I pulled the cord and nothing happened. Well, that’s even worse then a loud-running engine because it provide zero help. You’re surrounded by lawn chores, and your Ryobi chainsaw just sits there.
If you’ve used any type of gas or battery-powered outdoor equipment, you know the deal: The thing seems like it’s dead, yet it isn’t actualy broken to the point of no return. Instead, most issues is simple oversight… Little problems instead of massive engine failure.
Tools is designed by Ryobi with maintenance and user friendliness in mind. That being said, most times what is wrong are something you can fix in minutes. A motor that won’t turn over probably doesn’t require a call to mechanic.
A stale fuel mix or a loose connection is likely an overkill call for a pro. Knowing the basics about fuel delivery and ignition system will save you time and money. More importantly, it will get you back to work rather than staring at piece of metal and plastic.
Easy Fixes for Ryobi Chainsaw Starting Problems
Check Fuel and Battery Levels
Simplest is usually best; first check the fuel level. You think there’s gas in there yet to get one more cut done, right? Wrong.
Pull on it, nothing happens. Fill it back up with some fresh mix, try again. Is it a battery unit?
Make sure the battery has full charge. A weak battery might light it up but may not have enough voltage to turn the motor over. It is a small thing, but it matter.
Inspect Carburetor and Fuel Lines
Finally check your carburetor and fuel line. Gas saws will build up varnish over time if left sitting. Leftover residue from old ethanol blended gas gunking up those small passages happens on all Ryobi gas engine.
This is probably the issue if you haven’t fired it up in a month or more. Change out your fuel line if it’s hard and clean the jet of your carburetor. Fresh fuel moves through nicely.
Stale gummed-up everything. Sometimes the only difference is having clear paths for gas to reach the combustion chamber.
Test and Replace Spark Plug
Another common culprit are the spark plug.
Even with great gas, a fouled spark plug won’t make the thing fire. Just pull the plug and check it out. Is it blackened?
Sooty? Clean it off or change it. Or if it’s gapped incorrectly, that won’t help either.
The gap might be too large or too small. A gap that is too wide or too narrow also cause starting issues. Ryobi has always used regular old small engine plug which are cheap and simple to swap out.
Don’t ignore this. A couple bucks spent on a new plug could of saved you a bunch of head scratching pulls. It is a cheap insurance policy.
Clean the Air Filter
Next check your air filter. If your air filter is plugged it will not allow good air flow, and this will create a rich mix of gas that are difficult to light. In dusty conditions like those for a Ryobi saw, the filter quickly becomes covered with dust.
Take the filter out and knock it clear or rinse it if it’s made from foam. A clean filter allows engine to breathe. Without air you can’t do well.
Maintaining clean filters is simple maintenance and pay big rewards in terms of reliability.
Verify Safety Switches and Interlocks
Lastly, check the kill position and safety switches. There are several safety features built into Ryobi tools that don’t allow them to accidental start up.
Check for the on/off switch being in the run position and make sure the chain brake is disengaged. The safety lanyard may be loose or the switch itself might get stuck. They’re there to protect you, but can also fool you into thinking it’s a mechanical issue.
Clear all safety interlocks before assuming the engine will fire. It is an easy check that sometimes show the obvious. Getting your chainsaw running is usually about process rather than parts.
When it won’t start, start with the easy stuff and work your way to the hard stuff. Ninety percent of no start conditions relates to fuel, spark, air and safety switches. Step through them one by one and take out the guesswork.
The problem will be found quicker then you realize. And when that motor fires up the frustration dissapears.