How to Troubleshoot a Husqvarna Chainsaw

Wear work gloves when operating on the internal components, especially the ignition system, of a Husqvarna chainsaw. Lightly twist the rubber boot off the spark plug's tip. Unscrew the spark plug with the socket wrench and socket, pulling it out of the cylinder.

Connect the test spark plug to the rubber boot, with the electrode pointing out. Set the chainsaw on the ground and your right foot into the rear handle. Hold the HT lead wire just below the rubber boot so the tip sits about roughly 1 inch from a grounded metal point on the engine block.

Tug on the starter rope three times and check for a blue spark. If no spark is present, the problem lies in the ignition system. Check the ignition system wires and replace any broken, pinched or damaged wires. Repeat the spark test again. If there's still no spark, allow a professional to troubleshoot the ignition further.

Close the choke lever and leave the spark plug and boot off. Screw the compression gauge into the spark plug hole. Pull on the starter rope until the gauge maxes out. The chainsaw should read around 150 psi on the compression gauge. If the compression is low, allow a mechanic to service the crankshaft and internal engine.

Unscrew the cylinder cover on top of the chainsaw. Loosen the air filter and remove it from the top of the chainsaw. Unscrew the choke cover plate, located underneath the air filter mount, and take the plate away from the carburetor. Unhook the two gas lines and tilt the engine slightly to see if fuel leaks out. If no fuel leaks, check the fuel system for blockages.