One downside is how easily the vegetable oil flows compared to traditional bar oil. If you choose to use vegetable oil long term, you will need to account for this leakage when not using your chainsaw, or if you are storing it a long time, it is best to empty the oil tank. So if you run out of bar oil during a job or you find your oil is no longer usable, there are a few somewhat common alternatives you can use instead. As mentioned, I do not recommend using these alternatives as a long term solution.
So you’re checking your chainsaw fluids and all you have is a super old container of chainsaw bar and chain oil. The chain oil gets into the oil hole on your chainsaw bar, here’s a picture to see what I’m talking about. You should not use motor oil in your chainsaw as bar and chain oil for three reasons.
Every time you refuel your saw you should be topping up your chain oil. A lot of chainsaws are equipped with an adjustable oil pump to increase/ decrease the amount of oil getting onto your cutting equipment. Chainsaw manufactures generally design oil tank size so that you use one tank of fuel mix to one tank of oil.
Knowing the available chainsaw oil options, learning how to choose the right one and determining the right fuel/oil ratio can help ensure your chainsaw runs smoothly every time. Common Issues if Chainsaw Oil Is Bad. Chainsaw engine oil can go bad. Two-cycle oil is good for up to five years when sealed, and many manufacturers list the oil’s shelf life on the container. “One thing we do for our customers who buy a chainsaw that requires an oil/gas mix is we have them buy a gas can and we write the formula right on the can with a big black Sharpie. Then, the next time they need to make the mixture, they can dump in the right amount of oil and take the can to the gas station and pump in the right amount of gas.”
how long does chainsaw oil last Related Question:
How long does chain saw oil last?
Two- stroke oil will last for a couple of years when it is not mixed with petroleum. Once mixed with petroleum we would not recommend keeping for more than 3-4 months in a sealed air tight approved storage container.
Does chain oil expire?
Bicycle chain lubricants don’t have expiration dates. The longer your chain lube has been stored, the longer you need to shake it.
How often should I oil my chainsaw?
It is recommended that you grease the bearing in the tip of the bar each time you refuel. Make sure to grease the tip at the end of the day as well to help prevent moisture from entering the bearing as the bar cools.
Can I use 10w30 for chainsaw bar oil?
As a matter of fact, you can actually use regular 10w30 motor oil on a chainsaw as one of the alternatives in case you don’t have bar and chain oil. That’s because 10w30 oil has enough thickness and viscosity that will allow it to withstand the friction that is happening whenever you are using a chainsaw.
Why is my chainsaw using so much oil?
What causes a chainsaw to leak oil? As the oil is pumped from the tank through to the guide bar, air begins to replace the space where the oil was previously stored. If there isn’t proper ventilation of the oil tank, a vacuum can occur and reduce the flow of oil to the guide bar.
Can you use motor oil in a chainsaw?
While motor oil is not the best substitute for chainsaw bar oil, it will work as a temporary measure if find you have no other option. The downside of motor oil is that it’s not sticky enough to stay on the bar and chain. So, when you’re using the chainsaw, the motor oil will fling off as you cut and make quite a mess.
Can you use canola oil for a chainsaw bar oil?
To achieve this classification, an oil must be nontoxic and must biodegrade rapidly if spilled. Rapeseed-based (usually called canola) oil is currently the most common environmentally compatible chain-and-bar lubricant.
Does degreaser expire?
In short: yes, cleaning products can expire. “Like many products purchased at the grocery store, cleaning products can degrade over time,” says Brian Sansoni, senior vice president of communications, outreach & membership at the American Cleaning Institute (ACI).
What happens if you run a chainsaw without bar oil?
Without lubricant, the speed at which the chain moves over the chainsaw bar can cause some serious friction. A slowed-down chain and excessive fuel burning mean there’s a lot of friction between your bar and chain, which means a lot of heat is being produced that could do major damage to your saw.
How often do you need to sharpen a chainsaw?
A chainsaw may only need to be sharpened once a year if it is rarely used, but a tool that is frequently used will need to be sharpened regularly to ensure that the blade doesn’t get too dull. On average, a chainsaw blade will retain its sharpness for about 3 hours of actively cutting through wood.
Do electric chainsaws need bar oil?
Electric chain saws derive their power from an electric source, so they don’t need fuel to run. Most gas chain saws require a premixed gas-and-oil fuel to operate properly. Electric chain saws don’t require this added oil, but the bar and chain do need to be properly lubricated.
Can I use 2 stroke oil for chainsaw bar oil?
Can You Use 2 Cycle Oil As Bar Oil? You should only use two-cycle oil as the mix, never as a chainsaw bar oil alternative. Using two-cycle oil on the bar will not provide enough tackiness to stick to the chainsaw chain in the summer months. Two-cycle oil also will not work in the winter.
What weight is chainsaw bar oil?
What viscosity is chainsaw bar oil? The viscosity of chainsaw bar oil can vary depending on the formula but 30W is standard. In cold weather, a thin 10W chainsaw oil may be advantageous, while very hot temperatures may require a much thicker 40W or 50W formula.
Can you use old motor oil for chainsaw bar?
Some people caution against using motor oil on a chain saw, but not for safety reasons or concerns about equipment. Bar and chain oil is stickier than regular motor oil, so it stays on the chain longer.
How do you store a chainsaw when not in use?
Your chain saw should be stored in a dry place. Choose a place which is well ventilated and protected from the weather. Keeping it outdoors is not advisable.