Published on: June 5, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin
Are you swinging to use the motor oil for the chainsaw?
Don’t be confused. Not only traditional automobile motor oil but also other oils like chain & bar oil, vegetable oil, and more are used to operate the chainsaw at full throttle. Without using proper oil or lubricant, your chainsaw can’t work smoothly and cut efficiently for a long time. Also, lubricant supports saws to tackle the big wood cutting.
However, traditional [amazon link=”B07C5W51F2″ title=”motor oil” /] works well for chainsaws. Of course, you can use motor oil without any major hassle. To know details, you have to visit our article from top to bottom.
Now starting…
Can I Use Motor Oil for Chainsaw?
Chainsaws are famous for launching a successful wood-cutting projects. You are using this tool frequently in trimming branches, cutting posts, felling trees, or rails for fences. All chainsaws require oil to run appropriately. Two types of oil are needed for different jobs.
Engine oil is at first and the second is chain & bar oil. The chainsaw has a two-stroke engine and it needs to be mixed with oil. Chain oil is used for lubricating the chain. Some people use chainsaw oil in the lawnmower.
So, it is very important to choose the right oil to get better performance of your chainsaw.
Regular chainsaw bars as well as chain oil come with petroleum-based and some environmental shortcomings and often health hazards.
Instead of using chain & bar oil, some users often use motor oil which is a last resort and decent oil for the chainsaw. It is available in most of the garages. For these reasons, you don’t have to be upset about finding motor oil. People feel smug due to its high flash point as well as excellent viscosity. For example, SAE 30 weight motor oil is used during the summer and SAE 10 weight for winter.
Just because of some bad effects of the motor oil, some chainsaw manufacturers don’t suggest using it to replace the bar & chain oil. At the time of using motor oil, the spinning blades throw droplets of oil surrounding the environment or into the air.
Remember, don’t try to use it on living trees or in your garden because sometimes motor oil is poisonous to plants. Ultimately, the major benefits of using motor oil are found easily in most garages, great flashpoint, and excellent viscous & continuous on the chain.
Is it possible to use this oil regularly?
Yeah, but, if you are using [amazon link=”B07C5W51F2″ title=”motor oil” /] occasionally, it is safer. The overall negative effects are fatal to inhale, containing cleaners not only oil, not suitable for use on existing plants. Another environmentally friendly alternative is vegetable oil and environmentally conscious & biodegradable.
What Are the Potential Risks of Using Motor Oil for a Chainsaw?
1. Poor lubrication: Motor oil is not designed to be used in a chainsaw and may not provide the necessary lubricating properties required to keep the engine running efficiently.
2. Clogging: Motor oil can clog the filter and chain, resulting in reduced power and slower chain speeds.
3. Corrosion: Using motor oil in a chainsaw can cause corrosion of the chain and other internal parts, resulting in premature wear and tear.
4. Carbon build-up: Motor oil can also cause a buildup of carbon deposits, reducing performance and potentially leading to engine failure.
What Not to Use
It doesn’t matter if you use bar and chain oil, vegetable oil, or motor oil. But, always remember that you have to ensure fresh oil. Never use junk or waste oil while you are filling your chain saw’s bar oil puddle. On the other hand, when the chainsaw is running, you don’t use any oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Motor Oil in My Chainsaw?
Though bar and chain oil is a great option and stickier, motor oil is used if you aren’t concerned about the equipment for safety reasons. Bar oil supports to keep your chain longer and oily.
2. Can You Use 10w30 Oil in a Chainsaw?
The most common oil is a bar and chain oil for lubricating your chainsaw. Chain and bar oil are formulated for this chainsaw purpose. If you have to enable this type of oil, you can use regular 10w30 motor oil on the chainsaw. It is an alternative way in this case.
3. Can You Use Old Motor Oil for a Chainsaw Bar?
Motor oil is quite delicate than chain oil & bar oil. Some people use old motor oil. It works very fast. But, the best way is to use bar oil that is thick as well as sticky and specially designed to use on chainsaws.
4. Can I Use 5w30 and 10w40 Oil in a Chainsaw?
Yes, you can often use the 5w30 and 10w40 oil but not always. Because these are not decent for the environment and even your chain. But, if you try Husqvarna or Stihl stuff, these are vegetable-based and thicker, so not harmful to your lovely garden.
Some 5w30 and 10w40 oils are fatal, thin, and low-viscosity which are not good alternatives to the chainsaw bar oil. Not only 5w30 oil and 10w40 oil is used, but also you can use the 10w30 for chainsaw bar oil although they are not excellent for the winter season. Few 10w30 oils are well in both cold and heat along with multi-weight performance.
5. Can I Use Engine Oil in My Chainsaw?
We have already focused on motor oil, which means engine oil although it is not the best alternative oil for your chainsaw. When you don’t find chain and bar oil or other good alternatives, you can apply engine oil. The negative side of the oil is not humid enough.
6. Is It Safe to Use Motor Oil for a Chainsaw?
No, it is not safe to use motor oil for a chainsaw. Motor oil is not designed for the specific purpose of lubricating a chainsaw chain and may cause the chain to slip or bind. It is recommended to use a specialized chainsaw bar and chain oil.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, we have already talked with a vast amount of info on this matter. The most important questions and answers are presented in this article to solve all your confusion. So, you can utilize the motor oil for the chainsaw if you don’t find alternative ways.
In conclusion, motor oil can be used for chainsaws if it meets the manufacturer’s requirements for viscosity and other specifications. However, it is generally recommended to use an oil specifically designed for chainsaws, as this will better protect the engine and other components from wear and tear. Using the wrong type of oil can cause serious damage to the chainsaw and void the warranty.
Featured image credit: Amazon.com
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About This Writer
Hello, I am David Rowan. I am a professional contractor with 10 years of experience in home building, different tools used, construction, home remodeling, and other home improvement work. I have already built many custom homes and continued to do several woodworking projects along with how to deal with all categories of tools.
