How Much Compression Should a Chainsaw Have

The standard compression reading required for most 2-cycle chainsaw is around 100-110 psi to start. If you experience low compression, pull the muffler and check the piston and cylinder for damage or stuck ring.

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Is your chainsaw not getting started after 5-7 pulls of the rope? Is it also failed to make a promising pop?

You have installed a carb kit, changed spark plugs, and checked the ignition spark several times but still no luck!

The reason might be low compression. But how much compression is considered low or high? Does the compression amount play any role in maintenance and safety?

Chainsaws can be very dangerous if not properly maintained and used correctly.

One important aspect of chainsaw maintenance is ensuring that the chainsaw has the correct amount of compression.

If a chainsaw has too much compression, it can be overly powerful and cause damage.

You need to know how much compression a chainsaw should have to be the right amount.

We will look at the different factors that affect compression and the different tools that help measure compression.

What is the ideal compression limit a chainsaw should have?

Chainsaw contains two types of engines, 2-stroke, and 4-stroke engines, and the engine uses gasoline as its fuel.

The compression varies according to the model and brand of each chainsaw.

If a chainsaw has a small engine, it requires a small amount of compression; if a chainsaw has a large engine, it will require a large amount of compression for running the chainsaw.

The temperature and motor capacity of the chainsaw defines the compression requirement levels of its engine.

For a 2-stroke engine, the minimum pressure level is within 100-160 psi, and maintaining the level within the 90-110 psi range is usually recommended.

Therefore, the ideal compression measurement for the 2-stroke engine is 100-110 psi.

If a new chainsaw has less than 100 psi, it will likely be tricky to start and, possibly, flood out easily.

Also, some individual engines might run lower or higher, so the temperature can vary and affect readings.

A cool chainsaw runs low, and the hot engine will be higher.

What must you consider when it comes to the compression of the chainsaw?

A chainsaw runs with the engine, so you constantly have to input power, and if you have to work in a remote area with a chainsaw, you have to compress air with it.

What should matter for the compressor of the chainsaw is moto-capacity in terms of temperature and cc.

Some compressor runs on low cc motors, and some compressors have high motor power, i.e. 150cc.

Moreover, for the chainsaw that runs around 50cc, there will be required compression is 140 to 150psi from the air compressor, and higher, you will need more compression from the air compressor that depends on the power motor. 

When it comes to temperature, the cool chainsaw will run low, and the hot chainsaw will need more air compressors.

There is one more thing for your information the cool chainsaw usually requests 85 to 100psi, and the hot chainsaw requests more than 150 to 160 psi from the compressor.

Understand the compression requirement of your chainsaw

You can understand the compression requirement with the pressure test. Now, look at how this test can function.

• The first step is to prepare your chainsaw by removing the spark plug, and you can use a notch and remove it; also, place the gauge on the spark plug area.
• The second step is to get an accurate reading from the seal, and you can do it by pulling the starter rope of the chainsaw; it will start working, and you will be able to see the needle that is moving.
• The final step is to take your final readings once you get a stable gauge number indicating the perfect compression needed to run your chainsaw.

Need of Compression for 2-stroke engine

For the fuel ignition, proper pressure and compression are required for chainsaws in the 2-strokes engine.

A two-cycle engine works with just a single-piston of cylinders. The cylinder piston goes here and there inside a shaft.

On the main stroke, the air is compacted on one side, and fuel is sucked in on the other.

On the subsequent stroke, the fuel is lighted and ignited on the bottom, and the exhaust is pushed out the top.

The compressed air from the principal stroke makes a vacuum that pulls in the fuel.

Without appropriate pressure, fuel can’t get sucked into the engine. 

Final Thought    

There is no definite answer to the question How Much Compression Should A Chainsaw Have?

You have to understand the compression level for your engine and the requirements of your chainsaw or do the pressure test to measure the compression needed to run the chainsaw.

Compression matters for the effective working of the engine.

You will understand the compression level range for working smoothly.

Chainsaw’s engine works smoothly and effectively as ideal, working at 110psi compression or pressure.

Choose the model of motor for working at standard compression.