How to Clean a Chainsaw
Your STIHL chainsaw is built to handle demanding jobs, but failing to occasionally remove dirt and grime can prevent it from achieving peak performance. Learn how to clean your gas, battery or electric-powered chainsaw with these instructions.
- Before You Start
- Remove Stubborn Dirt
- Clean The Chain and Guide Bar
- STIHL Pro Tips
- Clean and Resharpen The Cutting Set
- Clean the Case
- Fill Up The Oil Tank
- Clean the Oil Passage
- Special Tips for Battery and Gas Saws
BEFORE YOU START
Before you start, always make sure the chainsaw is switched off and cannot start during maintenance:
- Unplug an electric chainsaw.
- With a battery chainsaw, remove the battery and engage the chain brake.
- With a gas chainsaw, switch off the engine and engage the chain brake.
Wear work gloves for protection. Details on suitable protective equipment and safe use of a chainsaw can be found in your tool’s instruction manual. Note: There are special tips for cleaning battery and gas saws below.
REMOVE STUBBORN DIRT
Check your tool to see if the cooling air slots are clean and, if necessary, clean them with a brush or compressed air. Proper functioning of the cooling air slots is important to protect the engine from overheating. Remove the sprocket cover and clean the area around the sprocket. Use a resin remover to remove particularly stubborn dirt.
CLEAN THE CHAIN AND GUIDE BAR
Regular cleaning will counteract the premature wear of the guide bar and saw chain. To clean, dismantle the saw chain and the guide bar. Use a file gauge to remove the oil and dirt residue from the oil outlet channel, the oil inlet hole and the groove. A high-quality resin solvent also does a good job here. Any ridges that have formed can be removed with a guide bar dressing tool.
- For optimal all-round protection, we recommend using a special STIHL cleaner. Your STIHL Dealer can guide you to the appropriate product.
Reinstall the clean and dry cutting attachment on the chainsaw and replace the sprocket cover.
STIHL PRO TIPS
Always store your chainsaw with the scabbard in a dry place until next use.
In between seasons and especially before a longer break (three months or more), a thorough cleaning of your chainsaw is necessary.
CLEAN AND RESHARPEN THE CUTTING SET
Remove the guide bar and saw chain from the body. Clean them as described above. Check the condition of the two components. Should the teeth be resharpened? Have burrs formed on the guide rail? If so, carefully remove them with a guide bar dressing tool.
After cleaning, spray the guide bar and saw chain with oil and store them separately from the housing in the protective cover.
CLEAN THE CASE
Remove dust and sawdust from the housing. Clean the area around the sprocket.
FILL UP THE OIL TANK
Is it time to clean the oil tank? You can do this yourself or visit a STIHL Dealer. You may discover damage during cleaning. In this case, we recommend that you contact your dealer to carry out maintenance work and repairs. If you do it yourself, fill up the oil tank completely and store it full.
CLEAN THE OIL PASSAGE
Check the level in the oil tank. Normally, the oil level decreases when working with your chainsaw. If the oil level does not decrease, there may be a problem with the oil supply. To fix this, clean the oil passages on your chainsaw or contact your dealer.
SPECIAL TIPS FOR BATTERY AND GAS SAWS
With battery-operated chainsaws, it is important to store the battery properly:
- Clean the battery with a damp cloth.
- Keep a charge level of two lit LEDs.
- Store the battery pack separately from the chainsaw and charger.
- Also, wipe the charger with a damp cloth. If necessary, clean the electrical contacts with a brush.
Cleaning a gas-powered chainsaw is a bit more involved. Also note the following details:
First, empty the fuel tank. After emptying the fuel tank, we recommend adding a small amount of STIHL MotoMix® into the fuel tank. Though this step is optional, it is highly recommended for long-term storage. Next, start the chainsaw and let it run at idle until there is no more fuel in the tank and the chainsaw stops idling. This process will prevent the membrane from sticking in the carburetor. If you used STIHL MotoMix®, it will leave behind a slight coating that will help protect the engine’s components.
- Check spark plugs and cooling air extraction opening. Clean if necessary.
- Clean air filter.
For more cleaning and maintenance tips, check your product’s instruction manual or visit your local STIHL Dealer.