Stihl 044 Troubleshooting

Check your fuel mixture first if you are having trouble starting the saw. If it was sitting up all winter, remove the drain cap and dump out all the old gas-oil mix. In a fresh gas can, mix 1 gallon of gasoline and 2.46 fluid ounces of Stihl 2-cycle oil. Mix it well and add it to the gas tank and try to start it.

Check the primer bulb on your chainsaw. The primer bulb is responsible for delivering gasoline to the carburetor when starting the saw. If the bulb is cracked or dry-rotted, pop it out with a flat-head screwdriver. Disconnect the two fuel lines attached to the bottom of the bulb assembly and plug them onto the ends of the new bulb. Gently pop the new bulb back into place.

Remove the spark plug boot and use a spark plug wrench to remove the old plug. Screw in a new plug and tighten it with the wrench. Place the boot back on top of the plug. Try to start the chainsaw.

Check the bar tension. If it feels loose use a nutdriver or socket set to tighten the bolts down. Also, inspect the pull-starter rope to make sure it is functioning correctly.

Undo the knob on the back of the rear handle and then remove the carburetor box cover to access the air filter. Pull the air filter out. Try tapping it a few times or blowing it with compressed air. If it still remains filthy, change it out with a new one or clean the old filter well in warm water with a light detergent like dish soap. Allow it to dry completely and then re-assemble it.

Adjust your high, low and idle speed screw with a screwdriver. Turn the high speed screw to the left until it stops and then adjust by bringing it back to the right with a 3/4-inch turn of the screwdriver. Turn the low speed adjustment screw all the way to the right. Back it up to the left one quarter of a turn. Start the saw. If the saw dies out, then turn the idle screw to the left until the blade spins slightly and then back off one quarter of a turn. If the saw idles too high turn the idle adjustment screw to the left until the chain does not move.

If these troubleshooting methods do not help your chain saw then bring it in to a technician.