Husqvarna 460 Rancher Chainsaw

Manual!

It is not normal.

The saw (all chain saws) is designed to be started with the chain brake engaged, for operator safety.

Why it dies can be determined by your saw repair shop.

As already suggested: Read the manual. Click here to download manual.

Not normal. Need more diagnosis. If you're a doctor, you understand .

1. With the engine running and the brake off (not applied) and finger off the throttle, does the saw idle slow and steady enough that the chain coasts down and eventually stops, or does the chain keep moving?

2. When you say 'cuts off' do you mean it stops suddenly like pushing the stop button, or does it cough and sputter before stopping?

Yes it stops like pushing the stop button.

What's the answer to the first question?

The chain coasts down and eventually stops.

I would guess that the brake mechanism is contacting a bare wire or connector associated with the stop switch/ignition primary circuit, thereby shorting the circuit to ground causing loss of spark. Or possibly pinching the fuel line.

Check the little air bleed hole in your fuel cap,when the motor is not running full noise it may not be recieving enough fuel to complete its fuel mixture ratio therefore not allowing the motor to idle.these breathers do have a tendancy to gum up over time. Is your fuel mixture correct? Is your plug in a servisable condition ? Is your air filter properly serviced? There are Quite a number of every day maintaince procedures if not followed correctly will reduce the saws ability to idle .As you give your saw this attention take time to note just how good its compression is. Cheers Maurie

In addition to a GA for #9, I would add that before you run the engine dry, you should empty the gas in the tank. That way you will only need to clear the a small amount of fuel in the saw instead of potentially most of a tank.