How To Unflood A Chainsaw (5 Pro Tips For Quick Revival)

The gleam of a freshly sharpened chainsaw chain, the satisfying scent of sawdust hanging in the air, the rhythmic roar of the engine as it bites into wood – these are the sensory hallmarks of productive work in the forest. But this idyllic scene can quickly turn frustrating when your chainsaw refuses to start, sputtering and coughing instead of roaring to life. More often than not, the culprit is a flooded engine. Don’t despair! A flooded chainsaw is a common problem, and with the right knowledge and a few simple techniques, you can get it running again quickly. I’ve spent years felling trees and processing firewood, and I’ve definitely had my fair share of flooded chainsaws. In this article, I’ll share five pro tips to revive your flooded chainsaw, along with insights into how to prevent flooding in the first place.

How to Unflood a Chainsaw: 5 Pro Tips for Quick Revival

A flooded chainsaw simply means that there’s too much fuel in the engine cylinder, preventing proper combustion. This excess fuel drowns the spark plug, making it unable to ignite the fuel-air mixture. The key to unflooding a chainsaw is to clear out this excess fuel and allow the engine to breathe.

Here are my five pro tips, gleaned from years of experience and a few (okay, more than a few) frustrating afternoons in the woods:

The Choke Check: Is It the Culprit?

Often, the simplest solutions are the most effective. The first thing I always check when my chainsaw won’t start is the choke position. The choke restricts airflow to enrich the fuel mixture for cold starts. However, leaving the choke engaged after the engine warms up is a surefire way to flood it.
- How to Check: Ensure the choke lever is in the “off” or “run” position. On some models, this is indicated by a picture of a running engine or the word “RUN.”
- The Fix: If the choke was engaged, disengage it and try starting the chainsaw again. Sometimes, this is all it takes.
- Pro Tip: Get into the habit of immediately disengaging the choke after the engine starts, even if it sputters for a moment. This prevents the engine from being unnecessarily enriched with fuel. I’ve seen many beginners leave the choke on thinking it needs it for the saw to keep running.
- The Purge Bulb Priming Protocol: Less is More
Many modern chainsaws have a purge bulb, a small, transparent bulb that you press to draw fuel into the carburetor. While this is designed to make starting easier, over-priming the purge bulb can contribute to flooding.
- How to Check: If you’ve been repeatedly pressing the purge bulb, you might have overdone it. Look at the bulb – is it completely full of fuel?
- The Fix: Stop pressing the purge bulb! Leave it alone for a few minutes to allow some of the excess fuel to evaporate. Then, try starting the chainsaw without priming it further.
- Pro Tip: I only prime the purge bulb a few times (usually 3-5 pumps) when the chainsaw is cold. If the chainsaw has been running recently, it might not need any priming at all.
- The Throttle-Wide-Open Technique: Clearing the Cylinders
This is my go-to method for unflooding a chainsaw, and it works most of the time. By holding the throttle wide open while pulling the starter cord, you’re essentially forcing air into the cylinder, helping to clear out the excess fuel.
- How to Do It:
  - Engage the chain brake for safety.
  - Move the choke to the “off” or “run” position.
  - Hold the throttle lever fully open.
  - Pull the starter cord repeatedly (5-10 times) until you hear a change in the engine’s sound – it might sputter or cough, indicating that it’s starting to clear.
- Why It Works: Opening the throttle allows maximum airflow, which helps to evaporate and expel the excess fuel.
- Pro Tip: If you’re still having trouble, try removing the spark plug and pulling the starter cord a few more times with the throttle open. This will help to clear out any remaining fuel.
- The Spark Plug Inspection: Wet and Useless
A wet spark plug is a useless spark plug. If the previous methods haven’t worked, it’s time to inspect the spark plug.
- How to Check:
  - Disconnect the spark plug wire.
  - Use a spark plug wrench to remove the spark plug.
  - Inspect the spark plug – is it wet with fuel? Is it fouled with carbon deposits?
- The Fix:
  - If the spark plug is wet, dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth. You can also use compressed air to blow it dry.
  - If the spark plug is fouled, clean it with a wire brush or replace it with a new one. A fouled spark plug can prevent proper ignition, even if the engine isn’t flooded.
  - Reinstall the spark plug, ensuring it’s properly tightened.
  - Reconnect the spark plug wire.
- Pro Tip: I always carry a spare spark plug in my chainsaw kit. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of time and frustration in the field. I’ve been caught out before without one, and let me tell you, walking back to the truck for a spark plug is not a fun experience.
- The Patience Game: Let It Breathe
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is nothing. If you’ve tried all the other methods and your chainsaw is still flooded, simply let it sit for a while.
- How to Do It: Leave the chainsaw in a well-ventilated area with the spark plug removed (if you removed it). This allows the excess fuel to evaporate naturally.
- How Long: I usually wait for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better.
- Why It Works: Time is your friend. Given enough time, the excess fuel will evaporate, and the engine will be able to start normally.
- Pro Tip: While you’re waiting, take the opportunity to clean your chainsaw, sharpen the chain, or perform other maintenance tasks. This way, you’re still being productive even when your chainsaw is out of commission.

Preventing Flooding: A Proactive Approach

The best way to deal with a flooded chainsaw is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you avoid flooding your chainsaw:

Follow the Starting Procedure: Consult your chainsaw’s owner’s manual for the recommended starting procedure. This will vary depending on the model, but it typically involves engaging the choke, priming the purge bulb (if equipped), and pulling the starter cord.
Don’t Over-Prime: As mentioned earlier, over-priming the purge bulb is a common cause of flooding. Only prime the bulb a few times when the engine is cold.
Disengage the Choke Promptly: Remember to disengage the choke as soon as the engine starts.
Use Fresh Fuel: Old or stale fuel can be difficult to ignite and can contribute to flooding. Always use fresh, high-quality fuel that is properly mixed with the correct ratio of oil. I always use a fuel stabilizer to extend the life of my fuel.
Maintain Your Chainsaw: Regular maintenance, including cleaning the air filter, inspecting the spark plug, and ensuring the carburetor is properly adjusted, can help to prevent flooding.

Project Metrics and KPIs in Wood Processing: Tracking Success from Tree to Firewood

Now, let’s shift gears and talk about how to measure the success of your wood processing or firewood preparation projects. As a seasoned logger and firewood producer, I’ve learned that tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) is crucial for maximizing efficiency, minimizing waste, and ultimately, boosting profitability. I remember one particularly disastrous firewood season where I didn’t track anything – I just worked hard. At the end of the season, I was exhausted and had very little to show for it. That’s when I realized the importance of data-driven decision-making.

Here’s why tracking these metrics matters:

Cost Reduction: Identifying areas of inefficiency helps you cut costs.
Time Management: Understanding how long tasks take allows you to optimize your workflow.
Yield Improvement: Tracking wood volume and waste helps you maximize the amount of usable wood.
Quality Control: Monitoring moisture content and other quality factors ensures you’re producing a superior product.
Equipment Optimization: Tracking equipment downtime helps you identify maintenance needs and prevent costly breakdowns.

Let’s dive into some of the key metrics I use in my wood processing and firewood preparation operations:

Wood Volume Yield (Cubic Feet/Meters per Tree/Log):
- Definition: This metric measures the amount of usable wood obtained from each tree or log. It’s typically expressed in cubic feet (cu ft) or cubic meters (m³).
- Why It’s Important: It helps you assess the efficiency of your cutting techniques and identify logs that are yielding less usable wood than expected. This can also help you assess the quality of timber you are buying.
- How to Interpret It: A lower-than-average yield could indicate poor cutting practices, excessive waste, or low-quality logs.
- How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly related to cost per unit volume, labor time per unit volume, and wood waste percentage. If you have a low wood volume yield, your cost per unit volume will increase, and you may need to spend more time processing the same amount of wood.
- Example: I tracked the wood volume yield from 100 logs of oak. The average yield was 80 cu ft per log. However, 10 logs yielded only 60 cu ft each, indicating a potential issue with those logs (e.g., rot, excessive knots). This prompted me to source my oak from a different supplier.
Labor Time per Unit Volume (Hours/Person per Cord/Cubic Meter):
- Definition: This metric measures the amount of labor time required to produce a specific unit of wood (e.g., a cord of firewood, a cubic meter of lumber). It’s typically expressed in hours per person per cord or cubic meter.
- Why It’s Important: It helps you assess the efficiency of your labor force and identify bottlenecks in your workflow.
- How to Interpret It: A higher-than-average labor time could indicate inefficient work practices, inadequate equipment, or a lack of training.
- How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly related to cost per cord/cubic meter, equipment downtime, and wood volume yield. If your labor time per unit volume is high, your cost per unit volume will increase.
- Example: I analyzed the labor time required to produce 50 cords of firewood. The average labor time was 8 hours per cord. However, on one particular day, the labor time jumped to 12 hours per cord. Upon investigation, I discovered that the chainsaw was experiencing frequent downtime, significantly slowing down the process. This prompted me to schedule a preventative maintenance check on the chainsaw.
Equipment Downtime (Hours/Week/Month):
- Definition: This metric measures the amount of time that equipment is out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance. It’s typically expressed in hours per week or month.
- Why It’s Important: Excessive equipment downtime can significantly impact productivity and increase costs.
- How to Interpret It: A high downtime figure indicates potential issues with equipment maintenance, operator training, or equipment selection.
- How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly related to labor time per unit volume, cost per cord/cubic meter, and wood volume yield. If your equipment is frequently down, your labor time per unit volume will increase, and your wood volume yield may decrease.
- Example: I tracked the downtime of my firewood processor for a month. The processor was down for 10 hours due to various mechanical issues. This downtime resulted in a 15% decrease in firewood production. I then implemented a more rigorous preventative maintenance schedule, which reduced the downtime to 2 hours the following month.
Wood Waste Percentage:
- Definition: This metric measures the percentage of wood that is wasted during processing. This includes sawdust, bark, and unusable pieces.
- Why It’s Important: Minimizing wood waste reduces costs, increases yield, and can improve fuel quality (if you’re using the waste for heating).
- How to Interpret It: A high waste percentage indicates inefficient cutting practices, low-quality logs, or a lack of utilization of waste products.
- How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly related to wood volume yield, cost per cord/cubic meter, and moisture content (if waste is used for fuel).
- Example: I measured the wood waste percentage from a batch of pine logs. The waste percentage was 20%. I then adjusted my cutting techniques to minimize waste, and the waste percentage dropped to 15%. I also started using the sawdust and bark as mulch in my garden, further reducing waste.
Moisture Content (Percentage):
- Definition: This metric measures the amount of moisture present in the wood. It’s typically expressed as a percentage of the wood’s dry weight.
- Why It’s Important: Moisture content is critical for firewood quality. Properly seasoned firewood (with a moisture content below 20%) burns more efficiently and produces less smoke.
- How to Interpret It: High moisture content indicates that the wood is not properly seasoned and will not burn well.
- How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly related to customer satisfaction, fuel efficiency, and wood waste utilization (if waste is used for fuel).
- Example: I used a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of my firewood. I discovered that some of the firewood was still too wet (above 30% moisture content). I then adjusted my seasoning process to ensure that all firewood was properly dried before being sold. This resulted in increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Cost per Cord/Cubic Meter:
- Definition: This metric measures the total cost of producing one cord of firewood or one cubic meter of lumber. It includes all expenses, such as labor, equipment, fuel, and raw materials.
- Why It’s Important: It provides a clear picture of your profitability and helps you identify areas where you can reduce costs.
- How to Interpret It: A high cost per unit could indicate inefficiencies in your operations, high raw material costs, or excessive equipment downtime.
- How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly related to all other metrics, including labor time per unit volume, equipment downtime, wood waste percentage, and wood volume yield.
- Example: I calculated the cost per cord of firewood, which came out to be $150. I then analyzed each component of the cost (labor, equipment, fuel, raw materials) and identified areas where I could reduce expenses. By optimizing my workflow and negotiating better prices with my suppliers, I was able to reduce the cost per cord to $130, significantly increasing my profitability.
Customer Satisfaction (Scale of 1-5):
- Definition: This measures how satisfied customers are with your product or service.
- Why It’s Important: High customer satisfaction leads to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
- How to Interpret It: A low score indicates issues with product quality, customer service, or pricing.
- How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly related to moisture content (for firewood), wood quality, pricing, and delivery time.
- Example: I started surveying my firewood customers after each delivery, asking them to rate their satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 5. I noticed that customers who received firewood with high moisture content consistently gave lower ratings. This prompted me to improve my seasoning process and ensure that all firewood was properly dried before being sold.

Case Studies: Real-World Examples of Metric-Driven Success

Let me share a couple of case studies from my own experience to illustrate the power of tracking these metrics:

Case Study 1: Optimizing Firewood Production for Small Scale Supplier

I consulted with a small-scale firewood supplier who was struggling to make a profit. He was working long hours but barely breaking even. I helped him implement a system for tracking the metrics mentioned above.

Initial Situation:
- Labor Time per Cord: 12 hours
- Wood Waste Percentage: 25%
- Cost per Cord: $200
- Customer Satisfaction: 3 (out of 5)
Interventions:
- Improved cutting techniques to reduce wood waste.
- Invested in a log splitter to reduce labor time.
- Implemented a more rigorous seasoning process to improve firewood quality.
Results:
- Labor Time per Cord: 8 hours
- Wood Waste Percentage: 15%
- Cost per Cord: $140
- Customer Satisfaction: 4.5 (out of 5)

By tracking and optimizing these metrics, the supplier was able to significantly increase his profitability and improve customer satisfaction.

Case Study 2: Improving Lumber Yield in a Small Sawmill

I worked with a small sawmill that was experiencing low lumber yields. They were processing high-quality logs but were not getting the expected amount of lumber.

Initial Situation:
- Wood Volume Yield: 50%
- Equipment Downtime: 15 hours per month
- Cost per Cubic Meter: $500
Interventions:
- Optimized cutting patterns to maximize lumber yield.
- Implemented a preventative maintenance program to reduce equipment downtime.
- Invested in new saw blades to improve cutting accuracy.
Results:
- Wood Volume Yield: 65%
- Equipment Downtime: 5 hours per month
- Cost per Cubic Meter: $400

By focusing on these key metrics, the sawmill was able to significantly improve its efficiency and profitability.

Applying These Metrics to Your Projects: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a practical guide on how to implement these metrics in your own wood processing or firewood preparation projects:

Identify Your Key Goals: What are you trying to achieve? Are you trying to reduce costs, increase yield, improve quality, or all of the above?
Select Relevant Metrics: Choose the metrics that are most relevant to your goals. Don’t try to track everything at once – start with a few key metrics and gradually add more as needed.
Establish a Tracking System: Choose a method for tracking your metrics. This could be as simple as a spreadsheet or as sophisticated as a dedicated software program. I personally use a combination of spreadsheets and a notebook.
Collect Data Regularly: Make data collection a regular part of your workflow. Don’t wait until the end of the project to start tracking – collect data throughout the process.
Analyze the Data: Once you’ve collected enough data, analyze it to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Implement Changes: Based on your analysis, implement changes to your workflow, equipment, or processes.
Monitor the Results: After implementing changes, continue to monitor the metrics to see if the changes are having the desired effect.
Adjust as Needed: Be prepared to adjust your strategies as needed based on the results you’re seeing.

Challenges and Considerations for Small-Scale Loggers and Firewood Suppliers

I understand that small-scale loggers and firewood suppliers often face unique challenges, such as limited resources, aging equipment, and fluctuating market prices. Here are a few considerations for tracking metrics in this context:

Keep It Simple: Don’t overcomplicate the tracking process. Use simple tools and methods that are easy to implement and maintain.
Focus on the Biggest Impact: Prioritize the metrics that will have the biggest impact on your bottom line.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different strategies and see what works best for you.
Seek Advice: Don’t be afraid to seek advice from other loggers, firewood suppliers, or business advisors.

Final Thoughts: Data-Driven Decisions for a Sustainable Future

Tracking project metrics and KPIs is essential for success in wood processing and firewood preparation. By understanding your costs, yields, and efficiencies, you can make data-driven decisions that will improve your profitability, reduce waste, and ensure the sustainability of your operations. And remember, even if you’re a small-scale operator, tracking these metrics can make a big difference in your bottom line. So, grab your notebook, fire up your spreadsheet, and start tracking! You might be surprised at what you discover. And hopefully, you won’t have to unflood your chainsaw as often along the way.

How to Unflood a Chainsaw (5 Pro Tips for Quick Revival)