Your Chainsaw Chain Oil Isn’t Working? Here’s Why!

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Chainsaw Chain Oil Not Working

As a chainsaw owner, there’s nothing more frustrating than when your chain oil stops working. Not only does it make it difficult to cut through wood, but it can also damage your chainsaw. If you’re experiencing this issue, you’re not alone. Chain oil not working is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot the issue and get your chainsaw back up and running in no time.

We’ll start by discussing the different causes of chain oil not working. Then, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to diagnose and resolve the problem. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to quickly and easily identify the cause of the issue and get your chainsaw back to work.

Why Chainsaw Chain Oil Not Working

1. Chain oil is too thick

The chain oil is too thick to properly lubricate the chain and bar. This can cause the chain to drag and wear out prematurely.

2. Chain oil is too thin

The chain oil is too thin to provide adequate lubrication. This can cause the chain to wear out prematurely and also lead to the chain jumping off the bar.

3. Chain oil is not being applied correctly

The chain oil is not being applied correctly. This can cause the chain to wear out prematurely and also lead to the chain jumping off the bar.

4. The chainsaw is not being used properly

The chainsaw is not being used properly. This can cause the chain to wear out prematurely and also lead to the chain jumping off the bar.

5. The chainsaw is not being maintained properly

The chainsaw is not being maintained properly. This can cause the chain to wear out prematurely and also lead to the chain jumping off the bar.

How to Troubleshoot: Chainsaw Chain Oil Not Working

Your chainsaw chain oil is essential for keeping your saw running smoothly and preventing damage to the saw and the chain. If your chain oil is not working properly, it can cause a number of problems, including:

The chain will not stay sharp
The chain will not cut through wood as efficiently
The chain will wear out faster
The saw will be more difficult to control

If you suspect that your chain oil is not working properly, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

Step 1: Check the oil level

The first thing you should check is the oil level in the saw’s reservoir. If the oil level is low, it will not be able to lubricate the chain properly. To check the oil level, remove the oil cap and look inside the reservoir. The oil level should be between the full and add marks. If the oil level is low, add more oil to the reservoir.

Step 2: Check the oil pump

The oil pump is responsible for sending oil to the chain. If the oil pump is not working properly, it will not be able to lubricate the chain. To check the oil pump, start the saw and let it run for a few minutes. Then, look at the oil hole in the bar. If oil is not coming out of the hole, the oil pump is not working properly. You will need to take the saw to a qualified repair shop to have the oil pump replaced.

Step 3: Check the oil filter

The oil filter helps to keep dirt and debris out of the oil pump. If the oil filter is clogged, it will not be able to filter the oil properly. To check the oil filter, remove the oil filter cap and look at the filter. If the filter is clogged, replace it with a new filter.

Step 4: Check the oil line

The oil line connects the oil pump to the bar. If the oil line is damaged, it will not be able to deliver oil to the chain. To check the oil line, inspect it for leaks. If you find a leak, you will need to replace the oil line.

Step 5: Check the bar oiler

The bar oiler is responsible for spraying oil onto the chain. If the bar oiler is not working properly, it will not be able to lubricate the chain. To check the bar oiler, start the saw and let it run for a few minutes. Then, look at the bar oiler. If oil is not coming out of the oiler, the bar oiler is not working properly. You will need to take the saw to a qualified repair shop to have the bar oiler replaced.

Conclusion

If you have checked all of the above and your chainsaw chain oil is still not working properly, you will need to take the saw to a qualified repair shop. A qualified repair shop will be able to diagnose the problem and repair the saw.

FAQs: Chainsaw Chain Oil Not Working

Why isn’t my chainsaw chain oil working?

There are a few possible reasons why your chainsaw chain oil might not be working.

The oil level is too low. Make sure that the oil level is between the full and add marks on the chainsaw’s oil reservoir. If the oil level is too low, the chain will not be lubricated properly and will eventually wear out.
The oil is the wrong type. Not all chainsaw oils are created equal. Make sure that you are using the correct type of oil for your chainsaw. Most chainsaws require a high-quality, synthetic oil.
The oil is old or contaminated. Old or contaminated oil can cause the chain to gum up and not work properly. Make sure that you are using fresh oil and that you clean the oil reservoir regularly.
The oil pump is not working properly. The oil pump is responsible for sending oil to the chain. If the oil pump is not working properly, the chain will not be lubricated properly. You may need to have the oil pump repaired or replaced.

What can I do if my chainsaw chain oil isn’t working?

If your chainsaw chain oil isn’t working, you can try the following:

Check the oil level. Make sure that the oil level is between the full and add marks on the chainsaw’s oil reservoir. If the oil level is too low, add more oil.
Use the correct type of oil. Make sure that you are using the correct type of oil for your chainsaw. Most chainsaws require a high-quality, synthetic oil.
Clean the oil reservoir. Old or contaminated oil can cause the chain to gum up and not work properly. Clean the oil reservoir regularly to prevent this from happening.
Have the oil pump repaired or replaced. If the oil pump is not working properly, the chain will not be lubricated properly. You may need to have the oil pump repaired or replaced.

How often should I change my chainsaw chain oil?

The frequency with which you should change your chainsaw chain oil depends on the type of oil you are using and the conditions in which you are using your chainsaw.

If you are using a high-quality, synthetic oil, you can typically go 20-30 hours between oil changes.
If you are using a lower-quality, mineral oil, you should change the oil more frequently, every 10-15 hours.
If you are using your chainsaw in dusty or dirty conditions, you should change the oil more frequently, every 5-10 hours.

It is important to change the oil regularly to prevent the chain from becoming gummed up and to keep your chainsaw running smoothly.

What are the signs that my chainsaw chain oil needs to be changed?

There are a few signs that your chainsaw chain oil needs to be changed.

The chain is starting to gum up. This is a sign that the oil is not being circulated properly and is starting to break down.
The chain is starting to skip or jump. This is a sign that the chain is not being lubricated properly and is starting to wear out.
The chain is starting to smoke. This is a sign that the oil is burning off and is not providing adequate lubrication.

If you notice any of these signs, it is time to change the oil in your chainsaw.

What are the risks of using the wrong type of chainsaw chain oil?

Using the wrong type of chainsaw chain oil can have a number of negative consequences, including:

The chain may not be lubricated properly. This can lead to the chain becoming gummed up and wearing out prematurely.
The chain may skip or jump. This can be dangerous and can lead to injury.
The chain may smoke. This is a sign that the oil is burning off and is not providing adequate lubrication.

It is important to use the correct type of chainsaw chain oil to avoid these risks.

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About The Author

I am John, and I am the creator of this website. I have been in the woodworking industry for about 5 years. I developed my passion for DIY projects around the house when I was in high school. I have discovered a new appreciation for those who have the experience to pass along their expertise. They know what works best and are able to help others. I am proud to be among them.

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