Fix 90% Of Stihl Chainsaw Bar Oil Leaks With This Simple Repair!

Fix 90% Of STIHL Chainsaw Bar Oil Leaks With This Simple Repair!
Don’t forget to click the 🔔 to turn on Video Notifications for more money saving videos and tips, featuring all the brands like Stihl, Husky, Husqvarna, Honda, Echo, Tecumseh, Dolmar, Makita, Poulan, Ariens, Briggs and Stratton, Murray, John Deere, Craftsman, MTD, AYP, etc.
Watch my other videos on how to fix chainsaw bar oil leaks here;
• Fixing A Chainsaw With...
• Fixing A Chainsaw That...
• Chainsaw Oil TANK Repa...
• STIHL MS170/180-017/01...
Help me make videos or buy me a beer!!
/ donyboy73
Connect with me on these social media spaces (plus that's where I announce contest winners)
Facebook: / donyboy73-the-small-en...
Twitter: / donyboy73
Instagram: / donyboy73
If you enjoy my videos make sure to comment, share, thumbs up and subscribe. Thanks for watching!
Easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials do it yourself (DIY) to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
My favorite brands of spark plugs are NGK and Champion and are the ones I recommend.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
I have the largest Small Engine Repair Video Library on KZbin and the entire internet with over 1200 videos, just GOOGLE "DONYBOY73"!
I want "DON THE SMALL ENGINE DOCTOR" on KZbin to save you time, frustration and most importantly, MONEY with my HOW-TO videos!
Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor".
#donyboy73 #db73 #smallenginerepair #howto

[@robertmailhos8159]

Okay thanks for the heads up on the problem now the question of the day is would you be having the same. Problem with the fuel cap as well 🙄🙄??

[@donyboy73]

yes absolutely

[@mikeremski2102]

Had it happen on a used MS290 I picked up on the gas cap.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@mikeremski2102 ouch that's not good to hear that hopefully you got it fixed

[@mikeremski2102]

@@robertmailhos8159 Yes, the simple fix was new caps as pointed out in by donyboy73. It was a backup saw so I could lay it down sideways until the new caps came in.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@mikeremski2102 well.u don't have the same problem with my shindiwia 591 only thing is that I had to have a new oil pump out on it lucky for it's still under warranty thanks for your reply young man ☺️

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

I had always heard guys complain about these caps, but never really understood why. I have only two newer variety Stihl chainsaws in my shop, the rest are all the older ones. Thanks for the great information!

[@jeffcanyafixiy]

Thanks Donny!! I've got a Stihl pole saw at work that leaks fuel just enough to get on my nerves. This reminded me to resolve that. ALWAYS enjoy your vids. Take care!!

[@ronwatson4902]

I'm really enjoying your channel. The videos are beautifully edited and even an old man like me can understand what you are doing and saying. Thank you!

[@tc3603]

I have watched and enjoyed all of your vids. Thank you for educating us all.💪

[@claypigeon001]

Oh man! I thought it was just me that struggled to close the oil bar cap cheers Dony, thanks for the heads up 👍

[@jimwesselman]

Ohh Donyboy you are so right. One trouble I have is that the alignment marks are very hard to see. Have to put reference marks so I get them to go back on correctly.

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Thank you for the video. Always keen to watch your shows. I’ll check my MS462 oil cap. Good to empty out the oil and put a couple of sheets of cardboard under the saw when storing away. 🦘🇦🇺

[@shapeshifter7753]

Thanks Donny! It’s a pesky problem. My 455 rancher was really bad for this. I had to take it right apart and jb weld the oil line onto the oil tank to fix it. In heinsight silicone may have worked too. But it hasn’t leaked in four years of heavy use with the jb😉

[@grantottaviano7445]

Greetings from the USA. Thx to your vids I’m starting a project of a full rebuild of a MS250 with a scored piston/cylinder for my father in law. He went with the Chinese cylinder kit. We will see how it lasts.

[@gadgethunter5732]

I have a MS260 pro . Both the oil and fuel caps started leaking. I pulled off the original O-ring, flipped it over and re installed. Worked on both caps to stop the leaks. I will pick up new caps at Stihl dealer one of these days, but it was a successful temp fix for now.

[@paulbillings1791]

That kinda indicates that the caps were tightened with trash between the tank and O-ring,damaging the O-ring.

[@paulrickford6154]

I have a 1994 12" Stihl 009L Bought new. I don`t use it very much. Runs perfect. I run the Oil mix rich like Don says. Thanks Don your advice has kept this old saw going. Mine has the old Caps. CHEERS.

[@HanaBasara]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Don!!!🤝🤝🤝👍👍👍

[@ericvaughn1126]

Good to know and thanks for sharing!

[@butler386]

Thanks for the tips. Great job as usual.

[@seesaw7289]

Thanks muchly! To the point! Clearly described and illustrated! Well done!

[@donyboy73]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paullemay3218]

Great tip. Thank you for sharing. 🇨🇦😎

[@RG-wy1ol]

Thanks sir for making this video very helpful and educational 👍🏽👍🏽

[@13bravoredleg18]

After 9 years my MS192C started leaking oil. Replaced the O-ring and the problem is fixed.

[@richardstrada212]

Thank you for another informative video.

[@shadetreeprofessor5723]

I appreciate it. I'll have to check it after I use it again. THANKS!

[@andrewwoodward6560]

Good video, Don. Thanks ! 🔧

[@sfktube]

Wow. Thanks for this video! My next power tools will all be Husky from now on.

[@alanwatts9232]

I remember seeing a video where they modified the cap holders and fitted husky caps, which I agree are much better. Can't find the video now unfortunately. Thanks for the info.

[@scottfirman]

I had a guy wanting me to restore a 1970's chainsaw. I checked and no available head and piston set for this Homelite. The owner told me it lost Spark and thats why it quit. Well, new coil and no compression later, I was a bit upset. From now on, I go through everything before attempting to repair. As far as aftermarket. Yes, I could have taken a chance but no. Anything that old deserves to be called a wall hanger. All chainsaws eventually start leaking at the oiler system. Good Video! I always enjoy your video's.

[@dshurak827]

Never had much issues with the old caps, I remember when the tool less caps came out many years ago, I remember thinking wonder how well they would work.

[@alexverstreken9308]

Instead of changing the cap, it cheaper to change the o-ring. In Belgium they cost €1,50, I do it all the time never changed a cap. Grtz, Alex.

[@mikebadilla6970]

Thanks lots to learn

[@johnclarke6647]

I have never broken a flippy gas cap but I have broken several bar oil caps. I think it is because the handle gets in the way of the proper installation of the bar oil cap.

[@Davidjb37721]

Thanks for your help

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? That's a great tip Dony!! Thnaks a lot for sharing!!!

[@nextlevellandscapetreecare4257]

Interesting I love those caps and I run saws every day and I have never had an issue

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

My Stihl ms260pro caps were just the opposite. The older original caps had the black line and the newer one I put on about two years ago did not have the black line.

[@311jbknight]

The tool less oil cap is a solution in search of a problem. From engineering standpoint it was a designer who never owned a small engine and designed the cap to "leave his mark".

[@elkhunter3382]

I have an old 5-10 Mcculloch (1968) still cut firewood with it, original oil cap and gas cap no leaks. Unfortunately the old saw will keep right up with a new sthil 271.

[@Granddad1100]

You are too kind and thanks the info.

[@dananderson61]

Very helpful!

[@tommybounds3220]

Thank you for the video

[@themowerman]

Good video mate

[@pyrog.c.c89]

You are the man.

[@hphillips7425]

Good video 👍🏻.

[@mattobermiller5041]

The new flip top caps are trick but I prefer the old screw on type. I keep a scrench on a lanyard around the spout of my woods fuel jug so not having a tool for the caps is never an issue. In my opinion the caps are a solution looking for a problem and created more of a problem than they solved.

[@craigslistwatchdog6976]

should be some engineers fired over new design

[@wednesdar452]

Other than the o-ring wearing out/shrinking over time, I've found that most of the time it's just due to a chunk of sawdust that gets caught between the o-ring and the top of the cap, preventing the seal. I've certainly had to replace a few, but I've had to replace a few on my Husky weed eaters as well. Would agree the Husky saw caps seem bomb-proof.

[@craigslistwatchdog6976]

its a piece of shit design

[@bradanderson1024]

Great info about the caps. good thing caps are only a couple dollars at stihl.

[@kameronclark515]

Thank you

[@rasmo243]

You can't beat the old stihl screw on caps never fail tool less type are just over engineered in my opinion.

[@donyboy73]

yes absolutely, the older screw on ones were way better

[@firstman9273]

I'll never understand why Stihl changed them to be more complex and prone to leaking, when the old ones were fine. However, my MS170 has those old caps shown in the video 4:11 my caps have never leaked but last month I was putting on the oil cap with the screwdriver. I swear I did not tighten it very much and it just broke, the top split off from the sidewalls. Maybe my previous over tightening efforts had started a crack to form. Bought a new one.

[@donyboy73]

@@firstman9273 just had one break apart on me yesterday!

[@jamese9283]

@@donyboy73 Stihl is probably the best chainsaw when everything is working properly, but they tend to over engineer everything, which makes them more complicated with more parts, and more likely to break down. I would prefer more reliability over the slight improvements they make with convenience. I have worked with low-intelligence type coworkers that regularly install the tool-less caps wrong and the oil/gas leaks everywhere when you pick the saw up.

[@Hammerback972]

My MS170 has the regular black caps on the oil and fuel reservoirs, and if I screw them down hand tight, they will both leak, use the saw tool to tighten by the slot in the center of the cap, they run a risk of breaking. I had a 211 that done the same thing. Getting ahead of the comments, I'm aware I'm damn near braindead, and most likely somewhat retarded. I don't disagree.

[@UtahDarkHorse]

Wow, thanks for the great video! I really like your affect. Easy to listen to and follow along and a very professional presentation of useable information. Subscribing is a no brainer! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@allanwells4886]

Thank you for the information. I've owned Stihl saws since 1980 (031av) and the more recent saws (eg MS230) are rubbish in comparison. Those tool-less fuel and oil caps are stupid to say the least. Echo makes for superior saws these days but unfortunately I can't afford/justify purchasing one. My old Stihl and Dolmar/Makita saws (30+ years) are all going strong.

[@anthonygostling]

Has always donyboy, good advice..!

[@sonofthunder.]

found my spring loaded vent dirty and leaking where it feeds the bar because it allows atmosphere in the tank ,sort of like if you put your thumb over a straw in your drink ,take your thumb off it pours out,i have the 034s threaded caps,

[@ArdGeal]

My oil filler cap on the MS181 is shite and was like it from day one- you have to try and lift the chainsaw when you "think" the cap has engaged just to be sure. Sometimes feels like it's on and it isn't, it's leaked when not in use from day one I always assumed it was from the feed port on to the chain, but always store it on it's back at 45 degrees. No issues with petrol side but it squeaks when turned now so at 15 years old I'll buy 2 new caps for it. Great video.... the Stihl area around the oil cap is a shite design too, total dust and chip trap and hard to keep clean out in the field when refilling....

[@SteveSnowman]

Nice info donyboy73. It fixed my STIHL MS 362 oil cap leak. Thanks. - N Idaho -

[@mrkeopele]

thanks bro

[@danielpadgett2831]

Can you get and use the older caps on the new chainsaws like I have a ms271 just wondering

[@johnr5545]

Nice God bless

[@yauwohn]

I cured my leaking caps, both the gas and bar oil cap by changing the "O" rings.

[@augustreil]

Do you have any videos that address a leaky Husky 51 oiler ? Thanks and thumbs up.

[@ryanjudd9178]

I'm assuming I have this same issue, but what are the potential issues the other 10% of the time? I have a stihl 291 I've never used and when I opened up the storage case it was sitting in oil.

[@neilhamill318]

I have an old STIHL 029 super made in Germany that still has the original caps. Black oil cap and a black and orange fuel cap. Not commercially used but has a lot of hours of use.

[@whatstheproblem6606]

Be too!!! Still runs awesome

[@neilhamill318]

@@whatstheproblem6606 the best ones were made in Germany. An arborist with many years experience told me that.

[@frederickwise5238]

Wow. Covered the leaking cap extraordinarily well! What if it ISNT THE CAP?????????? Mine isnt the cap.

[@ChaparralDenizen]

Are the orings available from Stihl? A few of my saws the caps work ok but the oring has gotten compressed over the years

[@AFordTech]

Can you use transmission fluid in place of bar oil?

[@snakeman48]

All my Stihl 3 chain saws, backpack blower, line trimmer, hedge trimmer have old school caps. But the pole saw has these new worthless caps. Oil caps will leak over time. Specifically since I store it in hooks upside down from my garage ceiling over winter. I drain all the oil out, but I learned to wrap the bar oil fill with a old rag duct taped in place.

[@hotdognonesky3766]

Just replace the O-ring. It's super simple. It compresses the O-ring to create a seal. If you use a slightly thicker O-ring it seals much better and it is a 10 cent repair that takes about a minute to do. I have a tree service and I keep them in stock because nobody ever cleans the oil cap before shoving it back in. We care more about production than a little piece of rubber. Lol

[@jonathanwillard1776]

Very nice thank you sir.!

[@human1513]

Where do you buy the O'ring for the oil cap? I assume you get ones that are not affected by oil.

[@hotdognonesky3766]

@@human1513 Yes. I have several sets of o-rings to choose from. Nitrile is best but you don't want the ones that are hard. Soft is best in this case

[@Hegez]

Right size for 201 is 24/30 x 3 mm.

[@Patrick_B687-3]

Well thanks man. This is the first KISS approach I’m going to take on mine. I jumped right to the oil line conclusion. Why they couldn’t just put on a screw cap? I’ve replaced my fuel cap twice but never the oil. Maybe it’s time. Sorry Stihl, but your flippy caps stink!

[@justinfinn6850]

I’ve got dark colored oil on the bar side of the saw just above where the bar nuts are. The oil itself is on top of the cover that the bar nuts hold on. Any idea where it’s coming from??

[@quadvloggs6876]

I find it funny they call them tool less they all are of you dont crank down on them hahaha, great video as always

[@campbellpaul]

Interesting... I found that buying new OEM products saves so much time and frustration over buying after-market junk.

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

My 192 drives me nuts. I'll check the cap. I do have the newer cap already. I've been putting off replacing the oil line.

[@redline870]

Thanks for the tip. What spare parts do you recommend a new Stihl chainsaw (MS271) owner have one hand?… other than a Husqvarna😉

[@donyboy73]

air filter, spare chain and also spark plug

[@johnzudans7724]

Dony, I’m fixing a hedge trimmer stihl hl45 the fuel line and return line plug that fits into tank has an arrow on the plug. Which way is the arrow supposed to point, towards the engine, away, front or back? I appreciate your response, love your channel!

[@firstman9273]

I looked at my HS45 which is a different beast, there are no arrows on mine.

[@johnzudans7724]

Thanks for the reply, my arrow is probably not important. The proper alignment of the two hoses allows installation of the hoses to the carb I can see how that is affected by rotating the plug.

[@martins4936]

Hi, I have a stihl ms390, I have replaced bar and chain and no bar oil is coming up the chain. I have ran saw with no bar and chain oil is coming out. I have the correct bar and chain for it to. Any ideas please?

[@vartikcsaba]

We have two Stihl chainsaws: a 028 from 1980's (never had any problem with it) and a few years old 261cm with these new caps. It does not leak fortunatelly, but I do not like it, because dirt can easily go between the undersite of the cap and the o-ring., and it cannot be cleaned out from there until I open the cap. So some dirt always fall into the tank, whenever I open these caps.. Greetings from Hungary

[@PatHiggins-Mayo]

Thanks for the advice, my Stihl cap hasn't leaked (yet) 😉

[@ronwastney2530]

The problem I have is a brand new Stihl MS391 with less than probably 30hrs has had a second oil tank vent valve replaced because of leaking oil. This appears that dirt maybe getting dragged into it from behind the bar.

[@johns.8681]

My MS 194 not leaking but not slinging oil off the tip. Oil ports on bar and body clean and clear. Oil usage seems normal but not enough to sling oil off the tip. Any suggestions?

[@chadvalliere8697]

I have to make sure the o ring and mating surface are totally clean. Otherwise my bar oil leaks out into the case.

[@jameyjohnson980]

I have both the ms 170 and ms 271 Farm Boss made by Stihl. I do have a slight leak on the 271 nothing on the cap from 170. It’s a small leak on the oiler side. Any ideas? Maybe the oil pickup line grommet? Any help appreciated!

[@jameyjohnson980]

It does leak out of the cap on the left side when sitting but additionally when sitting regularly

[@PJ-ee5mc]

Can i just lay my chainsaw on its side when it's stored to minimize or eliminate the leaks? Would that be a good solution for long term?

[@meditatestaycalm8321]

661 Magnum sthl, cut a lot of firewood. chain on the bar seems dry can't find the position of the oiler where it actually comes out I'm thinking it's clogged With sawdust debris etc.. any instruction on location or videos on how to unclog an oiler on a 661 Magnum? Thanks you, happy holidays.

[@agkleppel6235]

if you use biologic chain oil, this can also be a reason for leaking oil cabs, the bio chain oil destroys the cabs..

[@johngrossbohlin7582]

I tried a new o-ring on my MS461 but it didn't solve the problem so I replaced the cap. I've never had a problem with my MS271 or MS261. A more annoying problem is that I've had E-clips come off the clutch drum on my MS271 and MS461 while using the saws. I don't know if they broke or got snagged by a stick... Because of that I carry extra E-clips, cage bearings, washers and sprockets for the saws as being a mile or more from the road doing trail maintenance, and 10+ miles from a store or my shop, and losing an E-clip is not convenient!

[@donyboy73]

i see a lot of saws where the e-clip has come off

[@gettindrunker]

Reckon this will make one not pull vacuum and disperse oil correctly? I have a 271, and it barely trickles oil and runs down behind the clutch. One cut and my chain is smoking hot and and needs sharpening. I replaced the pump, cleaned everything nice and still same thing. Beginning to hate this saw

[@shlomo_jewinstien-Doodoowitz]

What about the tube from the tank to the bar or gastank to carb hose another leak once the ethanol shrinks the fuel line

[@the_mowron]

I didn't even know that was a fault. I just always set the saw down with the oil and fuel caps facing up.

[@brucewayne2984]

I’ve a ms171 and I’ve replaced the cap and rubber oil tube. Still leaks oil, dunno what it is!?

[@natashahancock9896]

Store your chainsaws on the side, any time when not actually running. Fixed it.

[@shannongrim7212]

Need some help on ms 250

[@paulcastillo5235]

I have an old Husqvarna 345e I bought many years ago but it has leaked bar oil for many years. It is obviously not a professional saw but it is a good saw. I have not really noticed if it is coming from the cap but I assume it could be a bad seal from the oil tank as well correct?

[@donyboy73]

yes it could be

[@jamese9283]

If it is leaking near the clutch, then it is likely normal seepage which all chainsaws have when oil is in the tank.

[@jamesgrose4819]

What about an old 039 Stihl that leaks major oil in just a day or two with an old style tool required cap?

[@semco72057]

I have a Stihl saw which has not been used much since it spent most of the time in the repair shop for one reason and that is being hard to start and the oil cap on it is probably bad also and in need of being replaced. The guys at the repair shop cranked it more than me and why I purchased a Poulan Pro battery saw and it works for most of the work I have around my yard and outer areas. I have a new Poulan Pro gas saw which is difficult to crank also due to the rope being hard to pull.

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

@Sidney Mathious Do you use Pre-Mix Fuel or Gas Pump Fuel in that Stihl saw?

[@bobmcl2406]

Is there Ethanol in your gasoline?

[@NotALot-xm6gz]

Those caps are fine for homeowners IF you clean them regularly and make sure you never let crud get into their internals when refilling bar oil.

[@mrbrown6421]

Howdy from Florida. I am a member of the 10% that does not have that problem. I store my saws with caps pointing UP, and bar laying flat. Several years ago, STIHL bar oil changed, and suddenly all my Stihl saws and pole saw (3) started leaking out of the pump area. The fix is ________________________? (My solution is to store them empty, for now.)

[@robertwaid2965]

How many do u recommend keeping in stock of each cap??

[@donyboy73]

i keep 2-3 of each

[@allenhenry1113]

Would that be a warranty issue?

[@royalwapiti]

My old 023 leaks from somewhere else, I have the tool required oil and fuel caps. My saw case fills with the oil running out.

[@julianreid8179]

very true . that is what you pay for convenince...

[@MyDuckfoot]

I have an old style cap and it leaks oil when not in use. What else could it be ?

[@donyboy73]

you might need to replace oil line

[@bluelude2001]

... wait what? I thought that filler hole was an auxiliary gas tank. Just kidding. Good video! Thanks for sharing!

[@ronwastney2530]

Wait what!! that's why there is usually a little oil droplet cast into the molding by the filler.haha

[@rileydj8764]

How do you know if it’s a large cap or a small cap?

[@CarlMadsen]

is there an easy way to know if you need the smaller or larger oil cap? 0000-350-0533 vs. 0000-350-0537 ?

[@jamese9283]

Look at the parts diagram for your model.