
Running a chainsaw without bar oil will cause mechanical problems, and some serious safety issues, such as:
- Kickback
- Chain failure
- Dulls the chain
- Increased bar & chain wear
- Increased engine load
- Increased engine heat soak
What happens if you run a chainsaw without bar oil?
Running a chainsaw without bar oil will cause mechanical problems, and some serious safety issues, such as: 1 Kickback 2 Chain breaking 3 Dulls the chain 4 Increased bar & chain wear 5 Increased engine load 6 Increased engine heat soak More ...
What happens if the chain is too loose on a chainsaw?
A chain that’s too loose can come off the bar, creating an unsafe condition while you’re cutting. A overly loose or tight chain also wears out the drive sprocket and causes rapid chain and bar wear. To determine if your chain is properly tensioned, pull up on the chain. The drive links should still be in the bar groove.
How do you fix a dry chain on a chainsaw?
A dry bar and chain is a common issue, and in some cases, it’s easily fixed. Chainsaws use a simple oil pump to move the super thick and sticky bar oil from the reservoir to the bar. The rotating chain then distributes the lube around the bar. Blocked saw oil port – remove the bar and chain, clean port and run saw to check feed.
What happens if you put premixed fuel in a chainsaw engine?
Chainsaw engines require a premixed fuel to keep them running at the proper temperatures. The oil that's added to the fuel lubricates the piston and crankshaft, but it also keeps the engine cool enough to keep running. Without this oil in the gasoline, the piston will seize and the engine will be ruined.

Will a chainsaw start with no oil?
All chainsaws, electric and gas require timely lubrication of their moving parts to work seamlessly. There are two main types of lubricants, engine oil and bar/chain oil. Running your chainsaw without bar oil leads to accelerated wear of the bar and chain.
How do I know if my chainsaw needs oil?
0:436:023 Easy Ways To Check If Your Chainsaw Is Oiling The Bar & ChainYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake a close look at your chain you can even touch it and see if it's oily. You can see a bit of oilMoreTake a close look at your chain you can even touch it and see if it's oily. You can see a bit of oil there on my finger. It's coming off of the chain.
What can you use if you run out of bar and chain oil?
Canola oil isn't only a good substitute for chainsaw bars. People across the globe use canola oil full-time for two-cycle oils, greases, various lubricants, and even engine oil. Fun fact: canola oil has a viscosity level near-identical with human skin oils.
Can you manually oil a chainsaw?
0:296:22How to Oil a Chainsaw Bar and Chain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen you go to pull it apart you can see strings of oil come with it. And what that does is becauseMoreWhen you go to pull it apart you can see strings of oil come with it. And what that does is because the chain's moving in anywhere from 6 000 to 13 000 rpm it helps that oil stay on the chain.
How often should you oil a chainsaw?
How often should I lubricate my chainsaw? Fill your oil reservoir each time you fill your chainsaw's gas tank. Make sure that your saw chain, guide bar, and sprocket are always receiving oil from the saw during operation.
Do I really need bar and chain 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 you use wd40 on chainsaw?
To remove grease from the chain links, you will need to soak it in a mix of warm water and degreasing agent. We recommend using WD-40® Specialist® Fast Acting Degreaser and soak it for 10 to 15 minutes.
Can vegetable oil be used as chain oil?
Environmentally friendly – Using vegetable oil as chain lubricant poses no threat to the environment. Effective – Vegetable oils have natural properties including good lubricity, resistance to shear, a high flash point, and a high viscosity index.
Can I use 10W30 instead of bar and chain oil?
Can I Use 10W30 Oil for Chainsaw Bar Oil? Yes, 10W30 oil can be used for the bar oil but not an ideal option. As a substitution, you may use it. 10W30 oil has multi-weight which makes it good for use in summer as well as in winter.
Why will my chainsaw not start?
A spark plug might be defective and needs to be replaced. If your chainsaw has a defective spark plug, it cannot create an electrical current to ignite the system. Remove the spark plug and inspect if it is dirty, cracked, eroded, or damaged. There may also be a heavy carbon buildup or a burned-up electrode.
Can you use wd40 on chainsaw?
To remove grease from the chain links, you will need to soak it in a mix of warm water and degreasing agent. We recommend using WD-40® Specialist® Fast Acting Degreaser and soak it for 10 to 15 minutes.
Is chainsaw oil the same as bar and chain oil?
A chainsaw uses bar-and-chain oil as it runs, and you'll need to add about one tank of this each time you go through a tank of fuel. It's easiest to keep up with your bar-and -chain oil by filling the reservoir every time you fill up the fuel tank.
What type of oil do you put in a chainsaw?
Petroleum-based bar oil has been the standard for chainsaws. Lightweight oil is used in winter and heavier oil in summer. Manufacturers of chainsaws make bar and chain oils specially blended for their machines to extend their lifespan, but if they are not available, the owner's manual suggests alternatives.
What kind of oil do you use for a chainsaw?
Using vegetable oil for the chainsaw bar is a good option because vegetable oils are thinner and lighter in viscosity.
What can you use if you run out of bar and chain oil?
If you run out of bar and chain oil, you can use a variety of other oils as a substitute. Olive oil, vegetable oil, and even coconut oil can all be used in a pinch. Just make sure to apply the oil generously and regularly, as the chain will heat up quickly without proper lubrication.
Can I use wd40 as chainsaw oil?
You can use WD-40 as a temporary fix for a chainsaw that is running low on oil, but it is not a permanent solution. WD-40 can help to lubricate the chain and keep it running smoothly, but it will not protect the chain from rust or wear and tear.
Can you manually oil a chainsaw?
Yes, you can manually oil a chainsaw. The process is relatively simple and only requires a few tools. First, you’ll need to purchase a high-quality chainsaw oil. Next, locate the oil port on your chainsaw. It’s typically located near the bottom of the saw near the chain. Using a small funnel, fill the oil reservoir with the oil.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of bar and chain oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil instead of bar and chain oil, but it is not as effective and can lead to problems. Vegetable oil is a natural lubricant and can help keep your chainsaw running smoothly. However, it is not as durable as bar and chain oil and will break down quickly. It can also attract dirt and debris, which can clog your chainsaw.
Can I use brake fluid in my chainsaw?
Brake fluid can be used as a chainsaw bar and chain oil, but because it is not as viscous as regular chainsaw oil, it will need to be applied more often. It is also important to note that brake fluid is highly flammable, so be sure to take extra precautions when using it near open flames.
Why will my chainsaw not start?
One possibility is that you’re not using the correct type of fuel. Make sure you’re using unleaded gasoline with a octane rating of 87. You should also avoid using gas that’s been sitting in your chainsaw for more than 30 days. If your chainsaw has a two-stroke engine, you’ll need to mix the gas with oil before adding it to the tank.
How does chainsaw bar Oiler work?
A chainsaw bar oiler is a device that is attached to the bar of a chainsaw and supplies oil to the chain while the saw is in operation. The oiler is filled with bar and chain oil, and as the chain turns, the oil is forced out of the oiler and onto the chain.
What happens if you Run a Chainsaw without Oil?
Running a chainsaw without any oil (be it bar oil or engine oil) is detrimental to its life in the long run. The absence of lubricant overheats the machine components and contributes to a significantly accelerated wear and tear rate. It will result in the chainsaw stop working after a time.
Do all Chainsaws need Oil?
All gas chainsaws need two types of oils. One to lubricate their engine’s components and the other for greasing the guide bar and chain. Electric chainsaws use an electric motor instead of a gas engine and only require bar and chain oil.
Do Electric chainsaws need oil?
Electric chainsaws only need bar or chain oil to function efficiently. The power source in these devices is the electric motor, which rarely needs an additional lubricant. Any lubrication for the electric motor is added during manufacturing and can not be replaced.
How much oil should I use for a chainsaw?
If you use a newer solid-type saw chain, add one or two drops of bar oil to keep the moving parts lubricated which will help extend the life of these parts, such as bearings and bushings. I would say that motor oil does provide enough lubrication, but it possesses a higher viscosity which is not ideal for use in a chainsaw. Thicker oils tend to create viscous friction, which causes unnecessary heating up of the chain.
What can I Use instead of Chainsaw Bar Oil?
You can use various oils in place of bar oil, such as vegetable oil, WD-40, or motor oil. However, it is important to note that these are not lubricants and will not keep your chainsaw running smoothly. You should use them sparingly, if at all, as they may cause damage over time.
Why is chainsaw maintenance important?
A chainsaw requires timely maintenance to make sure its performance stays up to the mark. Poorly maintained chainsaws can encounter numerous issues during operation. Some of them can lead to costly...
Why does my chainsaw kick back?
Kicking back occurs when a blade gets stuck in one place and kicks up from the material it was cutting. This can cause serious injury if you’re working with your chainsaw at the time.
Is chainsaw bar oil the same as gear oil?
No, as stated previously, chainsaw bar oil is not the same as gear oil. Motor oils are meant for engines, and gear oils are typically used for gears in transmissions or axles of commercial vehicles like semi-trucks. They cannot be used interchangeably.
Does chain saw oil have additives?
No, chainsaw bar oil contains additives that are not found in motor oil. It also has lubricating properties for the chain and guide bar bushing area. Oil-type saw chains tend to need more frequent bearing replacement as this is where most of the wear occurs on an oilless chain saw.
Can you use vegetable oil in place of bar oil?
A small amount of vegetable oil can be used in place of bar oil. It is important to note that you should only use this method for a short while. If you have better alternatives, avoid using it. This is because using vegetable oil with your chainsaw will damage the rubber components of your engine. Vegetable oil does not keep your chainsaw lubricated or cool the way bar oil does.
What happens if you don't have oil in your gas?
If no oil is present in the gas, the fuel will still ignite and power the piston and crankcase. However, the fuel will burn at higher temperatures, resulting in piston failure .
Why does the crankshaft turn at high speeds?
The crankshaft also turns at these same speeds. This high rate of speed causes enormous friction to build and heat up these engine parts . The oil, however, keeps these parts just cool enough to keep running. If no oil is present in the gas, the fuel will still ignite and power the piston and crankcase. However, the fuel will burn ...
Why does a piston freeze up?
The metal on the cylinder and the piston will heat and expand to the point where the piston no longer fluidly moves up and down inside the cylinder. This will cause friction inside the cylinder, eventually causing the piston to freeze up or stop moving completely.
Can a seized piston move?
The seized piston can't move , and the crankcase can't turn. While the piston and cylinder may be able to be removed and replaced, it is usually unlikely, as the metal will have heated up and burned out all other parts within the piston and crankcase. These systems are difficult to reach and costly to fix.
Does a chainsaw need gasoline?
By Eric Blankenburg. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Nearly all gas chainsaws require a gasoline and oil mixture for their fuel. Chainsaw engines require a premixed fuel to keep them running at the proper temperatures.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of bar and chain oil?
Good lubricity, resistance to shear, and a high flash point are some of the natural properties of vegetable oils. These qualities lend themselves to chain lubricant requirements similar to petroleum-based chain oils, and do not contribute to chain or bar lubrication problems.
Can you use motor oil instead of bar and chain 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. Motor oil isn’t sticky enough to stay on the bar and chain.
Can I use wd40 as chainsaw oil?
The chain of your chainsaw will need to be oiled. To make sure that it works well, grab a multi-use product. WD-40 works great for both – rusting and oiling chainsaws. Once you’ve got the oil in place, it’s time to get to work. The first thing you’ll want to do is remove the blade from the saw.
Can you use WD 40 on chainsaws?
To remove grease from the chain links, you will need to soak it in a mixture of warm water and degreasing agent. We recommend using WD-40® Specialist® Fast Acting Degreaser and soak the links in it for at least 30 minutes. Once the grease has been removed, it’s time to re-assemble the bike.
What grade of oil is chainsaw bar oil?
oil. In cold weather, a thin 10W chainsaw oil may be beneficial, while very hot temperatures may require a much thicker 40W or even 50W. In the case of a chain saw, it is important to remember that the chain is the most important part of the saw.
Can you use old motor oil for chainsaw bar?
It’s a way to reuse the oil. It doesn’t change with old or new oil. You can watch the demonstration video at www.mcall.com. Terry uses the old oil as a substitute for bar and chain oil because it lubricates the bar so the chain can spin freely.
What happens if you run a chainsaw without bar oil?
Bar oil does not equal increased friction and heat. That adds up to a huge increase in bar wear. Without bar oil, the chain teeth, drivers and links will all wear far more quickly. Increased friction can cause teeth to wear faster than they can be replaced. Bar oil is the best way to keep your bike running smoothly.
How to stop chain saw blade from burning?
Chain saws have a safety kickback braking mechanism that stops the blade by locking the clutch drum/drive sprocket. But you can accidentally activate the brake by knocking the kickback handle as you set the chain saw against a downed tree limb or stump. If you hit the throttle hard while the brake is on, you can burn up the centrifugal clutch in just seconds. If the chain doesn’t spin when you squeeze the trigger, STOP and make sure the kickback brake isn’t on. If it’s on, release it and then hit the trigger.
What happens if you run out of 2 cycle oil?
What happens if you run out of 2-cycle oil and substitute regular motor oil in your chain saw? It’ll foul the spark plug, leave carbon deposits on the piston head, in the piston ring grooves and in the exhaust port. Plus, the engine will spit unburned motor oil out the muffler, so you’ll get oil all over your hands. Run the engine long enough with regular motor oil and you’re looking at a complete tear-down and cleaning. Cha-ching! Here are 10 things you might not know about gasoline.
How does a chain saw brake?
Chain saws have a safety kickback braking mechanism that stops the blade by locking the clutch drum/drive sprocket. But you can accidentally activate the brake by knocking the kickback handle as you set the chain saw against a downed tree limb or stump.
Why is my chain coming off the bar?
A chain that’s too loose can come off the bar, creating an unsafe condition while you’re cutting. A overly loose or tight chain also wears out the drive sprocket and causes rapid chain and bar wear. To determine if your chain is properly tensioned, pull up on the chain.
What happens if you don't clean your air filter?
But if you don’t clean/replace your air filter ( shown here ), the engine will suck some of that dirt and dust into the combustion chamber, causing excessive wear. If you notice a loss of engine power or excessive fuel consumption, check the air filter. Some filters can be cleaned, but others must be replaced.
Does dirt wear chain links?
In addition to dulling the cutters, dirt also wears out the chain links faster, causing the chain to stretch. Plus, dirt wears the sprocket at the bar tip. Always support a log far enough off the ground to give you enough clearance to prevent an accidental slip into the dirt. 2 / 9. cagi/Shutterstock.
Can chain saws run into dirt?
Nobody plans to run their chain saw into dirt. But when you cut close to the ground, you’re just begging for a quick dip into dirt, rocks and crud. All it takes is a second in the dirt to dull the cutters. In addition to dulling the cutters, dirt also wears out the chain links faster, causing the chain to stretch. Plus, dirt wears the sprocket at the bar tip. Always support a log far enough off the ground to give you enough clearance to prevent an accidental slip into the dirt.
Can you substitute motor oil for chainsaw bar?
You can substitute motor oil for chainsaw bar oil if you need to, but it is not ideal. Motor oil is thicker than chain oil and will not flow as easily. This can cause the chain to bind and can damage the saw.
What is the difference between chainsaw oil and engine oil?
Chainsaw oil is specially formulated to be used in chainsaws. It has a higher concentration of lubricating properties than engine oil.
Is chainsaw bar oil the same as motor oil?
No. Chainsaw bar oil is a type of lubricant specifically designed for chainsaws. It is usually made of petroleum-based or synthetic oils and can contain other additives for improved performance. Motor oil is a lubricant designed for use in gasoline and diesel engines and will not work as well in a chainsaw.
What is special about chainsaw oil?
Chainsaw oil is a lubricant that helps keep the chain moving smoothly and prevents it from rusting.
What happens if you run a chainsaw without bar oil?
If you run a chainsaw without bar oil, the chain will quickly become hot and will start to stretch. The chain will also start to corrode, which will cause it to break.
How do you lubricate a chainsaw bar?
If your chainsaw has an automatic chain lubrication system, you only need to fill the reservoir with bar and chain oil. If your chainsaw does not have an automatic lubrication system, you will need to apply bar and chain oil to the chain manually. To do this, you will need to remove the bar and chain from the chainsaw.
How often should you oil a chainsaw?
It is recommended that you oil your chainsaw after every 5 to 10 tanks of gas.
