Makita Chainsaw Oiler Not Working? Here’s the Fix!

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Makita Chainsaw Oiler Not Working

As a chainsaw owner, there are few things more frustrating than having your saw not work properly. One of the most common problems that can occur is a chainsaw oiler that isn’t working. This can be a major inconvenience, as it can lead to your saw overheating and becoming damaged. In this guide, we will discuss the common causes of a chainsaw oiler not working and how to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. We will also provide tips on how to prevent this problem from happening in the future.

By following these steps, you can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue of a chainsaw oiler not working and get your saw back up and running in no time.

Why Makita Chainsaw Oiler Not Working

Reasons Why Makita Chainsaw Oiler Not Working

Insufficient Oil

The most common reason for a chainsaw oiler not working is that there is not enough oil in the reservoir. Make sure to check the oil level regularly and add oil as needed.

Clogged Oil Line

Another common cause of a chainsaw oiler not working is a clogged oil line. This can be caused by dirt, debris, or sawdust. To fix this problem, you will need to clean the oil line.

Defective Oiler

In some cases, the oiler itself may be defective. This can happen if the oiler is damaged or worn out. If you suspect that the oiler is defective, you will need to replace it.

Incorrect Oil Type

Make sure you are using the correct type of oil for your chainsaw. Using the wrong type of oil can cause the oiler to not work properly.

Incorrect Oil Level

If the oil level is too high, it can cause the oiler to not work properly. Make sure to check the oil level regularly and add oil as needed.

Oil Pump Problems

The oil pump is responsible for pumping oil to the chain. If the oil pump is not working properly, it can cause the oiler to not work properly.

Other Problems

There are a number of other potential causes for a chainsaw oiler not working. These include:
A problem with the carburetor
A problem with the fuel line
A problem with the engine
A problem with the chain brake

How to Troubleshoot: Makita Chainsaw Oiler Not Working

Symptoms of a Makita Chainsaw Oiler Not Working

There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your Makita chainsaw oiler is not working properly. These include:

The chainsaw is running hot, even when it is not under load.
The chain is smoking or sparking.
The chain is not cutting through wood as easily as it used to.
The chain is leaving a lot of sawdust behind.
The chain is making a loud, grinding noise.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to troubleshoot the problem and fix it as soon as possible. A malfunctioning oiler can damage your chainsaw and make it dangerous to use.

Troubleshooting a Makita Chainsaw Oiler

To troubleshoot a Makita chainsaw oiler, you will need to:

1. Inspect the oiler. Look for any damage to the oiler or the oiler line. If you see any damage, you will need to replace the oiler.
2. Check the oil level. Make sure that the oil level in the oiler is at the correct level. If the oil level is low, you will need to add more oil.
3. Check the oil pump. The oil pump is responsible for pumping oil to the chain. If the oil pump is not working properly, you will need to replace it.
4. Check the oil filter. The oil filter removes impurities from the oil. If the oil filter is clogged, it can prevent oil from reaching the chain. You will need to clean or replace the oil filter.

Once you have troubleshooted the problem, you can fix it and get your chainsaw back up and running.

Preventing Makita Chainsaw Oiler Problems

You can prevent Makita chainsaw oiler problems by following these tips:

Keep the oil level in the oiler at the correct level.
Change the oil regularly.
Clean the oil filter regularly.
Inspect the oiler for damage regularly.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your Makita chainsaw oiler working properly and extend its lifespan.

FAQs: Makita Chainsaw Oiler Not Working

Why is my Makita chainsaw oiler not working?

There are a few possible reasons why your Makita chainsaw oiler may not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:

The oiler is not properly adjusted. The oiler needs to be adjusted so that it delivers the correct amount of oil to the chain. If the oiler is not adjusted correctly, it may not be able to keep the chain lubricated properly, which can lead to damage to the chain and the chainsaw.
The oiler is clogged. The oiler can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can prevent it from delivering oil to the chain. If the oiler is clogged, you will need to clean it before it will work properly again.
The oiler is broken. The oiler may be broken if it is not delivering any oil to the chain, or if it is delivering too much oil. If the oiler is broken, you will need to replace it.

How do I adjust the oiler on my Makita chainsaw?

To adjust the oiler on your Makita chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
2. Locate the oiler adjustment screw. The oiler adjustment screw is usually located on the side of the chainsaw, near the chain.
3. Use a small screwdriver to turn the oiler adjustment screw. Turn the screw clockwise to increase the amount of oil that is delivered to the chain, and turn the screw counterclockwise to decrease the amount of oil that is delivered to the chain.
4. Start the chainsaw and let it run for a few minutes. Check the chain to make sure that it is being lubricated properly. If the chain is not being lubricated properly, adjust the oiler again.

How do I clean the oiler on my Makita chainsaw?

To clean the oiler on your Makita chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
2. Remove the oiler cover. The oiler cover is usually located on the side of the chainsaw, near the chain.
3. Use a small brush to clean the inside of the oiler. Be careful not to damage the oiler needle.
4. Reinstall the oiler cover.

How do I know if my Makita chainsaw oiler is broken?

There are a few signs that your Makita chainsaw oiler may be broken. Here are some of the most common signs:

The chain is not being lubricated properly.
The oiler is leaking oil.
The oiler is making a strange noise.
The oiler is not working at all.

If you notice any of these signs, you should have the oiler checked by a qualified technician.

How do I replace the oiler on my Makita chainsaw?

To replace the oiler on your Makita chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
2. Remove the oiler cover. The oiler cover is usually located on the side of the chainsaw, near the chain.
3. Remove the old oiler. The old oiler is usually held in place by a few screws.
4. Install the new oiler. Make sure that the new oiler is properly seated in the chainsaw.
5. Reinstall the oiler cover.

Once you have replaced the oiler, you should test the chainsaw to make sure that it is working properly.

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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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