Is this normal?

[GeneD14]

I have had several different saws over the years with automatic oilers. After I'm done using them they drip a little bar oil out over night. My issue is new that my new saw seems to keep dripping for weeks. I would guess that it will empty out half of the oil tank in a month's time if the saw just sits on the shelf.
Is there an easy fix?
Thanks

 

[RandyT]

Some saws are worse than others as far as leaks. I believe the main reason for the leaks is due to the up and down temperature swings that are happening this time of year. As the temp drops and oil contracts it causes it to suck air through the air bleed. the next day as the temp goes up it expands, but some saws only have a one way air bleed, so the only possibly outcome is to push the pressure out the bar. Could also be related to how the oil pump stops when shut off the saw.

There has been several people inquire about this problem over the last few years, and I don't think anybody has really come up with a good fix.

 

[newbury]

If it's a NEW saw I'd try and take it back to the dealer.
I've an Efco MT3600, a Stihl 021, a JD CS 62, two Stihl 660's and a Stihl 088. None of them leak oil.

 

[tractchores]

I store mine on plastic bins so it drips there, at least that prevents a mess. All my saws drip to some degree, some are better if stored on their side.

 

[BigE_]

There is a check valve that is supposed to keep the oil from leaking out. Sometimes these get debris in them and get stuck open or they just go bad. Replacement is cheap (generally less than $10 on a Stihl).

Should be covered by warranty if it is a new saw.

 

[GeneD14]

Thanks for the advice.

I plan on taking it into the dealer to have him fix the check valve.

 

[LD1]

Im a little late, but did you take it to the dealer yet??

Just curious, what is the brand/model of the saw??

I have 8 or 9 saws. Only 2 of them drip slightly. I just make sure the tanks are empty (gas AND oil) before I store them. Cause sometimes I use my saws several days a week, other times I can go months without using. Just never know whats going to come up, or what the weather will permit.

 

[Bird]

And I thought they were SUPPOSED to leak oil on the shelf.:laughing: That's the reason I always had mine on something to catch the oil, although I usually emptied the oil and the fuel before putting it away.

 

[s219]

Crack the oil fill cap to relieve any pressure before putting them away. That should resolve most problems. If it's still an issue, I'd investigate further. Should be no worse than a minor dribble.

 

[Shutesbury]

Neither of my Stihls leak, but my Jonsereds do. A lot. I'll try cracking the caps next time...

 

[GeneD14]

It is a Stihl 660 saw. I dropped it off at the dealer last week and they are going to call when it's fixed.

 

[LD1]

Yea, that saw should not drip. You spend $1000+ for a saw, it should seal. If it was a low end homeowner/box store saw, I'd say its to be expected. You get what you pay for. But a MS660...........I'd be a little upset too.

 

[Midniteoyl]

hah! Low end saws dont even have an 'automatic oiler', they have a 'drip tube'

 

[adirondackmtnman]

I think a lot of the time it has to do with the oil being used. Cheaper oil in my ms362 will leave a spot under it occasionally, but the stihl oil won't for some reason.

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

 

[LD1]

I think a lot of the time it has to do with the oil being used. Cheaper oil in my ms362 will leave a spot under it occasionally, but the stihl oil won't for some reason.

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

Has nothing to do with what the oil cost or what brand it is. Has to do with viscosity. Some oils are thicker than others. Stihl even sells a summer blend (orange jug) that is thick, like gear oil. and then a winter blend (blue jug) that is about as thin as motor oil.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Ya.. I picked up some Poulan oil that was cheap, but thick as molasses. Looked just like STP oil treatment.. Didnt drip.

 

[whistlepig]

I bought a new Stihl about three years ago that leaked a lot of bar oil in the case. The dealer told me to open the fill cap for the bar oil after I used it and putting it in the case to relieve the pressure from the hot bar oil. That worked for me.

 

[adirondackmtnman]

Has nothing to do with what the oil cost or what brand it is. Has to do with viscosity. Some oils are thicker than others. Stihl even sells a summer blend (orange jug) that is thick, like gear oil. and then a winter blend (blue jug) that is about as thin as motor oil.

I have no Idea what the viscosity of the TSC or Poulan oils are, but when I run either of those, I get a little drip. The only other oil I've bothered to buy is Stihl(orange jug, I cut only rarely in winter)...just my own observation, and those oils were definitely cheaper. The OP sounds like he has aa mechanical issue, rather than a viscisity issue anyhow.

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

 

[GeneD14]

I called the dealer and they said the oil valve was stuck open and they are replacing it under warranty. So hopefully this story will have a happy ending. I should have the saw back in aday or two.

 

[Dr_Zinj]

If you're running 30 weight oil for your chain lubricant, you're going to get drippage because that's too low a viscosity. That's one reason why chain oil is different from the oil you mix with the fuel.