If you’ve been searching Google for “chainsaw bogging down” recently, then this article is probably the one you’re looking for. We’ll teach you what to do if your chainsaw’s performance suddenly drops off and how to fix it.

The “chainsaw bogging down at full throttle” is a common problem for chainsaws. There are three possible causes of the issue, and each cause has a remedy.

There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link, I may get a commission. I also earn money from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate. —

Working outside may be really therapeutic. When your chainsaw bogs down, though, your pleasant day in the backyard becomes a full nightmare.

When using a chainsaw, bogging down is a regular problem, and it can rapidly tie up your woodworking efforts. This helpful article will go through the most prevalent causes of bog down and how to avoid them in the future.

What causes the bogging down of my chainsaw?

Unless you’re using an electric chainsaw (which is a whole other animal), your chainsaw’s engine is a combustion system that depends on a suitable gas, oil, and air mixture. One of these key components is out of balance if your chainsaw is bogging down.

A clogged chainsaw may be caused by a variety of difficulties, the most of which having to do with your chainsaw’s combustion engine’s capacity to access enough fuel or air. The motor will stall if your chainsaw does not have enough of either of those crucial components.

The following are the most common causes:

  • Incorrectly mixed fuel
  • Filter is clogged
  • clogged carburetor

Incorrectly mixed fuel

When you squeeze the throttle on your chainsaw, it might bog down, which is a solid symptom of an inadequate gas-to-oil ratio. A “rich mixture” happens when there is too much gasoline in your fuel combination compared to the quantity of oil, resulting in a chainsaw that is difficult to operate.

How can you figure out what gas-to-oil ratio is optimum for your chainsaw? The solution is simple: consult the owner’s handbook for your chainsaw. The optimum gas-to-oil ratio for your chainsaw should be specified in the instructions.

The majority of chainsaws run on one of the three gas-to-oil mixes listed below:

If you have already loaded your chainsaw with the erroneous fuel combination, drain the incorrect gasoline and replace it with the proper blend.

Now that you understand how improperly mixed gasoline might harm your chainsaw, it’s time to learn how to properly mix the fuel you’ll need to get your engine up and running!

How to Make a Proper Chainsaw Fuel Mix

Knowing how to correctly mix gasoline is the first step in guaranteeing that your chainsaw will last for many years. For efficient and trouble-free operation, the right fuel combination is critical.

To begin, take out your reading glasses and consult the owner’s instructions for your chainsaw. Most chainsaws will operate on one of three gas and two-cycle engine oil mixes, as previously stated.

The next step is to obtain the necessary materials for the project. Use a premium two-cycle oil and mid-grade unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89.

Finally, it’s time to try your hand at mixology. You can’t combine oil and gas in your chainsaw’s fuel tank; instead, you’ll need an empty, leak-proof fuel container that’s slightly bigger than the amount of oil and gas you’re mixing.

To become a master gasoline mixologist, follow these basic steps:

  1. Fill the container with your pre-measured oil.
  2. Pour in the pre-measured fuel. AFTER (not before) you’ve changed your oil
  3. Stir, not shake, your fuel bottle to fully blend the oil and gasoline.
  4. Your gas and oil mixture will be uniformly colored with no multicolored streaks once correctly blended.

Now that you know how to properly mix the fuel and oil for your chainsaw, let’s move on to additional concerns that might cause a clogged chainsaw.

How a Blocked or Dirty Air Filter Can Slow Down Your Chainsaw

Assume that your chainsaw’s fuel mixture is right, but you still have a performance lag. In such case, before going on to more complicated difficulties, check your air filter and clean it if necessary.

In every internal combustion engine, the air supply is equally as vital as the fuel supply. Stagnation is caused by any internal or external conditions that decrease the availability of combustible air. This is due in part to blocked filters caused by lengthy working hours and a reduction in air flow to the carburetor (which will be discussed later).

How to Clean Your Chainsaw’s Air Filter

Cleaning the air filter on your chainsaw may increase performance and should be done as part of your regular chainsaw maintenance practice. To remove and clean the air filter on your chainsaw, follow these easy steps:

  • To find the location of your chainsaw’s air filter, see your owner’s handbook.
  • Remove the top cover from the chainsaw.
  • Remove the spark plug boot for safety reasons.
  • The air filter on your chainsaw should now be visible and may be simply removed from its housing with a screwdriver.
  • After removing the air filter, scrub it clean with a soft-bristle brush with soapy water.
  • Before changing your chainsaw’s air filter, make sure it’s completely dry.

It is important to remember that if your air filter remains unclean after cleaning and drying, it is time to replace it completely.

If your chainsaw still bogs down after you’ve examined the fuel mixture and air filter, it’s time to look at the carburetor.

What Causes Carburetor Problems in Chainsaws?

A carburetor is a component of a combustion engine that precisely combines air and fuel for combustion. Your chainsaw will lag in performance if any component of that ratio is off (as previously explained).

Airflow is hindered and the chainsaw’s engine suffers if the carburetor gets clogged with dirt and debris. Overheating or overly smokey exhaust are further signs that your chainsaw is having carburetor problems.

Carburetor-specific cleaning products are available at your local chainsaw dealer or auto parts shop to clean clogged or unclean carburetors.

If your chainsaw’s carburetor isn’t blocked, the carburetor’s tune might be to fault. The carburetor tuning of your chainsaw should only be done by a skilled specialist, according to most manufacturers. You may still watch this YouTube lesson if you think you can do it yourself.

Simple Chainsaw Maintenance Can Prevent Bogging

One of the most common reasons of bogging is poor chainsaw maintenance. You should maintain your chainsaw on a regular basis and arrange maintenance appointments with a reliable, approved chainsaw service shop to keep it working properly.

Here are some daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance suggestions:

Daily Weekly Monthly
After each use, clean the exterior of your chainsaw to eliminate any dust or debris that may have accumulated. Check for any damage, ripped, or soft anti-vibration parts. Examine the brake band for signs of wear and strain. You should replace the brake band if it measures less than 0.6 mm (0.024 in) at the most worn area.
Examine your throttle trigger thoroughly. If the engine does not return to an idle position after binding or catching, your chainsaw should be sent to a service provider before being chevaled again. Check the cooling system of your chainsaw. Check for excessive wear in the clutch center, drum, and spring.
Clean and test your chain brake’s operation. Examine and lubricate the clutch drum bearing. Clean the carburetor’s exterior region.
The air filter should be checked, cleaned, and replaced (if required). Check the bar’s edges for burs and file them off if necessary. Look for dirt and debris within the gasoline tank. If necessary, empty and clean the container.
To maintain equal wear and tear on your chainsaw, turn the bar. Also, clean your bar groove and inspect the lubricating hole for dirt. Clean your spark plug and take a gap measurement. It should be 0.5 mm thick (0.20 in) Clean and inspect the oil tank.
Make sure your oiler is lubricating your bar and chain properly. The spark arrestor screen should be cleaned and/or replaced. Examine all wires, connectors, nuts, and screws to make sure none are broken and need repair.
Check your chain’s tension and condition. Fins on the flywheel should be clean. Sharpen the cutting teeth on your chain.
Clean the air intake holes on the starting housing and check the starter cord for any damage. Check the starter and return/recoil spring. File the depth gauges on the chain.
Check for loosened nuts or screws and tighten them if necessary. Check the cylinder’s cooling fins and clean them if necessary.  
Make sure your stop switch fully stops the motor by testing it. Clean and inspect the airbox.  
Check the motor, fuel tank, and fuel lines for any gasoline leaks. Carburetor body is clean.  
     

How to Check and Adjust Chainsaw Chain Tension

With time and usage, chains will loosen. Checking and adjusting the chain tension is an important part of properly maintaining your chainsaw.

Here’s a little tutorial on how to accomplish it:

  1. Make sure your chainsaw is turned off and cold (heat isn’t your friend in this situation!)
  2. Turn off the chain brake.
  3. Loosen the bar nuts that keep the clutch cover in place using a special tool called a scrench or a combination wrench.
  4. While lifting the tip of the bar and extending the chain, tighten the chain tensioning screw with your combination wrench or scrench.
  5. Tighten the chain until it has no slack on the bottom of the bar but can still be drawn easily by hand.
  6. Tighten the bar nuts, replace the clutch cover, and double-check that the bar is secure.

How to Sharpen the Chainsaw Chain’s Cutting Teeth

Maintaining the sharpness of your chainsaw chain will allow you to continue cutting with accuracy and efficiency. You’ll also cut down on kickbacks and improve your chainsaw’s overall safety.

Sharpen your blades with a file once a month or when the debris left from your saw cuts is more dust than wood chips. Chain filing is a simple job that is essential for keeping your chainsaw in good working order.

Follow these simple methods to sharpen the cutting teeth on your chainsaw chain:

  1. A round file with the same diameter as your cutters, a flat file, a file guide, and a depth-gauge guide are all required.
  2. To keep your chainsaw stable while operating, secure it. A vise, clamps, or any other form of fastener that can support your chainsaw may be used for this.
  3. Push the handle forward to lock the chain brake. For the following stages, this will maintain your chain in place.
  4. Make a note of where you want to start filing.
  5. To begin, sharpen the blade’s cutting teeth first. Position your file depth gauge such that the arrows point toward the chainsaw bar’s nose.
  6. With smooth, uniform pushing strokes, file every other cutting teeth, maintaining the round file at a 90-degree (right angle) to the rollers.
  7. Remove the chain brake and manually advance the chain until you reach the starting position.
  8. Using the same angle and movements as previously, rotate the saw and file the remaining teeth.

If you’re not confident in your ability to sharpen your own chains, take your chainsaw to a respected service provider and get it done properly.

Simple Chainsaw Maintenance You Should Do Every Time You Use It

There are a few easy things you should perform before storing your chainsaw in the shed to maintain its life and productivity. The bulk of these actions are included in the daily maintenance checklist, however one is very important:

  • Keep your chainsaw clean. Clean the saw body, chain, and bar of any dirt and debris. A filthy chainsaw should not be stored.

Last Thoughts

Chainsaws need regular maintenance to be in good shape. If your chainsaw is bogging down, look into the problems listed above to see if you may save yourself some time and money.

Remember, a well-maintained chainsaw is a functional chainsaw!

The “echo chainsaw bogging down” is a common problem that can be caused by many different factors. The 3 most common causes of a chainsaw bogging down are low fuel, broken chain, and clogged bar oil.

Related Tags

  • chainsaw loses power when cutting
  • why does my chainsaw bog down when i give it gas
  • chainsaw loses power when hot
  • stihl chainsaw bogs down when i give it gas