Today’s chainsaws have very few problems with carburetors and seldom need adjustment. Saws today in many cases either don’t have any carburetor adjustment or very little adjustment. If you never actually adjust your own saw you should at least understand when a saw is running properly. The steps below can be used to determine if it is running properly without your having to conduct the adjustment.

Carburetor Adjustment Checklist:

1. Clean air filter as needed. Follow manufacturer cleaning recommendations.
2. Start saw and allow it to warm up.
3. Check for chain creep. Chain should not rotate at idle. Adjust throttle screw as needed.
4. Clear the carburetor by revving engine slightly to burn out any possible excess fuel. Idle for approximately 30 seconds. Do a “dump test” and then acceleration test.
5. Accelerate fully. After some practice you will be able to detect a distinct difference in the sound of the saw. The engine should not scream or sputter. If the rpm’s are too high you can damage the saw. If the rpm’s are to low it will perform poorly. The correct sound will put the engine sound just under the screaming sound at a slight sputter sound. You may wish to purchase a tachometer.

If a saw does not check out following this simple procedure there likely is some other problem.

Before attempting to adjust your own saw you may benefit from attending hands on chainsaw training classes. You will learn proper saw maintenance, how to properly sharpen a chain, adjust a carburetor and practice the latest cutting techniques for felling and bucking trees. The emphasis is on safety and technique.

You may wish to let any carburetor adjustment needs to a professional. Mistakes made adjusting your carburetor may result in poor performance and can damage the saw.