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Chainsaw Blade Getting Hot: Things You Need to Know

Are you intrigued by the temperature of your chainsaw blade? You’re in the right place. With years of experience and extensive research, we’ll help you understand why chainsaw blades might get hot.

Should a chainsaw blade get hot?

Chainsaw blades can get hot during regular operation, but excessive heat and smoke indicate problems that must be addressed. Common causes include lack of lubrication, dull chain, mismatched chain and bar, clogged air intake, incorrect fuel mixture, and overtightened chain.

Are you curious about the temperature of your chainsaw blade? Let’s explore the reasons behind it. Learn about the potential issues and how to avoid them. Continue with us as we guide you on maintaining a well-functioning chainsaw.

Contents

Overheating Chainsaw Blade

If your chainsaw’s blade is overheating and producing smoke, it means there is a severe problem. In that case, you must start troubleshooting at once.

The two most common causes of the overheating or smoking of your blade are lack of lubrication of the bar guide or the engine and lack of air. It would be best not to be confused between smoke and steam because steam rises when you cut through a fresh tree.

The bark of the fresh tree has plenty of water inside it. Regardless of how well you cut fresh tree bark, your chainsaw blade is prone to overheat. When you cut the wood in the summer season under direct sunshine, there is an excellent probability that your chainsaw blade will get hot.

• The Consequences of Blocked Air Intakes

If you clean the blade regularly, you can reduce the chances of overheating to a great extent. The starter and the cylinder of your chainsaw have air intakes. You must make sure that they are never blocked. Otherwise, the blade will overheat.

Sometimes, the wood shavings will block the air intake, leading to the overheating of the blade, which can damage your chainsaw. You must readjust the idle speed if you feel considerable heat from your chainsaw’s blade.

Heat is produced because of the friction and the combustion of the engine. The air intake ports are made to remove the heat and to bring in cooler air. Small engines risk catching fire if you allow the air intake ports to be blocked.

• Premature Fuel Combustion and Pre-Ignition

Make sure the air filter is clear. If the airflow is blocked, higher temperatures will cause too much premature fuel combustion and even pre-ignition, accelerating the engine and blade overheating. The primary reason for the overheating of the blade is an overtightened chain.

Make sure the chain is not sagging. Just be sure to be able to lift it enough to slide a small coin underneath it. If you have a high ethanol content in your chainsaw’s fuel, its engine will run much faster.

Experts recommend that the fuel should have less than 10 percent ethanol. Ethanol is responsible for making the fuel mixture leaner inside the combustion chamber of your chainsaw.

In my two decades of experience, I’ve found that the most common reasons for a chainsaw blade getting hot include dull blades, improper chain tension, lack of lubrication, and a dirty air filter. It’s crucial to address these issues promptly to ensure the longevity of your chainsaw.

• The Impact of Friction on Heat Generation

It is also responsible for reducing the lubricating capacity of the fuel, which will increase the friction in the cylinders to a great extent, thus creating a lot of heat. This heat will be very noticeable because the pistons move at a very high speed.

The simplest way to minimize heat is to use 0 percent ethanol in the fuel of your chainsaw. Octane 87 is the safest lubricant that prevents the overheating of your chainsaw’s blade.

The engine of your chainsaw is responsible for blowing out a fine mist of oil onto the blade to keep it from overheating while it is in motion. This is why you must make sure that there is enough mineral oil in the fuel tank. While you pull the throttle, check for any signs of grease on it.

Why is the blade of my chainsaw getting hot?

There are three most common reasons for the overheating of the blade of your chainsaw:

● Lack of Proper Lubricating Oil:

Your chainsaw blade gets overheated due to a lack of proper lubricating oil. The oil adjustment screw will let you decide how much mineral oil must be released to keep the chain and the blade well-lubricated.

And if the mineral oil adjustment screw does not work well, you might make a mistake in measuring the right level of lubricating oil. This will lead to an overheated chainsaw blade.

● Chain is Dull:

If the chain is dull, you will feel much heat and smoke on your chainsaw’s blade.

● Mismatch between the Chain Drive and the Groove Blade:

Overheating occurs when there is a mismatch between the chain drive and the groove blade.

Your chainsaw must have a perfectly matched chain and blade because they are aligned. A size mismatch will cause overheating and even smoking of the blade. In addition, you must ensure that the chainsaw drive links’ thickness matches the blade groove’s breadth.

You will find the measurements of the dimensions in your user manual or the catalog if you have bought an individual product.

Why is the blade of my chainsaw smoking?

Smoke is a sign that your chainsaw’s blade is idling at a very high speed. To fix this, you must use a screwdriver to turn the idle speed adjustment screw clockwise until the speed is lowered.

You must also turn the screw back up to ninety degrees to increase the throttle to ensure that your engine accelerates smoothly. After adjusting the idle speed, you will not see more smoke expulsion from your chainsaw’s blade.

• Adjusting the Idle-Speed Screw

If possible, you must adjust the idle-speed adjusting screw also. Excessive oil and gasoline inside the fuel tank are essential signs of the expulsion of smoke. You must read your user manual carefully to know how much oil and gasoline is needed to run your chainsaw’s blade smoothly. 

It is essential to empty the tank if you plan to store the chainsaw for a very long and then refill it again when you use it. Dryness is the primary culprit of blade smoking. Also, sometimes there is enough oil inside the tank, but it does not exit properly during use.

How do you prevent the blade of your chainsaw from overheating?

To prevent your chainsaw blade from overheating, follow the below-given step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove dirt:

First, you must take all the dust and mud off the cover of the starter right where its rope comes out. Next, you should use a dry cloth to remove all the grease and the sawdust.

Finally, to get access to the cooling system of your chainsaw, you will have to remove the starter cover using a screwdriver.

Overheating can cause long-term damage to a chainsaw, including warping the bar, damaging the chain, and even the engine. I’ve seen this happen too many times in my career.

Step 2: Clean the flywheel and starter:

Now, you must slightly tilt the starter side downwards by holding the chainsaw by its front handle. Then, it would be best to brush off the cooling area, the flywheel, and the starter. Finally, using a dry cloth to remove the dust would be best, ensuring it does not fall into the engine.

Step 3: Remove cylinder cover:

You must remove the cylinder cover from the top of the engine using a screwdriver. You should use a brush to remove all the dust from the fins and the cylinder cover on both sides.

Step 4: Clean the spark arrestor, the muffler, and the exhaust port:

Now, you must use a screwdriver to take off the muffler cover. You should use a brush and a dry cloth to remove dust from the spark arrestor, the muffler, and the exhaust port. If you notice any heavy black carbon deposits on the muffler, you must replace the muffler immediately.

Step 5: Check if the saw is lubricating:

Now, you must point the tip of your chainsaw blade at a light-colored surface while letting the throttle run at full speed for about forty-five seconds.

You must then carefully examine the surface afterward to check if a light line of the lubricating oil is made up of tiny dots to prove that the oil is emerging from the oil reservoir of your chainsaw.

In my 20 years of experience, I’ve learned that regular maintenance and using the right cutting technique can significantly reduce strain on the chainsaw and prevent overheating. These uncommon tips aren’t often shared online, but they make a difference.

Step 6: Check the chain tension:

You must check the chain’s tension on the bar to ensure it is not tightly fixed. If you cannot move the chain forward with your hands, you should try loosening its tension slightly.

When adjusting the tension, you must remove the spark plug wire to ensure the chain does not turn. Next, turn off the ignition switch. The saw’s chain must wrap around its bar snugly and not hang off its bottom side.

If you feel the chain hanging downwards, it won’t be able to cut the wood, so you will have to adjust its tension.

Remarks

To conclude this blog post, we would say that experiencing some heat is normal, especially in the summer. But when you’re trying to cut through seasoned oak and notice smoke coming out, it’s a sign that your chainsaw is getting too hot.

You might wonder, “How hot should my chain get?” Well, if your chainsaw is getting pretty hot, enough to sizzle if you touch it, it’s too hot. You might ask, “Is this hot enough to damage my chainsaw?”

The answer is yes. Overheating and smoking of the blade will damage your chainsaw beyond repair. There could be several reasons why your chainsaw is overheating. Perhaps the chain was too tight when you tightened it up, or there’s not enough oil coming out and lubricating the bar.

Common Causes of Overheating

These are just a few examples of the factors that can lead to overheating. In our experience, two problems commonly led to overheating: a too tight chain and a crooked cutting saw.

Therefore, to enjoy your chainsawing experience, it’s crucial to eliminate these factors. This way, you can ensure your chainsaw doesn’t get too hot and stays in good working condition.

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  1. Hector Dixon says:

    What kind of oil should I use to prevent overheating?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      For your chainsaw, use mineral oil with zero percent ethanol for lubrication to prevent overheating. Check air intakes for blockage and chain tension for proper operation.

  2. Douglas Powell says:

    Should I be worried if my chainsaw blade gets really hot?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, it’s normal for a chainsaw blade to get hot, just ensure it doesn’t overheat or smoke. If it does, stop using it immediately.

  3. Brett Flores says:

    Should I be worried if my chainsaw blade gets really hot?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      It’s normal for your chainsaw blade to get hot, but not to overheat or smoke. If you notice overheating or smoke, stop using it immediately to prevent damage.

  4. Joel Steward says:

    I had no idea about the impact of ethanol on chainsaw heat generation.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      “I’m glad you found the information helpful! Remember to keep an eye on your chainsaw blade’s temperature to prevent overheating. Enjoy your sawing sessions!”

  5. Elsie Dixon says:

    What kind of oil should I use to prevent overheating?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      For preventing overheating in your chainsaw, make sure you are using mineral oil with less than 10% ethanol. Check for proper lubrication and adjust chain tension. Unused chainsaw should be stored after emptying the fuel tank.

  6. Kaylee Steeves says:

    Great tips on how to prevent chainsaw blade overheating!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Kaylee! Remember, a little heat is normal, but smoke or extreme heat is a sign of trouble. Happy sawing!

  7. Brandy Lawson says:

    Interesting information about chainsaw blade overheating.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Brandy! Remember, a little heat is normal, but if you see smoke or overheating, stop use immediately to prevent damage. Happy chainsawing!

  8. Scott Black says:

    Great tips on how to prevent chainsaw blade overheating!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Scott! Remember, it’s normal for a chainsaw blade to get hot, but overheating is a red flag. Check oil levels, chain sharpness, and avoid ethanol-heavy fuel. Happy sawing!

  9. Veronica Adams says:

    Is it normal for the blade to smoke a little bit?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      It’s normal for a chainsaw blade to heat up a bit, but smoking is not. Stop using it if you notice smoke. Check lubrication, air intake, and chain tension. Stay safe!

  10. Penny Hicks says:

    What kind of oil should I use to prevent overheating?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To prevent overheating, use mineral oil with less than 10% ethanol content in your chainsaw. Make sure the chain is not overtightened and the air intakes are not blocked. Happy sawing!

  11. Jacob Rogers says:

    Can I adjust the chain tension myself to prevent overheating?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, you can adjust the chain tension yourself to prevent overheating. Make sure you follow the proper steps outlined in the blog post for best results.

  12. Cherly Robertson says:

    Can I adjust the chain tension myself to prevent overheating?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, you can adjust the chain tension yourself to prevent overheating. Make sure it’s not too tight and that the blade is well-lubricated. Stay safe!

  13. Wade Wade says:

    Great tips on how to prevent chainsaw blade overheating!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Wade! Remember to keep your chainsaw properly lubricated and free of blockages to prevent overheating. Happy sawing!

  14. Gerald Harper says:

    Should I be worried if my chainsaw blade gets really hot?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      It’s normal for a chainsaw blade to get hot, but if it overheats or smokes, stop immediately. Check for air blockages, proper lubrication, and ethanol content in fuel to prevent overheating.

  15. Sheila Bates says:

    Can I adjust the chain tension myself to prevent overheating?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      It’s normal for a chainsaw blade to produce some heat, but it should not overheat. If you notice overheating or smoke, stop using it immediately. Adjust tension and check for blockages to prevent overheating.

  16. Audrey Foster says:

    I never knew ethanol content could affect the chainsaw’s heat generation.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for reading! It’s important to understand all the factors affecting your chainsaw’s heat generation to ensure safe and efficient use. Always keep an eye on the blade temperature.

  17. Tim Hart says:

    I never knew ethanol content could affect the chainsaw’s heat generation.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thanks for your comment, Tim. Yes, ethanol content can definitely affect heat generation in chainsaws. Be sure to use fuel with less than 10% ethanol to prevent overheating issues.

  18. Carolyn Silva says:

    This post has great suggestions for maintaining a chainsaw.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Carolyn! I’m glad you found the suggestions helpful for maintaining your chainsaw. Remember, heat is normal, but smoke or overheating is a cause for concern. Stay safe!

  19. Robert Simpson says:

    Can I adjust the chain tension myself to prevent overheating?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Adjusting the chain tension yourself is possible, but ensure it’s not too tight. Most overheating is caused by a lack of lubrication or air blockages. Check for these issues first.

  20. Sharlene Murray says:

    Is it normal for the blade to smoke a little bit?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      It’s not normal for a chainsaw blade to smoke. If this happens, stop using it immediately. Overheating can be caused by a lack of lubrication or a dull chain. Make sure to troubleshoot to prevent further damage.

  21. Paula Meyer says:

    I never knew ethanol content could affect the chainsaw’s heat generation.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Paula! Ethanol content in fuel definitely plays a role in chainsaw heat generation. It’s important to maintain proper lubrication and airflow for optimal performance.

  22. Corey Dunn says:

    Is it normal for the blade to smoke a little bit?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      It’s normal for a chainsaw blade to produce some heat, but smoking isn’t. Stop use if you notice smoke. Check for blockages and ensure correct lubrication to prevent overheating.

  23. Addison Steward says:

    Is it normal for the blade to smoke a little bit?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      It’s normal for a chainsaw blade to produce some heat, but smoking or overheating is a serious issue. Stop use immediately if you notice these symptoms.

  24. Marcus Medina says:

    Very helpful tips on how to prevent chainsaw blade overheating.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Marcus! I’m glad you found the tips helpful. Remember, a little heat is normal, but if it’s smoking or overheating, stop and troubleshoot immediately to prevent damage.

  25. Mathew Bell says:

    Should I be worried if my chainsaw blade gets really hot?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, a chainsaw blade can get hot during use, but it should not overheat or smoke. If you see smoke or extreme heat, stop using it immediately.

  26. Lydia Fox says:

    What kind of oil should I use to prevent overheating?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      You should use mineral oil with 0 percent ethanol content to prevent overheating of your chainsaw blade. Make sure the chain isn’t too tight and clean the air intake regularly.

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