No, you should never start a chainsaw with the brake on. A chainsaw has an automatic brake system to stop the chain from rotating, which activates during kickback. If the brake is on and you try to start the chain, it can damage the starter and the chain itself.
For starting, ensure the chain brake is off and the throttle is in the locked position. Pull the starter cord until the engine starts, then move the throttle control lever to the run position.
How do I start my Stihl chainsaw?
Starting a Stihl chainsaw can be a simple process when you know what to do. Before attempting to start the saw, make sure that you have fuel and that it is at the correct oil/fuel ratio for your particular model.
Also check that you have sharpened and correctly tensioned the chain.
To start the saw, begin by pressing the ignition button while holding the front and rear handle. Pull the cord up to the full point and then let it snap back gently. Please do not jerk the cord or it could damage the saw.
Repeat this action several times. If you smell fuel inside of the chainsaw and the cord will not pull, the engine is flooded. To start the engine, wait five minutes and try again.
Once the engine starts, allow it to run for several minutes to warm it up. During this time, make sure to adjust the chain speed and chain brake which is the chain break that stops the saw from moving when idle.
Once the chainsaw is warmed up, it can be used for slicing wood and other materials. Be sure to adhere to safety measures such as wearing protective gear at all times.
How does a Stihl chainsaw brake work?
The Stihl chainsaw brake works by using a centrifugal clutch to engage and disengage the chain from the drive sprocket. This allows the chain to stop spinning when the user releases the throttle or needs to make adjustments.
The centrifugal clutch utilizes centrifugal force and a small force created by contact between its own spring and clutch shoes. When the chainsaw is spinning at a high speed, the greater centrifugal force pushes the clutch shoes outward, which in turn separates the clutch from the drive sprocket and stops the chain.
To start the chain again, the user simply re-engages the centrifugal clutch by using the throttle. The Stihl chainsaw brake also has an inertia-activated chain brake that employs a spring-loaded arm to stop the chain within a fraction of a second if the operator loses control of the saw.
The chain brake is also an important feature in helping prevent kickback, which can cause serious injury.
Should the brake be on when starting a chainsaw?
No, it is not recommended to put the brake on when starting a chainsaw. It is important to keep the brake off while starting the chainsaw to avoid binding of the chain and other components, which can ultimately cause damage to the chainsaw.
Additionally, when the brake is engaged, the starter rope can be restricted, making it difficult to pull, and ultimately leading to rope failure, which in turn can be dangerous. Moreover, having the brake off allows for an easier, smoother startup and prevents the chainsaw from starting in an uncontrolled manor.
Therefore, when starting a chainsaw, it is important to ensure that the brake is off before pulling the starter cord. Once the chainsaw is running, it is safe to engage the brake.
Why will my chainsaw not start?
The cause could be simple and easily fixed, such as a blocked fuel line, a clogged air filter, old or stale fuel, or a dull spark plug. In these cases, troubleshooting should be relatively straightforward.
Other causes could be more complex and require additional diagnosis. These may include a lack of compression (due to worn or loose spark plug, worn or fouled piston ring, or a stuck valve), a damaged or failing carburettor, or other components such as a defective on/off switch, ignition coil, or spark plug wire that need to be replaced.
Finally, make sure that you are following the starting instructions in your owners’ manual. You should also make sure that the kill switch, choke, and throttle are in the right position before you attempt to start your chainsaw.
If you have tried the above troubleshooting and your chainsaw still does not start, it is likely time to contact a qualified chainsaw technician for further diagnosis and repair.
Why can’t I get my Stihl chainsaw to start?
It can be frustrating when your Stihl chainsaw won’t start. Including an old or faulty spark plug, insufficient fuel, or an air filter that needs replacing. Other possibilities include an incorrectly adjusted chain brake or throttle control, a clogged fuel line, an empty fuel tank, or a malfunctioning ignition or carburetor.
If you’ve tried all of these steps and your chainsaw still doesn’t start, it may be time to contact your local Stihl dealer for further assistance.
How long does it take a flooded chainsaw to start?
It can take anywhere from 10-15 minutes for a flooded chainsaw to start, depending on the environment and the extent of the flooding. If the chainsaw has been completely submerged in water and all the gasoline was expelled, then it can take significantly longer for the chainsaw to start.
Before trying to start a flooded chainsaw, it is important to check all ventilation systems and change the spark plug. The air filter should also be removed and cleaned, and the carburetor should be dried off with compressed air and adjusted if necessary.
Using a high quality fuel can also help prevent the engine from flooding again and increase the chances of a successful start. After these steps are completed, the fuel switch should be set to “on” and then the starter should be pulled several times until the chainsaw starts.
How do I know if my chainsaw engine is flooded?
If your chainsaw engine is flooded, you will likely notice several indicators. First, you may smell gas, as flooded engines emit excess fuel that has not been burned. Second, the engine may be hard to start, or not start at all.
Third, when you try to start the engine, it may sputter or just produce a lot of smoke. Finally, if you open the spark plug cover, you should be able to see wet spark plug(s), which is a tell-tale sign of a flooded engine.
Additionally, the engine may run briefly, then quickly die after starting. In any of these cases, you will need to address the underlying issue before the engine will start properly. Usually, that means letting the engine sit and drying out the spark plug(s) before attempting to restart.
Will a chainsaw start with the chain brake on?
No, a chainsaw will not start with the chain brake on. The chain brake is a safety device in a chainsaw that helps to prevent the chain from accidentally rotating when the saw is running and it must be disengaged in order for the chainsaw to start.
To disengage the brake, the chain must first be moving; it cannot be stalled or idle. In order to do this, the trigger must be pressed and the throttle opened just enough to produce a slight vibration in the chainsaw before the chain brake is released.
If the chain brake is on when trying to start the chainsaw, a loud rushing sound may be produced but the chainsaw will not start.