Do you own a chainsaw, and you need to store it, but you don’t know how to do that without leaking oil? If so, then don’t worry because you’ll find out how to do that here.
Storing chainsaw without oil leaking is one of the most important things in chainsaw maintenance during the off-season. To store chainsaws without oil leaking, you must drain the oil and store the chainsaws in an empty oil tank. You can then store the chainsaw on a shelf or ground, or even hang it on the wall. Make sure that you’re securing the plugs before the chainsaw storage and after each use. Another way to prevent the chainsaw from leaking would be by keeping the oil lines clean and ensuring that they aren’t damaged.
In this article, you will get to know all about storing chainsaws, how to store chainsaw without oil leaking, why does chainsaw oil leak when stored, and more. Continue reading to get all the answers that you are looking for.
Storing chainsaws but noticing oil leaks?
Do you have a chainsaw that leaks oil? Now think of how you’d store the chainsaw when you know that it’ll create a mess. Most chainsaw users face the oil leakage problem. If you’re facing this issue, then you shouldn’t worry. It is common to wonder how to store a chainsaw so that it doesn’t leak oil.
You need to drain the oil and store the chainsaw in an empty tank. If you’ve got a larger chainsaw, you can store it on the shelf or the ground. If it is a smaller chainsaw, you can hang it on the wall. After that, secure the plugs before storing the chainsaw and after each use. To prevent the chainsaw from leaking, remember to keep the oil lines clean and make sure that they aren’t damaged. Lastly, make sure that the oil tank is properly ventilated.
Your chainsaw can leak oil for multiple reasons. One of the common reasons is the wrong way of oiling the chainsaw, while another reason could be maintenance issues.
Why does a chainsaw leak oil when stored?
If you notice the chainsaw leaking oil after usage, you would probably think that you’ve wasted hundreds of dollars worth of chainsaw oil to keep the tool working well. To avoid the extra cost of oil and repair, you need to learn how to store the chainsaw without oil leaking from the machine.
The oil in the chainsaw could be leaking for different reasons. Some of them are maintenance related, while others are the result of improper oiling. Remember that you shouldn’t overfill the oil tank, as the oil might escape through the port if the reservoir is overfilled. Most chainsaws of a specific model have a maximum fill line on the reservoir. Filling the reservoir until just below this line is the safest option.
You can keep the chainsaw free of oil leaks while using it, and before you put it away. Problems with the port plug can be another common cause of oil leaks and are usually easy to rectify. Each time you’re changing the oil, you need to make sure that the plug is securely fastened each time.
Leaks will be more likely to occur when it is used due to mechanical issues than when it is in storage. However, you should still be aware that other components in the oiling system, including pumps, can potentially fail and create leaks.
You should look for the manual model if you require guidance on proper cleaning and maintaining the chainsaw body. You should temporarily remove the case, spark plugs, and chain, and clean the oil parts using a steel-bristle brush. The oil reservoir needs to be disassembled and cleaned or replaced in case it becomes clogged.
How to store chainsaw without oil leaking
Chainsaw drip oil when you’re operating the tool, as the chain will leak the oil to maintain its speed. The chainsaw body and guide bar release the oil when it becomes stale.
The chainsaw bar and chain oil stored in the tank will remain inside as the valve draws the air inwards while pumping out air. In this way, the valve ends up creating a positive pressure in the tank. Due to the pressure, the oil is passed into the chain as you’re moving the chainsaw. The purpose of this oil will be to keep the chainsaw blade safe from potential damage.
If you’re looking to store the chainsaw such that it doesn’t leak oil, you must make sure that the oil lines aren’t punctured. You shouldn’t overfill the oil tank and keep the oil tank ventilated. Moreover, make sure that the oil outlets are not plugged with the sawdust.
Nearly every new chainsaw owner will show concern that their chainsaw leaks oil. In most cases, there’s nothing actually wrong with your chainsaw, except for a few problems like improper storage methods. However, oil leakage must be in modest quantity and no more than 10ml per day. If it is more than 20ml, then there is a technical issue with your chainsaw.
How to prevent your chainsaw from leaking oil during storage
What if it was possible to fix the chainsaw oil leakage issue by using a proper storage method? Below, you will find the proper steps to find out how to store chainsaw without oil leaking.
1. Check the oil reservoir before storage
Overfilling the reservoir can often result in oil leakage, as the oil will expand as the temperature changes. Your reservoir must have a maximum fill level marked on it. It is preferable to remain slightly below that level and not top off the oil reservoir when storing a chainsaw.
You should avoid most leakage issues while your chainsaw is in use and while the saw is being stored if you only fill it when you need to use it.
2. Secure the plugs before storage
Moreover, make sure that the fill plugs are snug and secure before storing and after each use. Plastic or rubber plugs tend to deteriorate over time, although the replacements are inexpensive. However, some fill plug brands are quite tricky to find in the local market.
3. Hang by the rear handle
This is a simple and feasible method to store your chainsaws. You should simply hang the chainsaw from a wall hook or something similar. You can hang it by the rear handle, which will be the one with the trigger attached to the hook.
However, if you’re hanging the chainsaw in this manner, there is a potential that the fuel and oil might spill down the chainsaw bar and leak. In the same way as the method above, you should drain the fluids before storing or burp the tank after they’ve been hanging for a couple of days. This will help in preventing oil leakage.
4. Check the chainsaw’s inner body before storage
If the oil is leaking from the chainsaw’s body instead of the reservoir, you can easily resolve the issue by checking a few mechanical points.
Examine the oil tank vent, oil pump, and outlets near the clutch. If any of the parts become clogged, the oil pressure might build up inside the tool until oil leaks out of the lines. During storage, the oil will build up inside the saw’s body and drip out through the unsealed parts of the casing.
To clean the oil ports, you should detach the spark plugs and remove the chain, and the chainsaw’s outer casing before sliding a wire brush into the oil ports. If the oil pump is clogged, it’ll have to be removed and cleaned thoroughly, or it’ll require a replacement.
However, if you find it tricky, you should consult the manual for cleaning and maintenance of the specific model of your chainsaw.
5. Hanging vertical storage
Many chainsaw users ask whether chainsaws can be stored vertically or not. However, when you’re storing the chainsaws vertically, often by the handle, the gasoline and bar and chain oil might leak out of the chainsaw and run down the bar.
You can do one of two things to avoid this situation. First, you can drain the chainsaw’s fuel bar and chain oil so that there is no risk of it leaking. Alternatively, you can also hang it and return to “burp” the fuel and oil tanks in a couple of days. The pressure in the tanks will build up over time, causing the oil to flow out.
You can relieve this pressure and prevent it from spilling out by burping the tank. For doing that, you should just twist the tanks open enough for allowing the gases to escape. Now, you can store the chainsaw vertically.
6. Hang it by the brake stop
This is another alternative to hanging the chainsaw vertically by the handle on the back of the chainsaw blade.
It will be less likely that the chainsaw might leak fluids if the saw is hung from the brake stop handle (the one that runs along the top of the chainsaw) than from the chainsaw’s rear handle.
Brake handles, on the other hand, aren’t the most durable components of the chainsaw. This is why experts recommend that you should use this method for smaller chainsaws. The brake stop might break or get damaged if it is subjected to excessive pressure.
7. Avoid storing the chainsaw on its sides
The openings for the oil tank and fuel tank are located toward the left-hand side of the chainsaw. Meanwhile, an oil hole will allow the oil to drip onto the bar, which allows the chain to remain lubricated while you’re using it.
Oil or fuel might break out if they are stored on either of the sides. Oil is more likely to leak than if you’re simply placing it on the ground as you normally would.
You can also keep a lightweight chainsaw on its side if you need to. However, you must empty the oil reservoir (although the fuel can stay in) and store it in a way that the bar is flat against the ground.
FAQs
Is it normal for a chainsaw to leak oil when not in use?
If your chainsaw is leaking oil when it isn’t in use, then you should not worry because it is normal. However, the oil in the reservoir should not leak. In different chainsaw models, depending on the design of the oil system, around 20ml or less oil present in the oil lines and bar rails could leak out of the chainsaw instead of seeping back.
It will be better to keep a rag under the chainsaw when you’re storing it to avoid a messy situation. However, do not forget to remove the rag after a couple of days. If you don’t get any oil after that, the leakage is due to the overfilled tank or your chainsaw needs maintenance.
Do electric chainsaws leak oil too?
The electric chainsaw might also leak oil, and it might surprise you that the causes of leaks could be the same as the ones in gas-powered chainsaws. The chainsaws don’t need oil for functioning, but they need oil for lubrication. If you overfill the tank, the chainsaw might leak oil. To resolve this problem, you can take out a small amount of oil and check.
If the chainsaw leaks oil even now, the reason might be the dusty oil pump. The extra oil in the pump gasket can also leak the oil. Remember to always clean the gaskets and check for potential damage or wear. If you find any of them, you’ll need to replace the gasket.
How to prepare your chainsaw for winter storage?
When you’re storing the chainsaw for winter, you need to open the sprocket and remove its bar and chain. Now, you can easily clean the sprocket and grime surrounding it. Moreover, you can use the biodegradable corrosion inhibitor for cleaning the chainsaw chain and bar.
Besides, this will keep the bar and chain safe from rusting. After that, you have to reassemble the chain, and your machine will be ready to be stored.
How to store your chainsaw in the garage?
First, you will need to empty the chainsaw’s fuel tank when you’re storing it. Remove the chainsaw’s chain and guide bar and thoroughly clean them. Moreover, you need to spray the protective oil. You must always store the saw in a dry place and protect your saw from the sun.
