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.
What happens if you don't follow the manufacturer's recommendations?
In case of violation of the rules for the manufacture of fuel and lubricant mixtures and non-compliance with the proportions when adding oil to gasoline on the Stihl 180 chainsaw; The following difficulties arise:
- As friction increases, wear on the working surfaces of parts increases.
- An insufficient amount of lubricant will lead to bearing failure.
- The full functioning of mechanical components is disrupted due to early wear of parts, their service life is significantly reduced.
- When using low-grade gasoline and oils, the performance of the unit decreases with the following breakdown of key components and parts.
Fuel is prepared before refueling the saw, avoiding unnecessary contact with oxygen. After finishing the work, the remaining mixture must be drained.
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.
Storage
If the saw will not be in use for a long time, for example in winter, then clean it before putting it away; Lubricate the sprocket on the bar and the chain with oil. It is also necessary to drain the gasoline from the tank. In this way, we will protect the tool from damage, since 2-stroke oil has its own expiration date and, when mixed with gasoline, loses its properties over time. If you start the saw after six months, the engine will suffer significant wear.
After the saw has been idle for a long time, it is necessary to fill it with fresh fuel mixture. Old diluted gasoline from last season must be disposed of.
Compliance with these simple maintenance rules can significantly extend the life of your unit.
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.
Types of oils
When deciding which oil to use for a chainsaw chain, you should first of all follow the recommendations of the tool manufacturer. Of course, the best lubricant is original oil. If it is unavailable, you can use ordinary automotive lubricant.
Which oil to use for a chainsaw depends on its future use, and the classification of the lubricant depends on the composition. It is divided into groups:
- Synthetics.
- Semi-synthetic.
- Mineral.
Synthetic brands can withstand temperatures of minus 40 degrees. Semi-synthetic products operate in the average temperature range (-30 - +25 degrees). Sometimes manufacturers add special additives to its composition to improve the characteristics of a lubricating product. They change the properties of the oil, making it possible to select a lubricant that suits future operating conditions. Depending on the engine type of the tool, oil consumption occurs. In a four-stroke engine, the combustion chamber has a special design. Therefore, there are no traces of soot left in it. To achieve a similar effect in a two-stroke engine, you have to fill in special oil
It is very important that the fuel matches the lubricant
Chainsaw sprocket lubricant
To increase the life of the sprocket and also reduce the friction force, the manufacturer installs a needle bearing. For its periodic lubrication, Shtil chainsaw oil is used.
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.
List of oils by price/quality ratio
Lubricant for 2-stroke engines:
- Volume 100 ml - you can buy it for 90 rubles, you need to add 1 to 50 to gasoline (20 grams of oil per liter of gasoline). This type is designed specifically for Stihl chainsaws. The main component is minerals. Can also be used for other models from different manufacturers.
- Stihl (volume 1l), intended for saws manufactured by Stihl. Diluted 1 to 50. The lubricant is based on minerals. The price varies within 500 rubles.
- Stihl with dispenser (volume 1l). Diluted in a ratio of 1 to 50. Price about 600 rubles.
- Stihl HP Ultra (volume 100 ml), ratio 1 to 50. Also made for Stihl chainsaws. This is synthetic oil. It has a high degree of lubricating benefits. Can also be used for other models of chainsaws with 2-stroke engines. The cost of this lubricant varies between 120 rubles.
- Stihl (volume 5 l), the ratio of lubricant product to gasoline is 1 to 50. Component - mineral additives. Designed directly for Stihl chainsaws with 2-stroke engines. Used for others too. The price is 1500 rub.
- Stihl HP Ultra with dispenser (volume 1 l), diluted in a ratio of 1 to 50, made for chainsaws from the manufacturer Shtil. Can also be used for other brands. Cost 1100 rub.
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.
Pump structure, lubrication system and principle of operation
The oil pump drive consists of two parts: a plastic gear with a worm gear and a wire lever that transmits force from the drum sprocket to the worm gear.
The lever is rigidly mounted to the gear and they are supplied as one piece. The tip of the wire lever has a characteristic bend, which is designed for better adhesion to the drive sprocket drum. The drum has a special slot for installing the drive.
The Shtil 180 oil pump is made entirely of metal and has a non-separable design. On the pump body there is a receiving hole for oil and a groove-channel through which oil from the oil wire enters directly into the pump. The mechanism is installed in the body of the Stihl 180 chainsaw.
At the moment the engine speed increases, the sprocket drum begins to rotate the worm gear by the wire lever, and it in turn causes the oil pump plunger to rotate, as a result of which oil begins to be pumped through the oil channels to the chainsaw bar.
The oil line of the chainsaw, at the end of which there is an oil receiver, is also directly involved in the operation of the system. The oil receiver is also a filter. On the second side of the oil hose, there is a rubber extension, with which the hose is installed into the body of the Stihl 180 chainsaw immediately behind the oil pump.
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.
Rules for preparing the fuel mixture
Gasoline and oil must be diluted in containers that are resistant to petroleum products (plastic or metal cans). It is not recommended to use plastic water, juice or milk bottles for these purposes, since food-grade plastic decomposes when exposed to gasoline. As a result of this process, the fuel mixture will change its properties, and it is difficult to predict what effect it will have on the engine.
The combustible mixture for a chainsaw is easy to prepare.
- Take the required amount of lubricant and pour it into the prepared container. You should not pour all the prepared gasoline into the container with oil; half the required amount will be enough.
- Rock the container slightly until the lubricant is completely dissolved in the gasoline.
- Now you can fill in the remaining gasoline, mixing it well with the mixture in the container. This completes the preparation of the fuel mixture for the chainsaw.
Before each refueling of the chainsaw, the combustible mixture must be shaken. Also, do not forget to tighten the cap of the fuel tank well, otherwise this will lead to a lean mixture and engine failure.
It is better to use the prepared fuel mixture immediately. Therefore, it needs to be prepared in such quantity that it is enough for the expected amount of work. If the mixture remains, then it cannot be stored for more than 1-1.5 months. During this time, it will lose a significant part of its lubricating properties.
Lubrication system malfunctions and how to fix them
The main malfunctions of the oil supply system on a chainsaw can be divided into two main types: these are general malfunctions inherent in all chainsaws and individual ones, which may vary depending on the type of pump and worm gear installed on a particular model. Let's begin to understand the faults in order.
Signs of a malfunction of the lubrication system, checking its performance
- The chainsaw chain is dry and has a pale tint without shine.
- The chain stretches relatively quickly.
- The tire is very hot and may even partially melt the paint.
- The oil from the tank is practically not reduced.
- Reduced cutting efficiency on a sharp chain
All these signs indicate that the lubrication process is not proceeding properly. In order to check the oil supply to the lubrication system, you need to remove the side tire of the chainsaw and start it. Next, you need to slightly increase the speed while observing the end of the oil line. If oil comes in, most likely the amount is not enough for normal lubrication and you need to clean or replace the filter and, if possible, adjust the flow. If it does not, the problem is more serious and requires further diagnosis.
There is a way to check the oil supply without removing the tires. To do this, you need to point the end of the bar towards, for example, a freshly cut piece of wood from the side of the cut and increase the speed as much as possible, while trying to keep the end of the bar at a distance of no more than 10 cm from the block. If oil spots begin to appear on its surface, it means the oil is being supplied.
Troubleshooting
Once it has been determined that oil is not being supplied, further diagnosis is only possible if the oil system is completely removed. Of course, in some situations replacing the filter helps, but this is very rare.
Most common faults
- Broken oil hose. It can sometimes be detected by visual inspection. The problem is solved by replacing the faulty part.
- There is no thread on the oil pump shaft; replacing it will help.
- A defective thread on the pump drive gear can be similarly solved by installing a new part.
- Lack of main shaft corkscrew (relevant for some instrument models, for example, Homelite). You can fix it by installing a nail of a suitable diameter instead of the original corkscrew, cutting it to the required length.
- Blockage in the line. Can be removed by blowing with compressed air or mechanically, using a wire of a suitable diameter.
- Filter element clogged.
- The Stihl MS 180 tool, whose pump is not dismountable, often gets clogged. You can try to wash it in clean gasoline, if that doesn’t help, replace it.
- In Chinese chainsaws (Gypsy), it very often cuts off the grooves on the main gear, through which the force from the sprocket is transmitted to it.
Individual malfunction of the Stihl MS 180 lubrication system
Due to the fact that the Stihl MS 180 is one of the most common models of chainsaws, I would like to dwell in more detail on one fault inherent only to it and describe a method for eliminating it without replacing parts.
Quite often, on the Shtil MS 180 chainsaw, depressurization of the oil line is observed in the place where the oil line coming from the tank is installed in the saw body. The malfunction can be determined by the characteristic lubricant leaks on the bottom of the tool.
To eliminate the problem, you need to remove the chainsaw handle, remove the hose from the mounting hole, clean and degrease. After all these manipulations, apply sealant to the hose seat and install it into the chainsaw body.
You can learn more about troubleshooting and complete diagnostics of the lubrication system of the Stihl chainsaw by watching a video that shows the step-by-step process of disassembling and repairing the lubrication system.
