Why Does My Husqvarna Chainsaw Stall?

When your Husqvarna chainsaw stalls, the frustration can be almost unbearable. Nothing can ruin a job like having your chainsaw given out during the day’s work.

Stalling in a chainsaw is a term used to describe when the engine loses power or stops completely due to an interruption in the fuel supply or other issues. It can happen when the saw is used for cutting, or when the engine is idling.

When it comes to chainsaws, stalling is more than just a nuisance. It can be dangerous, too. Chainsaws can kick back, causing severe injury.

Therefore, identifying the problem and taking the necessary steps to fix it is crucial. Here we’ll explore the various reasons your Husqvarna may be stalling and how to fix it.

11 Reasons Why Husqvarna Chainsaw Stalls & Their Solutions

Many Husqvarna chainsaw owners have experienced this issue at one point or another. Fortunately, with a bit of detective work and the help of a qualified technician, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

To help you out, here are common reasons why your Husqvarna chainsaw might be stalling.

1. Clogged Air Filter

A clogged air filter in a Husqvarna Chainsaw is a common problem that can cause the saw to stall and lose power.

The air filter is responsible for keeping dirt and debris from entering the carburetor and engine. Clogged air filters restrict airflow to the carburetor, resulting in lean running and eventually stalling of the saw.

Solution:

1. Start by turning the chainsaw off and disconnecting the spark plug boot.

2. Remove the air filter cover and take out the air filter.

3. Inspect your air filter and look for any buildup of dirt or debris. If there is any debris, clean the filter using a soft-bristle brush and warm, soapy water.

4. Rinse the filter with clean water and allow it to dry completely before reinstalling it.

5. Reinstall the air filter and air filter cover.

6. Reconnect the spark plug boot, turn the chainsaw on, and test it.

2. Old or dirty fuel

A Husqvarna chainsaw can suffer from old or dirty fuel problems that may cause the chainsaw to stall. This is typically caused by not changing the fuel regularly, allowing it to get old and break down over time. 

Old fuel can cause the engine to misfire, leading to stalling. This can be caused by fuel that has been sitting in the tank for more than 30 days, allowing the fuel to become stale and clog the fuel system.

Dirty fuel can also lead to stalling, as dirt, water, and other debris can clog the fuel system and cause the saw to misfire. Typically, this occurs when storing the fuel in an unclean container, such as a dirty gas can, or by not draining the fuel tank before storing the chainsaw.

Solution:

To solve this problem, fresh and high-quality fuel must be provided. Check the expiration date of the fuel, and replace it if it is out of date. It is also important to make sure that the fuel is properly mixed with the correct ratio of oil and gasoline.

Also, regularly check and clean the air filter and spark plug, as these can get clogged up with dirt and debris and can also cause stalling.

If air filters and spark plugs are clogged, they will not be able to provide sufficient air and spark needed for the engine to run properly. 

The last piece of advice is to keep your gasoline tank clean and debris-free. Fuel contamination will be prevented and the engine will run more smoothly as a result.

3. Incorrect Choke Setting

An incorrect choke setting on Husqvarna chainsaws may result in the engine stalling. This is because the choke restricts the amount of air flowing into the engine, so when the engine is cold, the choke needs to be partially engaged to allow the cylinder to receive more fuel. 

If the choke is not released once the engine is warm, the engine will not get enough air to continue running. 

Solution:

To resolve this issue, the choke must be released after the engine has warmed up to ensure it is receiving enough air to keep operating. 

Without releasing the choke when it is warm, it will continue to stall and may cause damage to the engine if it is left for an extended period. Regular inspection of the choke setting is essential to ensure the engine does not stall.

4. Plugged cooling system

The cooling system of a Husqvarna chainsaw is integral to its proper operations and can be the cause of stalling if it becomes plugged. 

The cooling system consists of the flywheel pawls, coolant fins on the cylinder, and the starter’s air intake. If the cooling system becomes clogged with dirt or debris, the engine may overheat and shut down, causing the chainsaw to stall.

Solution:

This issue can be resolved by removing the spark plug needs to be removed first, and the engine should be allowed to cool. 

The engine cover must then be taken off and the area surrounding the exterior of the cylinder needs to be cleaned, as well as the cylinder cooling fins and any other places where air passes through the chainsaw. 

After cleaning, the engine cover should be put back on, and the chainsaw’s exterior should be cleaned, paying particular attention to the air intake on the starter. In this way, the cooling system should be unplugged and the Husqvarna chainsaw should operate properly.

5. Plugged Spark Arrestor

The spark arrestor, also known as a spark screen, is a small device located within the engine body of the chainsaw. It prevents sparks from exiting the exhaust and potentially setting fire to nearby materials.

Over time, carbon can build up on the spark arrestor from the combustion process. This buildup can restrict the airflow of the exhaust, which can lead to stalling. To prevent this, the spark arrestor should be regularly inspected and cleaned as necessary.

Solution:

To begin, it is necessary to remove the spark arrestor from a chainsaw. This can be done by unscrewing the spark arrestor cover and gently removing the spark arrestor.

Once it is removed, you can use a metal brush to clean any carbon buildup from the screen. Make sure that you brush away any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.

Once the spark arrestor is clean, it can be reinstalled back into the chainsaw. You should also run the chainsaw at full power for a few minutes occasionally to prevent carbon from rapidly accumulating inside it.

6. Plugged Fuel Filter

A plug-filled fuel filter can cause stalling and other mechanical problems in the chainsaw. The fuel filter is a small, cylinder-shaped component located inside the fuel tank.

It is responsible for trapping particles and preventing dirt from entering the engine and causing damage. 

Over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt and debris, making it difficult for the carburetor to receive enough fuel.

Solution:

Changing the fuel filter on your chainsaw is a simple task that can make a significant difference in the performance of your saw. Here are the steps to changing the filter:

1. First, make sure to wipe the area surrounding the gasoline tank cap to prevent dirt from falling into the tank.

2. Using a filter hook or a clean, bent wire, remove the filter from the tank. Keep the ring clip in place as you remove the filter.

3. With one hand, grab the gasoline line, and with the other, take the filter out of the line.

4. Put a fresh gasoline filter in the line and use the ring clip to fasten the line to the filter.

5. Finally, the fuel filter should be placed back into the tank and secured with the filter hook or wire.

7. Clogged fuel line

A clogged fuel line in a Husqvarna chainsaw can cause it to stall, making it impossible to cut through whatever you need to cut. This is a common problem and one that is easily solved. 

A clogged fuel line can be caused by any number of things, including dirt, dust, debris, and even a small puncture. In any case, the clogged fuel line means that the fuel is not reaching the engine, causing it to stall. 

Solution:

The first step to solving this problem is to inspect the fuel line. If it is clogged, you may need to remove it and clean it out. 

This may involve using a brush or a vacuum to remove any debris that is blocking the line. You may also need to replace the fuel line if it is damaged or cracked. 

If the fuel line is punctured, you will need to replace it with a new fuel line with the same dimensions. If the line is dry, it could also be cracked, and this should be addressed as soon as possible. 

8. Carburetor issue

If your Husqvarna chainsaw is stalling, one of the most likely causes is a problem with the carburetor.

For the chainsaw to start and run, carburetor must mix the right amount of air and fuel for the chainsaw to start and run. There are a few possible causes of carburetor problems in Husqvarna chainsaws, and some solutions too.

A. Dirty Carburetor

The most common carburetor problem is a clogged carburetor. This can happen when the fuel supply has gone bad, or the carburetor itself has not been properly maintained.

The passageways in the carburetor can clog up, along with tiny parts that control the fuel and air mixture.

To fix this, you can try cleaning the carburetor, which is sometimes enough to get it running again. If that doesn’t work, you may need to rebuild the carburetor.

B. Carburetor Needs Adjustment

Another common problem is that the carburetor should be adjusted. The RPMs at full throttle and idle speed should be changed, and you can do this by adjusting the carburetor’s adjustment screws. The letters “L” stand for low speed and “H” for high-speed screws.

9. Spark Plug

When your spark plug is dirty or damaged, it won’t be able to deliver the steady spark needed to run the chainsaw. This can result in the chainsaw stalling, losing power, and shutting down.

Solution:

To determine whether this is the problem with your chainsaw, you need to examine its tip’s condition.

If it’s extremely dark in color and has shattered porcelain or burned electrodes, then you’ll need to replace it. If it’s only somewhat dirty, you can clean it with a wire brush and reuse it.

Also, check to make sure the spark plug is properly gapped and that the wire is securely fastened. If everything looks good and the spark plug is still not working, then the problem is likely elsewhere in the chainsaw and you should have it checked by a professional.

10. Faulty ignition coil

A faulty ignition coil in your Husqvarna chainsaw can be a real problem. It can cause your chainsaw to stall, lose power, operate slowly, or even cease to operate.

The coil is responsible for sending an electrical current to the spark plug, which then ignites the fuel. When the coil’s winding separates and shorts out, it can cause an erratic spark and lead to these issues.

Solution:

Fortunately, this problem is not difficult to fix. The first step is to check the spark plug for any signs of carbon or damage. If the plug is in good condition, then you can replace the ignition coil. 

This is an easy process that involves removing the spark plug, unscrewing the screws that hold the coil in place, and then replacing it with a new one. Once the new coil is in place, you should be able to start your chainsaw again.

11. Worn piston rings

Piston rings are responsible for sealing the combustion chamber and ensuring that the engine has the proper compression for maximum performance. 

When the piston rings wear out, the chainsaw can begin to stall or run poorly. A worn piston ring can cause some problems, including reduced performance, low fuel economy, and poor compression. It can also lead to engine stalling, which can be dangerous.

Solution:

You should replace the piston rings if they show signs of wear. Replacing the rings is a simple process and can be done with basic tools. Correctly sizing piston rings is crucial to ensure they fit.

Once the new piston rings are fitted, the engine should be run for a few minutes to check that the rings are seated correctly. If the engine is still stalling, the carburetor needs to be adjusted or the fuel mixture adjusted to ensure the engine is running properly.

FAQs