What causes a chainsaw to overheat and what are some of things you can do to prevent it from happening?
There are many reasons why a chainsaw may overheat. These reasons can range from lack of maintenance, improper usage, environmental factors and in some cases….poor manufacture design.
In this article we will go over a few of the most common reasons along with tips on how to prevent it from happening.
Why is my Chainsaw overheating?
Here is a list of a few of the most common reasons why a chainsaw may overheat.
- Bar oil reservoir is empty or plugged
- Chain is dull or not properly sharpened
- Air filter is plugged
- Poor ventilation under the chainsaw top cover
What happens if I run out of Bar Oil on my Chainsaw?
Chainsaw bar oil is required to provide lubrication to the chain as it rotates around the guide bar at high speeds. Running out of bar oil, using the incorrect bar oil or having a blockage can all lead to your chainsaw overheating due to the increased friction between the bar and chain.
Not only will this additional friction eventually end up destroying your bar & chain, it will also force your chainsaw engine to work MUCH harder.
Can my Chainsaw Overheat if my chain is dull?
Yes, operating a chainsaw with a dull chain increases the amount of effort required by the engine to perform a cut. This added stress results in hotter engine temperatures, slower cut times and reduced fuel economy.
Keep your chain sharp with this easy to use 2-in-1 chainsaw chain sharpener by Stihl.
This is a great chainsaw sharpening tool for beginners as it includes files for both the chain teeth and rakers all in one package.
The plastic handles hold the files and act as a guide to ensure each stroke is at the perfect angle. All you do is lay it across the chain and file in the direction of the arrows.
Clogged Air Filter causing Chainsaw to overheat.
Another possible reason your chainsaw is overheating could be due to a clogged air filter.
Be sure to check your air filter occasionally to make sure it is not clogged. Using your chainsaw with a dull chain will create small dust instead of wood chips which can get sucked up into the air filter.
Prevent Chainsaw from Overheating by adding Air Vents to the Top Cover
If your chainsaw is still overheating it may require additional ventilation to disperse trapped heat from under the top cover.
Husqvarna 562XP Overheating and hot start issues
Reports from Husqvarna users claiming to have overheating issues with their 562xp chainsaws can be found across a variety of message boards. These issues range from problems starting the chainsaw in warm conditions to melted plastic covers.
Photo above shows aftermarket air vents installed on the top cover of a Husqvarna 562XP but they can be installed on just about any chainsaw make/model.
The top vent is installed directly above the cylinder fins to allow trapped heat to escape from under the top cover. While some people have simply drilled holes into their covers, these vents feature mesh screens to prevent large debris from entering into the saw.
If you are having trouble with your chainsaw overheating in warm temperatures these air vents may solve your problem and are cheap & easy to install!
What to do if my Chainsaw is overheating?
If you notice that your chainsaw is not running like normal it is usually best to shut off the machine and check a few things before continuing on.
In some cases, continuing to operate the chainsaw while it is overheating may result in permanent damage to the bar, chain or piston.
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