1st catastrophic failure

I would have to agree. I always warm up all my small engines no matter what the temp. On top of that, in the winter my saws stay in the truck, warm and dry until ready to use. It helps to keep the bar oil warm and ready to go when the saw fires up.

I realize for most, this isn't possible because you are deep in the woods. But for me, I seldom venture far from my truck.

 

All my saws usually warm up for several minutes as well. Most of my cutting is done in summer. Taking advantage of the long days.

 

Cool down time for an engine is just as important in my mind. Better to let an engine idle for a few minutes before shutting it off after it's been worked hard.

 

Well the high was 6 degrees out yesterday, the saws cooled off pretty darn quick by themselves.

 

I do give the high speed a bit of fattening in the cold weather, seems to help compensate. I'd take a crack a part of the bearing failures seen are attributed to thrust loads on the clutch side. Crossing my fingers, I have about 90 tanks of gas since I rebuilt my 2171 that spit a clutch side bearing cage.

I run Stihl HP oil in my saws.