shorterm and longterm storage?

[Bigeclipse]

I do not use my saws on a regular basis. I have a 201t which probably gets used the most (every year during hunting season to trim limbs for treestands). The other saws I have, only get used when a tree falls on my property across a trail. This happens on average once or twice a year which means my saws are only being used once or twice a year. I have a Stihl ms460 and a Husqvarna 365 special. Since it is very random when I use these saws, how should I be storing them? What is the best way to store them? I do change the gas can I use either every 3 months or less OR I add fuel stabilizer when I first fill the can to allow it to last a bit longer. Thanks for all help!

 

[cuinrearview]

For once a year use I would recommend the canned pre-mix like tru-fuel. When you are finished with the job I would empty the fuel tank into your automobile or lawn mower, then start the saw and let it idle until it burns all of the fuel in the system and dies. Lots of guys store their equipment full of good gas or add sta-bil and don't have issues. Personally, I don't think the risk of fuel going off is worth the the few minutes saved by not running the fuel system dry, especially with a year in between uses.

 

[lone wolf]

I use VP 94 in all the stuff that sits for that long.

 

[Bigeclipse]

For once a year use I would recommend the canned pre-mix like tru-fuel. When you are finished with the job I would empty the fuel tank into your automobile or lawn mower, then start the saw and let it idle until it burns all of the fuel in the system and dies. Lots of guys store their equipment full of good gas or add sta-bil and don't have issues. Personally, I don't think the risk of fuel going off is worth the the few minutes saved by not running the fuel system dry, especially with a year in between uses.

Thanks but I can still get ethanol free premium fuel near me and when I do have to cut up a tree I use a LOT of gas so those pre-mix fuels can be costly. Usually what I do is I keep 1 gallon of fuel on hand with premium stihl oil over the summer months, I change this gas out every 3 months (so twice a summer) and then over winter I keep the gas can empty unless I have a need which I then simply run down the street to get premium gas again. I typically keep a big can of premium gas on hand to fill my atv so those routinely get changed and I could use some of that gas to fill a mix can in a pinch.

My main question is what state to keep the saws themselves in? Should I keep them empty and put some oil into the cylinder? How does this work? How much oil do I put into the cylinder and do I attempt to drain that cylinder first prior to running the saw again? Thanks!

 

[cuinrearview]

I would store them completely empty as I stated above. No need to fog the cylinders as long as they're stored in a dry place. Residual oil from the mix will hang around on bearings and cylinder walls.

 

[lone wolf]

Thanks but I can still get ethanol free premium fuel near me and when I do have to cut up a tree I use a LOT of gas so those pre-mix fuels can be costly. Usually what I do is I keep 1 gallon of fuel on hand with premium stihl oil over the summer months, I change this gas out every 3 months (so twice a summer) and then over winter I keep the gas can empty unless I have a need which I then simply run down the street to get premium gas again. I typically keep a big can of premium gas on hand to fill my atv so those routinely get changed and I could use some of that gas to fill a mix can in a pinch.

My main question is what state to keep the saws themselves in? Should I keep them empty and put some oil into the cylinder? How does this work? How much oil do I put into the cylinder and do I attempt to drain that cylinder first prior to running the saw again? Thanks!

I store all mine full and keep changing the gas like you said.

 

[Jasonrkba]

I've often wondered if we should leave the gas cap loose for vapor to escape.

 

[cuinrearview]

Seems like this thread gets started every couple months, and everybody has a different way of handling fuel. I guess as long as your fuel line doesn't turn milky and mushy you're doing it right. Bit then again, if everyone figured it out I'd have a pretty expensive hobby.

 

[Jasonrkba]

I would guess if your going to leave gas in it your better off topping it off and make sure there is stabil in it. I've cleaned out enough vintage saws that set for years with gas in it rotting out the tank that I do not do it. I empty it out and run it dry.

 

[Jasonrkba]

I believe the older manuals actually say to put a couple drops of two cycle oil in the spark plug hole if it going to sit for a long time.

 

[cuinrearview]

I believe the older manuals actually say to put a couple drops of two cycle oil in the spark plug hole if it going to sit for a long time.

That was most likely before synthetics

I would guess if your going to leave gas in it your better off topping it off and make sure there is stabil in it. I've cleaned out enough vintage saws that set for years with gas in it rotting out the tank that I do not do it. I empty it out and run it dry.

Yeep, lots of right ways. That's what I choose too.