Breaking in a new chainsaw

Does anyone have recommendations for breaking in a new chainsaw? Would you run 40:1 instead of 50:1 for the first few tanks or be easy on the throttle for a while? The reason I bought it was to run a 24" bar and cut my larger stuff but should I baby it for the first few gallons of gas? I know years ago when I got a new snowmobile I was told to break it in the way I would normally ride but we did run a little extra oil for the first 100 miles or so. I was thinking of approaching the new saw in a similar way just wondered what your thoughts are.
Paul

My new saw from a few years ago is still not broke in.

I went the recommended gas 50,1 but it says in the manual that it should be run for 10 HR at half to 3qr throttle.
Still haven't opened it up to its potential yet [emoji23]. Only run it a few hours a year.


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I would follow the instructions provided if none then none are required. I ran mine full out.

Do not run a richer oil mixture, I can't stress that enough. Run the recommended mix as too much oil can cause build up on the spark plug that can break free and scratch the cylinder.

For your first tank of fuel make sure it is always running with a load and keep it under 3/4 throttle aside from the odd burst of full throttle. After that, use it as you will but don't let it scream wide open without a load for the first few tanks.

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Thanks for the advice guys. So in order to extend the warranty to 5 years I purchased 3 liters of premixed fuel with the saw, I will just run it thru and then stick with the usual 50:1 mixture with high octane gas. As per your advice Oaknut I will stay off the throttle for the first tank.

I have a Stihl MS211 and I use the pre-mixed fuel Aspen 2. For the first 2-3 tanks I avoided using it full out for extended periods of time. After that I just use it as I normally would. I like the pre-mixed Aspen 2 fuel.......a little more than mixing your own, but I might use 2-3 bottles of it a year so it is not that big of a deal.

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Originally Posted by oaknut

Do not run a richer oil mixture, I can't stress that enough. Run the recommended mix as too much oil can cause build up on the spark plug that can break free and scratch the cylinder.

For your first tank of fuel make sure it is always running with a load and keep it under 3/4 throttle aside from the odd burst of full throttle. After that, use it as you will but don't let it scream wide open without a load for the first few tanks.

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I didn't know that too rich oil could cause problems. I always run 40:1. Might have to rethink that.
I remember the old days of 16:1 in a Pioneer 620.

I bought my stihl 038 about 10 yrs ago and went full out right from the get go with the recommended fuel mixture. I use it 2 or 3 times a years and has never had issues. I think it still has the same spark plug in it. I bought it to use it not to baby it.
Don’t do what I did but I think if you use the recommended fuel mixture and and go a little easier it will be just fine, especially if it’s a quality product from a reputable dealer.


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One thing I was told on a small motors course was that gas is actually a coolant. Get it on your hands and you'll know what I mean. So, adding oil would actually make the saw run a bit hotter. I would never spend a nickel on premixed gas/oil but would simply follow the dealers recommendation first. After that period, just giv'er!

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Originally Posted by sawbill

One thing I was told on a small motors course was that gas is actually a coolant. Get it on your hands and you'll know what I mean. So, adding oil would actually make the saw run a bit hotter. I would never spend a nickel on premixed gas/oil but would simply follow the dealers recommendation first. After that period, just giv'er!

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The Stihl dealer recommended it and sold it to me.

http://www.chainsawcollectors.se/php...ic.php?t=25848

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Originally Posted by 410001661

The Stihl dealer recommended it and sold it to me.

http://www.chainsawcollectors.se/php...ic.php?t=25848

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We use Aspen at work, mostly because it was cheaper to buy it by the skid than to pay somebody to go to the gas station then submit expenses, and as far as I know the premix and bottled fuel will not go bad like regular gas. Also cheaper than replacing saws after guys run straight gas in them.

A friend of mine is sponsored by them for race fuel.

4+8, alkylate fuels are just a higher octane that you can buy at most gas pumps so of course he would want to sell it to you in his over priced brand named labelled pint or quart container. I think it would have more credibility if he said to use this fuel that you can buy at any CTC gasbar.
I think the most detrimental thing for a chainsaw nowadays is using regular 87 octane gas.

The pre-mixed fuel contains no Ethanol, which is the killer for rubber or plastic lines in the tank. If I remember correctly, only Shell Premium gas is Ethanol free.

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Originally Posted by sawbill

One thing I was told on a small motors course was that gas is actually a coolant. Get it on your hands and you'll know what I mean. So, adding oil would actually make the saw run a bit hotter. I would never spend a nickel on premixed gas/oil but would simply follow the dealers recommendation first. After that period, just giv'er!

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if you use a lot of gas buying the premixed/stabilised is a waste. But I think the stihl recommendation now is gas older than 6 weeks is stale and should not be used. If you don't use your saw a lot, the premixed gas - which has an infinite shelf life if I understand correctly - can be worthwhile. In either case, blowing up a saw using old gas is almost always going to be more expensive than buying the premixed stabilised fuel.

Disclaimer - I've never used premixed though - I go through a couple of gallons a month.

Utlramar gold is ethanol-free as well. 87 octane is not good for saws, but it won't kill them quickly. What will is stale gas - any octane.

BTW - what you are paying the premium for with the premixed is not just the convenience of it being mixed. It's mostly for the stabilization.

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

What will is stale gas - any octane.

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Just a spalsh of the MotorMaster Fuel Stabilizer (from CT) will keep the fuel mix from getting stale...

General tip...when you fill your Jerry (5 gallon) at the pump and get it home, immediately, before you forget, throw the measured scoop of Fuel Stabilizer into it. Never have to worry about it going 'stale'.

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Originally Posted by MikePal

Just a spalsh of the MotorMaster Fuel Stabilizer (from CT) will keep the fuel mix from getting stale...

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I do this with all my toys, usually if I grab a 5 gallon to keep around I mix this stuff in a well and it's never let me down.

It all depends if your running a old Partner or McCulock or a newer saw. With the older saws you can get away with regular gas and richer oil mixture. With a new saw it’s very important to use premium gas with the proper amount of quality mixing oil. Using quality chain oil for the proper season is also important. IMO running a chain saw wide open should only be done under load regardless if its new or old. The pre mix gas does have a infinite shelf life, but once you open the can then you need to use it in a normal time. IMO if you don’t use much gas you might as well go with the pre mix. I bought some just to get the extended warranty. I run like usual to break in.

[QUOTE=. With the older saws you can get away with regular gas and richer oil mixture.[/QUOTE]
Only if you are going to burn it right away. Regardless of the age of any 2 or 4 stroke small engine regular gas that sits around for a season will have you flushing carbs and fuel lines. I now buy only premium by the 5 gal can and mix it if needed when needed. It doesn't sit around too long anyway as like most guys, I have enough toys to fill.

With the amount of cutting I do, if I was to but premixed gas it would not be worth while cutting my own firewood. In 8 hours of cutting I will burn through 11 tanks of fuel. That premixed is a gimmick it is not very hard to mix gas and oil.

The reason the dealer told you to buy the premix is he makes money plain and simple.

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Originally Posted by sawbill

One thing I was told on a small motors course was that gas is actually a coolant. Get it on your hands and you'll know what I mean. So, adding oil would actually make the saw run a bit hotter. I would never spend a nickel on premixed gas/oil but would simply follow the dealers recommendation first. After that period, just giv'er!

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Originally Posted by 410001661

The Stihl dealer recommended it and sold it to me.

http://www.chainsawcollectors.se/php...ic.php?t=25848

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So after the break in period of a gallon of gas or so, is its still not a good idea to rev the engine without load? I have always revved my old saw up when I was done cutting to clear out the chips etc.
Paul

The saw should be reved up as you engaged a piece of wood not after.

I just bought a new Husky. The dealer’s advice was to get the gallon of Husky premix. By doing that, my warrantee is doubled. He said the gas mix had a two year shelf life, even after opening....it won’t last that long !! I’ll burn high test after that, as I do in all the toys.

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Originally Posted by rick_iles

I just bought a new Husky. The dealer’s advice was to get the gallon of Husky premix. By doing that, my warrantee is doubled. He said the gas mix had a two year shelf life, even after opening....it won’t last that long !! I’ll burn high test after that, as I do in all the toys.

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At your age I would not be worrying about the shelf life of any gas mix.he,he

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Originally Posted by Mauro

I bought my stihl 038 about 10 yrs ago and went full out right from the get go with the recommended fuel mixture. I use it 2 or 3 times a years and has never had issues. I think it still has the same spark plug in it. I bought it to use it not to baby it.
Don’t do what I did but I think if you use the recommended fuel mixture and and go a little easier it will be just fine, especially if it’s a quality product from a reputable dealer.


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I have an 038 as well. Mine is 20 years old. Ran it the same way you did and works great. Oh, I changed the plug just because.

Can someone tell me if I am harming my saw by revving it up to clear out the chips etc. before I shut it down? I have been doing this with my 25 year old Husky 61 since it was new and it's still a strong saw. I would like to understand what damage it may cause if any.
Paul

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Originally Posted by paultracy

Can someone tell me if I am harming my saw by revving it up to clear out the chips etc. before I shut it down? I have been doing this with my 25 year old Husky 61 since it was new and it's still a strong saw. I would like to understand what damage it may cause if any.
Paul

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I think you answered your own question. You've been doing it forever and it still runs strong. I do the same thing with my 036 and for the 3 or 4 seconds I have no worries.

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Originally Posted by Gilroy

At your age I would not be worrying about the shelf life of any gas mix.he,he

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I hear ya !!!

No it will not cause any problems,

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Originally Posted by dean.f

Revving it shouldn't cause any damage, sustaining wide open throttle with no load may.

Usually with any small engine if they over Rev under no load for a sustained period of time no matter the age, the connecting rod bearings or the rod itself can deform and destroy it. Can also cause a heat seize or break a piston ring. I believe there is a failsafe built into the electronic ignition to prevent this.

you'd really have to try hard to cause damage in my opinion.

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I see the Spammers are out

If you want to know how to correctly run and fix a chain saw get on you tube and type in - Steve's Small Engine Saloon - he's a Canadian and shows you how to fix all kinds of small engines while having a beer - -

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Originally Posted by JoePa

If you want to know how to correctly run and fix a chain saw get on you tube and type in - Steve's Small Engine Saloon - he's a Canadian and shows you how to fix all kinds of small engines while having a beer - -

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Oh ya, check out his you tube videos, lots of tips n trips, and he's kinda entertaining

Big fan of Steve’s, I even bought the shirt! :)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...e98ee5599e.jpg


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The reasoning as to not running a 2 stroke full throttle from new is to seat the rings in the chamber otherwise 2 strokes like to run hot (but not too hot) and wide open . Gas/oil mix is important and fresh gas without ethanol is best needless to say. The quality of your 2 stroke oil should be considered and don't use outboard motor oil !

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Originally Posted by longpointer

The reasoning as to not running a 2 stroke full throttle from new is to seat the rings in the chamber otherwise 2 strokes like to run hot (but not too hot) and wide open . Gas/oil mix is important and fresh gas without ethanol is best needless to say. The quality of your 2 stroke oil should be considered and don't use outboard motor oil !

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^^^ x2 ^^ Good advice all round !!