The end of summer and approaching fall is the perfect time to begin a thorough cleanup of the property. This time is also a good opportunity to cut firewood. Classic axes can be used for this purpose, but more and more people rely on power tools and use a Makita chainsaw for cutting down trees.
The question of how to start a Makita chainsaw arises for beginners and advanced users alike. That’s because a chainsaw is a thing that requires some technical skills and correct operation, since if used improperly, it can cause serious damage to your health.
So, our goal today is to get your Makita chainsaw running safely. In a safe way for you and in the best way for the tool to last for years to come.
Table of Contents
How to Start a Makita Chainsaw to Avoid a Dangerous Situation?
Often many woodcutters or chainsaw users complain that the chainsaw malfunctions. Based on this query, we can conclude that the topic of proper chainsaw starting is very relevant. Let’s take a closer look at the details of starting.
To activate the Makita chainsaws correctly, you need to do the following:
- Remove the tire from the bar.
- Install the Makita chainsaw on a firm foundation (in general, it is more correct to use a flat or thin plane).
- Press the chain brake stopper to activate it (next to the upper handle).
- Connect the decompression stabilizer search (if it exists)
- Press the primer ball in a row once (if any)
- Pull the starter cable with both soft and fast movements (the Makita chainsaw replacing technology guarantees an easy start).
- Press the hydraulic throttle halfway until the starter rope the stretching does not start working.
Comment: Another thing to watch out for is a chainsaw chain slipping off. The good news is that it’s something you can easily fix by yourself.
Common Reasons Why Your Makita Chainsaw Won’t Start, and How to Fix It
Sometimes it also happens that you do everything right, but your chainsaw chain is still not moving. In that case, it’s worth checking for faulty or broken parts. Thankfully, you can replace the defective parts via your manufacturer or the local hardware store.
Typically, the recurring problems may not involve you replacing parts, and maybe you need to go on some DIY adventure. Your gas-powered Makita chainsaw with rewind spring will stop working if any of the following is the situation.
Defective Ignition Coil Tester
The coil is responsible for supplying voltage for a spark plug. In situations where, the plug is in right conception and the chainsaw chain still won’t starting, you should suspect a gasoline malfunction of the ignition coil. To further confirm your suspicions:
- Check the serviceability of the ignition coil using the ignition coil tester.
- If faulty, replace the ignition coil.
Stale gas powered Makita chainsaw
Everyone carburetor cleaner checks the gas level when the chainsaw stops working, but very few take into account the condition of the gas.
Stale gas without moisture content affects the ignitions of your engine. It is strongly recommended to replace the gasoline in the tank with a fresh mixture after one month.
Another factor here is the type of fuel your Makita chainsaw pulley uses; if it’s a two-stroke, you’ll need a mixture of bar oil or fuel (better oil) to properly lubricate the engine.
By the way, take note of what you can use for bar oil instead. These alternatives will save you quite a bit of money.
Spark Plugs
Without spark in the spark plug, all attempts to start Makita chainsaw engine are useless
Spark plugs produce the spark that ignites the fuel inside the engine. Over time, spark plugs wear out their spark life and must be replaced.
The plugs in gasoline cars have a similar working principle. If a spark plug is worn out, the car will not start. It is worth replacing at a routine engine service.
To replace a faulty plug, follow these steps:
- Remove the plug.
- Touch the wire to the iron element at rewind springs, and also check whether the device emits sparks in any way.
- If this does not work, brush the corrosion off.
- If the problem persists, you should completely change the element.
Dirty Air Filters
A clogged or polluted air filter increases the amount of carbon in the engine, sucking in more gas than fresh air.
It would be helpful if you practice removing the air filter every five hours and rinsing it thoroughly with soapy water before replacing it again.
Flooded Engine
We’ve warned you about how to use a light bulb to start the engine before, but your chainsaw won’t starting if you overdo it. How then do you solve this problem?
When you smell the fuel from the chainsaw or find moisture in the spark plug, follow these steps:
- Remove the spark plug from its position.
- Turn off the hydraulic throttle by pushing throttle control.
- Pull the starter wire approximately 8 times by pressing the valve flap control key.
- Before starting the chainsaw again, wipe the plug and also install it in place responsible.
Recoil Starter
In the starting throttle control, along with the return rewind spring, there is a roller release and a rewind spring recoils. As soon as any of these parts fail, it has a big impact on your ability to properly turn on the engine. If this does not happen in any way, you will not be able to activate the engine chainsaw in failure.
Blocked Carburetor
This is a subsequent problem when you have stagnant fuel in the tank effort; eventually it attracts dirt and clogs the chainsaw carburetor. To solve this clogged, clean the carburetor and replace it, but if it cannot be repaired, it must be replaced.
Makita Chainsaw Service: Caution for DIYers
Our review wouldn’t be complete if we don’t mention safety precautions. Chainsaws are high-risk equipment.
Therefore, before you inspect, service or repair your tool, make sure that your chainsaw does not start unexpectedly. To be sure everything is secure, remove the plug or battery.
Do not ignore fire safety and refrain from smoking if there is fuel or bar oil near you.
Only do maintenance work on a firm foundation, or at the very least, directly on the ground. Never hold such equipment on your lap.
Wear protective gloves and boots. Specially designed for chainsaw use, they really protect you from serious injury by withstanding direct contact with the chain.
Chapter FAQs
Why won’t my Makita chainsaw spin?
When the chainsaw does not start, the search for the cause should begin with diagnostic procedures. The reasons may be as follows:
- Malfunction of the fuel line.
- Ignition system — most often, the spark plug is to blame for the fact that the chainsaw engine does not start.
- Filter elements
- Breather or pressure equalizer
- Muffler or exhaust duct
- Carburetor
How do you start a Makita electric chainsaw?
- Disable the chain brake using the handle on the chainsaw chain body.
- Turn on the ignition by pressing the button or switch (usually this is the leftmost position).
- Move the air supply flap to the closed position. Pull out the throttle lever, lock it in the intermediate position.
- Take the front handle with your left hand, press it slightly to the bottom. Step on the protective shield of the right handle with your foot.
- With the second free hand, you can pull the starter handle towards you until the dogs in the ratchet mechanism hook the clutch of the drum. Make a sharp jerk.
- After the first flash in the ignition chamber, turn the air flap to its original position. Start the saw again.
How do I get my chainsaw to start?
After all the checks, you can run the tool. To do this, the saw with starter rope must be installed on a stable surface so that the tire does not touch the ground. Otherwise, it will have a bad effect on performance.
How do you start a Makita 16 chainsaw?
The algorithm will be exactly the same as all models of these chainsaws.
Conclusion: How to Start Makita Chainsaws
Ignorance of power tools can make you look like a layman; you definitely don’t want that. It is better to read our troubleshooting guide with your own hands than to get into such a situation. However, our article has everything you need to solve the problem.