Chainsaws

The Safe Way to Clean Your Chainsaw

Cleaning your chainsaw on a regular basis is an important part of its maintenance. This will not only keep it operating in top condition, it will also decrease the chances of injury or malfunction during use.

Cleaning your chainsaw will increase its life significantly, and this basic upkeep shouldn’t require a lot of time. It’s important to know the main parts of your chainsaw to achieve this.

The Safe Way to Clean Your Chainsaw

If you don’t know the right way to clean your chainsaw, it could be dangerous job. Before you get started, make sure you know exactly what you’re doing.

Gasoline Tank

Drain all the fuel from the gas tank and remove the fuel filter, then dip the filter in a strong solvent to remove any solid build-up. I recommend using solvents such as lacquer thinner or acetone.

Spark Plug

With your chainsaw setting upright on a flat surface, use a socket attachment to removed the spark plug. Use a file to remove any deposits that have formed on the electrodes. If the electrodes are too dirty or damaged, go ahead and replace the spark plug.

Air Filter

Air filters prevent dust, dirt and debris from entering the important parts of the chainsaw. When the air filter gets clogged, it won’t be able to let enough air through to the engine. This lack of air flow will both decrease power and burn more fuel in order to compensate for decreased horsepower.

Remove the air filter and wash it with warm soapy water or compressed air. Be sure to rinse it and let dry thoroughly before putting it back on the chainsaw.

Cleaning the Chain

Spray the chain with degreaser and let it soak for 15 minutes or so. Soapy water will also work, but won’t be as effective at removing greasy build up. I’d suggest scrubbing the chain with a toothbrush to get it good and clean.

Once the chain is clean, fit it back on the chainsaw. It needs to be well-tensioned, but be careful not to make it too loose or too tight. You can also sharpen the chain with a file if needed.

Cleaning the Carburator

Don’t forget to clean the carburetor. This is an essential part of the chainsaw that will get clogged and prevent proper fuel flow to the engine, and can potentially cause it to not start.

Check the carburetor for gummy brown residue. It’s a simple process to clean the air intake, needle valves, diaphragm, and the cover plate. You should be able to clean it easily with spray cleaner or compressed air.

Spray some cleaner into all the carburetor’s body holes, diaphragm, needle valves, and the throttle. When you’ve finished cleaning it thoroughly, go ahead and reassemble the carburetor.

Here are some chainsaws perfect for home use.

Important Tips

Be sure to clean your chainsaw in a clean and safe environment. Make sure that nothing gets misplaced during reassembly and that all parts are dry before putting them back on.

By paying attention to these maintenance steps, your chainsaw should provide you with many years of safe, hassle-free cutting.

Keep reading for more information on identifying a worn chainsaw chain.

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