N
InsightHorizon Digest

How do you adjust a high low chainsaw

Author

Emma Miller

Updated on April 23, 2026

They are the high-speed, low-speed and idle adjustments respectively. Determine the carburetor type before adjusting the high- and low-speed screws. To do this, turn the “L” screw clockwise as far as it will go, using a flat-head screwdriver, then turn it counterclockwise as far as it will go.

How do you adjust the H and L on a Stihl chainsaw?

They are the high-speed, low-speed and idle adjustments respectively. Determine the carburetor type before adjusting the high- and low-speed screws. To do this, turn the “L” screw clockwise as far as it will go, using a flat-head screwdriver, then turn it counterclockwise as far as it will go.

Why does my chainsaw dies when I give it gas?

Because your chainsaw will idle, but dies when it is revved up to full power, it means that the filter is only partially clogged; it will allow enough fuel to the engine to run on idle, but not enough to sustain full throttle. … If the filter becomes clogged, not enough fuel will reach the engine for it to run properly.

What is the H and L on a carburetor?

They are typically labeled L (low speed jet), H (high speed jet), and I (idler jet).

What do the high and low screws do on a chainsaw?

Most Pro Saw Engines Have Three Carburetor Adjusting Screws: If this adjustment is set too high, the high idle speed will cause the centrifugal clutch to engage and the chain will run. … Low Speed Fuel Adjustment – This is the adjustment that controls the proportion of fuel in the air/fuel mixture at idle speed.

What does H and L mean on Stihl chainsaw?

One marked “H”, for high speed, one marked “L”, for low speed and one marked “LA”, which is your low speed air adjustment for idle.

Why does my chainsaw idle fast?

The most probable – and easiest to fix – cause of chain rotation while the chainsaw engine idles is a poorly adjusted idle setting on the carburetor. The result is that too much fuel is delivered to the combustion chamber when the throttle is released, and the engine doesn’t really slow.

Why does my Stihl chainsaw bog down?

The Job of the Carburetor Without the right amount of air and fuel in the piston cylinder, the 2-cycle engine in a Stihl chain saw runs inefficiently and the saw loses power. … When the saw bogs down during cutting, it’s usually the high-speed screw you need to adjust.

How do you adjust the altitude on a Stihl chainsaw?

Move the saw’s throttle level to high and then adjust the high speed screw by turning it in 1/8-turn increments to the right if the engine begins to sputter out. If the engine sounds like it is running too fast, turn the screw in 1/8-turn increments to the left until the engine runs smoothly.

Why does my chainsaw start and then stop?

A clogged carburetor is often caused by leaving fuel in the chainsaw for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the chainsaw engine to stall.

Article first time published on

How do you adjust the carburetor on a Husqvarna chainsaw?

Method for Adjusting the Carburetor Start the saw and adjust the L screw by turning it clockwise until the engine almost stops. Turn it counterclockwise until the engine starts running smoothly and then check the adjustment by squeezing the throttle trigger and noting a smooth acceleration of the engine as you do this.

Why does my Poulan chainsaw keeps cutting off?

If the spark arrestor is clogged, the chainsaw may run stall or run rough. … This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the chainsaw engine to stall. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.

What is the T screw on a chainsaw?

The T screw regulates how much fuel is sent to the carburettor while idling until the throttle is pressed. L Screw – With the chainsaw still running, take a screwdriver and turn the L screw clockwise. Keep turning it until the engine almost stops turning.

How do you clean a chainsaw fuel filter?

Brush the air filter gently with a soft brush or wash it in warm soapy water then dry it. Do not use compressed air to clean it – compressed air can blow holes in the filter, allowing dust and debris into your carburetor.

Why does my chainsaw bogs down at full throttle?

If your chainsaw is bogging down when you give it throttle, this is often a sign of improper gas-to-oil ratio. If there is too much gasoline in relation to the amount of oil used, this is known as a “rich mixture” and can cause the chainsaw to run poorly.

How tight should a chainsaw chain be?

A properly-tensioned chainsaw chain should still be just a little loose on the chainsaw guide bar, but the chain needs to be tight enough that you can’t pull the drive links out of the bar nose.

How do I keep my chainsaw running?

  1. Keep your Chain Sharp: Keeping your chain sharp is probably the easiest and most effective way to extend the life of your saw. …
  2. Flip your Bar: …
  3. Drain your Gas: …
  4. Check your Sprocket: …
  5. Keep a watchful Eye:

How do I know if my chainsaw is running rich?

Running too rich will usually smoke and lack power, it will foul up spark plugs and smoke you out, but it shouldn’t kill the saw. If it’s running well and sounds like it allways has go with the “it’s not broken… ” theory. If it doesn’t seem right, stop using it and check / adjust it ( or get the shop to ).

How do you adjust a Stihl carburetor?

Turn the H screw clockwise with a carburetor adjustment tool until the head is spinning as fast as it will go, then back off the screw carefully until the RPMs start to decrease. Turn the screw slowly clockwise again until the engine once again just starts to pick up speed.

How do you adjust the carburetor on a Stihl 026?

Start by setting the H & L carb screws to the default factory nominal setting. On the 026/260 that means turn the screws in and seat them *gentley* until the screw stops, and then back them off. Back the H &L screw both out one full turn. Start the saw and run it to warm it up with the bar and chain on it.

Why does my Stihl chainsaw dies when I give it gas?

An engine stalls when it’s getting too much or not enough fuel from the carburetor. Stihl chainsaw carburetors usually have three adjustment screws: one each for idle, low speed and high speed. If the saw stalls while it’s idling, adjusting the idle screw, which usually is marked LA, should help.

Why does my chainsaw lack power?

If your carburetor is not tuned properly, the mix can be off, and this will result in a lack of power in your chainsaw. … A plugged air filter will not allow enough oxygen to enter your chainsaw’s engine for combustion. Sometimes the filter can become so clogged with dirt and debris that your engine will not run at all.

Why does my 2 stroke bog?

Now regardless of whether it’s on a garden strimmer, lawnmower or chainsaw, whenever we pull the throttle on a 2 stroke engine and get a bogged down sound it’s almost always caused by an insufficient amount of fuel reaching the engine.

What happens when you run straight gas in a chainsaw?

If straight gas is used, it can damage and ruin the piston and crankcase within a minute, as the gas doesn’t take long to burn out these sensitive parts. Drain the tank immediately into a separate fuel container.

How do I know if my chainsaw spark plug is bad?

  1. Black, chunky carbon buildup spanning the gap between the sparking end of the plug and the hook-shaped metal piece overhanging the end.
  2. Dark carbon residue built up on the ends but not spanning the gap.