Dolmar Chainsaw Guide

How do I clean and adjust the carburetor on my chainsaw?

Check whether the air cleaning filter mechanism has been cleaned properly. Tweaking around the carburetor when the primary air filter is partially or completely clogged is like tweaking the same carburetor when the choke has been left partially on. If you try adjusting your saw with a filter that has not been cleaned, the saw will be turning in a very lean and smoother manner after the filter has been cleaned. Inspect the condition of the muffler and the condition of the exhaust area for any signs of carbon that may have built up. Carbon that clogs the exhaust part of the unit or the main spark arrestor’s protective screen can result in the saw running like the carburetor was in need of constant adjustment. Manipulating the primary carburetor’s controls with a worn out muffler that has been clogged may also cause the saw to run in a smoother manner especially when there are higher levels of carbon in the unit.

If the carburetor’s level of tweaking required for a new or refurbished carburetor is much higher than usual, it might be better to begin by making fuel adjustment settings. This can be achieved by slowly adjusting the primary screws onto the main steadfast ports. Proper care has to be taken while screwing the bolts back onto their holsters due to the fact that the fastening steadfast posts are prone to damage when the screws are rotated too firmly. These very seating ports are more prone to breakage and if damaged, it will result in the entire carburetor having to be replaced. Ensure that fuel tank is over half full. Adjusting the carburetor when the tank doesn’t have sufficient fuel may cause you to set a richer mixture than necessary while adjusting it with too much fuel will result in the other way around. Turn the engine on and allow the chainsaw to idle for a few moments because carburetor adjustments must not be made on a cold engine. This will result in the mixture being too rich when the engine reaches optimum operating temperature. You should aim to set the maximum idling speed at somewhere in the region of 2700 RPM. If a tachometer is not available to you, aim to set the idling speed at such a level that the saw is capable of idling at a maximum possible setting without having to engage its clutch. Also remember to set the fuel adjustment level for lower speeds. You can do so by slowly turning the knob until the engine begins to starve of fuel and keep note of this setting that the screwdriver has been slotted in. Now you may allow the engine to run better by further adjusting the main screw. Ensure that the setting is midway between rich and lean settings.

Here you are see the video describing process above

How do I change the spark plug on my chainsaw?

It’s absolutely imperative that you regularly consider replacement of the primary spark plug to ensure the chainsaw engine’s longevity. This is important to make sure that the engine can be started without any issues, even after several weeks without it being used. Many of the generally seen starting problems associated with all gasoline powered chainsaws can be attributed to old spark plugs that have not been serviced as often as necessary. A consistent failure to replace the chainsaw’s spark plugs as required will result in severe damage to the primary wiring and circuits and this will also make it more tough to keep the engine idling when on, particularly when the weather is cold.

First inspect the spark plug for debris and other types of gunk that may have accumulated due to weathering. If you can clear out the matter that has accumulated without much difficult and the unit looks clean enough, then it is not necessary that the spark plug be replaced with a new one. However if the cleaning process is not very effective, you may be able to go ahead and proceed to inspect the spark gap. Remember that this gap needs to be adjusted and measured from time to time to ensure that the all idling speeds can suit the engine without causing stalling. With care that you do not apply too much pressure to the low volume screws on the casing, carefully unscrew the fastening screws from the housing and take out the older spark plug unit before installing the new one. Ensure that all wires connecting the powertrain to the clutch and assembly have been disconnected before this. Once you have inserted the new unit, screw back the fastenings into place after you have reconnected all the necessary wiring.

Here you are see the video describing process above

How do I perform a cold start on my chainsaw?

Depending on the weather conditions outside and other associated factors such as humidity and time of the day, you might need to occasionally perform on a cold start on your chainsaw to bring it to operational temperature and ensure full functionality. To do this, first ensure that your carburetor setting has been properly adjusted so that it is at a threshold where the fuel mixture is higher than what you would usually work with in regular conditions. However, also take care that the mixture is not too rich or this will cause excessive usage of fuel and wastage, while also resulting in expulsion of unspent fuel that may clog the filter faster. Once the carburetor has been properly adjusted, you may proceed to lower the guide handle and pull the start recoil rope until the engine starts. This might take a few pulls to get the engine running. Once the engine has turned on, trigger the chain blade and allow the chain to rotate a little by revving the engine slightly. You may need to do this multiple times until the engine has been warmed up sufficiently. Do not attempt to directly begin cutting after cold starting the engine as this can lower fuel efficiency and may even damage the unit.

Here you are see the video describing process above

How do I replace the air filter on my chainsaw?

Periodic replacement of your chainsaw’s air filter is crucial to not just ensure longevity of the engine, but also to get better fuel efficiency from your chainsaw and minimize your carbon footprint. Remember that there is no hard and fast rule to when the ideal time for replacement of the air filter is, although it is usually recommended that you do not exceed the timelines specified in the instruction manual. Remember that air filters must be replaced with only the right unit for your specific model’s dimensions and dirty filters must not be re-fitted back into the unit.

Ensure that the engine has been turned off and that the safety is on before you start. Begin by taking off the main chainsaw’s housing at the rear upper end of the unit with a suitable screw driver. Take off all the top screws and carefully remove the plastic lid before identifying the housing for the air filter unit. Now proceed to take out the filter and hold it upside down over a flat surface. Be careful that no dust of debris falls into the housing at this time as it may cause the replacement filter also to get dirty faster than usual. Now take the filter element – usually paper or foam – and clean it by tapping on the hard surface. If the filter does not get cleaned, it is time for it to be replaced with a new one. Insert the new unit into the filter housing and slot it back home within the unit. Once the filter is securely fastened in place, replace the main lid and screw back the fastenings holding in into place firmly.

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How do I sharpen the blade of my chainsaw?

It’s important that you regularly check the sharpness of your chainsaw’s blade to ensure that the blade is in good enough condition. A dull or worn out blade with require many more strokes of the chainsaw to ensure that same level of cutting performance and this will not only result in more fuel being spent, it will also wear out the other parts of the unit such as the clutch pads and the drivetrain prematurely. Ensure that the new blade is specifically made for the model you are using in the case of replacement – never attempt to fit another model’s blade.

Ensure that you pull the plug off the spark plug unit before you begin working on sharpening the blade. Remember to wear protective gloves during this process. Use the blade file to stroke across the blade sections of the chain in a brisk motion to sharpen the necessary side of the blade. Remember to only sharpen as much as necessary, do not remove too much metal from the chain. Generally two to three strokes of the file is sufficient to get the blade back to its functional sharpness. If the chain has been sharpened by you several times already, it is recommended that you have it sharpened at a service centre for better efficiency. Remember to check the chain belt’s tension also after sharpening the blade.

Here you are see the video describing process above