If you have a stihl saw the best thing to do is just to buy stihl’s own lubricants. Forget diy store own brands.
I have had several stihl saws which have lasted for years under hard use and I have only ever used the correct stihl oils.
Search out your local stihl authorised dealer and they will have it all in stock. It won’t be priced at premium diy rates either, will be at trade cost.
Ag machinery dealers are a good place to start or country stores.
Just ask for stihl chain oil and they’ll give you a nice 5L can of it.
It’s very thick to keep it from spinning off the chain, thin oil is a waste of time. It’s also the correct viscosity to run through the oiling system.
As a general rule of thumb a fill of chain oil should last two fills of petrol.
Also, Stihl do an excellent 2 stroke oil.
Many 2 stroke engines use slightly different oil / fuel ratios so if you buy the stihl oil it’s measured for the correct ratio for the engine [I think 1:50 using stihl’s own].
You can buy tear top pots for 5L of fuel or bulk [ 1L ]containers with a bowl on top you squeeze enough 2 stroke into for 3 or 5 l of oil. They’re marvellous and take all the guess work out of mixing fuel. And they’re only about a fiver.
Do this and your saw should last for years and start every time.
Are you aware of the correct starting procedure for a stihl engine? It can save a lot of pulling and flooding!!
If you have a fuel pump [clear rubber bulb] squeeze it half dozen times, if have decompression valve on top push it in - will need to push it in each time engine fires]
Remember to ENGAGE CHAIN BRAKE.
Put saw on floor with [right] foot through rear handle & hold top handle with left hand, pull start with right hand
or:
Stand, hold top handle of saw with left hand and put the tail handle between your thighs and squeeze, pull with right hand.
These are the only two correct & safe methods for starting a chainsaw.
NEVER throw-start a saw, you’ll have your leg off!!
Full choke, lock throttle open [squeeze throttle trigger & push choke lever down on modern ones]
Pull engine until fires once.
Flick choke lever up one notch / to half choke [don’t release throttle yet by accidentally squeezing trigger]
Keep pulling and it will start and run flat out against the brake.
Squeeze throttle to let back to idle.
As above but do not pull start on full choke, set to half choke, throttle flat out and pull till fires.
Did you also know that it’s illegal to operate a chainsaw on any property but your own without a license?!
I love my chainsaw, it’s one of my favourite man toys!!!
