Mercedes Mullins
Keeping a chainsaw in good condition requires regular cleaning and maintenance. If you use your chainsaw regularly and always have fresh fuel in the tank, you may not need to clean the fuel line. However, if your chainsaw has been sitting for more than a month, you should drain and refill the tank. If the fuel has been sitting for three months or more, the fuel line and other parts of the chainsaw will need to be cleaned. This can be done by unhooking the fuel line, pouring any remaining gas into a gas can, and flushing the line with a commercial gas tank cleaner or a strong solvent.
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What You'll Learn
How to clean a chainsaw gas tank
To clean a chainsaw's gas tank, you should first drain the tank if there is any fuel left inside. Start the chainsaw and let it run to remove any leftover fuel from the carburetor. If your chainsaw has been sitting for years, it's likely that old fuel varnish has formed in the carburetor passageways. In this case, you should add a mix of 1 part Sea Foam to 2 parts fresh gasoline to the chainsaw tank and let it sit for 2 to 3 days to dissolve the varnish. After putting the plug back in, start the chainsaw—it will likely stumble, smoke, and idle rough for a minute before smoothing out.
If you're planning on storing your chainsaw for the season or it will remain unused for more than three months, you should drain the gas tank. If your chainsaw has a hand pump, simply work the pump to begin siphoning the gas from the tank. If not, you may need to remove a plastic guard and small clamp to access and disconnect the fuel line. Hold the line and pour any remaining gas into a gas can.
To clean the gas tank, pour a small pack of BBs into the tank and add a small amount of commercial gas tank cleaner or solvent. Ensure the cleaner is suitable for use in 2-stroke engines. Replace the lid and shake the chainsaw vigorously so that the BBs can act as a mild abrasive and knock any debris loose from the inside of the tank. Then, pour the BBs out and flush the gas tank with cleaner. Make sure that all the BBs are out of the tank.
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How to clean the chainsaw bar
To clean the chainsaw bar, you will need to remove any caked or baked-on resin. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Start by using a wood chisel to carefully chip away and loosen the majority of the built-up resin. Be careful not to damage the bar itself.
- Next, use a wire wheel to remove any remaining resin that the chisel may have missed. This will help to ensure that the majority of the resin is gone.
- At this point, you have a few options to finish the job. You can either use a commercial cleaner, such as Red Devil lye mixed with water (be sure to wear protective gear as it is caustic), or you can use a simple soap like Dawn or Simple Green. These soaps can be very effective at removing stubborn resin without the need for harsh chemicals.
- If you choose to use a commercial cleaner, follow the instructions on the product and be sure to take the necessary safety precautions. If using soap, soak a cloth or sponge with the soapy water and scrub the bar until it is clean. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely before using the chainsaw again.
It is important to note that you should avoid using gasoline as a cleaner due to the risk of skin and nerve poisoning, as well as the potential for explosion or fire. Diesel is a better alternative if you choose to go that route, as it is less volatile and less flammable than gasoline.
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How to clean the chainsaw chain
To clean a chainsaw chain, some people recommend using a degreaser. One user suggests a lye-based degreaser, specifically a strong solution of Rubbermaid degreaser mixed with water. After cleaning, dry the chain with compressed air and polish with metal polish. Then, put one drop of oil on every rivet and wipe down with a clean cloth.
Another user recommends soaking the chain overnight in a mixture of one cup of ammonia to one gallon of water. Then, remove the chain and rinse in WD-40 before hanging it to dry. Next, sharpen the chain and soak it in oil overnight, then hang it to drip off any excess oil.
If you are looking to remove pitch and sap, some people recommend using a grinder. Others suggest using a wire brush attachment on a Dremel, or even just rubbing alcohol.
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How to clean the spark arrestor
To clean a chainsaw's fuel line, you must first drain the gas tank. If your chainsaw is going into storage or won't be used for more than three months, you should drain the tank. Start the chainsaw and let it run to remove any leftover fuel from the carburetor. You may need to remove a plastic guard and small clamp to access and disconnect the line. A small amount of gas may remain in the fuel line. After you unhook the line, try to hold it and pour any remaining gas into your gas can.
Now, to clean the spark arrestor:
Firstly, it is recommended to clean the spark arrestor on a chainsaw after every 50 hours of operation. During an inspection, ensure that the spark arrestor is intact and that there are no rips or holes in it. Check for excessive carbon buildup, which can cause the chainsaw to run at a lower RPM and affect its breathing. If there is carbon buildup, use a wire brush to clean it gently. Once cleaned, put the spark arrestor back in place.
Alternatively, you can use a propane torch to clean the spark arrestor. Remove the muffler from the saw and stick the torch under the deflector over the spark arrestor. The heat from the torch will burn off any crud, old oil, or buildup without melting the screen.
If you have overworked or overheated the engine, you may need to clean the exhaust. Remove the chain break, chain, and bar to access the exhaust and clean it.
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How to clean the air filter
To clean your chainsaw's air filter, you can use a combination of water, soap, and compressed air.
First, tap the filter on its side to knock off any large debris. Then, blow compressed air at around 35-40 psi from the inside out to remove any remaining dust or debris. If you don't have access to compressed air, you can use a vacuum to remove the debris.
Next, soak the filter in a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Gently stir the filter in the water and then rinse it thoroughly. Allow the filter to air dry completely before reinstalling it.
If you're looking for a deeper clean, some people recommend spraying the filter with a cleaner like citrosqueze or carburettor cleaner before soaking it. You can also use specialised detergents like STIHL Varioclean, designed to clean air filters.
It's important to clean your air filter regularly, especially if you use your chainsaw frequently. Some people recommend cleaning the air filter after each cutting session, while others suggest replacing the filter every 1-2 years, depending on usage.
Now, for cleaning the fuel line of a chainsaw, the first step is to unhook the fuel line connected to the gas tank. The location of the fuel line may vary depending on the chainsaw model. Once located, remove any plastic guards or small clamps to access and disconnect the line. Use the necessary tools, such as a wrench or screwdriver, for this step. After unhooking the line, hold it and pour any remaining fuel into a gas can to prevent waste.
The next step is to clean the inside of the gas tank. Pour a small pack of BBs into the tank along with a commercial gas tank cleaner or solvent. Ensure that the cleaner is suitable for 2-stroke engines. Replace the lid and shake the chainsaw vigorously to allow the BBs to act as an abrasive and remove any debris or residue from the tank. Finally, pour out the BBs and flush the tank with the cleaner.
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Frequently asked questions
You should clean your chainsaw fuel line at least once every three months or before placing it in storage.
First, place your chainsaw on a stable work surface and ensure the area is free of debris. Next, unhook the fuel line by removing any guards and clamps. Drain the remaining gas into a gas can. Then, pour a small pack of BBs into the tank, followed by a commercial gas tank cleaner or solvent. Shake the chainsaw vigorously so that the BBs knock any debris loose. Finally, pour out the BBs and flush the tank with cleaner.
If your chainsaw has been sitting for more than three months, you will need to drain and refill it with fresh fuel. You will also need to clean out the fuel filter and possibly the inside of the gas tank using a strong solvent like sodium hydroxide.
You should also clean the bar and bar groove using bar groove cleaner, compressed air, or a rag. The chainsaw chain should be soaked in a solution of one gallon of water and one cup of household ammonia for at least 20 minutes. Additionally, you should clean the air filter with warm soapy water and a brush, and the spark arrestor screen.
Symptoms of a problematic or clogged fuel filter include fluctuating power at varying loads, a check engine light, engine misfire, difficulty starting, a car that won't start, shaky idling, and struggling at low speeds.
