I became the babysitter of 3 80’s Echos, in addition to the 302 I need to fix. 500, 610, and a 750. All run and look pretty decent. I doubt I’ll use them as main saws to try to preserve them, but fun to run sometimes. I’d like to keep them clean. What does everyone use to wipe their saws down that doesn’t thin the paint over time?
I use either mineral spirits or a water diluted degreaser called super clean. I use an air powered siphon wand to apply the cleaners / blast away grease and grime. I take precautions to keep the cleaners out of the exhaust and intake. Once cleaned and dry, I apply a product called mudslinger from amsoil.
I thought about mineral spirits but I didn’t know if that would start to soften the paint on those old saws. I know when I wipe up the couple drops of spilled mix gas there’s an orange tint on my rag.
I haven't noticed that issue with mineral spirits but have with that suoer clean if not diluted enough or left on to long. Most of my saws are early 70's - 80's
Thank you! I’ll try it on the inside of the clutch cover first to see if it starts to wipe paint off. I’m think at one point someone told me about a degreaser made for aircraft that was extremely finish safe, yet cleaned grease off quick. I’ll have to try to remember what it is. I’m sure it’s expensive.
First I blow as much crud and sawdust off with the air compressor, then I generally use (Spray 9) or a cleaner as such and give them a good wipe down. I've neglected to do this, this past few times I used my saws. . I was A$$ whooooped the last few times and just parked them on the shelf. I also flip the bars after every other use for even wear.
I keep a spray bottle of diluted super clean in the shop...just give it a good going over then hose off within a minute or two. Works on everything.
Same here normally...maybe a little soak of WD-40 if there is greasy bar oil buildup that needs help. I did try to wash the MS261 at work with creek water some weeks back...the tree I was cutting on the bank went in an unexpected direction, I just took off...saw went for a swim, fortunately it was just the bar and muffler under (intake was still dry) and not for long, I let it drip dry for just a bit, and it was back to work, no issues.
Mine go for a swim in the sink with soap and water. Only when porting… I like to blow them out with compressed air after removing the recoil.
I’ll blow them out and wipe them with a watered down degreaser when I think they’ll sit for a while. I didn’t intend on using them much but here I am on EBay looking for parts saws and the other models in the EVL line…
