Chainsaw Oil

[Cottonhawk]

I am curious what you folks do with the remaining "bar & chain oil" after using the chainsaw. I usually leave them in the saw and they leak all over the place. It makes the floor dirty and wasting the oil too.

 

[tawilson]

Yep, that's what I do too.

 

[Birdman]

I always try to refill my saw after using it, both the gas and oil mix, and the bar and chain oil. It has never leaked out any of the fluids and is ready to go the next time I need it.

 

[MikePA]

I do what Birdman does with my little Stihl 009L. I've never had it leak either the bar oil or the fuel.

 

[beenthere]

Cottonhawk
You might try loosening the oil cap when storing, and see if it is just pressure that is letting the oil leak out. Other than that, I'd place it where the oil would leak onto newspaper or other disposable item, to not make a mess on the floor.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I've got an old Homelite saw that leaks oil if you leave it in the tank. I'm convinced this saw is our answer to the oil crisis. If I leave an ounce of oil in it, it'll leak out a gallon. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Best solution is to just drain it when done.

A couple summers back, I bought a new Stihl MS260. It doesn't leak a drop. I always fill it when ready to store away.

(I keep the old Homlite on hand for when my favorite Bro-In-Law wants to borrow my chainsaw! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif It NEVER wants to start, the chain is worn out, burns way too much gas, and needs a new spark plug every time he uses it.) (Plus, he always brings this one back. I have to go after the Stihl when he used it)

 

[1bush2hog]

I have had saws that 'weep' a little oil and all I do is just turn the saw on it's right side instead of leaving it upright. This keeps the oil from leaking out.

I have never drained bar oil out of a saw.

 

[rozett]

Like the others, I have a Stihl (029 Farm Boss). I refill it when I put it away and it never leaks. I also have a 20 year-old McColluch 310 and it never leaks either. Too bad the rear differential on my Excursion wasn't as good. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[Egon]

You could also place the saw in one of the proper plastic cases. Protect the saw and chain from inadvertant dings, contains leaks and is very usefull for transport.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[RobertN]

I have two saws. One leaks, the other drips a couple drops. I put cardboard on the shelf where I store the saws. Toss it when it gets icky.

My theory is the pump is in between intake and compression, and allows oil to pass. It's a random event when you shut off the saw. Sometimes the pump stops where it has potential to leak, sometimes it stops at a point where it is sealed up better, ie top of compression stroke.

 

[EddieWalker]

Like Egon said, keep it in a chainsaw case designed for you saw and if it leaks, it will stay in the bottom of the case, not your floor.

I get a little oil on the bottom of my case, but I think it's from the chain, but I honestly don't know or worry about it.

When it gets kind of thick on the bottom, I wipe it clean and toss the rag or paper towel in my burn pile.

Eddie

 

[Highbeam]

Aren't they gear drive pumps? If the oil is pumped with the engine pulses then maybe pull the cord until a hard spot which should be TDC and then the pulse pump will stop the leakage.

My saws dribble a little too. They leave a little driblle spot in the truck and on the storage shelf. Keeps the shed floor waterproof.

I always refill gas and oil before storing for that time you need it at night when a tree falls through the house and pins your dog against the wall or something. That chainsaw can be a life saver and should be ready.

 

[Cottonhawk]

I have Shindaiwa, Stihl, and Echo chainsaws. They are all in very good condition. From your replies sounds like that most of your saws do not leak bar & chain oil. I have no problem with the fuel leaks. I must be doing something wrong in the way I store them. I hang them with hooks on the wall with saw tip down. Do you just lay them flat on the shelves?

 

[hayden]

Very interesting responses. I asked about leaking oil both at my local dealer and on the Arborist web site (hard core chain saw users) and both said you need to crack open the oil cap to equalize pressure, then close it back up before storing.

I just starting doing it but can't tell you the results yet (it will take more time)

It's very interesting that everyone who's responsed saying they "fill the tank before storing and experience no leaks", is also obviously opening the tank and equalizing pressure before storing.

I'm now even more hopeful this trick will work.

 

[Cottonhawk]

Here is a solution! I will give it a try and hope those hard core users give good advice.