In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

MS290 weak oiler

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by Gark, May 10, 2014.

  1. Gark

    Gark

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2013
    Messages:
    1,311
    Likes Received:
    4,546
    Location:
    SW Michigan
    Have seen threads telling how MS290 saws are stingy bar oilers even turned up full output. Mine does dribble bar oil out the port if run with bar removed. It doesn't seem enough, the chain and bar seem dry after cutting but it does use 2/3 tank of bar oil per tank of gas.
    Whenever I remove the B&C for swap, the drive link channel is full of sawdust and it gets cleared. I heard of a process to clear the oil tank, pump and tubes using (kerosene or diesel fuel? not sure). How to do this? Empty oil tank and fill with kero -- then what? Cut like that awhile or run a minute with bar off or just wash out tank only?
    It seems worth a try before replacing the pump...
    Thanks!
     
  2. BuckthornBonnie

    BuckthornBonnie

    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2013
    Messages:
    997
    Likes Received:
    3,318
    Location:
    Penn Yan, NY
    If you're thinking there's a build up in your oil tank then drain oil, flush out with fuel, and swirl around. Then dump it out and try new oil in there. Don't cut with fuel in the case...
    Did you-
    1. Check the oil vent? That can get plugged.
    2. Check the plastic worm gear "drive gear" of your oiler? These can get stripped out. My dad's 029 super had this issue and a new drive gear got it pumping again
    3. Anything leaking from under the clutch cover?
    4. Some guys run winter weight oil through some of their saws all year. I'm not saying to do this, but it's an option for a stingy oiler.

    Others may be along shortly...
     
    clemsonfor and cutforfun like this.
  3. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2013
    Messages:
    9,648
    Likes Received:
    26,044
    Location:
    Greenville County SC
    Running lighter weight oil (Canola, Stihl Bio-Plus, or winter weight) is a good option for stingy oilers on ALL Stihls. Def make sure the oiling system is clean and otherwise working properly however. 2/3 of a tank to 1 tank of fuel seems about right for that saw.
     
    clemsonfor and cutforfun like this.
  4. nate

    nate Banned

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2014
    Messages:
    2,027
    Likes Received:
    2,291
    Location:
    Palmer, AK
    All the Stihls I've run I found don't oil enough. Even my 660 with an 18" bar. I liked the manual "boost" oiler my Dad has on his Pro Mac 610.

    I thin the bar oil down with a cup or two of diesel and it helps a bunch.
     
    clemsonfor likes this.
  5. Gark

    Gark

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2013
    Messages:
    1,311
    Likes Received:
    4,546
    Location:
    SW Michigan
    Thanks for the replies. I've run winter oil full time and it helps as does revving the saw a few seconds between cuts every once in awhile. With warm weather, a 1/3 thick bar oil to 2/3 winter mix does OK. I'm comparing the stingy MS290 to my little CS-306 which could spray oil like crazy if you want it to.
     
  6. clemsonfor

    clemsonfor

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2013
    Messages:
    15,996
    Likes Received:
    37,478
    Location:
    Greenwood county SC
    You should retrofit the oiler off the earthquake 4518 in that thing, you could oil a 48" bar with that thing.!!!
     
    Pyroholic and MasterMech like this.