Chainsaws

Joel,

It could be a number of different things, Oh you also did Not say what model chain saw, so I'll assume it maybe a Model 455.

So first carefully remove the four screws that hold the starter housing to the saw. Be careful because the cord may retract while your doing it.

Once the housing is off, hope fully the cord retracted, then pull on the cord with the starter in your hand, If the cord does Not work properly then you may have a broken spring inside the starter, they are not too difficult to replace.

If the starter appears OK, and the cord pulls and retracts OK while in your hand, then I would remove the clutch cover, bar, and chain. See if you can turn the clutch, you can also do this from the flywheel side too, but Do not put to much force on the fins of the Aluminum flywheel, if neither the clutch or flywheel will turn, then you have an internal engine problem, which is probably a stuck piston.

If the piston is stuck it could be a bad  or stuck piston ring, So I would suggest removing the spark plug, and get a can of "LMT" piston cleaner, follow the directions on the can and spray it into the spark plug hole, and let it soak overnight, the next day try and see if you can turn the clutch, If the clutch moves freely you may have un-seized the piston. If you still can't move the crankshaft, by turning the clutch, then you will need to take the engine apart, and see what is causing it to be seized.

I hope this helps, and I hope it is just the spring in the starter housing.

Oh, If you have Not worked on small engines, or if your saw is still under warranty then I would recommend taking it to an authorized Husqvarna Repair center. I would try removing the starter, but If thats Not the problem, then Stop there!