Cold weather tips.
- Thread starter Tnalp
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Stay indoors by the fire and watch tv. Unless you're talking California extreme weather. If so then stay indoors by the fire and listen to the flood advisory.
A thermos of hot soup. And Idiot Mittens...the kind that fasten to your coat sleeves so you don't lose them.
Same here. Buy some books to read when the power goes out during the flood/slide/snow event.
Rounder
Addicted to ArboristSite
A little Iso-Heat (the red bottle) in your gas makes things go a lot better. That and topping the saw off with it choked at the end of the day. Leave the saw outside at night. That's all I got, hope it helps - Sam
bitzer
******** Timber Expert
Extra gloves/socks or extra anything else that will get wet. Oh yeah, a little diesel added to your bar oil will thin it out a bit.
Thanks. Every little trick helps. I have spent the last 6 or 7 winters cutting from Jan to March in Northern BC and AB. I pretty much figured most of what not to do. One trick I swear by is wrapping the saw in a bag or something similar when leaving it out overnight. What about these modified saws? Any extra considerations overall? What about operating at minus 30 or 40 (celsius). I will ask the guy who is modifying them but would also appreciate any other feedback. Keep it coming.
That saw should have electrically heated handles and a switch for that.
Then remove the air filter cover and there should be a little baffle / plastic piece you can remove or turn around (I forget) and that allows heated air from the engine into the air intake.
Then remove the air filter cover and there should be a little baffle / plastic piece you can remove or turn around (I forget) and that allows heated air from the engine into the air intake.
Here is the manual for that saw. On Adobe reader page 23 (book page 21), it has instructions for +10 C weather, then in the far right column, instructions for below -10 C weather. Also mentions you can get an accessory cover to partially block the side air vents.
Correction: Then it says to MOVE the baffle in the air filter cover! (I knew you did something with that baffle!)
http://www.stihl.ca/Manuals/MS_460.pdf
Correction: Then it says to MOVE the baffle in the air filter cover! (I knew you did something with that baffle!)
http://www.stihl.ca/Manuals/MS_460.pdf
Samlock
Addicted to ArboristSite
A piece of duct tape will do. Cover 2/3 of the vents on the lower side, it will keep the powder snow out. Also you can tape the top of the air filter cover. Some people nick stockings from their wives and use it as an extra filter. I never do.
Gun oil. Always keep that on hand. Lubricate the trigger and everything around the carb.
When your tank runs almost empty, pour the remaining gas to the ground before a refill. The water will concentrate on the bottom of the tank.
First thing in the morning, pull it to fire, give it just a bit throttle, shut down and stick the bar in the snow (throttle open) powerhead up and let it rest there for a thinking stick time. Evaporates the moisture out of the system.
A paper back is good when you leave the saw outside. I also bury the package in the snow (put a stick for a mark in case of a blizzard). I have not tried out those max flow filters (not available here), so I have no idea will they make any difference in the winter conditions.
Generally speaking I have not noticed any difference between modified and standard saws regarding the harsh weather. If the tricks won't help, go and buy a Jonsered! (I've got a 460 arctic myself too)
Keep warm and safe, Sam
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Samlock
Addicted to ArboristSite
Oh, yes, forgot to mention the fuel. I always buy octane 98. In the winter I mix with a skidoo 2-stroke oil designed for the extreme colds. I don't know about the octane, I'm on 98 just because the elders told me to, but ethanol is bad for your saw's health when it gets below -25. Ethanol free fuel is hard to find these days, I have to drive over the board to Russia to buy it. Too bad the Russian gas stinks horrible and gives me headache, but at least they know that booze - you don't mix with benzin, people drink it to get happy!
