How To Clean And Adjust A Chainsaw Carburetor

Quck answer

To clean and adjust a chainsaw carburetor, follow these steps:

1. Remove the air filter and inspect it for dirt or debris. Clean or replace it if necessary.

2. Locate the carburetor adjustment screws. There are usually three: the idle speed screw, the low-speed fuel mixture screw, and the high-speed fuel mixture screw.

3. Start the chainsaw and let it warm up for a few minutes.

4. Adjust the idle speed screw until the chainsaw idles smoothly.

5. Turn the low-speed fuel mixture screw clockwise until it is lightly seated, then back it out counterclockwise 1-1.5 turns.

6. Adjust the high-speed fuel mixture screw by running the chainsaw at full throttle and turning the screw until the engine runs smoothly without any hesitation.

7. Test the chainsaw’s performance by cutting a piece of wood. If it doesn’t cut smoothly, make fine adjustments to the carburetor screws until it performs optimally.

8. Once the adjustments are complete, reassemble the chainsaw and clean up any debris.

Remember to always refer to the chainsaw’s manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.


If you want to maintain peak performance of your chainsaw, it is essential to regularly clean and adjust the carburetor. This not only prolongs the lifespan of your chainsaw but also ensures it operates at its best. While you can hire a professional to do the job, you can also clean and adjust the carburetor at home with just a few simple steps.


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How to Clean a Chainsaw Carburetor

Similar to the carburetor in a car, the carburetor in a chainsaw helps deliver fuel to the engine for proper operation. By mixing a small amount of fuel with the incoming air, the carburetor supplies the chainsaw with fuel and ensures the engine runs smoothly.

To achieve this, the carburetor must be free from any clogs or blockages. Firstly, check the air filter for dirt or blockages. If possible, clean it; otherwise, replace it with a new one. Next, remove and drain the carburetor. If you find that the carburetor is blocked or clogged with a sticky, gold or brown residue, it is necessary to clean it along with all its components.

Use a carburetor cleaner spray and a small brush to clean the external parts of the carburetor. Once done, remove the adjustment needles, diaphragm, and cover plate. Take note of the order in which you disassembled them, as this will help during reassembly. Spray the cleaner into the holes beneath the diaphragm and needle adjusters. Repeat this step for the air intake to clean the throttle. Afterward, reassemble the unit. Online resources are available to guide you through this process.

How to Adjust a Chainsaw Carburetor

The manufacturer of your chainsaw will provide specific instructions on how to tune the carburetor for that particular model. However, there are some general standards for adjusting a chainsaw carburetor.

After cleaning or replacing the air filter and ensuring the gas tank is at least half-full, you can proceed to balance the high and low-speed screws. Once the chainsaw is warm, ensure the high and low-speed screws are fully turned in. Then, turn each screw counterclockwise by one full turn (consult manufacturer’s instructions for variations). Next, turn the high-speed screw clockwise to lean out the fuel mixture. Finally, turn the high-speed screw to the left until you hear a flutter. This indicates the correct RPM for your chainsaw.

Another quick test or adjustment involves the throttle. Ensure the chainsaw is at idle and check if the chain is moving. If it is, turn the throttle screw counterclockwise until the chain stops moving.

Testing and Adjusting Your Chainsaw Carburetor

According to one experienced specialist, the roll-over test is highly recommended. The concept involves rotating the saw into various positions while it is not in use (ensuring that the chain brake is activated). If the saw is receiving excessive fluid, it will immediately stop functioning. In such cases, simply rotate the low speed screw in a clockwise direction and repeat the process.

If you are uncertain, it is always advisable to visit the manufacturer’s official website. Here, you will find more comprehensive instructions and helpful videos on how to properly adjust your chainsaw carburetor.

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