Just did a thread search and didn't see this, want to clean up my Stihl, the gunk from oil/sap/whatever that is crusted on...before I resort to trying an old standby like maybe laquer thinner or diesel, something like that, what do you folks use...never bothered cleaning one before, don't know what's gotten into me now.
cleaning the saw
- Thread starter SteveH
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Big Woody
ArboristSite Operative
RaisedByWolves
Addicted to ArboristSite
Nothing wrong with cleaning your saws.
I use the solvent tank for cleaning. Quick and effective for that black goop that has been accumulating for years.
If there bad that is my favorite way, if its just sawdust use an airhose.
I use the solvent tank for cleaning. Quick and effective for that black goop that has been accumulating for years.
If there bad that is my favorite way, if its just sawdust use an airhose.
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
Use Castrol Super Clean (or the generic versions called "purple cleaner" diluted 3:1, in a spray bottle. Spray it on on and wash off with water a couple of minutes later. Repeat as required. This stuff dissolves oil and grease instantly, and even takes off the pitch. Don't let it dry on the saw, and particularly aluminum.
Thanks for the info'. Yeah, I use compressed air to clean the saw every time I use it, and of course the air filter, but there's a bunch of the solidly stuck grime now. I'll try one of these methods. I've already cracked the air filter cover on my 036 Pro when the bar stuck in a Ponderosa [duh] and I went over to my truck to get the wrench and another bar and a wind came up, rocked the tree and the saw fell out [duh], tumbled about twenty feet down the hill, luckily only cracking the cover. Trying here to keep from any more screwing up with the thing.
I spray my saws down with WD-40. I let it sit for a bit then spray off with an air hose. If I want to perfect it I then re-apply WD-40 and clean with a rag. I have had much better luck with WD-40 than Simplegreen.
RaisedByWolves
Addicted to ArboristSite
Lakeside53 said:
True.
We have a cleaner at work called Butchers speedball.
I cleaned magnesium parts in this once and it turned them Green !!
Some cleaners will etch alu and mag if used improperly or not rinsed completely.
coveredinsap
Addicted to ArboristSite
The same gas you fill the saw up with should work as a solvent to remove pitch, etc. Put some on a rag and scrub. At least you know the plastic is meant to take it....which you can't say the same about other solvents (most of which recommend not using on plastics.)
Just don't smoke when cleaning with it.
Just don't smoke when cleaning with it.
Mr_Brushcutter
ArboristSite Operative
Air filter cleaned with a paint brush then shoved in a pot of hot water and soap. Left for a while, washed under the tap and left to dry.
I flush the tanks out with neat petrol but i've hurd diesl is better.
Plastic parts of the case can be shoved in the sink with washing up liquid and they the scrub up quite well.
Clutch cover gets scraped out then wiped with a rag. Sprayed with WD40 and then another wipe comes out clean.
I use a Dyson DC14 (don't have an air line) to vacume most of the crap from out of the cluch.
I flush the tanks out with neat petrol but i've hurd diesl is better.
Plastic parts of the case can be shoved in the sink with washing up liquid and they the scrub up quite well.
Clutch cover gets scraped out then wiped with a rag. Sprayed with WD40 and then another wipe comes out clean.
I use a Dyson DC14 (don't have an air line) to vacume most of the crap from out of the cluch.
RaisedByWolves
Addicted to ArboristSite
coveredinsap said:
Your going to win a Darwin award.......
PWB
ArboristSite Guru
RaisedByWolves said:Your going to win a Darwin award.......
YUP!!
If you really want to be THAT cheap, diesel is a lot safer. Flash point is a lot better. Still don't think you should be getting it on your skin any more than necessary............
LarryTheCableGuy
Addicted to ArboristSite
Yes, use something made for the job. There are many products listed here that are made for cleaning and work well. Why on earth would one use gasoline? Gives a whole new meaning to the term "hotsaw".
Is there a cleaning products conspiracy?
.
Is there a cleaning products conspiracy?
.
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
RaisedByWolves said:Your going to win a Darwin award.......
after or before he drinks that bar oil for laxative?
One thing on cleaning. If you're talking occasional cleanup, then air, brush, scrape, water, simple green etc all all good ideas. If we are talking a strip-down, rebuild or restore, that's a different problem. Then the likes of Castrol super clean, Foamy Engine Brite, cleaning fluid (instead of gas, kerosene etc etc), steam clean, dishwasher, and "the CUDA", all come into play. One I like for a particularly messy unit is to take it to the local car wash and pound it with their engine clean option!
