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InsightHorizon Digest

Why does oil leak from my chainsaw

Author

Emma Miller

Updated on April 19, 2026

What causes a chainsaw to leak oil? As the oil is pumped from the tank through to the guide bar, air begins to replace the space where the oil was previously stored. If there isn’t proper ventilation of the oil tank, a vacuum can occur and reduce the flow of oil to the guide bar.

Is it normal for chainsaw to leak oil?

In all but very exceptional cases there is nothing wrong with the chainsaw and what appears to be an oil leak is simply oil that has sprayed from the chain as it rotates at high speed, draining from the saw body and guide bar.

Why does my Stihl chainsaw leak oil?

This condition is deemed to be normal for any chainsaw with a similar bar & chain lubricating system. If the unit continues to seep oil after a few days, the problem may be the vacuum relief valve located in the side of the engine housing between the oil output hole and the bar stud(s).

Why did my chainsaw leak bar oil?

An overfilled reservoir can often leak oil when the saw is turned on. Check this and siphon some off if it looks excessively high. … If the oil is running out via the delivery line to the bar then there is a chance that the tank vent is plugged up. If so, the chain may be running ‘dry’ during operation.

How much chain oil should a chainsaw use?

When to Oil Gas chainsaws use about one tank of bar and chain oil for every tank of fuel, so fill the reservoir every time you fill the tank.

Where does the oil come out on a chainsaw?

Look for the oil relief valve in the side of the engine housing, between the oil outlet port and the guide bar studs. Push against the valve with the 16-gauge wire. A little oil should seep from the valve unless the valve is blocked or stuck. Pushing the valve once should free it, allowing oil to seep.

Why is my chainsaw leaking fuel?

Move the chainsaw to a well-ventilated area and check the fuel lines for cracks. … If fuel leaks from the carburetor, rebuild or replace the carburetor to prevent gas from leaking. Replace the fuel tank cap if its seal is damaged and leaking. Check the fuel tank and replace the tank if it’s damaged.

How tight should a chainsaw chain be?

A properly-tensioned chainsaw chain should still be just a little loose on the chainsaw guide bar, but the chain needs to be tight enough that you can’t pull the drive links out of the bar nose.

What is the best position to store a chainsaw?

  • On an angle, as in the stores.
  • Sitting on the ground, as most of mine are in the garage right now.
  • Upright, which can be a much better use of space.
How do you adjust the oil on a Stihl chainsaw?

Insert a small flat-head screwdriver into the oil adjustment screw on the underside of the chainsaw. Turn the screw clockwise to increase oil flow or counterclockwise to decrease the oil flow, reveals Stihl USA.

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How does a chainsaw Oiler work?

But how does a chainsaw oil pump work? The crankshaft drives the pump, which draws oil from the tank and pushes it onto the guide bar via the outlet hole. The movement of the chain then distributes the oil along the entire length of the guide bar.

How do you adjust a chainsaw Oiler?

To increase the oil flow, turn the automatic oiler adjustment screw counterclockwise. To decrease oil flow, turn the automatic oiler adjustment screw clockwise. While always wearing heavy work gloves, grasp the chain and pull it towards the nose of the chainsaw to ensure that the chain moves freely.

Can you start a chainsaw without bar oil?

Running a chainsaw without bar oil will cause mechanical problems, and some serious safety issues, such as: Kickback. Chain failure.

How do you keep a chainsaw from leaking without oil?

To avoid your chainsaw from leaking oil whist in storage, the best solution is to drain the chainsaw of its bar oil and fuel mix and store the chainsaw empty.

How long does bar chain oil last?

Bar oil itself lasts indefinitely; it’s the containers holding the oil that determines the shelf life. Bar oil will stay in most bottles between 3 and 7 years. The oil base determines the length of time; synthetic oils will last the longest, whereas mineral and plant-based oils have a shorter shelf life.

Can I use 10w30 for chainsaw bar oil?

Can I Use 10w30 for Chainsaw Bar Oil? Yes, though it is not ideal for use in the winter. A 10w30 oil is multi-weight, meaning it will perform well in cold and heat. Yet 10w30 weight motor oil will be very tacky and viscous once the chainsaw heats up and starts to run.

Should I empty my chainsaw after use?

Emptying the fuel tank Empty the fuel tank in a well-ventilated place and then clean it. Remember to drain the carburettor first, to prevent the carburettor diaphragms from sticking together.

Is it bad to hang a chainsaw by the handle?

Never hang the chainsaw vertically by the guide bar. This will place the entire weight of the chainsaw on the bar, which it is not engineered to handle. You could damage the bar if you store your chainsaw vertically in this way.

How do you store a chainsaw long term?

What you do is a good idea. Drain tank, run it dry, I usually wait for it to sputter, then choke it to get last drops. Putting several drops of chainsaw oil in cylinder and crank it a few times will help super long storage.

How often should you change the bar on a chainsaw?

If you are looking for a general idea for how often you should replace a chainsaw bar, a rule of thumb is to replace the bar of your chainsaw once after you have gone through three chains on the same bar.

How often should I flip my chainsaw bar?

Some professional loggers would advocate that you should flip your chainsaw bar at the end of every use, particularly when you are cleaning up. Others suggest a more relaxed approach advising that you flip the chainsaw bar only when you are changing your chainsaw blade.

When should I replace chainsaw chain?

  1. #1 – Difficulty with positioning. …
  2. #2 – The chainsaw no longer pulls itself into the wood. …
  3. #3 – Smoking, even when lubrication is good and chain tension is correct. …
  4. #4 – Crooked cuts. …
  5. #5 – Missing or damaged teeth. …
  6. In Conclusion.

Why does my chainsaw smoke?

While a chain saw does produce some heat while in use, it should never overheat or begin smoking. … The most likely causes of smoking and overheating are a lack of air and/or a lack of lubrication to the engine or the chain saw chain guide bar.

How do you adjust the Oiler on a Stihl MS 311?

Locate the oil adjuster screw on the bottom of the chainsaw. Turning this screw will adjust the oil feed rate. Turn the screw clockwise to increase the oil feed. Turn the screw counterclockwise to decrease the oil feed.