Leaky Husqvarna

[Mark Page]

Just replaced my ailing Poulan saws, a 16" and a 20" with 2 Huskys. A 16" 154 and a 20" 455 Rancher. Stihls were just a little bit too pricey. Both saws start easily and run great. I have a problem though with the 455 leaking bar oil. I bought hard cases for both saws and if put 2 shop rags under the 455 they will be drenched after a few days. Husky and my dealer say this is normal for larger saws. Other reports from the web say that some model/brands will and some won't leak oil.
It in no way effects the saws performance it's just a mess to clean up.
Has anyone else had this problem?
Thanks in advance.
Mark from Maryland.

 

[Chilly807]

There's another thread here recently about a 455 leaking oil.

Neither my 242 Husky nor my Stihl 044 leak at all, so it's not "normal". It may be a trait of the 455, Husky seems to have really slipped badly in the past few years in my opinion.

Sean

 

[rabidracin]

My 357xp will leak oil if I use 10w(winter oil) in summer, fine when 30 or colder. It is also fine in summer if I run 30w.

 

[LD1]

Yep, take a look at what weight oil you are running.

And can you tell where the oil is leaking from? Around the cap? elswhere? That would help determine what the problem is.

Chilley807: IMO, husky hasnt really slipped in quality, it is just that their lower end saws seem to be comming more popular. And, well...they arent pro saws. These saws that can be bought at TSC or lowes arent really a true reflection of what the bigger pro huskys are like. But there lower end saws really arent much of a step above poulan.

 

[Gizmo2]

My Stihl did that for years and then someone told me, when you go to put it away after use loosen the oil cap to relieve the pressure and you will be good to go, it helped a lot.:confused3:

 

[NIXON]

I don't know if this will help ,as this was a different make saw . But, it should be somewhat of a similar setup on Your HuqV. . Check post # 33 .

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=135960&page=3

 

[Johndeere3720]

I have a Husqvarna 235E and a STIHL MS290 (with a 25" bar ) and neither of them leak. I did almost get a 455 vs. the STIHL but the prices were so close and my John Deere dealer is so great that i ended up getting the STIHL.

 

[Ironhand]

Both of my saws have leaked since new. It drives me crazy. Gizmo's idea seems like one to try.

 

[Rocksprings]

Just bought a Stihl MS250 yesterday. Dealer put 7-8 paper towels in the bottom of the carrying case. Told me that all saws leak bar oil and if they don't you have a problem. He said only way to prevent leaking is to pour it out after use. I tend to believe this guy, he is a long time Stihl dealer/mechanic.

 

[arrow]

My Stihl did that for years and then someone told me, when you go to put it away after use loosen the oil cap to relieve the pressure and you will be good to go, it helped a lot.:confused3:

Many times this cures a saw leaking because of oil tank pressure. With the 455"s some have a larger problem and it has everything to do with the way the 2 small oil delivery lines (just over 2 ") go on to the saw fitting. Some of these outlets leak like crazy. I'd advise to take the saw back to where you bought it and have it serviced under warranty.

 

[LD1]

Just bought a Stihl MS250 yesterday. Dealer put 7-8 paper towels in the bottom of the carrying case. Told me that all saws leak bar oil and if they don't you have a problem. He said only way to prevent leaking is to pour it out after use. I tend to believe this guy, he is a long time Stihl dealer/mechanic.

Maybe he is just used to working on stihls

Seriously, it shouldnt leak bar oil. Thats like saying you car is supposed to drip engine oil and if it dont, somethings wrong.

I have owned MANY saws, both old and new. Mostly dolmar and husky. My saws are stored up on a shelf and usually put away full of gas and oil ready for next time out. And they dont leak a drop.

Actually, the only saw I had that ever had a problem leaking oil was a husky 266se. And it was an "actual" problem. There is a little screw that holds part of the muffler on, and it threads into the oil tank. The screw came loose and it leaked oil. Thightened the screw, no problems.

I would be very disappointed if I bought a saw that leaked anything, let alone a BRAND NEW SAW:confused2:

 

[Rocksprings]

Maybe he is just used to working on stihls

Seriously, it shouldnt leak bar oil. Thats like saying you car is supposed to drip engine oil and if it dont, somethings wrong.

I have owned MANY saws, both old and new. Mostly dolmar and husky. My saws are stored up on a shelf and usually put away full of gas and oil ready for next time out. And they dont leak a drop.

Actually, the only saw I had that ever had a problem leaking oil was a husky 266se. And it was an "actual" problem. There is a little screw that holds part of the muffler on, and it threads into the oil tank. The screw came loose and it leaked oil. Thightened the screw, no problems.

I would be very disappointed if I bought a saw that leaked anything, let alone a BRAND NEW SAW:confused2:

I tend to agree with you, Why would Stihl make anything that leaks before you get it home ?? Dealer says it is normal. I find this real strange.

 

[jdtractor]

hi i own a husky 60 series saw ive had it since mid 90s it leaks oil also to some degree, but i never gave it any thought as to why, until reading these posts. it leaks in the case i keep it in and on the ground sometimes, never much but it does leak.i was going to tade it off for a newer model of husky saw same size only newer but changed my mine , i think like some of you husky has went down hill in quality. they sell them in lumber yards, and side walk stores what we call them here , i think the husky people are interested in profit more then quality, i bought mine at a chainsaw dealer and nothing but saw equipement etc.......i still looking to up grade but im keeping my husky and considering stihl or maybe echo dont know which yet . just my .02cts

 

[Chilly807]

Just bought a Stihl MS250 yesterday. Dealer put 7-8 paper towels in the bottom of the carrying case. Told me that all saws leak bar oil and if they don't you have a problem. He said only way to prevent leaking is to pour it out after use. I tend to believe this guy, he is a long time Stihl dealer/mechanic.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but he's full of shi*..:laughing: Maybe the new Stihls leak, but the old ones sure don't. My Stihl 044 is the driest saw I've ever owned, and my 242 Husky (both mid-90s saws) is also quite dry. Both oil well when running, but leak nary a drop when shut down.

A few drops is fine, nothing is perfect. Often it's residue from the chain and bar that slowly drips off, but they surely shouldn't empty the tank or even start to.

As for the Husky 455, there is a "fix" for them leaking, as another member here found out recently (another thread). The two piece oil line that comes with them as original is replaced with a one piece line that eliminates much of the problem. The 136 and 137 have the same problem with the same fix.

Sean

 

[Rocksprings]

I hope that is all he is talking about, " A few drops of residue " My Homelight would leak the entire tank. You get what you pay for. So far no leaking, but its only been started twice, not used to cut wood yet.

 

[Chilly807]

I hope that is all he is talking about, " A few drops of residue " My Homelight would leak the entire tank. You get what you pay for. So far no leaking, but its only been started twice, not used to cut wood yet.

My guess is it won't leak, at least not much. I had an older 023 (same as MS230) which shares the chassis with the 025, and it too stayed dry for the most part.

I don't know how much Stihl has changed those saws.

Sean

 

[crazyal]

My 357xp leaks every so often. I think it's when I run cheap bar oil but never really looked too much into it. I just store the saw on it's side (pull starter down) every time. Someday I'll pull it apart but kind of hard to find the time when the saw runs fine.

 

[PapaPerk]

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

On Stihls at least (all I have) they should not leak any bar oil. The saws will drip oil from the chain and chain cover area.... but eventually stop (few hours). The oil collects in the saw dust, etc and slowly drips. But there should be no oil dripping directly from the oil port.

Good luck... maybe like others have said... a thicker bar oil would help.