In order for the chainsaw to work properly and perform its functions efficiently, it is necessary to use suitable chain oils. The service life of the sawing machine depends on the choice of consumables. How to replace oil for a chainsaw chain if it is not possible to purchase expensive options?
An alternative is a lubricant that has good adhesive properties. Compounds with low adhesion rates accelerate wear of the unit, since the lower part of the tire remains without lubrication. There are also options that are prohibited for use with saw chains.
Volga Oil M-8V
Universal motor oil, which is suitable not only for cars with gasoline and diesel engines, but also for chainsaws. The product, known as Avtol, contains a mineral base and multifunctional additives. Inexpensive option for working at sub-zero temperatures.
Properties:
- excellent adhesion performance;
- high level of heat resistance;
- increases the service life of the unit;
- freezing temperature - 25-35 degrees below zero.
The average price per liter is 150-200 rubles.
Popular brands of oils for chainsaw chains
Stihl
The Germans traditionally offer several solutions:
- Forest Plus
Inexpensive for a branded product, but very effective. There will be no problems with it down to -15 degrees. Packaged in 1 and 5 liter containers. It retains its properties for three years, so when purchasing it, you need to consider how tightly you will use the saw.
- BioPlus
The name hints at the environmental friendliness of the lubricant. Plant origin makes the product completely safe for forests and water bodies. Biodegradable lubricants are at the peak of popularity in Europe, although in Russia they are still reluctant to shell out money for them.
- Synth Plus
Professional oil for real tough lumberjacks from countries with harsh climates. Although such forests are cut down mainly in Russia and Finland. The formula of the components allows it to work at -25, and the high price makes its use in household saws pointless.
Husqvarna
The Swedes have not remained aloof from “chain” lubricants. This segment offers two options:
- Bio Advanced
A universal solution, both for amateurs who value their efforts and tools, and among professionals for whom maximum speed and durability are vital. Biodegradation is a must.
- Vegoil
A more budget-friendly solution for the amateur sector. Positioned as an oil with reduced consumption. In practice, it is almost no different from competitors in terms of the speed of emptying the tank.
Other manufacturers
The oil is produced by many companies that also make chainsaws. Their products are less popular than Shtil or Husqvarna, but are also in demand among owners of gasoline units.
- Polar Lube
Mineral lubricant from the Italians Oleo-Mac.
- Champion
An adhesive lubricant that the manufacturer of the same name recommends for its power tools.
- Biotop
Following the global fashion for ecology, the Japanese company Makita decided to keep up.
If you have a saw that you don't want to lose, don't put car engine waste into the oil tank. Although this liquid still has lubricating properties, there is practically no adhesion. Everything around will be worked out. In addition, small particles of metal that accumulated in the waste while it was inside the 4-stroke internal combustion engine act on the chain, sprocket and tire like an abrasive.
For an expensive instrument, it is better to take high-quality consumables. For an inexpensive one, they are still of high quality, if the saw is not purchased for the purpose of a one-time job. Chain and engine oil is a way to both extend the life of a chainsaw and “kill” it faster.
Caliber
A budget substitute for expensive chain oil. Due to the presence of functional additives in its composition, it has a number of unique properties. In particular, the use of “Caliber” allows you to increase the service life of the chain and the entire unit as a whole. There is a special scale on the side of the canister showing the amount of lubricant available.
Peculiarities:
- mineral base;
- protects against corrosion;
- low evaporation rates;
- reduces chain vibrations;
- It is used sparingly.
The cost of 1 liter is 275 rubles.
The role of oil in the operation of a chainsaw
In order to understand the role lubricants play, it is necessary to have a general idea of how the device operates. Although in a store, when purchasing, they usually say a few words about what it is and how it works, and which neck to pour what into, it would be useful to update simple information on this issue.
Engine oil
Without exception, all chainsaws, like their fellow lawn mowers and cultivators, are equipped with two-stroke engines. With small sizes they develop high power density. Due to the completion of the working cycle in two strokes, the speed of such engines also exceeds that of automobile engines. On the other hand, there is a heavy load on components and parts, air cooling, which also requires a safety margin in the design. The wear of elements can be reduced only by using high-quality lubricants.
A feature of two-stroke engines is the absence of an oil pan and a pump that would deliver liquid lubricant to all rubbing and interacting parts. The advantage of this scheme is its design simplicity, fewer units in the engine. On the other hand, the question arises of how to deliver lubricant to critical places, of which the most demanding are the cylinder and piston.
The solution was to add oil to the fuel. Gasoline is not poured into the saw tank in its pure form, but with the addition of lubricant in a certain proportion. Before entering the combustion chamber, this mixture washes the necessary components, and then exits the exhaust manifold in the form of exhaust gases.
Chain oil
A chain for a chainsaw is no less important than the engine.
For full and long-term operation, it also requires lubrication. Without it, the metal will very quickly begin to overheat, and then cease to perform its functions altogether. In addition, the oil supplied to the chain facilitates its movement when pulled through solid wood. By reducing resistance, you can achieve not only long chain life, but also reduce the load on the engine and reduce fuel consumption. At the same time, chain oil has fundamentally different characteristics from that which is mixed with gasoline.
Carver
Suitable for all types of saw chains. Increases the efficiency of using the tool, while reducing the friction force in places where the chain comes into contact with the bar and sprocket. Thanks to the formation of a durable oil film, the unit works perfectly under heavy loads.
Characteristics:
- reliably protects against wear and corrosion;
- reduces the coefficient of friction;
- can be used regardless of the season.
A canister with a volume of 0.946 liters costs 260-280 rubles.
What can be replaced
You can experiment with the choice of oil manufacturer. But it is strictly not recommended to replace consumables with other oils. The main reason for the unsuitability of a motor, sunflower, automotive or transformer product is insufficient adhesion.
The chain is lubricated by retaining the fluid in special recesses on the bar. The oils listed above do not stick to the surface. The chain mixture should cover the metal tightly. It is for these purposes that additives are added to the composition to increase adhesion.
Some masters use drilling as a replacement. Refusing the temptation to save money is difficult. But you can end up ruining the pump. The waste machine product contains slag particles. They quickly clog the channels, which causes instrument failure. Diesel and spindle oils are not considered a complete replacement, no matter in what proportions they are taken.
In case of urgent need, chain oil can be replaced with M8 winter engine oil. It is important to remember that this is an exception to the rule, suitable for one-time refills. It is not recommended to use a substitute on an ongoing basis due to the discrepancy between the physical properties of the lubricant.
Anchor
Mineral-based oil with adhesive additives that positively affect the functionality of the tool used. Lubrication helps reduce friction where the chain meets the bar and sprocket. The product is completely biodegradable after use.
Properties:
- increases the service life of the chainsaw;
- reduces wear rates;
- is consumed moderately;
- excellent adhesive properties.
Price 1 liter - 250 rub.
Types of engine oil
Among the wide variety of lubricants, three large groups can be distinguished, which differ in both composition and characteristics:
- Mineral.
- Semi-synthetic.
- Synthetic.
- Mineral oils
One of the cheapest and most common. They are obtained during the refining of petroleum products. Many saws are kept in mineral oil for quite a long time. Its main advantage is price and availability. True, you can’t buy a good pure substance for pennies either. Mineral water can smoke the inside of the engine over time. However, if the owner is good with his hands, he can clean out all the “insides” himself. According to experienced “pilot operators”, with rare and not too intensive use of the unit, the mineral component is quite enough for normal operation.
- Synthetic oil
For two-strokes, it is made from artificially created components.
Industrial synthesis gives indicators unattainable with mineral oils. Synthetics are not afraid of cold, heat, or temperature changes. In addition, it forms much less soot. Recommended for use in professional equipment. in a logging site, where tools work for 8-10 hours almost without a break, the highest quality is the only way to maintain productivity. Semi-synthetics are a compromise solution for those who cannot afford pure synthetics, but the class of the tool does not allow them to add mineral water to gasoline. It is made on the basis of petroleum products, but contains special additives that improve the performance of the substance.
Nanotek 2T Standard
If the question arises about what kind of oil to lubricate the saw chain, you should pay attention to the product of a domestic manufacturer. The lubricant has a mineral composition and excellent performance characteristics. Reliably protects parts from wear.
Peculiarities:
- contains mineral oils;
- can be used at temperatures no higher than -20°C;
- prevents jamming of rubbing parts;
- increases tire and chain resources.
The cost of a 1-liter canister is 185 rubles.
Consequences of using low-quality oil
Serious manufacturers of chainsaws indicate directly in the instructions for their products which oil to use with the device. Naturally, the company of the related products will be the same. This is not only a marketing ploy, but also a practical recommendation. Companies that have been producing saws for many years have sufficient production capacity and produce really good oils.
For many household chainsaw models, such advice is not available. The user equips the gas tank at his own discretion. And here it is also better to choose a quality product, tested by thousands of owners of gasoline units. Even an inexpensive saw with the correct operating modes and proper selection of consumables can last for more than one year. And vice versa: an unnamed oil of unknown composition can “kill” even a good Stihl or Husqvarna piston group.
If the exhaust system of the saw becomes clogged with particles of burning and soot, then the engine power will inevitably drop. Purge of the combustion chamber can no longer be carried out so intensively, most of the exhaust gases remain in the cylinder, and the fuel pump does not have enough strength to pump the required amount of mixture.
Incomplete combustion of the oil component in gasoline leads to the deposition of soot and carbon deposits in the cylinder and on the bottom of the piston. Poor fluidity indicators lead to heating of the cylinder-piston group, during which scuffing can form on the surface of the working parts. After several cycles of such work, it may be necessary to replace the piston.
Oregon
Semi-synthetic product that is suitable for all types of chain saws. The composition is represented by a complex of purified mineral oils and special additives. The latter help to increase the viscosity of the material, which allows the unit to be used at high temperatures and high speeds.
Characteristics:
- retains quality regardless of the season;
- stable adhesion at temperatures from -20 to +240 degrees;
- no pungent odors;
- reduces wear at high speeds;
- protects against corrosive processes;
- profitable in terms of consumption.
1 liter costs on average 350 rubles.
Basic malfunctions and repairs of the chain lubrication system
Let's look at common malfunctions and repairs of the chain lubrication system of modern chainsaws.
If the chain is not lubricated
The tank is full, but the oil does not flow to the chainsaw chain. There could be several sources of the problem here.
- Oil pump drive failure. Quite a common malfunction. On Stihl chainsaws, it is common to cut off the flange of the plastic drive gear. Or the splines are worn out. The gear does not rotate at all or rotates but does not engage the pump drive.
Uneven supply of lubricant
The chain receives too much or too little lubricant. When oil does not flow to the chain or is poured too much, it causes discomfort during operation and can damage the saw. This problem is a little less common, but also quite widespread. There may be several reasons.
- Incorrect adjustment. It is better not to touch the oil supply adjustment screw on some saws without understanding the adjustment process.
- Use of lubricants of unsuitable viscosity. The pump pumps lubricants that are too thick less readily, and they are less easily distributed by the chain along the tire. With liquid oils the opposite is true.
- Reduced tightness in the chain lubrication system. Sometimes the oil supply tube to the pump comes off or is damaged. This causes oil starvation. A similar problem manifests itself in lubricant leaks at the bottom of the chainsaw.
Overheat
Despite the abundant supply of oil to the chain, overheating or jamming is still observed. There is only one reason here - the use of a material that is absolutely unsuitable for lubrication. This can often be seen when pouring into the mining system.
Champion 2-stroke
Two-stroke mineral motor oil made in Russia. Its use allows you to reduce the heating of the unit during operation. Due to good viscosity indicators, it extends the service life of parts and tools as a whole. Despite the low cost, the product is manufactured in compliance with quality standards.
Properties:
- perfectly lubricates the chain;
- economical consumption;
- protects against wear;
- mineral composition;
- not suitable for sub-zero temperatures.
The average price of a liter canister is 350 rubles.
Briefly about the main thing
Knowing what kind of oil can be poured into a chainsaw to lubricate the chain makes its operation productive and durable. The lubricant must meet the following criteria:
- Increased adhesion.
- Additives to prevent scuffing and premature wear.
- Rapid decomposition in natural conditions.
- Sufficient viscosity and fluidity at appropriate air temperatures.
The main purpose of the oil is to lubricate the guide, drive and driven sprockets. The presence of lubricant should always be at a certain level in the saw's filling tank. Its deficiency can lead to a break in the circuit and damage to the device. In addition, the quality of the lubricant is important. It is best to use products from Stihl, Husqvarna, Makita and some other popular brands. Alternatively, in emergency cases, for short-term operation, you can use engine oil or waste oil.
