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How to winterize a chainsaw

It’s important to winterize your summer tools in order to keep them in top condition for next year. If you want to store your chainsaw, be sure to follow these steps to prepare for the winter ahead.

winterizeachainsaw winterizeachainsaw

9 STEPS
 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

STEP 1

Secure unit.

First, secure the unit before storing or transporting.

secure unit secure unit

STEP 2

Clean thoroughly.

Prepare the unit for storage by thoroughly cleaning.

clean thoroughly clean thoroughly

STEP 3

Lightly oil chains/metal.

Lightly oil external metal surfaces and chains, and wrap the chain in heavy paper or cloth.

lightly oil chains lightly oil chains

STEP 4

Drain fuel system

If you’re planning on storing for more than 30 days, drain the gas tank or fuel system fully by letting the engine run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.

drain fuel drain fuel

STEP 5

Add fuel stabilizer

Alternatively, you can add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel system to minimize the forming of fuel gum deposits during storage.

add fuel stabilizer add fuel stabilizer

STEP 6

Add engine oil to spark plug opening

Last, winterize your engine by removing the spark plug and pouring one teaspoon of 40:1, 2-cycle engine oil through the spark plug opening.

add engine oil add engine oil

STEP 7

Pull starter rope 8-10 times

Slowly pull the starter rope 8 to 10 times to distribute the oil, and then replace the spark plug.

pull starter pull starter

STEP 8

Clean air filter

Clean the air filter, check the unit for loose screws, nuts and bolts, and replace damaged parts.

clean air filter clean air filter

STEP 9

Store in container or well ventilated area

Be sure to store in it’s container or in a clean, well-ventilated area where fuel vapours cannot reach sparks or open flames.

store container ventilated area store container ventilated area