If you own a chainsaw, the chances are good that you’ve asked yourself this question at least once. And since you’re reading this, you probably didn’t get a completely satisfying answer. Let’s dig into the details on can I use 4 stroke oil in a chainsaw to see if we can come up with the answer once and for all.
Spoiler alert – yes, you can use 4 stroke chainsaw oil in your chainsaw, and there are some reasons why it might be better than 2 stroke oil. Let’s get into the details below!
How much 4 stroke oil do you need for your chainsaw?
4 stroke chainsaw work slightly differently than 2-stroke ones. 4-stroke engines come with premixed fuel and oil, so you don’t have to worry about measuring specific amounts of either when refueling.
You will want to look for an engine that offers between 1.4 and 1.6cc of fuel per pull (in addition to giving your chain enough lubrication). This can vary based on your saw’s power, but it’s a good rule of thumb.
Be sure not to skimp on your oil, as proper lubrication is vital for ensuring that your saw operates smoothly and cuts effectively. If you notice gas or dirt building up on your bar or chain while you’re cutting, you need more lubricant!
What type of 4 stroke oil do you need for your chainsaw?
Almost all 4-stroke engines can run on regular 4-stroke motor oil, but that does not mean it is advisable. Chain saws are especially finicky for oil since their components are small and light.
An inferior type of 4-stroke motor oil could damage your chain saw’s moving parts, which could end up costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs. If you plan on using your chain saw heavily, we highly recommend taking an engine technician’s advice before doing anything yourself.
How to lubricate your 4 stroke chain saw effectively?
Chain saws are an excellent tool for getting work done, but they also require ongoing maintenance. Most chains saw owners have seen first-hand how powerful these machines can be and have likely experienced some difficulties due to improper care.
One common mistake is using four-stroke engine oil on your chain saw. Four-stroke engine oil is made to lubricate that specific engine. So it’s not meant for application on other types of tools as a chain saw.
I have run out of 4 stroke engine oil; what should I do?
Generally, you only use 4-stroke engine oil, which is specifically made for four-stroke engines. If you were to use two-stroke engine oil, it could cause damage to your chain saw.
You need only to have 4-stroke engine oil on hand because when you are burning gas and making power with a four-stroke engine, internal parts can get clogged. Running two different motor oils together can cause dangerous clogs and even damage your machine irreparably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use any oil for chainsaws?
You can only use 2 stroke oil for chainsaws. 4 Stroke engines are an entirely different system from 2 stroke engines and therefore need their type of fuel. The four strokes used are Intake, Compression, Power, and Exhaust, as opposed to 2 strokes which only have two: Intake and Exhaust.
These engines require that the air-fuel mix be regulated throughout to ensure maximum efficiency (and hence power). You cannot simply pour any motor oil into your saw and expect it to run–you must buy specifically manufactured 4-stroke fuel. Most manufacturers will void your warranty if you do not fill your gas tank with specifically labeled gas!
Can I use engine oil for chainsaw chain?
It depends on which type of engine you have. Gasoline is used to power 2-stroke engines, and they are often used in chainsaws. 4-stroke engines have special synthetic oil that you can’t substitute for regular engine oils. If your saw has a 4-stroke engine. Then only use oil from its specific manufacturer if you want to be safe and avoid problems down the road.
What is the Correct Gas to Oil Mix for Chainsaws?
The most common types of gas-powered saws are 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. A 4-stroke engine is used to power both car and truck engines, making it cheaper than 2-stroke engines. When you want to power your saw with gas.
There are four possible ratios for mixing oil and gas: straight, unleaded gas (no oil), 10:1 ratio (10 parts of gas to 1 part of oil), 20:1 ratio (20 parts of gas to 1 part of oil), or 50:1 ratio (50 parts of gas to 1 part of oil). If you have a small engine like a chainsaw, then you can choose between those 3 ratios but not more since adding more fuel will make it too rich.
Final Words
Just because something is 4-stroke doesn’t mean it’s necessarily 4-cycle. While many 4-stroke engines run on 4 different fuel types (gasoline, diesel, e85 ethanol, and even some cooking oils). That doesn’t mean your chainsaw uses any of those same fuels. So don’t just assume 4 strokes can be used interchangeably because it can damage an engine.