Hey Everybody, First time getting into chainsaws now that I'm cutting my own wood and I feel like I've seen a lot of different ways to keep them running well. I just wanted to know what people's opinions here were. When storing them for the next season, do you run them until empty or fill them up before putting away? Is it better to use the premixed fuel (I was recommended Echo Red Armor) or mix it yourself (I saw people say use ethanol free gas with 2 stroke oil from VP and maybe add some Stabil?). I started off practicing with a cheap, used Husqvarna 120 before going to an Echo CS 620P. If I ever need another chainsaw, I was thinking I might try out a Stihl.
I store them full with ethanol free gas and the oil of my choice. The less fuel, the faster it spoils. I also run them every couple months, even though I don't need to, as I use PRI-G stabilizer. If I were going to leave them set for longer than a year, id run out the pump gas and put in canned fuel for storage, also with the oil of my choice. The echo red armor is great as well. Even e-free fuel goes bad if it sets long enough, it just doesn't damage the fuel system. One of the most important things for long saw life is keeping a sharp chain and keeping the saw clean from chips and sawdust that can impede air flow to the cylinder. Sticking with 32-40:1 oil mix is a great idea as well.
Welcome to the FHC blakableh I agree with everything Eggshooterist says above My brother stores his over winter with canned fuel runs it out in spring
Welcome! I think you've gotten good advice already. Ethanol-free gas makes a huge difference, if you can get it, mixed yourself with a good oil like Red Armor, which has a fuel stabilizer built in (there are other good oils, but with some I would add a fuel stabilizer too). Canned fuel would be my next choice, but it can be expensive and you're never completely sure of the mix. I WOULD NOT store a saw for any length of time with ethanol-mix fuel in it, even with stabilizers. I wouldn't even run ethanol through my saw at all, given any choice. Besides using good fuel, keep the air filter clean, keep the body and cooling fins clean, keep the chain sharp and make sure it's oiling. Those things will keep your saw happy and healthy, and make wood cutting an enjoyable experience. The Echo 620 is a very good saw, and all most folks would need for firewood cutting unless they're getting into a lot of big trees. It will give you good service with a little care. I have bigger and smaller saws, but my 620 is my go-to saw followed closely by an Echo 4910. Good luck!
Ready made fuel is great for longer term storage. I run a mixture of ready made and self mixed and it's worked great for me over the years. Many great oils out there. Red Armor is a fine choice. I sometimes pick by how they smell. Running the saw dry is a good way to store but without a purge bulb it's hard to completely empty the system. That's why I prefer the ready made gas for 'storing'. Most of my saws never sit idle for more than a couple months, so longer term storage isn't a huge issue for me. You can get away with regular pump gas (high test for about 6 months if need be, high test specifically - additives hold carbon chains longer and your oil should have a stabilizer in it).
Welcome to the club, lots of great folks here sharing knowledge and humor. All good advice above, we really don't have any off season, as we cut year round...but we do have saws we don't use as often as others.
Not trying to be an oil salesman, at all. The Red Armor advertises 2 year shelf stability. I don’t run mine empty, but.. I keep them in my somewhat climate controlled basement. Which I believe makes a huge difference. They aren’t outside going through daily temperature swings, which is pushing out and drawing in atmosphere in the gas tank, which contains moisture. This is what messes with ethanol in fuel. I use pump gas w/ 10% eth and have (had) no issues to speak of. Some of my older saws sit a year or two between runs. If you use RA, skip the Stabil. The canned gas that’s eth free will be an excellent choice for storage. It’s a bit spendy but worth it if your ope sits outside in a garage and doesn’t see regular use. My experience with 4stoke ope, I just use pump gas (not eth free) and use Stabil. My snowblower hardly ever gets used anymore and it starts very quickly every time asked. It does not get randomly started, it just sits.
All good advice here. I use Stihl silver bottle 2 cycle and have had good results. Half of my saws get used on a regular basis year round so I store them with mix in the tank. I should run the others dry or use some type of stabil mix in them but I don't. Try a Stihl, you wont be disappointed. Nothing wrong with the others. Both reliable saws. Welcome to the FHC! Great to have you. Hang around and you'll learn a lot. Post pics and don't be afraid to ask questions. We're here to help!
I have far too many saws to keep fuel in them. Run them dry by playing with the choke to get it to suck all it can. Then pull it till it doesn't pop. I now only use red armor in e free.
