Does chainsaw Oil Go Bad? Tips From A Professional

Chainsaw oil is a type of lubricant that is used in chainsaws to keep the chain running smoothly. It is important to keep the chain well-lubricated, or it can become damaged and need to be replaced. If you have had your bottle of chainsaw oil on your shelve for quite some time, you may probably be wondering if it has gone bad or not. Can you still use it safely on your chainsaw?

Generally, chainsaw bar oils last for 3 to 6 years, depending on the container, oil base, and storage mode. Chainsaw oil stored in an unopened bottle will easily stay well for six years, and Chainsaw oil stored in an open container will last for about three years. Plant-based oils and mineral oils generally have a shorter shelf life, whereas synthetic oils enjoy longer.

This article will further explain what types of oil you can use in your chainsaw. What can you use if you run out of bar oil, and how long can you store oil. I will also answer some questions on whether you can use old motor oil, two-stroke oil, or gear oil as alternatives to chainsaw oil.

How long is bar oil good for?

Generally, bar oil itself will last extremely long. However, the oil will have a maximum lifespan of 7 years due to the biodegradability of containers used to store it. Synthetic-based oils will generally last longer due to stabilizing additives that give them a longer shelf life compared to plant-based and mineral oils that lack preservatives.

Ther mentioned seven years depends on several factors, such as the base of the oil, the container used to store the bar oil, and how tight the container’s lid is screwed on. I recommend writing down the container’s purchase date and replacing it when it is too old.

Can you use old motor oil in a chainsaw?

It’s not recommended to use old motor oil on your chainsaw due to the suspended particles that may choke, burn and decrease your chainsaw engine’s life span. While some people believe that filtering oil and keeping it in warm climates makes old motor oil safe to use, It’s risky as the residue of metal toxins in the oil kills your engine slowly, causing it to break down constantly.

In the case of using motor oil instead of chainsaw bar oil, it is a different story. You can use motor oil as a substitute, but I do not recommend using oil motor oil. But be warned that motor oil does not stick on the bar like chain-like bar oil.

Motor oil has a relatively high viscosity and flows and flies away quickly from the chainsaw. No, or less oil means additional friction. Suppose you do not have bar chain oil available. In that case, the University of Missouri Extension department advises utilizing SAE 30 motor oil to lubricate the chain during the summer and SAE 10 during the winter.

To be on the safer side and ensure maximum lifespan on your chainsaw, there are oils you can use in place of old motor oil:

● Clean Unused SAE 10 and SAE 30 motor oil as Bar Chain Oil

New motor oil is one of the best alternatives when out of bar oil. The best part about this is if you are a regular car user, you probably have a container full of unused oil lying around somewhere. SAE 10 and SAE30 summer and winter oils come highly recommended due to their viscosity.

● Cooking Oils as Chainsaw Bar Chain Oil

Cooking oils such as vegetable oil, canola oil, and olive oil are great alternatives for chainsaw oil. Their relatively medium viscosity will keep your chainsaw lubricated adequately for long periods. They are also cheap, easy to source, and very ECO friendly.

● Hydraulic fluid as Chainsaw Bar Chain Oil

If you are out of options, hydraulic oil drained from hydraulic machines can be your last resort to use as a bar oil substitute. It has similar properties to motor oil and will serve just as well. The only downside to using hydraulic fluid is that it lacks the tackifier that makes bar oil stick to the bar and chain, so you will need to keep topping it up to avoid friction on the chain.

Can I use gear oil as bar oil?

A chainsaw chain rotates at very high speeds when operating, resulting in friction and overheating without lubrication. Oiling your chainsaw bar and chain ensures it runs smoothly without hitches during your cutting jobs. When you run out of bar oil, you may be wondering if it is okay to use gear oil as an alternative.

Generally, you can use gear oil for your chainsaw, but this is not advisable or recommended. Gear oil is thicker than almost all other oils. This thickness may be a hindrance as it won’t properly lubricate the chain, increasing friction. I recommend using specific bar oil, or if you do not have that, using cooking oil, SAE 10 and 30, or hydraulic oil as an alternative.

Not every oil is meant to lubricate your chainsaw’s bar. When choosing alternative oils, viscosity is always a core consideration. Some oils, such as gear oil, are too heavy and lead to chainsaw problems.

Can you use two-stroke oil as chainsaw oil?

Two-stroke oil is very light compared to bar and chain oil and is not recommended as a replacement. Two-stroke oil is a special oil that is used to mix with gas to create two-stroke engine gas. The gas oil mix will ensure the correct lubrication of the crankshaft and other engine parts. Using only fuel in a two-stroke engine may result in a mechanical failure of the engine.

Can 2-stroke oil go out of date?

Two-stroke oil can go out of date. Although the average lifespan of a sealed two-stroke oil is about five years, its lifespan reduces to two years when it is opened. Mixing two-stroke oil with gas further reduces its lifespan to two months for the gas oil mix.

Suppose you plan to store the gas oil mix for a longer period. Like during the winter, add some fuel stabilizer.

How long can you store 2-stroke oil?

When stored in a sealed airtight container, two-stroke oil has a shelf life of around five years. When opened, this decreases to 2 to 3 years. When mixed with gas, the gas-oil mixture has only a 2-4 months shelf life. But this is due to the gas and not the oil. If you want to store the oil gas mix, add some fuel stabilizer.