Storing Saws Over Winter

[ChiHD]

Just wondering how to store my chainsaws if I'm not going to be using certain ones for 2 months. Should I completely drain the gas tanks, are there any other things to consider? My 660 and 460 have been sitting since before Christmas?

:greenchainsaw:

 

[PA Plumber]

Not a pro or a mechanic...

I have let my saws sit up to many months by starting and warming them up, shut off to drain the fuel, then starting again and letting them run until they shut off.

Haven't had any issues yet.

 

[ChiHD]

Not a pro or a mechanic...

I have let my saws sit up to many months by starting and warming them up, shut off to drain the fuel, then starting again and letting them run until they shut off.

Haven't had any issues yet.

that's what I was hoping to hear!

 

[WillBrayJr]

I drain saws of oil and fuel, then get as much dirt and grime off as possible after every use. I store my Super-2 and will be storing my new Stihl MS170 in my apartment.

 

[PA Plumber]

Yep, clean 'em, also.

When cutting fairly regularly, they get all "polished" up every couple of days or so.

 

[TreeTopKid]

You need to get ever drop of fuel and as much oil as possible. Run them till they are dry. I have to do it all the time hear but because of the heat not the cold. I have changed the fuel line on every saw I own at least once.

 

[Bermie]

Ditto...

I dump the gas (responsibly OF course!) then run the saws till they stop, drain the oil, loosen the chain and brush some oil over the chain. Everything rusts here so the chain coating is essential! I leave the caps loose too...
I've had five 026's stored like this for up to four years and for short periods and when gassed & oiled up fresh they start up just fine every time.

 

[carvinmark]

I do drain all fuel and clean them, but I leave the oil in, never had a problem.

 

[Lawnmowerboy48]

I'm sorry that you have to do this, I just keep mine running year round.

 

[ChiHD]

I'm sorry that you have to do this, I just keep mine running year round.

Apology accepted!

Ha, I actually enjoy being slow for 8 weeks or so through the winter. I don't enjoy working in the cold, and I feel like I work quite hard the other 10 months of the year and deserve to relax a bit. Just got back from a week in Vegas(spent a little more than we thought!), and had a great time in Mexico in Jan. Could never do that any other time of the year!

So...the 2 big saws had to sit. But I had them out yesterday and they both ran perfect. All sharpened up on thee Silvey 510... it was like a hot knife through butter removing some large white pine in Bobcageon, ON.

 

[yablah]

Why do you drain the oil? I can see the point of draining fuel as it goes off.

 

[PA Plumber]

Why do you drain the oil? I can see the point of draining fuel as it goes off.

I don't.

 

[Bermie]

Why do you drain the oil? I can see the point of draining fuel as it goes off.

The oil goes all dark, thick and very very sticky if it's left for a long time.
I've had it happen, not pretty. I think it was the extreme heat it was exposed to over several summers, the saws being stored in a shipping container, the temperature had to be well over 100F at times...a couple of helmets left on the top shelf cracked in the heat as well.