Help Prevent Chainsaw Heart Attacks
July 4th weekend! A great time to mooch off your neighbor's barbecue.
Two Italian sausages, two beef franks, a double bacon cheeseburger, a baked potato, and a six pack of beer are rumbling around in your stomach. Is there room for more?
Your heart's pounding, sweat is dripping from your face, and sharp pains begin shooting through your arms and chest.
Oh boy, not another heart attack!
You had one last week struggling to get your chainsaw to start, being hot-headed and frustrated that it wouldn't work.
Don't you think it's about time you and your chainsaw both got in shape?
Chainsaws can have Heart Attacks?
Do you know that your chainsaw can suffer the same fate you did, if it's not properly maintained? Just like your own body, chainsaw engines need to be kept healthy, in order to perform.
Hard starts or no starts, puttering, stalling, and overall bad performance are sure signs of a chainsaw heart attack.
Chainsaw heart attacks can be a frustrating and scary thing to deal with, both in your chainsaw’s life and yours.
If you've ever felt impatient when your chainsaw wouldn't start, you know the importance of keeping it maintained. Even when your saw operates roughly during use, have it checked out for any maintenance issues.
Can't Start 'er Up
The starting system for your chainsaw is the first line of attack. If your saw doesn't start, most of the time it's an issue with one of the components of the starting system or your fuel.
The starter, spark plug, and recoil cord are important parts to check.
Spark plugs don't last forever, check and clean them occasionally to remove combustion residue. Read your owner's manual for suggested spark plug replacement intervals.
If the recoil cord shows signs of fraying, be sure to have it replaced. When the cord won't retract, your recoil spring is most likely broken.
Watch our video on how to replace a recoil on a chainsaw.
Clean, Replace, Use!
When it comes to chainsaw engine maintenance, remember these three terms: clean, replace, use.
Clean components that need cleaned, replace parts that are broken or worn, and use the correct oil and fuel that’s recommended for your chainsaw.
Air filters should be cleaned or replaced because they become clogged with debris and sawdust.
A clogged air filter prevents proper air flow to the carburetor. While you're at it, clean the cooling fins and air intake, too.
Chainsaw Engine Air Filter
Carburetors should be occasionally checked for cleanliness and replaced or rebuilt if necessary.
Try a can of carburetor cleaner to remove any residue built up in the carburetor.
Just like those fatty foods will clog your arteries, oil and fuel can cause some clogging in your chainsaw.
Oil filters, fuel filters, and fuel lines can become clogged.
Check your fuel lines for leaks and clean or replace your filters when necessary.
Above the rest, using the correct fuel is the most important procedure to follow when trying to maintain the efficiency and reliability of your chainsaw.
Be sure you are following your owner's manual fuel recommendations and be aware of the issues that ethanol-mixed fuel causes.
That's Not All
Chainsaw engine maintenance is only half the job. Check out additional information on chainsaw maintenance.
Conclusion & Thoughts
Don't let your chainsaw suffer an early heart attack. Practice proper chainsaw maintenance, today.
Always remember to read your chainsaw's owner's manual for recommended maintenance procedures.
If you have any comments or feedback, please let us know. E-mail us at [email protected].
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