What Are Chainsaw Oilers And How Do They Work?

What Are Chainsaw Oilers And How Do They Work?

Chainsaw oilers are an important component of a chainsaw, as they help to keep the chainsaw running smoothly and efficiently. Without proper lubrication, the chainsaw can become damaged and even dangerous to use. In this article, we will delve into the mechanics of chainsaw oilers, how they work, and why they are essential for the proper functioning of a chainsaw.

First, let’s start with a basic understanding of what a chainsaw oiler is. A chainsaw oiler is a device that is designed to deliver oil to the chain of a chainsaw while it is in use. The oil serves to lubricate the chain, reducing friction and helping to prevent excessive wear. The oiler can be manually controlled or automatic, depending on the design of the chainsaw.

Manual chainsaw oilers require the user to manually control the flow of oil to the chain. This is typically done by turning a knob or pressing a button to release oil from the reservoir onto the chain. This type of oiler is suitable for occasional use, but it can be time-consuming and inconvenient for frequent use.

Automatic chainsaw oilers, on the other hand, use a pump system to regulate the flow of oil to the chain. As the chainsaw cuts through wood, the pump system is activated, delivering oil to the chain in a controlled manner. This type of oiler is more convenient and efficient for frequent use, as it requires less manual intervention and helps to ensure that the chain is properly lubricated at all times.

One of the most important parts of a chainsaw oiler is the oil reservoir. The oil reservoir is where the oil is stored, and it is typically located near the bottom of the chainsaw. The reservoir is designed to hold a specific amount of oil, and it is important to keep the oil at the proper level to ensure that the oiler is functioning properly. If the oil level is too low, the chainsaw will not receive enough oil to lubricate the chain, which can result in excessive wear and damage to the chain.

Another important component of a chainsaw oiler is the oil pump. The oil pump is responsible for delivering oil from the reservoir to the chain. The pump is typically located near the bottom of the chainsaw and is connected to the oil reservoir by a small hose. When the chainsaw is running, the oil pump is activated, drawing oil from the reservoir and delivering it to the chain.

The oil is delivered to the chain through small holes in the bar of the chainsaw. These holes are positioned so that the oil is delivered directly to the chain, where it is needed most. As the chain rotates, it comes into contact with the oil, which helps to lubricate the chain and reduce friction.

How To Clean A Chainsaw Oil Pump

How To Clean A Chainsaw Oil Pump
  • Maintain a clean guide bar and chain by degreasing them with fuel, gasoline, or a special detergent, such as the intense degreaser.
  • Clean any Sawust, dirt, and congealed lubricant out of the guide bar’s oil outflow hole.
  • Even though it has a filter, keep the oil pump tank clean by cleaning the area surrounding the top before refueling.
  • Check and clean the tank vent as well as the filter on a regular basis.
  • Rinse the chainsaw’s tank with diesel or gasoline if the chain oil has hardened there after a prolonged period of inactivity.
  • Pour some petrol (or diesel) into the oil tank and run the chainsaw for a while to flush the pump out.
  • Fill the tank with chain oil after emptying it; however, if you won’t be using the chainsaw for a while, leave the tank empty.

If the following steps are insufficient, you may need to remove the oil pump from the chainsaw and clean it by hand, such as by soaking it in the diesel before drying and reassembling it.

Chainsaw Oil Pump FAQ

Chainsaw Oil Pump Questions and Answers

What part of the chainsaw lubrication system is the oil pump?

The oil pump is part of the chainsaw lubrication system, which consists of:
Piston pump.
Tank with vent, to balance the inside and outside pressure, and a filter that traps impurities.
Oil outlet hole on the guide bar.

How does a chainsaw oil pump work?

The pump is driven by the crankshaft, which pulls oil from the tank and pumps it onto the guide bar through the output hole. The oil is subsequently distributed over the whole length of the guide bar as the chain moves.

What are the different ways Oil pumps dispense lubricant?

Fixed flow, if the lubricant is pumped at a constant rate.
Zero flow when idling: in this case, the pump is connected to the clutch coupling and only operates when the chain rotates.
Adjustable by an adjustment screw, allowing the oil dosage to be regulated depending on the length of the guide bar, the type of wood being cut, and the season.

How should a chainsaw be stored so that it does not leak oil?

To prevent your chainsaw from leaking oil while in storage, drain the chainsaw of its bar oil and fuel mix and keep the chainsaw empty.

How much bar oil should a chainsaw use?

Gas chainsaws require approximately one tank of bar and chain oil for every tank of gasoline, therefore replenishing the reservoir whenever the tank is filled.

What happens if bar and chain oil is not used?

If you use a chainsaw without bar oil, the chain will heat up and finally break. This can cause serious damage to the chainsaw and need the purchase of a replacement chain and bar. It is important that you use the proper amount of bar oil.

What are the 2 types of oil used for the chainsaw?

Summer and winter bar-and-chain oil are available. Summer and winter oils have differing viscosities.. Winter oil is thinner, which allows it to run smoothly even in freezing conditions and after being kept for some time. Summer oil is thicker and heavier, and it is designed to operate in hot temperatures.

Can I use vegetable oil instead of bar and chain oil?

Natural features of vegetable oils include good lubricity, shear resistance, a high flash point, and a high viscosity index. These characteristics make them suitable for chain lubricant requirements equivalent to those of petroleum-based chain lubricants, and they do not contribute to chain or bar wear over time.

Where is the bar oil adjustment on a Stihl chainsaw?

On a Stihl chainsaw, where is the bar oil adjustment?
On the underside of the chain saw, locate the oil quantity control adjustment screw. The screw is enclosed within a semi-circular graphic with an “E” centered above a line that runs from thin on the left to thick on the right, adjacent to an illustration of a single chain link and an oil drop.

How do you replace a chainsaw oiler?

Read the workshop manual freely available on this website or get a professional chainsaw repairer to do it for you.

Chainsaw Oilers And How Do They Work Final Thoughts

In conclusion, chainsaw oilers are an essential component of a chainsaw, helping to ensure that the chainsaw runs smoothly and efficiently. Whether you have a manual or automatic oiler, it is important to keep the oil at the proper level and to use the oiler in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. By following these simple guidelines, you can help to extend the life of your chainsaw and keep it running at peak performance.

5 comments

  1. John Phillips

    Hey there! I gotta say, I really enjoyed reading this article. It’s packed full of useful information on chainsaw oilers, and it’s all explained real good-like. I especially appreciated the step-by-step instructions on how to clean the oil pump and the FAQ section – that was just the cherry on top. I can tell they understand just how crucial proper lubrication is for a chainsaw to run both safely and efficiently. As a fellow Texan, I sure do appreciate a good bit of knowledge shared like this. Thank you kindly!

  2. Mike

    I recently purchased a Stihl MS 170 chainsaw, but now it has stopped working. Can anyone recommend a solution to get it running again or what I should look for to determine the issue? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

  3. Gerry

    Hi everyone, I am new to using chainsaws and was wondering if someone could explain why oil leaks from my chainsaw oiler? I’ve noticed it mentioned in some articles and want to make sure I understand its importance for the proper operation of the chainsaw. Thanks in advance for your help!

  4. Rickey Lawson

    As a fellow chainsaw enthusiast, I see the value of maintaining our equipment to the highest standard. I was pleased to find this information about chainsaw oilers because of this. It was relatable, simple to grasp, and most importantly, it was jam-packed with useful information. I now have a better grasp of the function that oilers serve in keeping my chainsaw, which has given me greater faith in my ability to keep my equipment in good working order.

  5. Douglas

    Argh, I’m having trouble with my Titan chainsaw. It seems like the oil isn’t reaching the chain and bar and I’ve cleaned it all up but still no luck. I really need to get this fixed so I can get back to using it. Any suggestions on what I should try next?

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