Chainsaw Bogs Down? (4 Main Reasons + Solution)

It’s frustrating. 

It’s absolutely frustrating when your chainsaw bogs down at high speed. As if that’s not enough, this bogging down of the chainsaw can lead to bigger problems in the future. 

But, why does the chainsaw bogs down

Well, there are different reasons for this problem, to begin with. Mainly, dirt in the air filters and spark plugs can cause the chainsaws to bog down. However, there are other reasons as well. 

 So, if you’re experiencing this problem then you’ll receive all the help from this guide. 

And, the best part is that we’ve provided a complete step-step guide on how you can solve this issue. Lastly, there’s an FAQ session in order to make things even easier. 

Sounds interesting? Let’s begin right away- 

Why Does Chainsaw Bogs Down?

chainsaw bogs down

By now, you’ll know some of the reasons for the chainsaw bogging down. But when dealing with this problem, there is a lot to focus on. 

And, if we know all the reasons that lead to this problem then we’ll be able to prevent them from taking place. So, without any further ado, let’s take a look at the reasons below-

Reason 1: Dirt in the Air Filters

Well, this is one of the main culprits when dealing with this problem. The dirt in the air filters mainly causes the saws to stall. As a result, the chainsaw bogs down at full throttle

Other than this, the dirt in the filters also reduces air supply on the carburetors. Hence, the lesser air supply causes the chainsaw to bog down. 

Solution 

Lucky for you, fixing or cleaning the dirt from the air filter isn’t a hard task. In fact, if you follow a step-step process then it’ll be done in no time. So, let’s see what you’ll need to do if you have a dirty filter-

Firstly, you’ll need to remove the filter. After you remove it, take an air compressor and blow the dirt off from the filter. 

Here are some of our favorite air compressors in the market that are just perfect for cleaning dirty chainsaw filters. 

And, if the air compressor is still not able to do the work then you’ll need to use soapy water. Here, if you use the soapy water then you’ll be able to clean the filters easily. 

However, you’ll have to replace the air filter completely if all the steps above didn’t work.

Reason 2: Dirt in Spark Arrestors and Spark Plug

The surprising part about dirts is that these pesky particles can gather up at any place at any time. 

By now, you’ll know about the cleaning process of the air filters. But, dirt can accumulate on the spark arrestors as well. Similarly, the spark plugs can get dirty too. 

So, how does that happen? Like what happens on the inside?

Well, the excess carbon on spark plugs indicates the excess thickness of the oil mixture. If the oil is too thick then excess carbon accumulates on the spark plugs and arrestors. As a result, they become dirty easily and in turn, the chainsaw dies under load

Moreover, when the spark plugs and arrestors get dirty, they contribute to overheating of the saw. 

Solution

First things first, take out spark arrestors from the mufflers of the chainsaws. Normally, spark arrestors are placed behind the mufflers. So, it won’t be hard to locate them. 

After you’re done removing them, clean using a wire brush. Now, plugs are a bit delicate in nature. So, even though there are different brands of wire brush in the market, you should be careful about choosing the right one. These are our favorite ones for cleaning sparks- 

But, how should you clean a spark plug? Well, this process is even simpler than cleaning the spark arrestors. Here, you’ll just have to get yourself a proper batch of mixed oil. And, that’ll do the trick as the oil won’t have much thickness. 

Reason 3: Misalignment Of the High-Speed Screw

Starting off, check the carburetor and the screw located on it. Normally, all the screws are adjusted properly at the time of making. But, if the screws are not aligned properly then you’ll need to adjust it yourself. 

So, what problems can a misaligned screw create? 

Well, apart from chainsaw bogging down, misaligned screws can create smoking in the chainsaw. As if that’s not enough, it can even contribute to lower performance and efficiency of the chainsaw. 

And, the worst contribution of this problem is that the chainsaw chain stops under load. 

Solution

To start the fixing of the misaligned screws, make sure that the screws are closed at a distance. Here, the distance should be maintained between the screws at all cost. But why? 

Well, if the screws are too tight then it’ll lead towards a bigger problem. Plus, you don’t want to make matters worse, do you? 

After you adjust the screw, start the chainsaw to hear the sound. If there’s no unusual sound, the speed is correct. However, if the sound isn’t normal then the speed isn’t correct and you’ll need to adjust it again. 

If you’re not comfortable at taking a decision based on your hearing then get a chainsaw rpm reader. Below are some of our favorite rpm readers in the market- 

There’s another thing you’ll need to consider when taking this step. At times, the mixture of the oil isn’t right. And, if the oil is too thin then it results in overheating of the engine. 

Hence, you’ll need to ensure that the oil’s mixture is correct and at the right proportion. By ensuring this step, you’ll be able to fix this problem easily. 

Reason 4: Adjustment of the Carburetor

At times, adjusting the carburetor alone solves the problem of the bogging down of the chainsaw. But, the work isn’t easy as you’ll have to follow some strict guidelines. And with a badly adjusted carburetor, you’ll end up with a bogged-down chainsaw again.

No worries, we’ve prepared all the fixes and adjustment processes below. And, if you can follow the process well, you’ll be able to prevent this problem from happening. 

So, let’s take a look-

Solution

Firstly, pull the cord from the chainsaw in order to feel the resistance. By doing this, you’ll be able to identify whether it’s a compression issue or not. If the resistance isn’t much then you’re good to go. 

Next, you’ll need to access the carburetor of the chainsaw. In order to do that, take a screwdriver and take off the cover of the chainsaw. 

After you take off the cover, use the carburetor adjustment tool. By using this tool, you’ll be working directly on the carburetor. 

Well, there are a number of carburetor adjustment tools that you can find on the market. But, here are our favorite ones- 

Using the carburetor adjustment tool, adjust the H screw of the carburetor. By doing this, you’ll be able to prevent the chainsaw bogs at full throttle. Here, you’ll have to start the chainsaw in order to start the adjustment. 

Tips for Preventing This Issue

Well, there’s no alternative to regular maintenance. You see, maintaining chainsaws on a regular basis will prevent a lot of problems. So, let’s take a look at the tips- 

  • Blow off dirt from the air filters. 
  • Don’t let old oil accumulate in the engine. 
  • Ensure the right mixture of oil. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can a chainsaw bog down when gas is given to it? 

Answer: Yes, a chainsaw can bog down if gas is supplied to it. If the gas is supplied to the chainsaw then the filters can clog easily. So, lesser air is supplied to the carburetor and the saw bogs down. Hence, many people complain- chainsaw bogs down when I give it gas

Question: What’s the reason for the chainsaw to die under heavy load? 

Answer: If the chainsaw isn’t maintained then it’ll fail to run at optimal speed. As a result, the chainsaw can die anytime when a heavy load is applied to it. 

Also, the carburetor adjustment is needed to allow the chainsaw to work under high speed. So, regular maintenance will make the chainsaw prevent any kind of power loss. 

Question: Why does a chainsaw die at the max throttle? 

Answer: A filthy and clogged-up carburetor contributes to the chainsaw dying at the max throttle. Here, the old fuel accumulation won’t allow the chainsaw to perform the tasks effectively.  

Question: Can you make a chainsaw work if it’s not running anymore? 

Answer: Yes, it’s possible to make the chainsaw work again. But, you’ll have to follow a step-step process in order to make it work. 

Parting Words

Well, folks, that’s all we have for you in this article. Hopefully, in the end, you’ll be able to know the exact reasons on why the chainsaw bogs down

Besides, you’ll now know the solutions to all of the problems as well. Just remember to follow the exact processes shown in this article. If you can implement the step-step process from this article, you’ll be able to fix this issue in no time. 

Lastly, you’ll even know why the chainsaw keeps stalling from the information provided above. 

So, why don’t you try fixing this problem? And, do let us know if you have any queries. Good Luck!

Kevin Smith

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