There are times when trying to start my Husqvarna 254 chainsaw that it tends to lock up on rotation. It would seem that the explanation is that it is locking up on compression, but it locks up so hard that it rips the starter handle right out of my hand. If I didn't know better I'd swear the piston is hitting a valve. Any hints as to how I can fix it? Thanks.

Ellis, March 2009

i have a 254 Husqaverna that very had to start when hot?

Edgar Boudreau, April 2012

Sounds like the starter rope is to short.

Mr Knowledge, August 2009

check compression if well above 120 psi; carbon deposits

Bob, April 2009

Steve -

I answered this back a while ago, but I guess it didn't take. The saw turns over fine if I put a bit at a time. I have since given up and taken it in for repair. I have to do some cutting and need to get it fixed. Thanks for your response.

Ellis, March 2009

There is no valve in the cylinder of the chainsaw, one possible explaination is that the piston ring location dowel has come out of the piston but this would really cause major problems as the gap in the ring would eventually foul on the inlet or exhaust port and break it but it is one explanation. to find out if this is the case, next time it happens whip the carb and the exhaust off and look up the ports, you should NOT see the gap in the piston ring. If this is happening then good luck - it may have destroyed your cylinder pot!

If the saw does it again, it may be worth checking your starter pulley mechanism, it usually has a couple of sprung loaded centrifugal pinnions on it that fly open under starting, these may be faulty.

Difficult one to sort without seeing it - does it turn over freely if you pull the cord slowly?

Steve, March 2009