Facing common problems with Husqvarna chainsaws can quickly ruin a planned day of work. There is nothing worse than a quiet morning in the backyard ruined by a silent saw. I have been there. The wood is stacked. The coffee is hot. I am ready to work. But when I pull the cord? Nothing happens.
I love my Husqvarna saws. They are tough tools. But they can be picky. Over the years, I have learned a few tricks to get them running again. If you are stuck, you are not alone. Here is what I do when my gear gives me trouble.
Husqvarna Chainsaw Not Starting
This is the most common issue I face. It is exhausting. You pull and pull, but the engine stays quiet. When I find my Husqvarna chainsaw not starting, it is usually a fuel or spark issue.
The “False Start” Mistake
I learned this the hard way. These saws have high compression. If you leave the choke on too long, you will flood the engine.
- My rule: Listen for the first “pop.” It sounds like the engine tries to start for a split second.
- The fix: As soon as you hear that pop, push the choke in. If you keep pulling with the choke out, you soak the spark plug. Then the saw is not firing at all.
Husqvarna Chainsaw Not Getting Fuel
Sometimes the saw is dry. Last fall, I tried to use a saw that sat for six months. It would not go. The engine was starving.
If your Husqvarna chainsaw is not getting fuel, check the gas first.
- Old Gas: Gas goes bad fast. It turns into a thick goo. This clogs the tiny jets in the carb. If the gas is old, dump it out. Mix a fresh batch.
- The Lines: On my older saws, the fuel lines get brittle. They crack. This lets air in. If you see cracks in the rubber tubes, replace them.
Husqvarna Chainsaw Not Oiling Chain
Heat is the enemy. I was cutting a thick oak log once. I saw smoke rising from the bar. The paint actually started to bubble. My saw was dry.
If you notice your Husqvarna chainsaw not oiling chain, stop right away. You will ruin the bar in minutes.
- The Sawdust Clog: This is what usually happens to me. Take the bar off. Look for the tiny oil hole on the saw body. Packed sawdust loves to hide there.
- The Fix: I use a piece of wire to dig the dust out. If the oil can’t flow, the chain burns.
Husqvarna Chainsaw Not Cutting
This one is tricky. The engine sounds great. The chain is moving. But when you touch the wood, nothing happens. You just make dust, not chips.
If your Husqvarna chainsaw is not cutting, it is unsafe to force it.
- Is it dull? If you see fine powder, the chain is dull. I sharpen mine every time I fill the gas tank. It takes five minutes.
- Is it backward? Don’t laugh. I did this once in a rush. If the sharp edges face you, it won’t cut a thing. Check the direction.
Husqvarna Chainsaw Not Spinning
I had a scare last winter. I revved the engine, but the chain stood still. I thought I broke the clutch.
Usually, a Husqvarna chainsaw not spinning is a simple fix.
- The Brake: Did you bump the front handguard? That turns on the chain brake. Pull the guard back toward the front handle. Listen for a click.
- The Jam: Take the side cover off. Sometimes a stick or a rock gets jammed in there. Clear it out.
Husqvarna Chainsaw Not Idling
A saw that runs fast but dies when you let go of the trigger is annoying. If your Husqvarna chainsaw is not idling, it is usually an air issue.
- Air Filter: Pop the top cover. Is the filter covered in dust? A choked saw can’t breathe at idle. Clean it off.
- The Adjustment: Sometimes the carb needs a tiny tweak. A small turn on the “L” screw can help keep the engine alive.
My Quick Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet
Here is a quick table I use to check things fast.
| If the Saw is… | Check This First | The Likely Fix |
| Not Starting | The Choke | You flooded it. Dry the plug. |
| Not Getting Fuel | The Tank Filter | It is clogged. Replace it. |
| Not Cutting | The Wood Chips | If it is dust, sharpen the chain. |
| Not Oiling | The Bar Groove | Sawdust blocked the hole. Clean it. |
| Not Spinning | The Handguard | The brake is on. Pull it back. |
| Not Idling | The Air Filter | It is dirty. Wash or swap it. |
Final Thoughts
Don’t panic when your saw acts up. It happens to all of us. Usually, the tool just needs fresh gas, a sharp chain, or a quick cleaning. Take a breath. Check the basics. You will be back to work in no time.
FAQs – Common Problems With Husqvarna Chainsaws
Why won’t my Husqvarna chainsaw start?
Bad gas is a top cause. Old fuel clogs the jets. Dump it out and use fresh mix. Also, check the plug. A wet plug stops the spark. Fix these common problems with Husqvarna chainsaws.
Why is my chainsaw not oiling the chain?
Sawdust often blocks the oil hole. This stops the flow to the bar. Take the bar off the saw. Use a wire to clean the groove. This helps when the Husqvarna chainsaw is not oiling.
Why does my chainsaw make dust instead of chips?
If you see dust, the chain is dull. A sharp chain makes big chips. You must sharpen the teeth. Also, check the bar. A backward chain will not cut wood. Fix this to keep working.
How do I fix a flooded chainsaw engine?
You likely pulled the cord too much. This floods the engine with gas. Push the choke in now. Pull the cord until it starts. This clears the gas and gets the saw running again.
Why is my chainsaw chain not spinning?
The chain brake might be on. Pull the front guard back. You should hear a click. If it still fails, check for wood. A jammed stick stops the gear. This is a quick and easy fix.