Chain/Bar Oiler on Stihl 280 Farmboss

[RowCropRenegade]

I've had this saw for a little over 10 years. It is my first and only saw. Bought it for farm use and am now using it to cut about 8-10 cords a year. Been a pretty good saw overall.

Had trouble with the oiler all day today. It worked off and on all day. I took the chain off and ran it to monitor the oil output. Wasn't getting any oil this afternoon on the first cutting after lunch. I took the cap off and the oil starting flowing. I figure it was air locked. Proceeded to cut and smoke starting rolling. Took off the chain and monitored again. No oil. Took off cap, oil flowed.

Got it all cleaned up (wasn't really dirty) and did the same procedure. Eventually it got oiling satisfactory. Topped off the tank for tomorrow and the damn thing won't oil again.

Any suggestions? Other than go buy another saw (I'm damn close). Snow is gone, ground is frozen, no time for down time!

 

[Fifelaker]

Sounds like a piece of crud is in there. Empty oil and rinse with diesel or kero. Or something in the check valve.

 

[TreePointer]

Have you tried thinner viscosity oil (winter formula)?

 

[wahoowad]

How do you notice that no oil is flowing?

 

[RowCropRenegade]

I emptied the oil tank. Oil looked pretty clean. Triple rinsed with diesel fuel. Refilled with oil. Then the draw string mechanism broke, plastic hub with the plastic dogs came out and spring uncoiled. ^#@$%^ Plastic trash! It must got to the shop now. I'm going to get Dad's 1970s Husqavarna, they made tools well back then. Not this plastic POS!

 

[RowCropRenegade]

You know when oil isn't flowing right away. Chain makes metal on metal sound and smoke starts coming off. Doesn't cut very well, either.

 

[RowCropRenegade]

I broke down and bought a new Stihl MS 362. Got the 280 in the shop doing a rebuild. Going to put a 16" bar on the 280 and use for limbing and noodling. The 362 has a 20" on it now and will buy a 25" for it later. It will be nice having multiple saws for the first time. ( I have multiple loaders and wagons, why not saws?) I was picking between a 311, 391, 362 and a 441.

On the 362, I was a little worried about the environmental things they put on them but after running it the first time, I loved it. 3rd tank load I went after a 40" shagbark hickory log and it screamed through it. My 280 struggled with that type of log. With this much more power and upgrading from a .325 chain to .375,, I bought some protective chaps. My wife has been on me for a while to buy them, so with MORE power I will bring MORE safety!

Freezing rain and snow today when it was 50 yesterday. I bucked about 3 cords worth with ease with this 362. Really the first good day of cutting all winter because of snow cover or frigid temperatures.

Having fun in buckeye land!

 

[TreePointer]

Excellent choice on the 362. May it serve you well for many years.

 

[Clyde S. Dale]

Did you get the Mtronic or non-Mtronic version?

 

[RowCropRenegade]

Clyde, I don't believe this has the M-Tronic technology. I flipped through the manual and there was no mention of it. However, it is listed in the back as a common law copy right name, along with many other features this saw does NOT have. The carb is adjustable, M-Tronics aren't?

You tell me if it is better with m tronic or not?

 

[Clyde S. Dale]

Clyde, I don't believe this has the M-Tronic technology. I flipped through the manual and there was no mention of it. However, it is listed in the back as a common law copy right name, along with many other features this saw does NOT have. The carb is adjustable, M-Tronics aren't?

You tell me if it is better with m tronic or not?

If the carb is adjustable then it is not Mtronic. I have no experience with either but do have an 036 Pro that has awesome power to weight. Mtronic or not the 362 is a pro grade Stihl chainsaw so I know you'll be happy. How about some pics?

 

[RowCropRenegade]

Brand new on pink carpet at Grandpa's house.

Used saw in my Garn room.

I'd be curious what people with M-Tronic has to say. If no replies on that, I'll create a thread for that topic.

 

[BobUrban]

New chaps for bigger saw -good choice - although that lil ole farm boss would laugh at your leg as much as the big boy.

I don't like to pic the saw up w/o my chaps - but I am kind of fond of my appendages.

BTW -the 362 is an awesome firewood saw!