Why is my chainsaw smoking?
If your Husqvarna chainsaw is smoking while in use, it is important to identify where the smoke is coming from.
Smoke can come from either:
- The engine
- The chain and bar
The cause and solution depend on the source of the smoke. This guide will help you identify the problem and get your chainsaw back to normal operation.
Quick answer
A smoking chainsaw is usually caused by either an engine issue or excessive friction between the chain and guide bar.
If smoke is coming from:
- Engine - check the air filter and fuel mixture
- Chain and guide bar - check chain sharpness, lubrication and tension
In many cases, the issue can be resolved through basic maintenance and inspection.
Smoke coming from the engine
Black smoke
Black smoke usually indicates that the engine is not getting enough air.
The most common cause is a dirty or blocked air filter.
What to do:
- Inspect the air filter
- Clean or replace if necessary
- Make sure that the airflow to the engine is not restricted
A restricted air filter can cause the engine to run rich and produce smoke.
White smoke
White smoke is often cause by:
- Condensation inside the engine
- Water contamination in the fuel
Small amounts of white vapour during cold starts can be normal.
What to do:
- Allow the chainsaw to warm up
- Check the fuel for contamination
- Replace old or stale fuel with fresh fuel if necessary
Water in the fuel system can lead to excessive white smoke and poor performance.
Blue smoke
Blue smoke generally means that oil is being burned during operation.
Possible causes include:
- An engine that has been flooded
- Incorrect fuel-to-oil mixture
- Too much two-stroke oil in the fuel
What to do:
- Check that the fuel mixture is correct
- Use fresh fuel prepared according to the recommendation in your operator’s manual
- Follow the correct starting procedure
Incorrect fuel mixtures are a common cause of blue exhaust smoke.
Our Product Assistant can help you find a solution for your specific case:
Smoke from the chain and guide bar
If the smoke appears near the chains or guide bar while cutting, the issue is usually caused by friction.
Dull chain
A dull chain required more pressure to cut through wood.
This increases friction and heat, which can produce smoke from the bar and chain.
What to do:
- Sharpen the chain
- Replace the chain if it is excessively worn
Insufficient chain lubrication
Without enough bar and chain oil, friction increases rapidly.
Check:
- Bar and chain oil level
- Oil flow to the guide bar
- Oil channels and lubrication holes
Blocked lubrication holes can prevent oil from reaching the chain.
Incorrect chain tension
A chain that is too tight creates additional friction and heat.
What to do:
- Check the chain tension
- Adjust according to the operator’s manual
The chain should sit snugly on the guide bar while still being freely moveable by hand.
Incorrect chain and bar setup
Using a chain that is not suitable for the type of wood being cut can affect performance and increase friction.
Our Product Assistant can help you find a solution for your specific case: