the fuel mixture is too rich on the low end. The low-speed jet is supplying too much fuel and not enough air. The chainsaw cant combust all of the fuel and the engine will stall. In this case, the low-speed screw will need to be leaned out (turned counterclockwise).

NOTE: NEVER SET YOUR CHAINSAW’S ENGINE TO OPERATE BEYOND THAT OF THE MANUFACTURES SPECIFICATIONS. DOING SO CAN DAMAGE YOUR CHAINSAW’S ENGINE.

Another reason could be a clogged carburetor or bad fuel.

If the carburetor is clogged it will need to be cleaned.

In the case of bad fuel, the tank will need to be drained and fresh full added to the unit.

Wrapping Up

Adjusting the carburetor of a Poulan chainsaw can be done by just about anyone.

However, you will need a special adjustment tool to turn the adjustment screws. The good news is these tools are readily available online.

When adjusting the carburetor of a Poulan chainsaw the low-speed and high-speed jet screws need to be set at baseline. This is achieved by setting the low speed (marked L on carburetor) and high-speed (marked H on carburetor) jets open 1.5 turns from completely closed.

Once the baseline is set, adjust the low-speed jet until the chain stops turning at idle while the throttle remains responsive. Now adjust the high-speed jet to achieve maximum permissible RPMs at full throttle.

Never exceed the specifications of the chainsaw manufactures maximum RPMs, doing so can damage your chainsaw.

You did it! Remember to be safe and wear your long pants, safety glasses, and leather gloves for protection.

I have been part of the chainsaw and outdoor power equipment business in one way or the other for over 35 years. There are not many things that I have not seen in the business. From repairs, sales, equipment operation, and safety I can help you with your questions.

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How To Tune Up A Chainsaw? A Comprehensive Guide 2023

Before we head into how to tune up a chainsaw, understand that regular care extends the life of your chainsaw, maintains its efficient performance, and ensures your safety while operating it.

When you are tuning the chainsaw, the chainsaw chain, chainsaw filters, chainsaw carburetor, and chainsaw sparkplug are the essential parts you will clean up. For tuning up the chainsaw, get all the necessary tools and start inspecting these parts one after the other. If they are dirty, clean them up, and if they are damaged, replace them on priority. Lastly, don’t forget to sharpen and lubricate the chainsaw chain.

To keep the chainsaw running well for a long time, cleaning it and tuning it up must be part of chainsaw maintenance. Your presence here reveals that you don’t know how to tune up a chainsaw, so let’s look over this guide and learn how to take care of your tool.

How To Tune Up A Chainsaw?

The chainsaw tune-ups are easier, and you can perform them whether you are a beginner. If you do not know how to tune up a chainsaw, let’s walk through this step-by-step guide and learn the right way to tune up the chainsaw.

Step 1: Selection And Use Of The Right Tools

While tuning the chainsaw, you will deal with the entire chain, including all its major components. Therefore, you must have the complete toolkit near you while you are working. If you need to know what the toolkit includes, below is the necessary tool the kit must include:

• Screwdrivers
• Shop rage
• An adjustable wrench
• The feeler gauge
• Flat file for chainsaw chain sharpening
• The carburetor cleaner liquid

When the chainsaw parts get seriously damaged, you may have to replace them. For that, you must have the standard tune-up kit, which includes the following:

You buy these toolkits either from the local dealer or online. You may need either one hour or more to tune up the chainsaw, depending on your experience.

Step 2: Assessing The Park Plug

Start the procedure by checking the spark plug. But, before you access the chainsaw, ensure that the engine is cool and resting on a flat working surface. For inspecting the spark plug, you may have to remove and use the wrench for this purpose.

Remember that the chainsaw spark plug is located close to the engine and easily visible outside. Inspect the terminals of the chainsaw and observe if it is damaged. Always use the dry rag for cleaning the electrodes if there is any buildup. Then, reinstall the chainsaw spark plug after cleaning it if it is not damaged.

Replacement Of The Chainsaw Spark Plug

The replacement of the chainsaw spark plug depends on how damaged it is. Many chainsaw owners replace the spark plug every time they tune up the chainsaw, but that is unnecessary. You may have to replace the spark plug after 6 months of use if it got damaged, but you may use it for six years if it is not damaged. So, it depends.

You can use the feeler gauge to check the gap between the electrodes of the sparkplug. The gap must be 0.02 inches or 0.5 mm. Also, you can check this gap with the thickness of your nail. You need to adjust if this gap is too large or too narrow.

Suppose the spark plug is dirt clean it by using the metallic brush. But, if you find any significant damage to the spark plug, you should consider replacing it on a priority basis.

Step 3: Checking The Air And Fuel Filters

Once you have examined the chainsaw spark plug, the chainsaw air and fuel filter are next. Check and ensure that the filters are clean. To access the chainsaw filters, remove the outer cover. As the filter is a plastic mesh, you must handle it carefully once you have removed it.

When cleaning the foam air filter, scrub it first with the help of the wire brush and then wash it with soap and water to remove the debris deposits. Due to the usage, the fabric can become damaged. If the same is true with you, replacing the filter would be far better.

But, if you are using the paper filter and it has become dirty, replace it. If it gets damaged, there is no option other than to replace it.

You can find the fuel filter in the fuel tank. So, if you are replacing the fuel filter, it would be far better to drain the gasoline out of your tank. Use the metallic wire to remove the fuel filter. The metallic wire should be hooked at one end, as it would help remove the fuel filter connected to the fuel line’s inlet. After removing the filter, install the new same version in its place carefully.

When You Need To Replace The Filter

If you operate the chainsaw regularly, it would be far better to replace the filters annually. But, if you operate the chainsaw occasionally, you can use the filters for three to four seasons easily. But, for industrial usage, you may need to replace the filter every other month.

Step 4: Servicing The Chainsaw Carburetor

Servicing the chainsaw carburetor is one of the crucial steps you can never ignore while tuning the chainsaw. When the chainsaw doesn’t start or bogs down after starting, the problem can be fixed by either cleaning or replacing the chainsaw carburetor.

Below, I have outlined the step-by-step procedure on how to tune the carburetor:

i. Accessing The Chainsaw Carburetor

Before starting the procedure, drain the fuel from the chainsaw and remove the filter to reach the carburetor. Also, unscrew the 8mm bolts to remove the filter assembly completely. After removing the whole assembly, you can see the carburetor assembly resting below the filter assembly.

ii. Removing The Chainsaw Carburetor

To remove the carburetor, remove the fuel lines and ensure that the fuel tank is empty. After that, disconnect the throttle and the choke links. Now, you can pull out the carburetor easily.

iii. Cleaning The Chainsaw Carburetor

Spray the carburetor cleaner on the holes and jets of the chainsaw carburetor. If any holes are clogged, the fluid will come out of the other hole. If possible, use the compressed air to unclog the blocked ways and clean them completely. So, it was how to tune a carb.

Step 5: Maintaining The Chainsaw Chain

The chainsaw chain plays a key role in determining how well the chainsaw will perform. Therefore, don’t forget to sharpen and lubricate the chainsaw chain when maintaining and tuning the other parts. You will follow this step for all the chainsaws even though whether they are gas-powered or electric.

To sharpen the chainsaw chain, follow these steps:

i. Setting The Chainsaw Guide Bar

Adjust the chainsaw guide bar the bench-wise and then ensure that the thickness of the chainsaw guide bar has been adjusted between the wise fixtures, as you can see the cutting teeth from the top. When the chainsaw chain is fixed, it should easily move in the guide bar’s groove.

ii. Filing The Chainsaw Cutting Teeth

You can easily sharpen the chainsaw chain with a round file. Set the file in the file guide and press it at the top surface of the tooth at 30 degrees. By applying strong pressure, start moving the file across the cutter. Always do the filing in one direction to get the targeted result.

Moving the file in forward and backward directions could be damaging. Once you have done with the first tooth, move to the next one and sharpen it similarly. You will follow the same procedure until all the chainsaw teeth do not get sharp.

iii. Adjustment Of The Depth Gauges

Many of the chainsaw owners forget the depth gauges while filing the chainsaw. Consequently, the chainsaw fails to cut as it used to. So, whenever you file the chainsaw teeth, it is crucial to adjust the depth gauges.

You can use the flat file and the depth gauge guide tool to adjust the height of the depth gauges. Always ensure that the top surface of the depth gauge has been leveled according to the depth guide tool. Repeat the same procedure for the remaining depth gauges.

iv. Oiling The Chainsaw Chain

The chainsaw bar and chain oil are used as the lubricant. When you are tuning the chainsaw, ensure that the oil reservoir has enough amount of lubricant. The experts suggest using the petroleum-based chainsaw bar and chain oil.

In addition to checking and adding the lubricant, don’t forget to clean the bar grooves and the oil holes. As if they are blocked, the chainsaw and bar will not be lubricated even if the oil tank is full.

Take the chainsaw guide bar and pass the metallic wire through the rails to make them clean. In the same way, pass the wire through oil holes. Cleaning this way ensures that the chainsaw chain will run freely in the bar groove.

What Does The Chainsaw Tune-Up Include?

The chainsaw tune-up includes sharpening and lubricating the chainsaw chain and inspecting the filters and spark plug. Also, cleaning and replacing them per the needs is part of regular maintenance. Besides, the cleaning and adjustment of the chainsaw carburetor are necessary for chainsaw maintenance.

If you are thinking about why it is so crucial to tune up the chainsaw, remember that it is necessary for the optimization of the chainsaw’s performance. The chainsaw tune-up includes all the major parts of the chainsaw, like filters, chain, carburetor, and spark plug.

If your chainsaw has a separate oil reservoir, then change the chainsaw engine. But you may have to check it frequently. It is because; any of these four parts is always involved whenever you face any issue while operating the chainsaw.

How frequently you must tune up the chainsaw depends on how you operate the chainsaw. If you are a professional, you must tune up the chainsaw after a few months. If you run the chainsaw occasionally, then tune up the chainsaw at least once a year, which would be sufficient.

i. Chainsaw Carburetor

The chainsaw carburetor is responsible for mixing the fuel and air, then transporting them to the chainsaw engine. Also, the oil-to-fuel mixture composition decides how the chainsaw engine will run. For instance, if you are using the lean air-fuel mixture chainsaw will run at higher RPMs.

The stale gas can clog up the chainsaw carburetor very quickly. The gas blocks the jets, affecting the air/fuel flow. Consequently, the mixture gets disturbed. In this scenario, the tune-up seems the only way to optimize the chainsaw performance.

ii. Chainsaw Spark Plug

The purpose of the spark plug is to ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the chainsaw engine. But the electrodes of the chainsaw spark plug can get covered with the ash from the fuel combustion.

Besides, the chainsaw spark plug electrodes can get oil because of the lean fuel. The plug may not ignite the fuel and significantly affect the chainsaw’s performance.

iii. Chainsaw Filters

The purpose of chainsaw air and fuel filters is to ensure that no outside particle enters the chainsaw. The air filter collects the air from outside and later separates the dust or other particles.

With time, the dust and other particles’ buildup blocks the airflow and disturbs the mixture’s composition. You may also face the same situation if the fuel filter gets plugged in because of the fuel deposits.

iv. Chainsaw Chain

The chainsaw chain is involved in the cutting and gets damaged the most. The chainsaw chain teeth get dull after long hours, especially if you use the chainsaw for cutting hardwood. In such scenarios, the chainsaw chain sharpening and lubrication become crucial and guarantee smooth cutting operations.

Chainsaw Maintenance: Tips From The Experts

You want to take care of your chainsaw, but how to ensure that you are doing it rightly? Below I have outlined the daily, weekly, and monthly chainsaw maintenance routine. You can follow up with them to ensure that you are not missing anything important.

i. Testing The Trigger

Checking the throttle trigger before each use is crucial for smoothly operating the chainsaw. You must visit the service center if the trigger sticks or the chainsaw engine does not return to idle when you release the trigger.

ii. Keeping The Filter Clean

It is equally important to check the chainsaw air filter before operating it every single time. If you find the filter dirty, lean it and let it dry before reinserting the air filter into the chainsaw. But, if the filter is extremely dirty or damaged, it would be better to replace it.

iii. Monitoring The Safety Features

Throttle trigger lockout and chain brake are the crucial safety features of chainsaws, and you must monitor them. Always keep the chainsaw chain brake clean for safe working, and check the chain catcher for any damage. If you find it broken, replace it without any delay.

iv. Rotating The Bar

When you are going to cut the wood, don’t forget to rotate the chainsaw guide bar. Clean the chainsaw bar grooves first to prevent excessive wear. Also, it is suggested to check the lubrication holes to ensure they are not clogged. It is important because they can get damaged if the chainsaw chain and bar don’t get enough lubrication.

v. Checking The Sprocket

Check the sprocket, and if you find them damaged, replace them. Check the chainsaw chain carefully; replace it if it has gone damaged. Also, check the chainsaw chain tension; if it is loose, adjust it.

To sharpen the chainsaw chain, selecting the right-sized file is crucial. So, if you don’t know what size file you need for chainsaw chain sharpening, it is better to check the owner’s manual.

vi. Tightening The Loose Parts

When the chainsaw runs, it creates intensive vibrations that can loosen the chainsaw nuts, bolts, or many other parts. So, inspect the tool carefully, and if you find any of the bolts loose, tighten them.

vii. Spoiling The Starter

If the starter and starter cord is damaged, you must take the chainsaw for service. Also, clean the air intake slots, which you can find closer to the starter housing.

Besides that, testing the chainsaw emergency stop button should be part of your daily chainsaw maintenance. It ensures that your tool is working perfectly. Shut off the chainsaw engine quickly.

Chainsaw Weekly Maintenance: Tips And Tricks

The following are the practices you must follow every week:

i. Checking The Anti-Vibration Damage

Inspect the anti-vibration elements to ensure they are not getting soft or damaged.

ii. Inspecting The Chainsaw Bar

Remove the chainsaw chain. Run the fingers around the chainsaw bar’s edges to check for burrs. If there are any, file them till they become smooth.

iii. Lubrication Of The Clutch

Lubrication of the clutch drum bearings is crucial. It will elongate your tool’s life and improve the chainsaw clutch‘s performance.

iv. Study The Starter

Cleaning the flywheel fins every week is important for maintaining your chainsaw. Also, check and ensure that the recoil spring is working perfectly.

v. Wiping The Fins

The fins are located on the cylinder; check them and ensure they are clean. Also, it will help in heat distribution and keep your tool cool.

vi. Checking The Plugs

After removing the spark plug, clean it. Also, check and ensure the spark plug gap is 0.5 mm, and if necessary, then replace the spark plug.

vii. Cleaning The Carburetor

Cleaning the carburetor and air box is important. Check the screen in the chainsaw’s muffler and clean it; if necessary, replace it.

Chainsaw Monthly Maintenance: Tips And Tricks

The following are the tips that you need to follow while maintaining the chainsaw every month:

i. Checking The Chain Brake Band

After removing the plastic cover of the chainsaw bar and chain, inspect the chainsaw chain brake Band. It is the thin metallic Band that wraps around in the circle around the clutch drum.

Ensure that there are no cracks or weak spots on the Band, specifically where it has been attached to the mechanism near the front side of the chainsaw. If the brake Band breaks up, then you must replace it.

ii. Checking The Fuel Filter

Checking the fuel filter and keeping it clean monthly is crucial. If it is damaged, replace it. Also, clean off the outside of the chainsaw carburetor.

iii. Examine The Clutch

When you have removed the clutch cover, inspect the clutch carefully. Inspect any damage on the clutch, spring, and drum’s central part.

iv. Survey The Wiring

Furthermore, check all the cables, wiring, plugs, and everything else accessible to ensure everything is connected perfectly.

v. Cleaning The Tanks

Now, clean out the inside of the fuel tank. If you leave the old gasoline in the fuel tank, it can become sticky, which would not be good for the chainsaw engine. Also, if you take a few minutes to clean the oil tank, that would be the best.

Chainsaw Carburetor: Structure And Why It Needs Tuning

The Chainsaw carburetor is a crucial part of your chainsaw, which helps the engines ignite the fuel by mixing the fuel and air. When a massive amount of air gets in and mixed with fuel, it gets clogged with carbon.

Consequently, the chainsaw fails to get the needed amount of power. Also, a lot of smoke is produced in these situations because carbon is accumulated. Therefore, you must tune up the chainsaw carburetor for the perfect working of your tool.

For the proper adjustment, you should learn about the different parts of the chainsaw carburetor. If you don’t know how to adjust the carburetor on a chainsaw, the following are the screws you will be using to make the needed adjustments:

Idle Speed Of Chainsaw

The idle screw decides the extent to which the throttle valve needs to open. The valve is like a butterfly in shape, known as throttle speed. The screw works with the release of the throttle trigger.

Always adjust the optimum limits. If you set the idle speed too low, the chainsaw engine will die soon. If it is set at high speed, the chainsaw chain will start running due to the centrifugal clutch.

Low Speed Of Chainsaw

The low-speed screw decides how much air will be mixed with the fuel. The chainsaw engine starves at a low level and may cause a surge. The chainsaw engine can die at the high settings because of the load up.

High Speed Of Chainsaw

The high-speed adjustment mixes the air and fuel. Also, the screw controls the cutting speed. It is a critical adjustment if you are operating a battery-powered chainsaw. If you have set this adjustment at normal, the chainsaw will run at the optimum RPM.

If this adjustment is too high, the chainsaw will not get the needed RPM level to provide the power. If it is a lo2, you will put your chainsaw at risk of bearing failure and cylinder seizure.

How To Tune Up A Chainsaw: Frequently Asked Question

The following are the few questions that newbie chainsaw users frequently ask; let’s look at them.

How Often Should I Tune Up The Chainsaw?

Tuning the chainsaw must be part of your normal chainsaw maintenance. If you don’t maintain the chainsaw regularly, you may need to tune up the chainsaw monthly. Also, how long you need to tune up the chainsaw depends on how frequently you use the chainsaw.

Which Is The Proper Fuel To Oil Mix For The Chainsaw?

The recommended fuel-to-oil ratio for most modern chainsaws is 50:1. But for many chainsaws 40:1 fuel-oil ratio has also been recommended.

How Long Should A Chainsaw Last?

The best quality chainsaws can last for 10 years or more, depending on various factors. You can extend the life of your tool if you take special care of it. Many people have used their chainsaws for more than 30 years.

Conclusion: How To Tune Up A Chainsaw

It is crucial to know how to tune up a chainsaw to operate it efficiently and trouble-free. The chainsaw chain, spark plug, carburetor, and filters (air and fuel) are the components you need to clean when tuning the chainsaw. If any of these components has gone damaged, you will replace them. Also, sharpen the chainsaw chain teeth, adjust the height of the depth gauges, and lubricate it.

Unlike the hand-operated saw, the chainsaw needs your attention and regular maintenance. Therefore, you must tune up the chainsaws to get your tools back to their optimum performance.