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Chainsaw saws are excellent tools for felling trees, and the Stihl 462 is no exception. As a pro, the Stihl 462 would be a great addition. It is lightweight, has anti-vibration, and comes with a bumper design for balance. Let’s just say anyone who has this Stihl chainsaw model has a good deal.
But like every other chainsaw available today, the Stihl 462 comes with its unique set of problems. If you are looking to buy or already have one, I imagine you want to know what issues to expect from the tool. Yes, the Stihl 462 has a few issues you should look out for, especially if you plan on using it consistently. Some problems are basic chainsaw issues, some come from how the tool was manufactured, but all problems have solutions.
The most common issues you will likely face with the Stihl 462 are temperature based. Winter is not exactly kind to our star. The saw gets jammed easily during ice-cold winters; when it does, it is a little challenging to use and pass cut through a bar.
I’ll go into more detail later in the article about other common Stihl 462 problems and how to troubleshoot them. I have done a lot of chainsaw DIY troubleshooting, so I can assure you, you have nothing to worry about.
Let’s get started!
Bottom Line Up Front
The Stihl 462, like every chainsaw, has some issues from time to time. Some of these problems are generally expected from chainsaws, and some are unique to the brand. But speaking from experience, the lack of proper maintenance causes most problems.
In the case of the Stihl 462, weather and engine-related problems are most common. During winter, the chains might be jammed from ice, or the engine refuses to start or function properly.
Common Stihl 462 Problems & Troubleshooting
Here are the common problems, how to fix them, and how to avoid them:
Problem 1 – Chainsaw dies while cutting
What happens when your Stihl 462 chainsaw dies on you in the middle of work?
This obviously is not the most pleasant situation, but if you have the 462, you need to be prepared for such, and chainsaws in general.
If your chainsaw dies on you in the middle of work, the fault is likely from air filters. This is a common problem not just for the Stihl 462 but for other gas-powered chainsaws. If the chainsaw has not been cleaned or changed in a while, it’s likely the culprit.
How to fix
To fix this, you will need A bucket, warm water, soap, and a clean cloth or towel.
- First, turn off your chainsaw for safety.
- Locate the main spark plug, and unplug it from the socket.
- You should be able to see the air filter; remove it.
- Bring a bucket, warm water, and soap, and combine them inside the bucket to make soapy water.
- Using warm soapy water, thoroughly wash the clogged air filters.
- If the filter is too dirty, leave it in the water for a few minutes.
- Take out the air filter, and rewash it with clean water.
- Now rinse it with extra water and air dry.
- After a few minutes of drying the filter, wipe it with a towel or cloth.
- Reinstall the air filter by repeating the same process in reverse.
How to avoid
- To avoid this problem, you need to clean your air filter more often.
Problem 2 – Chainsaw’s engine loses power gradually.
Engine losing power gradually each time it starts or even a while longer is another common problem with the Stihl 462. This usually means there is a problem with the clutch, just like in cars.
How to fix
We will need to replace the clutch with a new one to fix this problem. You will need Clutch removal tools and accessories, screwdrivers, a wrench, and engine grease.
- The first step is to make sure your chainsaw is powered off.
- Then, remove the clutch drum using a sprocket.
- Now, grab the clutch removal tools, and remove the old clutch.
- To properly rotate the chainsaw clutch clockwise and pull it out.
- Release the clutch spring from the sloths.
- With the new clutch, fit the clutch shoes in the slots, and secure them with a spring.
- Screw the clutch into the housing counterclockwise.
- Apply the engine grease to the clutch. This will keep it from overheating.
- Now reinstall the clutch drum and sprocket. Follow the same procedure we used to remove them.
- You can start the engine to see if the problem has been resolved.
Problem 3 – Chainsaw refuses to start
Yes, sometimes your Stihl 462 chainsaw might not be able to start. In my experience, a defective plug is the most likely culprit for this issue.
The electrical spark provided by spark plugs ignites the combustion required to start your chainsaw. It sends a bolt of electricity across a small gap, igniting the fuel and air mixture that moves the pistons and starts the engine on your chainsaw. So if the spark plug of your chainsaw is broken, it will not start.
How to fix
To fix this issue, you will need a new spark plug and screwdriver.
- First, as always, power off your chainsaw.
- Locate and remove the lever housing.
- Take the air cleaner out of the saw. Now we can remove the old spark plug.
- Locate the gaping spark plug.
- Completely connect all spark plug connections.
- Grab the new spark plug and install it in the exact position as the old one.
- Reassemble the housing. That’s it!
- Turn on the saw to see if it starts or not.
Problem 4 – The engine does not start
There are other possible reasons your chainsaw’s engine will refuse to start. As I said in this article’s beginning, it could be weather-related. If the weather is too hot or too cold, your chainsaw’s carburetor can get too hot or too cold, potentially preventing your engine from igniting.
Another possible reason can also be insufficient fuel.
How to fix
- First, turn off your chainsaw.
- If the fuel tank is empty, mix and refuel the chainsaw.
- If the weather is too cold, allow the chainsaw to cool down.
- And if the weather is too hot, it will enable the chainsaw to warm up to, at the latest, +10 degrees.
- Restart your chainsaw to see if everything is fine.
Problem 5 – Chainsaw’s chain is getting loose.
A chainsaw’s chain becoming loose is usually dangerous. Extreme caution is required when working with heavy-duty tools like the Stihl 462.
If your chain is constantly undone, the axle or chain tensioning bolts are probably not tight enough. In my experience, a loose chain is caused by an incorrectly tensioned or lost bolt 90% of the time. Also, if the teeth on the front or rear sprockets or both wear down, the chain can become loose. The saw will naturally heat up and expand as you use it. As a result, a chainsaw chain can start tight and gradually loosen.
If the chain on a chainsaw is loose, it will be unable to control excessive vibration, which could result in serious injury.
How to fix
To fix the issue, you will need hand gloves, screws, and a flathead screwdriver.
- First, power off your chainsaw.
- Locate the adjustment screw for side access.
- Disengaged the chain break properly.
- Then, on the side of the saw, loosen the bar nuts.
- Using a screwdriver, rotate the screws clockwise until the chain is fixed correctly.
- Now, tighten the nuts the same way with a screwdriver.
- You can start the chainsaw again to check the tightness of the chain.
Problem 6 – Flooded engine
The engine could become flooded if you have too much fuel in your chainsaw.
The combustion inside your chainsaw’s engine requires fuel and air, and when the spark plug attempts to ignite the gas, there isn’t enough room to properly mix the air because there is too much fuel. This can result in your chainsaw not starting.
How to fix
To fix this problem, you must clear the combustion chamber, which means reading some fuel. You will need a combination wrench and a screwdriver.
- First, power off your chainsaw.
- Set the chain brake.
- Allow the chainsaw to cool down.
- Turn the shroud locks counterclockwise with the combination wrench to unlock them.
- Now, remove the shrouds.
- Take off the spark plug brace.
- Undo the screws securing the spark plug.
- Remove the spark plush and air dry it.
- Position the Master Control Lever.
- Pull and guide the starter grip several times. This will clear the combustion chamber.
- Once the combustion chamber is cleared, replace the spark plug and tighten it firmly.
- Attach the spark plug boot and firmly press it down.
- Set the shroud in place.
- Finally, tighten the shroud locks till you hear a click sound.
- That’s it!
Problem 7 – Issues with the Oiler
Faulty oilers are a problem you will encounter with every chainsaw. Most times, people underestimate the importance of adequately oiling their chainsaws.
A faulty oiler is usually caused by not lubricating your chainsaw correctly. Chainsaws are supposed to be lubricated before each cut, but bad things could happen when they are not for a while. The chains move at high speed across the chainsaw bar.
As a result, if the chainsaw is not adequately lubricated, it can cause severe friction, which is extremely dangerous. A slow chain and excessive fuel consumption lead to lots of friction between your bar and chain, which produces a lot of heat and could result in major damage to your saw.
How to fix
To fix this, you will need a wrench, earplugs, safety gloves and glasses, lean white papers, and a flathead screwdriver.
- Power off your chainsaw and wait a few minutes for it to cool down.
- Remove the nuts from the bar using a wrench.
- Now, using the flathead screwdrivers, scrape away the thick and dry oils. Doing this will also aid in the removal of dust and dirt attracted to the saw by the thick oil.
- Replace the old chain and use a wrench to tighten the nut on the bar.
- Position the paper underneath the chainsaw.
- Now, you can start the saw and look for any black oil splatters on the paper.
- To adjust the oiler, turn the screw on the right side.
Remember to oil your chainsaw correctly and as often as necessary.
Problem 8 – Engine does not reach maximum RPM
If your chainsaw’s engine does not reach its maximum RPM, the saw is not properly tuned to the environment.
How to fix
To fix this, you will need to calibrate the saw.
- Start the machine and run it for about 90 seconds.
- While running, do not use the throttle or accelerate the saw.
- After 90 seconds, turn off the machine.
- Your machine should be re-calibrated appropriately and is now ready for use.
Problem 9 – Chainsaw does not rotate when the throttle is engaged
There are three possible reasons why your chainsaw will not rotate even when you engage the throttle. Either the chain brake is engaged, the chain is overly tightened, or the bar nose sprocket is blocked.
How to fix
- First, power off your chainsaw.
- Check to see if the brake is engaged, and if it is, turn back on the chainsaw and disengage the brake.
- If that does not work, turn the chainsaw back off.
- Inspect the chain and properly tension it.
- Finally, clean the bar nose sprocket.
- Your throttle should be working fine now.
Problem 10 – Poor Acceleration
If your chainsaw isn’t accelerating correctly, it’s either because the chain is too tight or the lubrication system isn’t supplying enough chain oil.
How to fix
- Power off your chainsaw.
- Tension the chain properly.
- Increase the rate of oil feed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions: Why does my STIHL chainsaw keep shutting off?
Answers: As I said earlier in this article if a Stihl chainsaw does not receive enough air, fuel, or spark to continue running, it will die. Other possibilities include a clogged air filter, cooling system, or spark arrestor; old fuel; a clogged fuel line, fuel filter, or fuel tank valve; a dirty carburetor; or a faulty spark plug or ignition coil.
Questions: Do Stihl chainsaws have a break-in period?
Answers: Yes, and It is critical to follow the break-in period when using a new Stihl chainsaw, which lasts for the first three tanks of gas. The break-in period allows the motor to adapt to regular use, which also contributes to how long it can last.
Questions: How long should a Stihl chainsaw last?
Answers: A professional Stihl Chainsaw has a run time of 2,000 hours. That is, the saw would last you at least 5.5 years before breaking down. This, however, does not apply to all Stihl chainsaws; some may last longer than five years, while others may last less. It also matters, in my opinion, how well and frequently you use and maintain it.
Questions: How much compression should a Stihl chainsaw have?
Answers: Stihl USA chainsaws should have a minimum compression reading of around 110 psi. Personal engines may run slightly higher or lower than average, and tool temperature can influence readings. A cool chainsaw consumes less power than a hot engine that has been running for some time.
Questions: What is a full skip chain?
Answers: These are a type of chain used to cut large pieces of wood and to cross-cut wood sections. Skip tooth chains have gaps between the cutting teeth, reducing chain drag and the amount of debris produced. Skip tooth chains can be used with less powerful saws and longer guide bars to reduce kickback.
The Bottom Line
Take it from me; your Stihl 462 is an excellent tool. It provides outstanding performance, and it is very reliable. But like every chainsaw, it does come with its share of issues. If you are a new owner or thinking of getting one, you need to be prepared for these issues and possibly avoid the ones you can. And if it does break down, you will have this troubleshooting guide to help you.
Troubleshooting the Stihl 462 is not very difficult. In most cases, you will need to clean or replace the air filter or spark plug and adjust the saw for winter or summer operations.