Are you troubled by random oil leakage in your chainsaw? If that’s the case, you have come to the right place.
Chainsaws are an essential tool for many professionals and homeowners who need to trim trees, cut lumber or clear out debris. However, a common issue that can occur with chainsaws is oil leakage. Whether you have a Stihl or Husqvarna chainsaw, an electric or gas-powered model, a new or old one, or a chainsaw oiler leaking can be frustrating and inconvenient.
If you’ve ever wondered why my chainsaw leaks bar oil or why my chainsaw is leaking bar oil when sitting idle, you’re not alone. In this article, we will explore the reasons why your chainsaw may be leaking oil and provide you with practical solutions to fix the problem.
So, whether you’re dealing with a new chainsaw leaking bar oil or an electric chainsaw leaking oil, keep reading to learn how to keep your chainsaw in top working condition.
Is It Normal for a Chainsaw to Leak Oil?
The short answer is yes, it’s normal for chainsaws to leak oil. The oil is delivered to the chain and bars through an oiler, which is typically located near the chain. However, as with any mechanical device, chainsaw oilers can become clogged or malfunction, causing the chainsaw to leak oil.
Oil leakage is a normal part of chainsaw operation, and you shouldn’t be overly concerned if you notice a small amount of oil dripping from your chainsaw. However, if you notice excessive oil leakage, it’s important to address the issue promptly to avoid potential damage to your chainsaw.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of the oiler can help prevent oil leakage and ensure that your chainsaw runs smoothly for years to come.
Reasons and Their Solutions for Oil Leaking in Chainsaws
Here are the most common reasons that lead to the leaking of chainsaw oil.
1: Problems with Ventilation
Problems with ventilation can lead to oil leakage in chainsaws. This issue can arise when the oiler becomes clogged or obstructed, preventing the oil from flowing freely to the chain and bar.
Solution
To solve problems with ventilation and prevent oil leakage in your chainsaw, you can start by checking the oiler for clogs or obstructions. If the oiler is clogged or obstructed, clean it thoroughly using a small brush or compressed air.
Next, inspect the oiler tubing to ensure that it’s not kinked, bent or obstructed. If the tubing is obstructed, use a small wire or a pipe cleaner to remove any blockages.
2: Overfilled Oil in the Oil Tank
Overfilled oil in the oil tank can also lead to oil leakage in chainsaws. When there’s too much oil in the tank, it can overflow and leak out, causing a mess and potentially damaging your equipment.
Solution
To solve overfilled oil in the oil tank, you should start by draining the excess oil from the oil tank using a funnel and a container to catch the oil.
Make sure to pour the oil from the tank carefully until it’s at the appropriate level. Always remember to check your chainsaw’s oil level before use to ensure that it’s at the appropriate level and avoid overfilling the tank.
3: Tank Tube Might be punctured
A punctured tank tube in a chainsaw can be a common cause of oil leaking. The oil tank tube is responsible for transferring oil from the tank to the bar and chain for lubrication. When the line is punctured or damaged, the oil will leak out of the tank and onto the ground, leading to a loss of lubrication for the bar and chain.
Solution
Fortunately, fixing a punctured tank tube is a relatively straightforward process. Just locate the punctured tank tube. It’s usually a clear plastic tube that runs from the oil tank to the bar and chain area. Patch it up using high-quality tape or replace the tube altogether. Refill the oil tank with fresh oil and test the chainsaw to ensure that the oil is flowing properly and there are no further leaks.
4: New Chainsaw Could Also be the Reason.
This is because the new chainsaw comes with new seals that have not yet been worn. These seals need time to settle and become effective in preventing oil from leaking.
Solution
There are a few things you can do to solve it the first one is to ensure the oil cap is tightened properly. If it is loose, it could cause oil to leak. Next is to check the vent and replace it if necessary.
You can also replace the oil seals as it is a common issue with new chainsaws that have not yet been worn in. Finally check the oil filter, if it is clogged, it can cause oil to leak out of the chainsaw. Check the filter and clean or replace it if necessary.
How to Avoid Oil Leaking in the First Place?
If the issue occurs, you definitely have to fix it according to the reason for which it occurred but what should you do to avoid chainsaw oil from leaking in the first place? We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should be taking care of.
Oil Lines Should be Refurbished
To refurbish oil lines and prevent oil leaking, the oil lines should be inspected, cleaned, and any damaged parts should be replaced with high-quality replacements. A sealant should be applied to all fittings, connections, and seals, and the oil lines should be tested for leaks and proper functioning. Regular maintenance should also be performed to keep the oil lines in good condition and prevent future leaks.
Make Sure You Don’t Overfill
As overfilling a chainsaw with oil can lead to oil leaking, can damage the chainsaw, and cause it to malfunction. So, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the proper amount of oil to use, keep in check the oil level regularly and top it off as needed, rather than adding too much at once.
Outlets Should be Kept Clean
Keeping the outlets clean in a chainsaw can help prevent oil leaking by ensuring that the oil flows smoothly through the chainsaw and is not obstructed by debris or dirt and the chainsaw can function properly.
How to Know if It’s an Oil Leakage or Just a Throw-Off?
Sometimes, what happens is, that you see a little bit of oil left over the chainsaw, and you assume that it’s the oil leakage. However, it might just be because the saw has been running and it hasn’t been cleaned after that. Therefore, it’s extremely important to figure out the real problem before you start fixing it.
To find out how much oil is in the tank, take note of the level. When the oil level in the tank decreases, there should be oil blots on the surface. Leaks are clearly identified in this way. In order to avoid oil drops already being present on your chainsaw, you need to clean it properly.
Here’s a test you can do the confirmation of oil leakage:
Under the gas chainsaw, place a clean piece of paper.
If you see a spray of oil on the paper when you start the chainsaw, it’s not a leak. A chainsaw that leaves huge amounts of oil on paper, however, is leaking.
The oil adjustment knob can be adjusted to fix this problem. If the adjustment knobs aren’t adjusted properly, it can lead to problems.
On the adjustment knob, you’ll find plus and minus signs. A plus sign on the knob indicates a greater number of oil spills. You should move the knob toward the minus. That’s it. Now, hopefully, the oil won’t leak.
Is Oil Leakage Common in Electric Chainsaws As Well?
Yes. Although it is less common in electric chainsaws compared to gas chainsaws it does happen. However, the reasons and their solutions are pretty much the same.
In the case of an overfilled electric chainsaw, oil is likely to leak. Therefore, siphoning out some oil would be necessary to solve the problem. Secondly, even after removing oil from the reservoir, the electric chainsaw may leak oil if its oil pump is dusty.
Moreover, if oil accumulates on the gaskets of the oil pump, leaks might occur. In this case, you’d need to check for wear on the gaskets and clean them. In case of ruptured gaskets, replace them.
Why is My Chainsaw Leaking Bar Oil – FAQs
Conclusion
Oil leaking from chainsaws isn’t really a very big issue but it needs to be fixed anyway. This is because a constant oil leakage would not only waste the oil but would also affect the functionality and performance of the saw in the long run.
Hence, if your chainsaw leaks oil, look for the possible reason out of the ones we’ve discussed in this article and then fix the issue. The process won’t really take long!
We hope we’ve been helpful to our readers through this guide for fixing your chainsaw that is leaking oil.
