Stihl Rotary Saw Not Starting – What To Do?

When your Stihl rotary saw isn't starting, then it can put a hold on your work. So what could cause your Stihl rotary saw not to work? In this article, we have researched to help you pinpoint this problem.

If you are Stihl rotary saw isn't starting, then it could be due to the following:

  • Damaged Power Cord
  • Tripped Breaker
  • Clogged Air Vents
  • Bad Fuel
  • Bad Battery
  • Blown Fuse
  • Bad Starter
  • Faulty Carburetor
  • Bad Ignition Coil
  • Bad Engine
  • Faulty Trigger Switch
  • Bad Blade Brake
  • Something is Jammed Mechanically
  • Bad Brushes

Like other tools, rotary saws have components that can fail to cause them not to start. However, it can be challenging to pinpoint the issue on your own.

That's why in this article, we will discuss the functions of each of these components and why they could cause your Stihl rotary saw not to start. In addition, we will take a closer look at how to start different Stihl rotary saws, so read on!

A construction worker cutting stone by cut-off saw with diamond wheel, Stihl Rotary Saw Not Starting - What To Do?

Stihl Rotary Saw Not Starting - What To Do?

Stihl makes gas-powered and electric power rotary saw. So if yours isn't starting, you first need to determine which type you have. Next, check the following mechanical components to see if they are the source of your problem for your Stihl rotary saw.

Keep in mind that not all of these mechanical issues apply to your rotary saw depending on power type (gas or electric):

Builder saws a board with a circular saw cutting a wooden plank

Damaged Power Cord

The power cord is the first place to start when diagnosing your Stihl rotary saw not starting. However, the power cord can become damaged from everyday use, and it's essential to inspect it for damage regularly.

If you find any damage, such as cuts or frays, then it's time for a new cord. Before replacing the cord, be sure to unplug the saw from the power source.

Tripped Breaker

If you have determined that your Stihl rotary saw is not starting and you have checked the power cord for damage, then it's time to check the breaker. The breaker is a safety switch that trips when there is an overload or short in the electrical system that could cause a fire or electric shock.

If your breaker is tripped, you need to unplug the saw and reset it. If it does not stay on, you should contact an authorized Stihl dealer for service because there is likely damage to the electrical components.

Clogged Air Vents

Air vents help keep the saw running cool and become clogged with debris over time. If your Stihl rotary saw is not starting, the air vents may be clogged and need to be cleaned.

To clean the vents, remove the housing and blow out all debris. Be sure to check the air intake and outlet for debris as well. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove the debris.

Bad Fuel

If your Stihl rotary saw is not starting, the fuel may be bad. Over time, the fuel can go bad and cause the saw not to run correctly.

To check the fuel, remove the fuel cap and check the condition of the fuel. If the fuel is black or has a bad odor, it's time to replace it. Be sure to use fresh, clean fuel in your saw.

Bad Battery

If you have an electric Stihl rotary saw, it's possible that the battery is bad and is not providing enough power to start the saw.

To test the battery, remove it from the saw and test it with a voltmeter. If the battery does not provide enough voltage, you need to replace the battery.

Blown Fuse

If you have an electric Stihl rotary saw, a blown a fuse can also prevent it from starting.

The fuse prevents the electrical circuits from being overloaded and causing damage to the saw. To check for a blown a fuse, look inside of your Stihl rotary saw's housing surrounding where the power cord goes in. If there are no loose or visible fuses, you need to replace the fuse.

Bad Starter

If your Stihl rotary saw is not starting, the starter may have a problem. The starter spins the blade and helps get the motor going when the push button or pull cord is pulled.

To test if your starter needs replaced, remove it and hook it up to a voltmeter (or use the ohms setting on your multimeter). If there is no current, then it's time to replace it.

Bad Carburetor

The carburetor mixes the gas and air for the engine to run correctly. When you pull the starter cord or press the push button, this is what starts spinning instead of just pulling the cord.

If your Stihl rotary saw is not starting, and you have checked the starter, the fuse, and the fuel, there may be a problem with the carburetor. To check for a bad carburetor, remove it from the engine and spray some cleaner into it. If you see gas or hear a "sputtering" sound, the carburetor is bad and needs to be replaced.

Bad Ignition Coil

The ignition coil sparks the gas in the engine to start combustion. When the starter cord or push button is pulled, this is what causes the spark.

To check for a bad ignition coil, start by removing it from its housing surrounding where the power cord goes in. After the unit is removed, place a jumper wire from power to one of the posts on the coil while it's still plugged into its housing. If you hear a "cracking" sound, your ignition coil needs replaced.

Bad Engine

If your Stihl rotary saw is not starting and you have checked the starter, the fuse, the carburetor, and the ignition coil, there could be a problem with your engine.

To check if your engine is bad or needs to be replaced, remove it from the housing surrounding where the power cord goes in. If you see any signs of damage or corrosion, the engine is bad and needs to be replaced.

Bad Trigger Switch

The trigger switch sends the signal to the starter to start the engine. When you pull the starter cord or press the push button, this is what starts the saw.

To check for a bad trigger switch, start by removing the housing surrounding where the power cord goes in on your Stihl rotary saw.

Once you have removed it, check to see if the two prongs inside are touching each other on their ends or touching different parts of the switch. If they are not touching each other, you need to replace your trigger switch.

Bad Blade Brake

The blade brake stops the blade from spinning once you release it. If your Stihl rotary saw will no longer stop spinning, then it's possible that the blade brake has worn down (and needs to be replaced), or there is a problem with the current wiring circuit.

Something is Jammed Mechanically

If your Stihl rotary saw is not working, there may be a problem mechanically.

To check for a mechanical jam or blockage, start removing your blade from its housing. After it's removed, check to see if anything is blocking the blade or the housing. If you find something is obstructing it, remove it and try starting the saw again.

Bad Brushes

The brushes are what transfer power to the engine for fuel to combust. If your Stihl rotary saw is not starting and you have checked the starter, the fuse, the carburetor, the ignition coil, and the wiring circuit going to your trigger switch - it's possible that there is a problem with your brushes.

How to Start a Stihl Saw TS410

To start a Stihl saw TS410, follow these steps:

  1. Prime the system by pressing the prime button a few times.
  2. Turn the choke on.
  3. Put the engine in the start.
  4. Pull the cord a couple of times.
  5. Turn the choke off and do a full pull on the cord, and the saw will start.

How to start a Stihl TS400

To start the Stihl saw TS400, you can follow the steps above. The TS400 and TS410 will both start following these step-by-step instructions. If you have any questions, please consult your instruction booklet that came with the saw.

How do you replace a pull cord on a Stihl saw?

Stihl company logo

To replace the pull cord, follow these steps:

  1. Stop the saw.
  2. Make sure the chain brake is engaged.
  3. Remove the cover of your Stihl, which can be done by removing all screws around it and pulling up on the cover. This will allow you to see where your starter cord is located.
  4. Remove the old starter cord and replace it with a new one following the same path.
  5. Ensure all screws are replaced and tightened and that the cover is put back in place.
  6. Now, start the saw by following the steps above.

You will now have a new and working pull cord. If you have any questions, please consult your instruction booklet that came with the saw.

What kind of gas does a Stihl TS400 take?

Stihl TS400 needs a 1:50 mix to run correctly. Stihl recommends using Stihl oil shots for best performance. For more information on the oil and gas mixture for your saw, please consult your instruction booklet that came with the saw.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, one of these troubleshooting tips will help you get your Stihl rotary saw up and running again. If not, please consult your instruction booklet or take it to a qualified technician. Remember never to force the saw to start - it could do more damage. Always be safe when using any power tool.

For more articles, check these out:

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Air Compressor Won’t Start —What To Do?

How To Fill Knot Holes In Wood Flooring

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