how do you store a chainsaw

[T77911S]

it does not have to be a chainsaw, any 2 stroke will do.

I bought a craftsman CS a few years ago, yea don't put it down, my last one lasted 20 years+ and I abused the HECK out of it. I have been starting it every now and then to run it so the carb wont gum up.
a very large tree limb fell in my neighbors yard the other day so I was going to cut it up for her. the saw started but ran like crap. after cleaning up the carb, it looked good but I suspect a sticking needle valve, I thought it was good.
so after banging it against the tree a few times I went bought another saw, an echo.

so how do you store it after use.
do you drain the gas and run it til it stops? do you still run them every few months?
I have a weed eater and blower I would like to keep running.

I am going to start using non ethanol gas in them.

[widgeon13]

Just don't use ethanol content gas and you can leave it fueled, that's my experience.

[asphaltgambler]

I have my Stihl in its carrying case, clean. I leave the fuel in it. Which BTW is their brand, has a shelf life of 2-3 years and 93 octane. Pricey @$25/gallon but they will extend their warranty an additional year if U use it.

[drkshdw]

Stihl, fuel topped off with 91 non-ethanol, sitting on a shelf in my basement (climate controlled). I often let it go 2-3 years without using it and it always starts right up.

[KFC911]

Quick hit & run....too many 2-strokes to count. Non-ethanol from a pump (90 or 93....lowers over time, higher the better) and I never drain or do anything special. At least two of them are kept year-round in my truck tool box...

I have mostly Stihls and a couple of Echos....been doing it that way for years...no issus...chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, etc.

I've always had access to non-ethanol at the pump, but a few years ago could only get 87...I won't buy that luxurious stuff...no need. Some of my stuff might go a long time between starts too.

[Piech]

http://www.amsoil.com/
Better answers here.... and more appropriate blog. LOL

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Piech

http://www.amsoil.com/
Better answers here.... and more appropriate blog. LOL

I'll put the collective expertise of this board up against any troll's blog....any day of the week

[flatbutt]

I store all of my gas tools dry. Ethanol is a nightmare but I won't even let non ethanol fuel sit in a carb for more than two weeks.

[Gretch]

Startron in the mix container............ every time.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Gretch

Startron in the mix container............ every time.

Nuthin' wrong with storing them dry or adding....I just never have. I did notice the last pack of Echo 2-cycle oil (Red something) I purchased contains a stabilizer (2 yrs)...don't know if the Stihl oil does (think not)....used that for decades. I've just never had an issue ever...none....if it ain't broke

I do think I will continue to buy the Echo oil though....can't hurt.

[911 Rod]

Gas stabilizer is a must if you don't use it regularly.

[cabmandone]

I drain my Husqvarna completely when not in use. I only run gas with Stabil for ethanol when using it. Have never had a problem with the saw and its about 12 years old now.

[VincentVega]

I use seafoam in everything around the house, saws, mowers.. havent had a fuel/carb issue since I started a few years ago. No choice of ethanol free around here and I'm not spending the $$ on the canned fuel.

[recycled sixtie]

I don't drain the gas in my 20year old + Husqvarna. I use it intermittently and once forgot to add 2 stroke oil to the gas. Still runs just fine. I don't use Stabil.

[ckelly78z]

I end up running about 3-4 gallons of fuel through my Stihl MS310 every year cutting 5-6 cords of firewood, so no problems keeping fresh fuel in it. If I knew I wouldn't be running it for awhile, I would turn the saw over, and drain the tank, and then turn right side up, start it to run any remaining fuel out.

[vash]

dry. that was what the shop told me when i bought it.

[T77911S]

BTW, thanks California for making all the new saws cal compliant.

thanks.
going to switch to no eht gas. but still leaving fuel in the carb causes it to gum up.
no concerns about that.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by KC911

Quick hit & run....too many 2-strokes to count. Non-ethanol from a pump (90 or 93....lowers over time, higher the better) and I never drain or do anything special. At least two of them are kept year-round in my truck tool box...

I have mostly Stihls and a couple of Echos....been doing it that way for years...no issus...chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, etc.

I've always had access to non-ethanol at the pump, but a few years ago could only get 87...I won't buy that luxurious stuff...no need. Some of my stuff might go a long time between starts too.

What do you use all that equipment for? Just your own property? Fell a lot of trees?

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by speeder

What do you use all that equipment for? Just your own property? Fell a lot of trees?

Mother Nature makes messes....and she don't exactly clean up after herself either . Several properties to maintain, a couple with acreage, and one thing leads to another....how many hammers do you have ?

I've just never drained fuel out of my 2-cycles....easy peasy on a chainsaw, but not on a backpack blower. I might use two tanks on my line trimmer going around a pond, or 2 ounces on my driveway....and I always need a chainsaw (or two) in my truck....ready to go.

I've just never had any issues ever...except for that other thread

[GWN7]

This is what my local Sthil dealer recommends to use in all small engines.



It's $8.95 a quart. + taxes.

A buddy says use #1 gas and put a cap full of the Aspen in the tank. Hmmmm

I used to just run #1 gas with Stabil but I had 12 gallons of it go bad in my black car. Only $600 damages from that adventure.

Mercury Outboards used to sell a fogging storage agent. You expose the carbs and spray the carbs with the fogging agent till the motor stalls. This coats the internal parts from corrosion over winter.

I'm running #1 gas in everything. What I can drain completely I will and then put a little of the Aspen in (weed whackers , or other small engines). Larger gas tanks like the cars I'll treat with Stabil and hope for the best. If I can get the fogging agent I'll try it also.