How to Clean your Chainsaw?
In the previous part I gave you a detailed intro on how to maintain your chainsaw. However, maintenance is never complete without regular cleaning. Cleaning the chainsaw not only keeps it working smoothly, but also minimizes the risk of any mishaps or injuries. Furthermore, cleaning chainsaw regularly is also economical in the long run as it will increase its life span. Below, you can read up on how to keep the different parts of the chainsaw clean.
Fuel Filter
Pull the fuel filter out of the gasoline tank and dip it into a strong solvent. This will ensure that all built up gunk gets dissolved.
Gasoline Tank
If the chainsaw has been lying around unused for a long time, you need to drain out all the fuel from the gasoline tank. After the gasoline tank has been emptied, you need to clean it up with a solvent and remove the varnish with the help of kerosene.
Spark Plug
Pull out the spark plug from the socket and examine its electrodes. If there are a lot of brittle black deposits on it, you need to use a file to remove them. If they are beyond cleaning, you need to replace the spark plug.
Air Filter
Air filters are used to prevent dust and debris from entering the engine of the chainsaw. It should only allow clean air to get through. However, over time, the air filter may get clogged with all the blocked debris and dust. This will even prevent clean air from passing through. The reduced airflow will decrease the strength of the engine, and eventually your chainsaw won’t start properly. The engine will also start burning more fuel to make up for the lowered horsepower.
To prevent this, you need to remove the air filter by turning the hold on the cover 90 degrees. You need to dip it in warm soapy water or clean it with compressed air. After you use the water, rinse the filter carefully and hang it out to dry naturally, before replacing it into the chainsaw again.
Spark Arrester
Located behind the muffler, the spark arrester filters the exhaust before it can reach the muffler. Over time, it may get clogged with exhaust fumes, and thus the engine might start stalling. You need to spray the spark arrester with a brake cleaner, or pull it out and clear out the debris using a tooth brush. If it’s too badly damaged, you need to replace it.
Saw Chain
Spray the chain with a degreaser, or use hot water and soap, to get all the grease out. Allow it to soak in the solution for 10 minutes. Following that, scrub out both sides of the chain with a tooth brush. Use an air gun to get rid of all the moisture before fitting it back on the chainsaw.
Guide Bar
The guide bar can be cleaned with hot and soapy water along with a rug. Make sure that you get rid of all the gunk and debris stuck between the grooves of the bar. A pipe cleaner or nail can be used to clean the oil inlet hole.
Tip: Always clean a chainsaw when you have the time, patience, and a quiet distraction-free environment. Make sure all the parts have been reinstalled exactly as they were originally. A single part out of place can prove fatal. Also make sure that all parts are completely dry before installing them again as wetness may cause the chainsaw to rust and lose efficiency quickly.