A clogged air filter causes poor performance. Clean it as follows.
- Remove the air filter cover. Typically, this involves loosening one or two knobs or screws on the side of the saw.
- Lift out the air filter. It is a foam or felt-like material.
- Clean it by tapping it gently to dislodge loose debris. For a thorough clean, wash it in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess water—do not wring it.
- Let the filter air dry completely before reinstallation. A wet filter will choke the engine.
- Apply a few drops of specific 2-stroke engine oil to the filter. Work it in evenly. This helps trap fine dust.
- Reinstall the filter and secure the cover.
If that didn't work, the carburetor may need adjustment or the fuel filter in the tank could be clogged.
Heads up: Check and clean the air filter regularly, especially in dusty conditions. A dirty filter makes the engine run rich, increasing fuel consumption and carbon buildup.