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.
how long does chainsaw bar oil last Related Question:
How often should you add bar oil to chainsaw?
Gas chainsaws use about one tank of bar and chain oil for every tank of fuel, so fill the reservoir every time you fill the tank.
How long is bar and chain oil good for?
Unopened container shelf life: 4 years in originally sealed containers. Container already opened shelf life: up to 4 years if stored in a firmly closed container, in a dark and dry location, at cool (up to 25°C/77°F) constant temperatures.
Why does my chainsaw use so much bar 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.
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.
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.
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 any oil be used for chainsaw bar oil?
Generally, chainsaws can handle a wide range of lubricants. Vegetable and canola oils work well, and automobile motor oil will too, as long as you observe the SAE ratings and use the appropriate oil weight for the season. Always use fresh, never used, oils.
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.
Can you use 10w40 in a chainsaw?
You can but it’s not very good for the chain or the environment. The Husqvarna / Stihl stuff is much thicker and vegetable based so it doesn’t fling off the chain as easily or poison your garden! 10w30. Thicker.
Do all chainsaws leak bar oil?
In all but very exceptional cases there is nothing wrong with the chainsaw and what appears to be an oil leak is simply oil that has sprayed from the chain as it rotates at high speed, draining from the saw body and guide bar.
Can you overfill chainsaw oil?
Have you overfilled the oil reservoir? It’s easy to do and it is amazing how many times this simple oversight is the cause of chain oil leaks. An overfilled reservoir can often leak oil when the saw is turned on. Check this and siphon some off if it looks excessively high.
Can you put too much bar oil in a chainsaw?
Technically speaking, you can’t put too much bar oil into the fuel tank of your chainsaw (unless it’s overflowing, which would not be good). What’s important is that too much oil is not being used by the chainsaw on the bar and chain.
Can I use WD40 as chainsaw oil?
No. You should never use WD40 as chain lubricant since WD-40 is NOT a true lubricant. WD40 is primarily a solvent or rust dissolver.
Can you use transmission fluid for chainsaw bar oil?
On occasion I’ve used tranny fluid to clean out old oil residue in old chainsaws . It works well . In addition to that tranny fluid seems to pump better on some saws with whimpy oilers in cold weather .
What’s the difference between chainsaw bar oil and regular oil?
Bar and chain oil is stickier than regular motor oil, so it stays on the chain longer. Motor oil flings off the chain more quickly, so if you try Terry’s tip, be prepared to refill the oil on your chain saw more quickly than with regular bar and chain oil.