I have an M18 chainsaw that I bought last year, which has worked like a charm until I pulled it out this spring for some cutting. For some reason, it hasn't been oiling the bar and chain. I've cleaned it thoroughly, removed all the old oil, sawdust, and even rinsed it out with brake cleaner before adding new oil, but still no luck. Is there anything else I can try to fix this, or should I send it back to Milwaukee for repairs?
4 Answers
Another possibility is that little foam piece in the oil fill cap might not be seated properly. This tiny green valve is supposed to relieve pressure in the tank. If it’s not pushed in all the way, it can create issues like you’re experiencing. Definitely give that a check!
First off, try taking the bar and chain off and see if oil shoots out when you spin the motor. Usually, these types should pump oil out well when they're running. If oil doesn't come out from the oil port without the bar, you may have a bigger issue on your hands. It's possible the oiling hole in the bar could also be blocked, so double-check that!
You might want to check if sawdust is clogging the oiling port. It can sneak into the oil fill area and cause problems. Empty the oil tank and back flush it if possible. Depending on how deep the issue is, you might need to disassemble more than just the bar and chain. If that sounds daunting, don't hesitate to send it for repairs! I have some experience with small engines, and I believe their systems function somewhat similarly.
I had a similar problem with the M12 model. I was using vegetable oil and it ended up gumming everything up. I had to take the whole unit apart to clean it, but it wasn't hard, just time-consuming—maybe around an hour. After cleaning, it worked great again!
Thanks for sharing your experience! I might have to go the disassembly route if I can't figure it out soon.