Chainsaw Idles But Dies Throttle (8 Reasons + Fixes)

You are trying to build your own DIY project but bamm! All of a sudden your chainsaw starts malfunctioning. It’s a huge mood killer, right? But you have to find out what’s wrong with your chainsaw.

Now you noticed that your Chainsaw idles but dies throttle. Why is that?

The main reasons could be clogged or partially clogged fuel filters. It can also happen if the carburetor is overfilled. The Carbon disposition in the muffler also causes this issue. Again, with time pump diaphragm and tank cap becomes faulty which may lead to this problem.

Well, still not sure what’s happening. Don’t worry read till the end to clear out your doubts and fix them!

Throttle on a Chainsaw

The throttle decides how much fuel will flow to the engine and how fast the chainsaw will run. 

When you press the throttle, the engine kicks off and the chainsaw starts looping. If you put away pressure from the throttle, the chainsaw will stop.

8 Reasons Behind Chainsaw Idles Fine But Dies With Throttle

Reason 1: Clogged Fuel Filters

The fuel filter is supposed to terminate polluted fuel from flowing into the engine. And the air filter is designed to protect the engine from polluted air. 

With time, your filter gets clogged with harmful particles. You might see that your chainsaw functions on idle but hesitates or dies when throttled. Know that the filter is partially clogged. 

It means only enough fuel and air can reach the engine to keep the chainsaw idle. But when it is further ignited, the chainsaw dies. 

Solution:

Always check the condition of your filters. Keep them clean to ensure there is no blockage that restricts proper fuel and air inflow. 

Make sure you change your filters as soon as you face the problem. You can clean them and reuse them if you don’t have a spare one on standby.

However, always keep extras!

Reason 2: Overfilled Carburetors 

Carburetors mix fuel and air to run the engine. However, carburetors can become overfilled which causes them to break down. It can also be damaged on the inside.

Either the gas in it gets too old to function or the carburetor itself needs to be fixed and replaced. Or the chainsaw must have run out of gas.

Solution:

You will have to bring a kit to fix the car. Or if you notice it is too damaged internally, you should better let a professional deal with it.

Reason 3: Manifold Damage

Manifold damage can happen when it’s used for a long time. It’s a tear on the manifold’s body. It causes the same problems and brings in unnecessary air. 

It disrupts a proper balance in the ratio of fuel and air. That makes the chainsaw bog down. 

Solution:

Replace it! No other fix to it.

Reason 4: Rough and Fussy Fuel Pump Diaphragm

The diaphragm and its valve get rough and fussy over time. Its job is to pump fuel, so when the diaphragm is stiff, the fuel cannot rush through. 

Plus, as I mentioned beforehand, an imbalance in the air and fuel ratio disrupts the chainsaw’s operation and it dies down.

Solution:

Best if you replace the fuel pump.

Reason 5: Fuel Vein Blockage

The fuel runs from the fuel tank to the carburetor through these veins. This vein cannot have a leak and even the smallest dirt can block the vein. 

If that happens, the engine will demand fuel but won’t receive enough. The chainsaw will die. 

You are most likely to not be able to notice a break in the veins. So if your chainsaw bogs, know that it isn’t receiving enough fuel.

Solution:

Open the carburetor, clean with an airline, or remove the dirt first. Or, these veins can be detached and replaced as well. Choose what’s easier for you.

Reason 6: Malfunctioning Fuel Tank Cap

The proportion of fuel flowing out and air flowing in is equivalent. The valve is designed beautifully to allow one in and the other out. It can’t be allowing both in or both out. 

However, at times they malfunction and the fuel can’t reach the carburetor. It’s because it gets air locked inside the tank.

Solution:

To prevent this malfunction, you can just loosen the tank cap a bit to allow slight air in. Then run the chainsaw again to see if it’s all good.

Reason 7: Metering Diaphragm

The Diaphragm is designed to bring in the needful fuel into the inlet of the carburetor. The whole metering diaphragm ensures that when the fuel is being used, the diaphragm gets pulled down. 

Then a needle allows fuel to flow into the metering spot. 

However, if the cap is loose and air flows in, it will cause the fuel to spill out. Plus, the air will basically fill up for the empty space. 

Thus, the diaphragm won’t be pulled inwards anymore. This will cause the needle to stay in its place and no fuel will flow to the engine. 

Solution:

The solution is very simple. All you got to do is get yourself a screwdriver. Then ensure one very simple thing.

That is the solution to this problem is to ensure the screws are tight. 

Reason 8: Carbon Disposition in Muffler

With frequent use, the chainsaw deposits carbon in the muffler. The muffler gets clogged. The built-up gas gets stuck inside and harms the chainsaw further. 

And the chainsaw bogs down because of no filtration.

Solution:

You should ask a professional to help you clean up the dirt or just get it changed. Replacing it would always be the better choice. 

Also, you can try using 10w40 chainsaw bar oil.

FAQs

Why Does My Chainsaw stall When I Give It Gas?

This is mostly because of poor carburetor adjustment. Too lean adjustment can make your chainsaw stall. Also, you should check your air filters and fuel filters. Clogged filters will restrict gas flow. Your chainsaw will stall if it doesn’t receive the proper amount of air and gas. 

How Do You Fix a Chainsaw That Won’t Stay running?

For a smooth and functional chainsaw, clean or replace your clogged air filters. Your chainsaw won’t run properly if the engine doesn’t receive proper air. Dirty or clogged air filters can stop the inflow of air. 

Why Does My Chainsaw Lose Power When Cutting?

Your chainsaw can lose power when you’re using it because of a dull chain, or insufficient lubrication. If your bar and chain are not lubricated well with oil, they can die down. Clean your chainsaw’s bar oil holes to avoid this. 

End Note

Know that there can be more reasons why your chainsaw idles but dies throttle. However, the basic reason is mostly because of insufficient fuel supply to the engine. 

Also, please be careful when you deal with dangerous equipment. Know your do’s and don’t’s and know your chainsaw well. Better safe than sorry! 

Jim Boslice

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