How to store chainsaws so they work after long term storage.

[Bethjohnson]

To store your chainsaws for long-term storage while ensuring they remain in good working condition, follow these steps: First, clean the chainsaw thoroughly, removing any dirt or residue, especially from the chain and bar. Next, drain the fuel tank and run the engine until it stalls to eliminate any remaining fuel in the carburetor; this helps prevent fuel degradation. Apply fogging oil into the spark plug hole, crank the engine a few times to distribute the oil, then replace the spark plug.

For the chain, consider applying a light coat of oil to protect it from rust. Store the chainsaws in a cool, dry place, ideally hanging or on a shelf to prevent damage, and ensure they are covered to keep dust away. This prep will help your chainsaws start easily when you're ready to use them again.

 

[Tobystihl]

Just want to add (as no-one has mentioned it) make sure to drain the oil tank completely, I've noticed some eco oils are very good at dissolving the internal paint coatings in long term storage resulting in mag rot.

 

[Tobystihl]

..........Oh and never leave saws sat on concrete floors!

 

[diver64]

I leave a couple of saw's at my hunting camp and run them once a year. -30 in winter to 85 or so in the summer. I use StaBil in the gas, pull the plug and use an oil in the cylinder then give it a couple of pulls, lightly tighten the plug and put it away. Been doing it for years in the saw and generator with no problems.

 

[sean donato]

To store your chainsaws for long-term storage while ensuring they remain in good working condition, follow these steps: First, clean the chainsaw thoroughly, removing any dirt or residue, especially from the chain and bar. Next, drain the fuel tank and run the engine until it stalls to eliminate any remaining fuel in the carburetor; this helps prevent fuel degradation. Apply fogging oil into the spark plug hole, crank the engine a few times to distribute the oil, then replace the spark plug.

For the chain, consider applying a light coat of oil to protect it from rust. Store the chainsaws in a cool, dry place, ideally hanging or on a shelf to prevent damage, and ensure they are covered to keep dust away. This prep will help your chainsaws start easily when you're ready to use them again.

Dumping bar oil was already mentioned, and fogging a 2 stroke needs done while running to coat the bottom and top end. You're not doing anything worthwhile just dripping some in from the plug hole. Hence the reason for running an Alkylate fuel before "long term" storage.

 

[James Sawyer]

Just want to add (as no-one has mentioned it) make sure to drain the oil tank completely, I've noticed some eco oils are very good at dissolving the internal paint coatings in long term storage resulting in mag rot.

Good to know, the cost of bar oil these days... i picked up some eco oil at the saw shop but haven't tried it yet. Because I would have done just that left it in several saws.

 

[OM617YOTA]

Is eco bar oil better now? Used to gum up terribly. I wouldn't store any saw with eco oil in the tank or on the bar and chain.

 

[sean donato]

Is eco bar oil better now? Used to gum up terribly. I wouldn't store any saw with eco oil in the tank or on the bar and chain.

No still the same old canola/ vegetable oil derrived crap as it always was.

 

[OM617YOTA]

No still the same old canola/ vegetable oil derrived crap as it always was.

I'd avoid it then.

I used to use ordinary veggie oil from the store. Didn't mind the bar and chain gumming up every so often, couple mins heating with a propane torch and dragging it on a log got it free, then start cutting and it was fine. What got me to stop using it was the coating of gummed up oil on the engine cooling fins, that was a PAIN to remove. Won't do that again.