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How to Clean a Chainsaw Carburetor Quickly. With Clever Tips

Are you looking for a quick fix to improve your chainsaw’s performance? A clean carburetor could be the answer. With our professional insights, you’ll master this task quickly, ensuring your chainsaw is always ready for action.

Start by cleaning or replacing the air filter. Use carburetor cleaner spray to remove deposits blocking air intake—clean needle valves with liquid cleaner and brush. Add cleaner to the fuel tank, and pull the starter cord to circulate. Drain old gas and refill with fresh gas. Cleaning carb restores proper air-fuel mixture and chainsaw power.

(CC BY 2.0) by dcysurfer / Dave Young

Notice a drop in your chainsaw’s efficiency? A clean carburetor could be the solution. Get professional insights on how to master this task in no time. Keep reading to elevate your chainsaw’s performance.

Contents

The Function of Your Chainsaw’s Carburetor

The carburetor is a device that mixes air and fuel and provides this air-fuel mixture appropriately to the combustion chamber. The air-fuel mixture, known as the “charge,” is combusted in the combustion chamber. It is producing a lot of energy that drives the engine.

This process is the same for all internal combustion (IC) engines, including the engine for your chainsaw. The carburetor in IC engines often gets dirty because of the soot produced as the fuel is burnt and combined with the oil residue.

This produces a gummy, sticky substance blocking the carburetor’s passageways.

Fuel stored in the tank for an extended period (several months) also produces a gummy residue that can block the carburetor’s passageways. When this happens, the carburetor fails to provide the correct air-fuel mixture to the combustion chamber.

This results in improper or incomplete combustion. It reduces the engine’s speed and efficiency.

This results in your chainsaw losing speed and power. If you want your chainsaw to perform at its best, you must regularly clean its carburetor. Cleaning your chainsaw’s carburetor is usually not difficult.

You often don’t have to open/disassemble it completely to clean it. You can clean the carburetor without obliterating it from the chainsaw.

In my 20 years of experience, I’ve found that difficulty starting the chainsaw, inconsistent engine performance, and excessive fuel consumption are clear signs that a chainsaw carburetor needs cleaning.

Symptoms of a Bad/Dirty Carburetor, some helpful tips

Some common symptoms of a dirty or failing carburetor are as follows:

  • Reduced engine performance: A dirty carburetor fails to provide an adequate charge to the combustion chamber, decreasing efficiency and power.
  • Backfiring and overheating: Backfiring and overheating occur when the carburetor delivers a lean mixture to the combustion chamber. A lean mixture has less than the required fuel or more than the necessary air.
  • Black smoke: Black smoke from the exhaust is also a common symptom of a failing carburetor. Black smoke indicates that the carburetor delivers more fuel than required, resulting in excessive fuel burning.
  • Hard to start: An engine with a dirty carburetor is complex because the required energy is not produced in the combustion chamber.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Cleaning a Chainsaw Carburetor

You can clean your chainsaw’s carburetor using the following five easy steps:

● Step 1: Clean the Air Filter

When trying to clean your chainsaw’s carburetor, start by checking the air filter. A visual inspection is usually enough to know whether the air filter is clean or dirty. A clogged air filter prevents the required air from reaching the carburetor’s air intake component.

A metallic air filter is cleaned using a liquid cleaning agent. If the filter is made of paper or material likely to disintegrate in the cleaning agent, replacing it with a new one would be the best solution. You may need a screwdriver or wrench to remove the air filter.

● Step 2: Clean the Carburetor’s Intake Components

After confirming that the air filter is fine or you have cleaned it. Try starting your chainsaw again. If it still doesn’t start, proceed by checking the carburetor’s air intake surfaces for a gummy/sticky residue. This thick residue is usually brown and is often apparent on the air intake surfaces.

If you spot a gummy residue blocking the air intake components, clean these components by spraying the surfaces with a spray cleaner. You may also use a brush to remove the gummy residue. You may need to remove the screws or bolts that secure the carburetor to access these components.

● Step 3: Clean/Wash the Carburetor’s Needle Valves

If your chainsaw still doesn’t start after you’ve cleaned the intake components, check the carburetor’s needle valves because they are often clogged/gummed by propane deposits. This usually happens when fuel is being added to the chainsaw.

Use a carburetor cleaner and a brush to clean the needle valves. After cleaning the needle valves, dry them with a clean cloth to drain off the cleaning agents before reinstalling them.

You can clean the carburetor without removing it from the chainsaw but refer to your chainsaw’s manual to ensure you’re doing it correctly.

● Step 4: Work the Pull Cord

Add some drops of a cleaning agent to the fuel tank and give your chainsaw’s pull cord some strong pulls, with pauses to allow the additive to dissolve the gummy deposits in the carburetor or the fuel lines connected to it.

Even though your chainsaw isn’t running yet, pull the cord combined with intermediate pauses. This will move the cleaning agent blended with the fuel through the carburetor valves and fuel lines.

● Step 5: Drain the Old Fuel and Add Fresh Fuel

Often, the problem is caused by old fuel or fuel stored in the chainsaw’s fuel tank for over 1 or 2 months. Stored fuel absorbs moisture or evaporates, producing a gummy substance that clogs the carburetor and fuel lines.

After cleaning the carburetor, empty the old/stored fuel from the tank and carburetor. Refill it with fresh fuel before operating your chainsaw.

If you plan to store your chainsaw for an extended period, add some fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. Start the chainsaw shortly so it can also fill the carburetor. Do not forget to add it also to other stored gas.

Cleaning a Carburetor Without Opening/Removing It. Some helpful tips:

Suppose the carburetor of your hedge trimmer hasn’t been cleaned for quite some time. The best way to clean it would be to remove and open it. Then, thoroughly clean it using a brush and a cleaning liquid.

However, if you regularly clean the hedge trimmer carburetor and know the gum buildup isn’t too much, you can clean it without disassembling it.

You’ll need a carburetor cleaner liquid to clean a carburetor without having to remove/open it. This cleaning process is as follows:

● Step 1: Blend the Cleaner With Gas

Firstly, blend some carburetor cleaner with the gas in your chainsaw’s fuel tank. I recommend blending 4 ounces (113 grams) of the B12 carburetor cleaner with a tankful of gas. Use a funnel to add the carburetor cleaner into the gas tank slowly.

● Step 2: Run Your Chainsaw at an Idle or Slow Speed to Clean a Carburetor

After blending the carburetor cleaner with gas, start the chainsaw. Let the chainsaw run at low RPMs/idle for a while. This lets the cleaner run through the carburetor, the fuel lines, and the idle engine.

The cleaner will remove the gummy residue blocking the components to create a clean passageway for the air and fuel. As the RPMs begin to increase, turn down the idle knob.

Neglecting regular cleaning of a chainsaw carburetor can lead to reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and potential engine damage, as I’ve observed over the years.

● Step 3: Clean the Pilot Air Jet

If you wish to clean your chainsaw’s carburetor thoroughly, add some aerosol B12 to its pilot air jet. This carburetor component serves as the intake mouth. It is usually hidden from sight because of its sensitivity and the potential risks associated with it if it’s damaged.

Consult your chainsaw’s user manual to know the location of its carburetor’s pilot air jet.

● Step 4: Test Your Chainsaw

To test your chainsaw, operate it at full speed. If your chainsaw starts quickly and keeps running at top speed without hinting of speed or power loss. It means that you have successfully cleaned the carburetor.

The Best Carburetor Cleaners

There is a wide variety of carburetor cleaners in the market. You can easily find one at a hardware store or online. Some of the best carburetor cleaners in the market include:

  • The WD/40 Carb/Throttle Body Cleaner: This cleaner is famous for its fast cleaning action with no dipping or scrubbing involved, and it comes with an easily replaceable lid.
  • The CRC Carb and Choke Cleaner: This cleaner is VOC-compliant and doesn’t harm any catalytic converters or oxygen sensors with which it comes in contact. It also provides a fast cleansing action.
  • Gumout Jet Spray Carb/Choke and Parts Cleaner: This cleaner is known for its fast action and replaceable cap, preventing the cleaner from escaping when it’s unused.
  • Super Tech Carb Cleaner: This cleaner can easily tackle grime, dirt, and other sticky deposits. It’s famous for its well-round cleaning capacity.

You may also ask your chainsaw manufacturer to recommend carburetor cleaners because they usually know which chemicals work best on their machine.

Cleaning a Corroded Carburetor

Cleaning a corroded chainsaw carburetor is usually more difficult and time-consuming because you must disassemble it and scrub its components.

To clean a corroded carburetor, prepare a diluted mixture of carburetor cleaner with water. Clean the air filter, then remove and disassemble the carburetor. Scrub/wash the individual parts using a brush with the prepared cleaning mixture.

Finally, dry all the washed parts with a clean cloth and assemble the carburetor. Reinstall it, and your chainsaw is ready to be used again.

Suppose the carburetor of your hedge trimmer hasn’t been cleaned for quite some time. The best way to clean it would be to remove and open it. Then, thoroughly clean it using a brush and a cleaning liquid.

However, if you regularly clean the hedge trimmer carburetor and know the gum buildup isn’t too much, you can clean it without disassembling it.

Can Vinegar Be Used to Clean a Chainsaw Carburetor?

It would be best not to use vinegar to clean your chainsaw carburetor. Using vinegar is a common question I get from many chainsaw users. It is not used because the acetic acid in vinegar makes the carburetor metal susceptible to rust.

Generally, you should only use non-corrosive materials to clean a carburetor.

Safety is paramount when cleaning a chainsaw carburetor. Always ensure the chainsaw is turned off and disconnected from its power source, and don’t forget to wear protective gloves and eyewear.

Can Sea Foam Be Used to Clean a Chainsaw Carburetor?

You can use Sea Foam Spray to clean your chainsaw carburetor effectively. Sea Foam spray has a petroleum cleansing solvency. It adds lubricity to various components of the carburetor. It is an acceptable cleaning agent for chainsaw carburetors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What are the common symptoms of a dirty chainsaw carburetor?

Common symptoms include reduced engine power, backfiring, black smoke from the exhaust, difficulty starting the engine, and the chainsaw stalling or losing power during use.

• What are some excellent carburetor cleaners for a chainsaw?

Some recommended cleaners are WD-40 Carb Cleaner, CRC Carb Cleaner, Gumout Carb Cleaner, and Super Tech Carb Cleaner. Check with your chainsaw manufacturer for their recommendation.

• How often should I clean the chainsaw carburetor?

Clean the carburetor every 3-6 months or whenever you notice decreased performance. Clean more often if used frequently or with old gas.

• Where can I find my chainsaw’s carburetor?

The carburetor is typically located close to the engine. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact location on your specific chainsaw make and model.

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  1. Noah Ray says:

    Great tips, I never knew cleaning the carburetor was so important!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thanks, Noah! Cleaning the carburetor can make a big difference in performance. Keep up the good work maintaining your chainsaw!

  2. Ronnie Cole says:

    I’ve always wondered how to maintain my chainsaw properly, this article is a great resource!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Ronnie! I’m glad you found the article helpful. Remember to clean the air filter and use a carb cleaner to maintain your chainsaw’s performance. Happy woodworking!

  3. Enrique Campbell says:

    I had no idea how important the carburetor was in the chainsaw’s performance.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      “Thanks for sharing! A clean carburetor truly makes a difference in performance. Keep up the good work in maintaining your chainsaw for optimal results!”

  4. Raymond Gregory says:

    Great information on the symptoms of a dirty carburetor, I’ll keep an eye out for those.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Raymond Gregory! Maintenance is key to keeping your chainsaw in top shape. Keep an eye on those symptoms and clean the carburetor regularly for optimal performance.

  5. Dean Hopkins says:

    I never knew there were specific carburetor cleaners, I’ll look into getting one for my chainsaw.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      “Great choice, Dean! A clean carburetor can really amp up your chainsaw’s performance. Keep up the good work!”

  6. Annie Rodriquez says:

    How often should I be cleaning my carburetor to keep my chainsaw running well?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Regularly cleaning your carburetor every 3-6 months will ensure your chainsaw runs smoothly. Start with the air filter, then move on to the carburetor for optimal performance.

  7. Judith Carr says:

    Is there a specific type of fuel recommended for chainsaws to prevent carburetor issues?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Regularly clean your chainsaw’s air filter, needle valves, and fuel tank to maintain optimal performance. Start with these steps to keep your carburetor in top shape and prevent any issues.

  8. Carrie White says:

    The step-by-step guide makes it seem like cleaning the carburetor is easier than I thought.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Carrie! I’m glad you found the guide helpful. Keeping your carburetor clean can really improve your chainsaw’s performance. Happy sawing!

  9. Dawn Kelly says:

    How long does the cleaning process usually take to complete?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Cleaning the carburetor usually takes around 30-45 minutes to complete. It’s a simple process that can significantly improve your chainsaw’s performance.

  10. Marvin Garrett says:

    Can I use any type of carburetor cleaner, or is there a specific one recommended?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      You can use any carburetor cleaner, but specific ones like WD-40, CRC, Gumout, or Super Tech work well. Clean regularly to maintain your chainsaw’s power and efficiency.

  11. Johnni Long says:

    I appreciate the warning about not using vinegar to clean the carburetor, very helpful tip.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      “Glad it helped, Johnni! Keep your chainsaw running smoothly by following these steps regularly. Happy to assist with any other chainsaw maintenance questions you may have in the future.”

  12. Michelle White says:

    Do you have any recommendations for preventing carburetor issues in the first place?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Regularly cleaning your carburetor is key! Start with the air filter and use a carburetor cleaner spray. Add cleaner to the fuel tank. Drain old gas and refill with fresh gas. Your chainsaw will thank you.

  13. Clarence Adams says:

    Very informative article, thank you for sharing these insights!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your kind words, Clarence! I’m glad you found the article helpful. Let me know if you have any questions about cleaning your chainsaw’s carburetor.

  14. Andy Coleman says:

    Is it possible to clean the carburetor without any prior experience?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Cleaning the carburetor without experience is possible with careful steps. Start with air filter cleaning, then use carburetor cleaner & fuel. Follow our guide for a smooth process.

  15. Ron Rhodes says:

    I appreciate the step-by-step guide, makes it seem achievable for beginners.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Ron! I’m glad you found the guide helpful for beginners. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further assistance.

  16. James Collins says:

    Thank you for breaking down the cleaning process into easy steps!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your positive feedback, James! I’m glad the cleaning process steps were helpful to you. Happy chainsawing!

  17. Jason Garza says:

    I never considered that old fuel could be causing issues with my chainsaw, thanks for the tip!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thanks for the feedback, Jason! Keep your chainsaw running smoothly by regularly cleaning the carburetor. Happy sawing!

  18. Tina Jennings says:

    What are the signs that indicate my chainsaw’s carburetor needs cleaning?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Regularly cleaning your chainsaw’s carburetor ensures optimal performance. Start with the air filter and follow our easy steps to restore your chainsaw’s power. Keep up the good work, Tina!

  19. Jose Mitchelle says:

    These tips are really helpful, I’ll make sure to clean my carburetor regularly now.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Jose! Regular carburetor cleaning is key to maintaining your chainsaw’s performance. Keep up the good work!

  20. Ramona Lambert says:

    Thank you for explaining why a clean carburetor is so crucial for chainsaws.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Ramona, thank you for your kind words! If you have any more questions about maintaining your chainsaw, feel free to ask. Happy to help.

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