Both
the chain and guide bar require lubrication. The guide bar is
lubricated by oil that the chain carriers with it as it goes around
the bar. Usually, a chainsaw will have either a pressure lubrication
system or a gravity lubrication system for the chain. The pressure
system usually has an adjusting knob to regulate the flow of oil. If
the flow keeps on decreasing and you have to keep adjusting for it,
there is likely some dirt in the oil tank and/ or oil filter. The
cure is to remove and clean out the tank and change the oil filter.
As
for lubricating the engine, be sure to follow the manufacture’s
recommended fuel mixing ratio. To mix gas and oil put some of the gas
in your container, add the full amount of oil you will need and
swish. Then add the rest of the gas needed and swish a little more.
This way the gas and oil are more thoroughly mixed, which provides
better, more consistent, lubrication to the chainsaw engine. Adding
too much oil will cause the chainsaw to be hard to start, excessive
smoking, a fouled spark plug, and can plug up the exhaust port. Not
enough oil in the mix will cause the chainsaw to overheat and will
damage all the moving parts in the engine through lack of
lubrication. Mix just enough fuel for the cutting season. If you must
store the mixture during the off-season, add some fuel stabilizer
following the directions that come with it. Also, in preparation for
storage, run the chainsaw until it is out of fuel, and then give the
pull rope 3 or 4 pulls to make sure all fuel is used up and out of
the fuel system. Do not store a chainsaw with fuel in it, it will
likely clog up the tiny passages in the carburetor preventing the saw
from starting when you need it.
Take
a brake.
If
your chainsaw is equipped with a chain brake, for safety sake, make
sure it is in working order. Over time sawdust and oil can accumulate
inside the engine cover, around the area of the chain brake. This can
cause the brake to slip, or not engage properly. If your manual gives
directions on how to service this you can give it a try yourself, if
not take the saw to a trained mechanic. He or she can perform this
service as part of a tune up and thorough cleaning, which your saw
should have periodically.