How To Start A STIHL Chainsaw | A Step By Step Guide

So, you’ve just bought your first gas-powered STIHL chainsaw. First of all, congratulations! STIHL is one of the best chainsaw brands on the market. The good news is that STIHL chainsaws always tend to have the same levers and switches. This means that, in general, if you can start one, you can start them all.

If you’ve never used a chainsaw before, there’s no need to worry. Just follow our step by step guide on how to start a STIHL chainsaw and you’ll be underway in no time. Let’s start with a quick checklist.

Chainsaw Checklist Before Starting

Before you start your chainsaw, always make sure to perform some basic checks. Do this every time, without fail.

• Check that your chain is fitted correctly and at the correct tension.
• Check the condition of your chain and the cutting teeth.
• Check that the chain brake moves freely and engages.
• Check the chain lubrication. Most STIHL chainsaws have automatic chain lubrication.
• Use fuel that is mixed with 2-stroke oil at the correct ratio.
• Check the spark plug; the boot must seat firmly against it.
• Ensure you are wearing appropriate safety gear.

Having read the manual and done the basic checks, you know that your saw is safe and ready for use. So let’s get the thing fired up and roaring like a beast.

How to Start a STIHL Chainsaw — Cold Start

One of the things that may differ between a STIHL and other saws is that most have a switch for an on-off-run position. STIHL has simplified the starting procedure by incorporating all this into a single master control lever at the back handle.

Starting a chainsaw when the engine is cold requires using the choke lever, which you’ll pull into full choke position rather than half choke. For a warm start, you can skip this step and simply move the master control directly to the run position. Otherwise, the steps on how to start your STIHL chainsaw remain the same for both hot and cold starting.

VIDEO | How to Start A STIHL Chainsaw

Step-by-Step: Starting Your STIHL Chainsaw

1. Start by removing the bar cover and follow the above-mentioned checklist. Engage the chain brake by pushing the chain guard forward until it clicks into position. If you don’t do this the chain will rotate when you pull the recoil starter cord.
2. Push the decompression valve; it will be at the top of the engine cover, somewhere behind the front handle. This relieves engine compression and makes it easier to pull the recoil starter.
3. To one side of your STIHL chainsaw, you’ll find a small, translucent plastic bubble. This is the primer bulb and is used to remove air from the fuel pipe, so that fuel can flow to the carburetor more easily. Press the primer bulb a few times to help start the engine quicker. Don’t press the bulb too many times as this may flood the engine.
4. The master control lever sets the idling speed and choke. It’s situated just next to the rear handle. You need to move this lever up one notch to the full Choke position (cold start). To do this, grab hold of the handle and press down on the throttle trigger lockout – it’s on top of the handle and you use your thumb to depress it. With your index finger, pull the throttle in and pull the master control choke lever all the way down to the choke position.
5. Now place the chainsaw on firm, level ground. Ensure that the bar and chain don’t make contact with the surface. Grab the front handle with your left hand and maintain a strong grip to secure the chainsaw. Use the front end of your boot to press the rear handle to the ground.
6. Once you have the chainsaw properly secured, grab hold of the recoil starter rope with your right hand. Left-handed people would most likely want to use the opposite hands. Gently pull the starter rope upward until you feel some resistance. You always want to pull directly upward, avoiding contact between the rope and the chainsaw casing.
7. Once you feel tension on the starter rope, give it a few strong tugs. The engine will fire up and then splutter for a few seconds, before shutting off. This is normal and there’s no need for concern.
8. Once the engine has died, pull the master control lever up one position to half throttle. Pull the starter rope quickly again. It may take a few pulls until the engine starts.
9. Once the engine is running, tap the throttle trigger quickly to move it from half throttle to full throttle. You should notice the master control lever move to the normal idle position; you want to avoid a fast idle.
10. Using the front handle, lift the chainsaw. Avoid accidentally touching the throttle trigger whilst doing so. With a firm grip on the rear handle and the thumb of your left hand around the front handle, use the fingers of your left hand to pull the chain brake back toward the handle. This releases the chain brake and allows the chain to rotate on the sprocket.
11. Check the chain lubrication by holding the chainsaw upward, against a light background. Squeeze the throttle trigger until the chain reaches maximum revs. You should see the lubricant glistening on the chain. This now means that you’re ready to get to work with your STIHL chainsaw.

Help! My Chainsaw Won’t Start

So you’ve followed all the steps on how to start your STIHL chainsaw and it still won’t start or run when you pull the starter rope.

Before you throw in the towel and give up, first go through the starting procedure again to make sure you’ve done everything correctly, and check your manual. If you still have no success, here are some potential problems:

Spark Plug

The engine needs a spark to ignite the fuel; that’s what the spark plug does. Spark plug failure is not uncommon, particularly with 2-stroke small engines – like those used for most chainsaws. Carbon (soot) on the spark plug or corrosion can cause a weak spark, or no spark at all. This can be rectified by cleaning it with a wire brush. Simply replace it if it’s cracked or damaged.

First ensure that the lead from the coil to the spark plug is properly secured. When you pull the boot off the top of the spark plug, you should hear a pop. If not, press it firmly back into position and try to start your chainsaw. If it fails to start, you’ll need to check the spark plug, opening it with the supplied wrench and testing for a spark. No spark? Move onto the next step.

Ignition Coil

The ignition coil provides the boosted power needed to create the spark. If it is not functioning, this is likely to be the reason why a spark plug in good condition fails to produce a spark.

Check that all the connections to the ignition coil are secure and that none of the wires are damaged. You may have to replace the coil if there is no sign of an electric fault.

Flooded Engine

One of the biggest causes for a chainsaw refusing to start is as a result of a flooded engine. This happens when there is too much gas in the combustion chamber and the spark plug gets wet from the excess fuel. The most common cause for engine flooding is when you push repeatedly on the primer bulb, sending through too much fuel.

You will often smell gas when the engine is flooded. You can also check by removing the spark plug and inspecting it. If the spark plug is wet, the engine has been flooded. Remove the spark plug and tilt the chainsaw to allow the excess gas to flow out of the spark plug opening.

Recoil Starter

If your recoil starter does not return to its normal position after you’ve pulled it, the spring is probably faulty and will need to be replaced. If you pull on the recoil starter and feel no resistance from the engine, the flywheel key may well be sheared and will need to be replaced.

Bad Fuel

If your chainsaw has been standing unused for a length of time, the fuel is likely to have gone stale. Old fuel should be drained, and the fuel pipe will need to be cleaned.

Debris may also collect in the gas tank. This will mean that you need to flush the tank and clean the fuel pipe, before adding fresh gas. You’ll want to change your fuel filter annually. Even gas powered saws with small engines require proper maintenance!

Dirty Carburetor

Fuel that is left in a carburetor for too long will evaporate, leaving behind a sticky, tar-like residue. This can easily clog the jets inside the carburetor. Use a carburetor cleaner to remove this residue, and then you can consider spraying on some starting fluid to help things along.

Clogged Air Filter

Chainsaws collect a lot of debris in the air filter. All the sawdust that is churned up quickly collects in the air filter. You should check and clean your air filter regularly.

VIDEO | What to Check if Your Chainsaw Won’t Start

Chainsaw Safety

STIHL provides a comprehensive Chainsaw Safety Manual that serves as an essential resource for both novice and experienced chainsaw operators. The guide is packed with crucial safety precautions and industry-standard cutting techniques, making it an indispensable reference for anyone using a chainsaw no matter the level of expertise.