Choosing oil for a chainsaw, studying the rules of use

The correct selection of oil for a chainsaw is one of the main criteria that determines its service life. Currently, you can find a wide variety of lubricants for two-stroke engines on the market.

And some owners of gasoline saws use four-stroke internal combustion engine oils the old fashioned way. In this article we will try to figure out which oil to use in various chainsaws and situations.

How chainsaw oils work

Lubricants for two-stroke engines, despite the popular belief that they are interchangeable for all types of equipment, are quite different.

Conventionally, the following gradation can be made: the highest requirements are for lubricants for outboard engines.

Below – to motor vehicles. The simplest lubricants are used in chainsaws, lawn mowers, gas generators and other less loaded units.

Due to the fact that two-stroke gasoline saw engines use a dry sump system, the crank mechanisms are lubricated by oil vapor present in the fuel-air mixture.

Therefore, any 2-stroke chainsaw oils must have the following properties:

mixes well with gasoline and does not precipitate;
have sufficient volatility for easy mixing with air;
reliably protect the crankshaft parts from wear;
do not leave carbon deposits on the piston, rings and spark plug;
have environmental qualities.

Most modern lubricants for two-stroke engines combine all of the above qualities to one degree or another.

How to choose?

Each chainsaw has a two-stroke carburetor engine and two tanks: one filled with gasoline, the second. oil. When choosing a lubricant composition, zoning plays an important role. it should be minimal. Another important indicator is resistance to low temperatures: the oil should not freeze at extreme temperatures, which will ensure the quality of the entire tool.

For lubrication, it is recommended to use adhesive chain oil containing special substances that allow the composition to adhere well to the chain. High-quality oil will remain on the chain as it rotates, and the chain itself will be more reliable in operation.

Basic rules of application

Two-stroke chainsaw oil is most often created on a mineral base. Less often it is synthetic or semi-synthetic. According to technology, oil for 2-stroke chainsaw engines is mixed with fuel before filling the tank.

Table of proportions

Pouring lubricant directly into the tank is also practiced, but this is not the most reliable way. Especially if the tank was completely empty. In this case, there is a possibility that gasoline will partially enter the system without lubrication. And the engine will run dry for some time.

The gasoline/oil ratio for chainsaws is strictly determined by the saw manufacturer. In some cases, oil manufacturers indicate their proportions. This is typical of expensive synthetic lubricants. And the gasoline/oil ratio in this case increases towards fuel.

If, when using a lubricant, it is discovered that a wet oil deposit remains on the spark plug, and dirty waste drips from the exhaust pipe, these are clear signs of incomplete combustion or the use of low-quality lubricant. It is necessary to reconsider the choice of motor oil for a chainsaw and the proportion of its use.

Chainsaw Shtil MS 180 – technical specifications

The Stihl MS 180 chainsaw stands out for its solid technical parameters. These include:

power – 2 l. With.;
fuel tank capacity – 270 ml;
tank capacity for filling oil – 260 ml;
possible length of the tire used for work is 30–35 cm;
chain pitch – 3/8 "
assembled weight – 4 kg.

Among the advantages of the model, modest fuel consumption should be noted. When operating under maximum loads, the motor consumes no more than 2.9 l/machine. hour.

Stihl chainsaw oil

Engine oil for the Shtil chainsaw is today generally recognized as the best option for this equipment. And this is logical. No one knows better than the saw manufacturer what properties a lubricant should have to create the most favorable operating conditions.

Stihl produces several types of oil for gasoline saws. There are two common options in Russia.

Synthetic Stihl HP Ultra

Grease is greenish in color. It has very good biodegradability properties. Contains a minimal amount of sulfur and other inclusions that could potentially form carbon deposits.

It mixes well with gasoline and is capable of not precipitating for a long time. This feature is especially useful if the saw is not used daily, since there is no need to drain the fuel.

The cost is at a level close to the maximum for products of this type.

Mineral Stihl HP

Has a red tint. Does not have biodegradability properties. Operating a chainsaw indoors with this oil is highly discouraged.

The lubricant mixes well with gasoline. However, during prolonged downtime, it is recommended to completely drain the fuel from the tank, since in a diluted state the properties of the oil gradually decrease.

Even with long-term operation of the saw with Stihl mineral lubricant, deposits on the piston skirt, cylinder and spark plug are minimal. This lubricant is relatively cheap and is most popular in Russia.

How to choose?

Husqvarna chainsaw oil

, which is also a major manufacturer of chainsaws, produces its own set of lubricants for its equipment. Motor oil for Husqvarna chainsaws today is officially supplied to the Russian markets in only one form: Husqvarna HP.

Husqvarna HP gasoline chainsaw oil is a semi-synthetic product that fully complies with all requirements in force in the Russian Federation.

This lubricant goes well with equipment, but can also be successfully used in saws from other manufacturers. It has excellent lubricating properties and does not leave deposits on the parts of the cylinder-piston group.

The proportion of gasoline and oil for Husqvarna chainsaws is similar to the proportions for Shtil equipment and is 50:1.

How to dilute oil for a Husqvarna chainsaw and not make a mistake if there is no dispenser on the canisters with the products of this company? Here, all owners of gasoline saws are recommended to acquire a measuring container with a division value of 1 ml.

The fact is that both a lack and an excess of lubricant will have an equally negative impact on the service life of the piston group of a two-stroke engine. The deficiency will accelerate piston wear.

note

Scoring and grooves may appear on the piston and cylinder. An excess can lead to the formation of deposits and increased smoke, which will shorten the life of the spark plug.

What lubricant should I use for Husqvarna equipment if it is not possible to purchase the original? The answer is simple: any with similar properties. Stihl products will also work.

Most common failures

Broken oil hose. Sometimes this can be detected by visual inspection. The problem was resolved by replacing the faulty part.
Missing threads on the oil pump shaft will help replace it.
Incorrect threads on the pump drive gear are similarly resolved by installing a new part.
Lack of main shaft corkscrew (relevant for some instrument models, for example, Homelite). You can fix this by installing your own corkscrew to fit the diameter of the studs, cutting it to the required length.
Litter on the highway. Can be removed by blowing with compressed air or mechanically using a wire of suitable diameter.
Filter element clogged.
The Stil MS 180 tool, whose pump does not fold, often gets clogged. You can try flushing with pure gasoline if that doesn't help replace it.
The Chinese chainsaw (gypsy) very often cuts furrows on the main gear, through which the power from the sprocket is transmitted.

Other lubricants

There are two more well-known manufacturers of chainsaws, whose products occupy a significant market share in the Russian Federation. These are Makita and Patriot. Motor oil for chainsaws from these manufacturers is also available under their own brands.

What oil should I use for a Makita chainsaw? Ideally, of course, it’s original from the same manufacturer. Lubricants produced under the Makita brand have a balanced set of qualities and a relatively low price among similar branded products.

What oil should I use for the Patriot chainsaw? There are also branded lubricants here. It's best to use them. Moreover, these oils are produced in several versions.

The line of branded products also includes lubricants for chains. Patriot brand chainsaw lubricants have proven themselves well. And today they are often used as alternatives in other techniques.

Among domestic products, Lukoil 2-stroke oil stands out clearly. At a low cost, this product has truly impressive properties.

After its use, in most cases, no carbon deposits form in the combustion chamber. Lukoil oils mix well and have good lubricating and protective properties.

It is also worth noting such an immortal option as regular M8 engine oil. Despite the large abundance of specialized lubricants, many owners of chainsaws use it the old fashioned way.

This option is acceptable in the short term and only for light operating conditions. But you need to be prepared for the appearance of heavy deposits if you use motor lubricants on a regular basis.

They cannot be used in the industrial sector: they will greatly affect the service life of the saw. It is safer to use specialized lubricants.

Chain oil

In other cases, it is quite possible to replace the chain lubrication oil with any other oil other than working oil. However, there is one more nuance... Users often have a question: “Why is the oil consumption for chain lubrication greater than the fuel mixture? After all, their consumption is related to each other? Here it is worth considering that chainsaw manufacturers calculate the oil consumption for lubricating the chain when filling in their branded oil. And the consumption of any other may differ either less or more.

On many chainsaws, starting from semi-professional ones, it is possible to adjust the oil flow rate for chain lubrication. This is done by adjusting the performance of the oil pump.

If such adjustment is not provided, then the settings come initially from the manufacturer. How to check whether the oil consumption for lubricating the chain on your chainsaw is normal? It is necessary to start the saw, give it gas and bring it to a board, log or other surface that is horizontal. A running chain should scatter oil particles to lubricate the chain and leave a thin, even oil trail.

Answers to frequently asked questions

We will briefly answer the most frequently asked questions by chainsaw owners.

Is it possible to put car oil into a chainsaw?

Yes, you can. One-time use for performing simple tasks without heavy loads. For example, let's imagine this situation.

Two-stroke engine piston after running in lean lubrication conditions

Initially, no work was planned using a chainsaw. Therefore, specialized 2T lubricant was not purchased in advance.

But upon arrival at the dacha, it was discovered that, for example, a tree had fallen on the fence. And it urgently needs to be cut up and removed. In this case, you can use one-time motor lubricants.

Consequences of long-term use of conventional motor oil for 4-stroke engines

How much oil does a chainsaw need in this case?

It is recommended to fill in 30-50% more lubricant. The saw will smoke more, but the likelihood of damage to the piston will be reduced. For example, for 100 grams of gasoline it is better to take 2.5-3 grams of oil. The main idea here is this: an inappropriate lubricant is better for a saw than no lubricant at all.

Should you choose synthetic, semi-synthetic or mineral oil?

Here again, everything depends on the type of saw and its structural purpose, as well as the nature of the work. If the saw is used in industry for cutting thick logs or processing hardwood, and not at home (for household needs), in the long run it may well be more profitable to use synthetics or semi-synthetics.

Rules for selecting oil for chainsaws and lawn mowers - video

If the chainsaw is for domestic use, then ordinary mineral water is quite suitable.

How to mix gasoline with oil?

There is no exact technology for the mixing procedure itself (not proportions), which should be strictly adhered to. Usually, an empty container with a measuring scale is taken and gasoline is poured into it.

For example, 1 liter. Then lubricant is added. To take the required portion of the lubricant, use a syringe or measuring cup with a division value of 1 ml. The mixture is thoroughly mixed and poured into the saw.

It is not recommended to use a method such as diluting oil with gasoline directly in the fuel tank of the scythe. Especially if the tank was completely dry before. Immediately after filling the tank, gasoline will enter the fuel line without oil.

That is, after oil is added, the saw will still operate without lubrication for some time after starting. And this is right at the moment of starting and warming up, when the engine needs protection the most.

What is the best gasoline oil for a chainsaw?

There is also no clear answer to this question. It all depends on the design features of the chainsaw and its operating mode. In any case, purchasing branded oil from the saw manufacturer is a win-win option.

In general, the trend is this: the more expensive the lubricating fluid, the more reliably it protects the engine from wear and forms less deposits in the cylinder.

Today on sale you can find counterfeit chainsaw oils, which at best are a tinted spindle.

Therefore, it is better to buy two-stroke lubricants, especially branded ones, which counterfeit manufacturers love to counterfeit, from large reputable chains.

The likelihood of buying a fake in large specialized stores is minimal. Such points of sale value their reputation and are almost never associated with counterfeit products.

List of the best

Now let’s actually get acquainted with the most optimal oils, both in terms of quality and price category, that are widely used for chainsaws from the manufacturer Shtil. And let’s directly give them a short description, so:

4-stroke oil Viking HD 10 W – 30

This kind of oil is widely used directly for small four-stroke engines. It can be used regardless of the time of year, but you must remember that the air temperature should not be lower than -15 °C. This oil is sold directly in bottles with a capacity of 0.6 liters and costs around 360 rubles.

Oil for two-stroke engines 100 ml

This oil can be bought in a bottle with a capacity of one hundred milliliters for only 90 rubles. It must be added directly to gasoline. The ratio of their quantity should not exceed 1:50, that is, 20 grams. oil and one liter of gasoline.

Moreover, this kind of lubricant was developed specifically for the equipment of the manufacturer Shtil. Its main component is minerals. But it can also be used in other models from other manufacturers. The main thing is that these chainsaws have a two-stroke engine.

Stihl oil for two-stroke engines 1l

The weight of the container in which the oil is sold is equal to one liter. It is intended directly for Stihl chainsaws, but can also be used perfectly for tools from other manufacturers. Diluted directly with gasoline 1:50. And the basis of this oil is minerals. This kind of assistant will cost you around 500 rubles.

Stihl oil for two-stroke engines 1l. with dispenser

Sold in a bottle with a capacity of one liter and which has a direct dispenser for three and five liters. Diluted with gasoline in a direct ratio of 1:50. The oil was made specifically for two-stroke chainsaw engines from the manufacturer Shtil. It is also made on the basis of mineral additives.

Also widely used for instrument models from other manufacturers. The main thing is that these chainsaws have two-stroke engines. Costs 600 rubles.

Is it possible to fill in Stihl HP Ultra oil for two-stroke engines 100ml

This kind of oil can be purchased in a bottle with a capacity of one hundred milliliters. It must be added directly to gasoline in a ratio of 1:50. Manufactured directly for chainsaws by the manufacturer Stihl.

It is a fully synthetic oil, which directly has a high level of lubricating benefits. It can also be used directly for other models of chainsaws that have two-stroke engines. This kind of oil costs around 120 rubles.

Engine oil for Stihl saws (Stihl) for two-stroke engines 5l

Sold directly in a canister with a volume of five liters. Intended for dilution with gasoline in a ratio of 1:50. Contains mineral additives and was created specifically for two-stroke engines of Stihl chainsaws. It is also widely used for lubricating engines of chainsaws from other manufacturers. The price category is 1500 rubles.

Stihl HP Ultra chainsaw oil for two-stroke engines 1l. with dispenser

The oil is sold directly in a bottle, which has a kind of dispenser for three and five liters. Intended for dilution with gasoline, the ratio of these additives should not exceed 1:50.

This oil was made specifically for tools from the manufacturer Stihl. Widely used and applied to devices of other brands that have two-stroke engines.

This oil costs 1100 rubles.

How to use Stihl chain oil 1L

Sold in a bottle with a capacity of one liter. It is a synthetic-based oil that has a high level of lubricating properties. Moreover, with the help of this type of oil you can completely prevent direct grinding of the chain during its long-term operation (see how to sharpen a chain). The price category is 215 rubles.

Useful tips

When calculating the proportions, remember that it is better to overfill the oil a little rather than skimp on it: only a significant excess of lubricant is dangerous due to the formation of carbon deposits, and a slight excess will not harm the engine. If you don’t fill it enough, the consequences can be more dangerous.

When mixing fuel for a Stihl chainsaw, the manufacturer recommends first pouring oil into the canister, then adding gasoline and then vigorously mixing the components. But practice shows that oil can “stick” to the walls of the canister and mix poorly, so it is better to carefully pour the oil into gasoline and mix.

It is better not to leave any remaining fuel mixture in the tank in order to prolong the life of rubber seals and other parts susceptible to chemical damage. After stopping the saw, the fuel must be drained and disposed of: during long-term storage (more than a month), the octane number and other physical and chemical properties of the mixture decrease and it becomes unsuitable for safe use.

In addition, after emptying the gas tank, you need to start the saw engine and let it idle until it stops on its own - this will mean that the carburetor is also free of residual fuel mixture.

It is important to remember that the long-term operation of equipment largely depends on the user. Saving on fuel in the case of a chainsaw can cost much more in the long run - through non-warranty repairs of a broken saw or the purchase of a new unit. Compliance with the manufacturer's instructions in most cases helps to understand the operating principles of the device and prolong its trouble-free and trouble-free operation.

What oil to pour in calm 180

quote: the question is what should be put in there to make it inexpensive.

quote: It is also possible to process it, but it is better to filter it through felt in three or four layers

quote: The service center categorically did not advise me to do the work.

quote: I've definitely saved money on the saw.

quote: Originally posted by Rusich:
and how to competently replace the branded oil additive in gasoline

quote: Originally posted by Rusich:
ok, what is a COMPETENT replacement for the branded oil additive in gasoline?

quote: Originally posted by ag111:
Modelers fly on it, and the engines are heavily loaded.
Read also: Warehouse equipment: its main types, characteristics and scope of application, manufacturers and where to buy in Lipetsk

quote: Originally posted by ag111:
And their life on a different oil? Will it rise or fall?

quote: Originally posted by ag111:
Because it will overheat and jam.

quote: Originally posted by [email protected] : You have to manage to burn 5 liters of gasoline over the summer.

quote: Originally posted by ag111:
but until the paraffin hardens in it.

quote: Originally posted by Leonid Ilyich:
special chain oil is environmentally friendly.

quote: Originally posted by Leonid Ilyich:
The area was cleared - 10 liters were burned in two days. Now all this windfall needs to be cut into pieces.

quote: Originally posted by Kwik:
Well then, aviation kerosene is preferable in KAMAZ

quote: Originally posted by Nikofar:
In my opinion - a little expensive, but environmentally friendly. It, according to the sellers, decomposes in soil or sawdust in six months to a year.

quote: Originally posted by [email protected] :
Ruslan, pouring clean stuff in there isn’t good either. They apply solarium so that it doesn’t freeze.

quote: the bottom line is that diesel fuel is unusable fuel.

quote: Originally posted by ag111:
Nesterov still flew on castor oil.

and for calm 180, what kind of chain oil can be used? (to replace the original one), only under the condition that the service life of the chainsaw does not deteriorate. and not working off (which there is simply nowhere to get) (I will still use the recommended one for the engine)

quote: Originally posted by Kwik:
And what is good for a model motor with 30 rpm and weighing 120 grams is not at all necessary for a chainsaw.

quote: Originally posted by colstr:
and for calm 180, what kind of chain oil can be used? (to replace the original one), only under the condition that the service life of the chainsaw does not deteriorate. and not work off (which there is simply nowhere to get)

quote: Any oil that does not “kill” the oil pump

quote: Originally posted by abbat431:
and I clean my gun)

but it cleans and doesn’t rust, and the beast itself doesn’t stink of violets.

quote: Originally posted by Nikofar: When I cut down the apple trees. In my opinion - a little expensive, but environmentally friendly.

in especially intimate cases, season with rapeseed and sunflower. for example, when cutting up elk or cattle with a chainsaw

We don’t do that, of course, but it’s still an interesting experience

quote: Originally posted by Nikofar:
Any oil that does not “kill” the calm oil pump. Everything else - chains, tires, sprockets - don't care, as long as the oil does not contain abrasives and has the required degree of viscosity.

So the question is - which one? so what kind of answer is this? )))

quote: Originally posted by abbat431:
but the beast itself does not stink of violets.

quote: Originally posted by colstr:
So the question is - which one? so what kind of answer is this? )))

We'll have to do a little educational work on lubricants. The two most important characteristics of lubricating oil used for a wide range of tasks are: - viscosity; - pumpability. In particular, according to the definition formulated in one of the articles on the authoritative website https://avtomaslo.info/vyazkost-masla/index.php “Oil viscosity is its ability to remain on the surface of the internal parts of the engine and at the same time maintain fluidity.” According to SAE - Society of Automotive Engineers terminology, oils used to lubricate friction surfaces in internal combustion engines are designated by a set of numbers separated in the middle by the imported letter W, colloquially referred to as “double u” and a hyphen. Any oil with an SAE designation, for example: 10W-30, 15W-40 and even 5W-40, is perfect for lubricating a chainsaw chain. The main thing is that the oil is clean, that is, it does not contain abrasive particles and maintains its viscosity and fluidity in the operating temperature range, for example, starting from -35 ° C. The first numbers in the designation correspond to these conditions - 5W, 10W, 15W and even 25W - low-temperature pumpability viscosity, which is important for the operation of the oil pump, remains unchanged for oils with this marking and reaches a maximum value of 60,000 MPa*s at temperatures from -35 up to -15 oC. Regarding the high-temperature viscosity of the oil, for SAE designations from 5W to 25W, it reaches its minimum values at a temperature of +100 oC, lying in the range from 3.8 to 9.3 mm2/s. At the same time, the maximum viscosity values for the designations of the second group of numbers, which is after “W-“, then they are for 20 - quote: Mineral oil M-8 or M-10 will cost you the cheapest to lubricate chains.

quote: Originally posted by ag111:
T-34 ran entirely on castor oil

quote: Originally posted by Vlad-i-mir:
Why is dismasla not on the list?

quote: Originally posted by abbat431:
I tried Lukoil motor semi-synthetics once

In general, this season I’m racing on synthetics. Surprisingly (subjectively, of course), the new chain installed this season did not stretch, and somehow I didn’t notice any particular stupidity. In essence, I didn’t saw very much, cutting boards from a sawmill, into cubes. but they brought a lot of Kamaz trucks with extended sides.

gg ))) this: “Any oil with a SAE designation is perfect for lubricating a chainsaw chain,” and “the oil was clean, that is, it did not contain abrasive particles and retained its viscosity and fluidity in the operating temperature range” was If only the rest was already known)))

they just don’t say anything in the store, the manufacturer has even less information (mostly of an advertising nature) and the experience was only with “friendship” in which all sorts of crap poured in))) and even then with a scoop. So I don’t want to gain knowledge on the correct operation of equipment at random