Stihl Ms291 doesn't seem to be oiling the bar and chain

[@josephtutela1066]

It doesn't matter HOW much oil you see with the bar off. If you're running the saw and the bar and/or chain is smoking, SOMETHING is wrong!~ KEEP LOOKING! Check to see if the cain is slinging oil when its all together. Also, you should use about one tank of oil per tank of gas.

[@dancartlidge5202]

I have a MS-251 that I thought was giving me the same grief. Given the wood that she cuts through (sappy crepe myrtle and ficus here in Florida), she absolutly should clog up. But when I removed the bar and chain and ran her like you did your 291, I got the same result....oil flowing free. Thanks for the tip!! Happy cutting!!

[@shfoot]

When I first got my ms362c I was using the Platinum gray container bar oil. It's a little thicker than others. The shop where I bought it, gave me the BioPlus green container which is vegetable oil based. It works great now. Everytime I change or tighten the chain, I clean it. Adding the BioPlus makes it flow easier.

[@tomhopkins6758]

Had a 251 that quit oiling. Distroied a good bit of the saw. At 3 years old, AND with oil in the tank! ,,, I am not to happy! finally decided to get a replacement saw. Picked up a professional series 261, with a 20" bar. And I LOVE it! It's a BEAST. But I will have the oilier wide open, and check it every single tank! (Some lessons are harder than others) 😥

[@bencarter2334]

Great video! I got my 291 about 5 years ago and its been a great saw which runs a 16 inch bar well. However, the oiler has always been an issue. I have just replaced the worm that drives the pump for a second time. Its a shame the Stihl haven't put an adjustable oiler on it and put a better quality component on. That said perhaps its not built for the work i'm doing with it. So if your watching this Video and reading the comments it may be worth taking the clutch off and checking the Worm drive is still working!

[@ps-ff6yx]

I bairly oiled from day one when it was a virgin at the store I bought it at and was told it just needs primed , but this does allow the oil that its outputting to get to the chain. My next try will be to buy a aftermarket oil pump and modify it to output more volume of oil. Btw before you call me a hack i am a tool and die maker by trade and have my own shop. I like problems that needs solving. Who knows when I get the new pump it maybe a simple modification. I will share what I find. Thanks for all input. (You can learn something from everyone, weather or not its the right or wrong way, you learn something.)

[@sonofthunder.]

love to hear how to increase flow,on the pump,do tell

[@Stephen-vk3ej]

The newer farm bosses and the ms291 does not come with an adjustable oiler . I bought the ms291 myself. Returned it . I complained about it . I was doing nothing but logging firewood. Didn’t hit dirt , or anything and my bar and chain were smoking. Total junk . A shame they make such good saws and don’t give you an adjustable oiler. It’s a go green Engineering design that they came up with . I got my money back on the ms291 and bout a 261c instead . So much better. The ms291 absolutely does not throw enough bar oil. It’s garbage

[@paulcarpenter4215]

I just rebuilt my MS170 because it was leaking oil. After new hoses and filters and new oil pump worm gear it pumps oil out of the hole, in fact it sprays out, but it doesn’t seem to get into the chain. The bar is clean and the holes clear. I am on the point of giving up and just buying a new one. It’s at least 12 years old and not worth spending any more money on. Update: Having spent many hours working on my MS170 I have decided enough is enough. I’ve changed the pump, the hoses, the filters and the worm drive. I have confirmed the oilways are clear with air, checked and cleaned the duckbill valve and cleaned every hole and slot and it still won’t throw oil off the chain or oil the chain at all apparently. Time to buy a replacement. I have had the old one at least ten or 12 years, probably more so it’s earned it’s money. I will keep it for spares.

[@remediationstation3280]

You got your money out of a 170 after 5hrs of use. Buy a big boy saw and get er done!

[@nathanielw.h.9039]

Okay this makes me feel better....I just bought an MS261C and after working it really hard for 4 days and it seemed to not oiling the bar enough ...i adjusted the oil screw underneath and it seems to be a tiny bit better...Thanks and cheers

[@japanacLoz]

I hawe same problems on ms211 , no oil screw....a im in forest right now and i search for solution...

[@6900pilot]

Can you not adjust the oilers on these models? Stihl 029 super here 20 inch bar, turned up oiler full, using stihl synth plus chain oil, it emptied allmost same time as gas. You wouldn't want the oil to run out before the gas either!

[@mrdilligaf1968]

Have a ms271. Non adjustable oiler. Have heard adding a lighter oil like canola oil with bar oil helps

[@jaypezewalters4420]

That works on alot of stihl saws...I just use regular veg. Oil

[@hughbo52]

Your issue is in the bar. There are two oil ports and if there is trash in these holes your oil will not flow sufficiently, it happened to me. The ports are the small round holes; you can see even if you clean out the circle you have to make sure that the weep channel to the hole is clear. Take a look at that and see if it clears it up.

[@moaski]

You can thank the EPA. I had the same thing on my newer Stihl. I would use a tank of fuel for 1/2 tank bar oil. On every previous saw I've ever had, this ratio is 1-to-1. The bar and chain would smoke and get way too hot, wearing these components too early. Took it to my dealer several times and the claimed everything was in spec and working properly. Turns out the EPA doesn't want saws to fling any oil like they need to to work properly. I switched to a bio-based oil with thinner viscosity, but seems to cling to the chain. It's helped significantly.

[@bucksgarage1]

ill have to try that? Who makes the oil you use?

[@moaski]

Of course, it looks like they don't make it anymore. I stocked up, but here it is: Ultra Lube 10421 Bar and Chain Biobased Oil- Gallon www.amazon.com/dp/B0041RWKUQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_IDYZyb3V7K12S

[@herrent]

@moaski who makes the oil you speak of

[@moaski]

@@herrent now, I use canola oil.

[@stingray6922]

I have a standard unmodified MS291. Sharpened the chain for the first time, removed the bar, cleaned out the track in the bar that the chain runs in, installed the clean chain, started the saw and within a minute the chain runners were coated in a film of oil. I checked the oil flow as in the video and found it similar to the video. Seems sufficient oil to me as only need enough to coat the bar track and chain runners. Its a nice saw for my use and all works as it should.

Same is for my totally new ms250. Everything runs perfect, BUT in my opinion, the original oil should be more liquid! Not so dense.

[@brendanquinn6894]

The issue is the port in the chain bar. I had the very same problem with my Stihl 291 and the issue is the holes in the bar where blocked. Otherwise good video and thank you.

[@gmjunky87]

did you try drilling the hole any bigger. I think i'm about to try that.

[@brendanquinn6894]

@@gmjunky87 the oil should flow through. Try very light oil then the right grade,

[@davelick6178]

Did you check the hole in the bar. It could also be plugged, which would prevent oil from reaching the chain.

[@bucksgarage1]

Dave Lick it seemed to work fine after i tested it. I beleive the issue i was having was actually caused because i was cutting pine. I think the sap was gumming up the chain, getting hot and producing smoke. I could see that hole getting plugged though. Thanks

[@brianbartulis9709]

Choke cherry trees sook too.

[@dev4statingx90]

@DB Stevens can't you just drill a bigger oil port hole?

[@dev4statingx90]

@DB Stevens there has to be a mod

[@ps-ff6yx]

I fixed my ms 291 oiling issue, i drilled the bar oil hole out from 9/64 to 5/32 and angled the hole so the wood chips would likely pull out that accumulate in the hole. Also i run tractor supply bar oil thats $8.00 a gallon vs stihls $12.00 a gallon oil.

[@123djans]

We have a ms 250 and ms 271, both do not put out alot of oil. I'm used to the Poulan's that put out to much oil in my opinion. Just got both Stihl's, so far so good. Got tired of the Poulan's, not wanting to start and acting up all the time. When they do run they are great, but can't depend on them. Hopefully the Stihl's will be alot better

[@aawerth1979]

same problem on ms271...new chain, blew through it in less than an hour. really need to figure this out!!!

[@browndawg5872]

i have the problem. i have a ms 362r that i took the oil pump off and rebuilt it and put a oil pump from a stihl 460 mag oil pump in it. I'm thinking that is what i might have to do here.

[@kevinmcbride6050]

Adjust the oil screw on the bottom of the saw. I believe you turn the screw clockwise to increase oil flow.

[@Timijim]

No adjustment on the 291

[@dbaker3264]

Two part problem, with the bar oiler channel being clogged to start with. The second is that the pump should be putting out a little more oil that that when the bell housing is spinning (clutch bell housing drives the worm gear that drives the pump with its spinning). So would pull the pump to start with, so you can use some compressed air to back blow the hose and filter to the pump to make sure they are not clogged. The second which I see to often, it replace the pump before it's time. With the pump out, back blow the pump with compressed air to make sure you have all the debris that may be trapped in it out as well. And a huge one, in your rigging belt, carry a brush that you can knock off all the dust from the oil fill port before you open it. The oil filter is good about stopping the big stuff, but is can allow enough smaller dust type debris throw it to clog up the pump instead. To add, if back blowing the system/pump resolves the problem , then clean out the oil tank right away, to get all the debris out of too (and start to use the brush trick to keep crap out of the oil tank when you fill it up).

[@axelec]

Why is it that Stihl has such a problem with their chain oilers as this has been going on for years. I have had my share of it.

[@atlas3863]

axelec I agree I’m surprised more people aren’t talking about it. i have the older ms 290 farm boss it came with a 20 inch bar And it just seemed like it could never keep up Even with the oiler adjustment maxed out since I bought it new. a few day’s after purchasing it i took it back to the dealer they said it was working as it should based on EPA guidelines🙄 I did find out the Husqvarna bar chain oil is quite a bit thinner and started using that and that definitely helped a lot but if I do a few too many large cuts it starts to dry up again. going with thinner oil it made it about 40% better. there’s gotta be a way to get it to dump more oil.

[@andrewmacdonald9382]

very helpful thanbks buddy. BTW your torch is way too bright and causes terrible reflection siuch that you can't see anything but a large glare. Otherwise told me exactly what i needed to know

[@timelesscynic2495]

I have an MS 291. From what I have read it does not oil enough and the oiler is not adjustable. After a half acre of heavily forested residential clear out and cutting sections for chopping I am on my second bar, second sprocket and I think 4th chain. I really went hard on my chainsaw after I first purchased it because I did not know how to operate it properly. I did a lot of work with it about 3 massive trees (2-3 foot diameter stumps) and a whole lot of smaller trees (1 foot or less diameter stumps). I kept on digging it in the dirt, running it with a dull chain, pushing down on it etc.. Anyhow, I know better now, but I still find that the chain does not appear properly lubricated, my last chain stretched out way too fast. Lets see how long this one lasts. I wish the oiler was adjustable.

[@bucksgarage1]

me too. Im pretty disappointed with the oiling system. the restbof the saw I have no problems with.

[@davidcat436]

This is exactly my experience too, and on the same machine. Found out that most other chainsaw automatic bar oilers put out between 8-18 cm per/??? of oil (variable, depending on the need), whereas the MS291 (plus 2 other similar models that I can’t remember) only put out 8 cm *ever* (no variation), which is the very lowest end of the normal range for variable-rate oilers. So even if you do everything right with a perfectly clean, unclogged, sharpened and operated MS291, if you start to get into anything demanding at all, the chain and bar will continually overheat after only a few minutes of use, in my experience. If there were a way to take the current auto-oiler out and replace it in the same space with a variable-rate oiler, I would do it in a cold heartbeat.

[@outboardfixer]

Bar hole plugged or partially plugged...people who make a living with those saws cut pine for days and weeks.

[@adamabusalah8990]

you know I really don't like stihl chainsaw especially ms291 sucks.From my own experience I bought one last year within one moth the chain tension adjuster screw broke the bolts that hold the bars kept falling off while I was cutting a tree down.paid $199 fixed got ripped off by a stihl dealer then last month the bearing melt .went back to the dealer gave me a new one in a box went home started up ran it 10 minutes then noway on earth I could started up again.brandnew went back to the dealer he asked 100 question then he checked the gas I used said that's weird everything looks good he took it a part at his service department while I was there found out the the piston was failed and he gave me a third one called stihl and explained everything happened and told most of ms291 they're on recall you're not the only one who had these issues. from my own experience I can say echo way better than stihl nowadays.

[@oldviking6404]

hey does your saw have a inner metal side plate between the bar and saw?

[@bucksgarage1]

@@oldviking6404 I believe it does

[@ps-ff6yx]

I fixed my ms 291 oiling issue, i drilled the bar oil hole out from 9/64 to 5/32 and angled the hole so the wood chips would likely pull out that accumulate in the hole. Also i run tractor supply bar oil thats $8.00 a gallon vs stihls $12.00 a gallon oil.

[@bucksgarage1]

I may try that. Thanks for tip

[@ps-ff6yx]

@@bucksgarage1 like I said, the chain is actually wet on my saw now,but its still not as much I would like to see, but any improvement is better than none. I like 1 tank of fuel to 1 tank of oil, is what I prefer. I am now getting 1 tank of fuel to 1/2 tank of bar oil.

[@bobspittle3201]

Is the hole on the bar clear?? You never looked at the bar.

[@bucksgarage1]

Yes it was.

[@whasumara73]

I just bought an MS 271 Farm Boss, and it also seems like it's not getting enough oil. I did the cardboard test and I DO get a fine mist. I just wonder if that's normal since some chainsaw chains are saturated. Maybe it's because some have an adjustment. I might try running it without the bar as you did. Thank you very much.

[@bucksgarage1]

I spoke with a stihl rep a while ago and he said with Epa restrictions they were force to cut back on the oil flow to the bar. He said per the engineers it is sufficient as long as you dont use a bigger bar than suggested.

[@whasumara73]

Thank you Brett. It's good to know. Much appreciated.

[@theblade66]

Good video I have the ms 231 c works well oils the bar good

[@mikecude4167]

My 291 doesn’t seem to oil the bar either...it’s new and trashed the bar after roughly 3 hours of use.

[@Stephen-vk3ej]

I bought the 291 brand new . Was excited. I cut down a small black oak. Got to the base and started digging . Bar started smoking . Didn’t know what was going on . I did a oil test . Realized the bar and chain was dry. I took to the garage trying to figure out how to increase the oil flow. The ms291 has no adjustment . I called stihl . They told me it gets plenty of oil and if I don’t like it to use the winter grade oil pretty much . I took the advice . Went back bought a gallon of winter grade oil. Same issue . I closely examined the oil flow. The oil actually just drains all over the bar and not in the Oiler holes of the bar . It’s not a good design and basically the oil pump doesn’t have an adjustment for green purposes basically . I’m sorry but it’s a terrible design . Not nearly enough oil goes in the bar to keep the bar and chain oiled . Luckily my stihl dealer gave me credit and I upgraded to the 261c . Much better saw . Little lighter . Little more horse power. I reckoned the 261c . The 291 needs a recall in my opinion. The stihl dealer with tell you your wrong all day. They actually told me the oil had nothing to do with the chain going dull . I said ooook cut into an oak on a dry chain and tell me if it don’t start smoking . The stihl guy tried to tell me I must of hit metal. It’s almost like they are engineers with no field experience . Anyway . I still think stihl is by far one of the best leading brands for chainsaws. Just Don’t get a home owner or farm saw . Get the pro series and you will not regret it !

[@kingalthe1st160]

Having a problem with mine as well. The oil ports on the bar get clocked within minutes of cutting, everytime, and then the oil just dribbles down and never gets to the chain. Ruined two bars already. This didn't seem to happen for the first year I had the saw (and I cut a lot with it). Then, one day, the holes just started getting plugged constantly. Anyone know if there might be something wrong that is causing this? I've wondered if the bumper strips are involved. I like to learn to fix all my tools myself and want to avoid taking to shop where they probably know less than me, but I'm stumped on this. It's not a problem with the oiler.

[@bucksgarage1]

KingAl the1st I hope you get it figured out. It really sucks they dont have a oil adjustment.

[@Searchin4tone]

KingAl the1st I have the same issue with my Farm boss 290,, I'm thinking about trying an Oregon bar,, I'm constantly wasting chains

[@karlrovey]

If the oil hole against the saw (the one that should be picking up oil) is getting clogged, it either isn't lined up correctly or isn't tight enough.

[@leesmavicmoments5598]

Is there a way of telling the oil works on ms180

[@bucksgarage1]

Take the bar off, start it and rev it up and you should see oil coming out of the port.

[@detectorgadget]

My Stihl has the same low oil output, but not really sure if it’s designed that way. How are we supposed to really know how much oil should be used?

[@bucksgarage1]

Jeffrey Borden I wish it was adjustable. I would much rather use a little extra oil than ruin chains and bars.

[@nathanwhipple7077]

Same with my 271

[@ГеоргиДюлгеровъ]

Good model or problems model ?

[@Bullrider33Outdoors]

Definitely a Common Problem With My Stihl I Think I'm going Get Rid Kf Mine And Switch My Chain Is Burning Up And I Barely Use It

[@larrylund2682]

That was a pitiful small amount of oil coming out of the port. Looked like maybe 30% of what would be correct. Maybe run a small wire thru to the oil tank would clear it.

[@ARBOLISTAEdgarGarcia]

👍👍👍

[@africantwin173]

ms 270, and 441 same problem. too little oil when the oil screw is set to max on the 441. Husqvarna doesnt have this problem , nor does the old 090 066 saws.

[@bucksgarage1]

African Twin I was watching Taryl fixes all the other day and apparently you can buy a high flow replacement oil pump for them. I also have a 066 and it slings oil like a champ.

[@abanks2771]

Same issue....it's a POS. Tore it apart...nothing wrong. Have to run motor oil in it.

[@polo94700]

I was running this saw for about 2 hours at about a 30-50% duty cycle kzbin.infoUgkxfQm1wmg0ItKDLavxj1nXtQY9HP7EF504 and it did a great job. I used the lever for the built in sharpener to clear chip buildup out more than to actually sharpen the chain. It managed to cut some hardwood stumps much larger than it's size without bothering the neighbors with hours of 2 stroke noise.

[@robertdyer8376]

Recently bought a new stihl 250- used it 2 hours one day and never saw a drop of oil on the chain- smoke yes- oil no. So when I got it home i took the bar off and ran the saw as you did in your video. The oil pump wept a scant amount of oil- not enough in my opinion especially since the chain was totally dry during the 2 hours I used it. BUT- I think I found out why none of the oil output reached the chain. Very simply the bar has a fatal flaw. The problem with the bar is this: remove the bar and take the chain off. Remove any dust and chips from the slot that the chain rides in. Locate the 1/8 hole in the bar where the oil is intended to enter the slot. Now look down into the slot where the 1/8 hole is. Using a piece of wire to explore, there is an opening in the slot that leads to the unused upper chain tensioner hole. Every bar has 2 of these approx 1/4 dia holes so the bar can be turned over occasionally. The lower hole is utilized by having the chain tensioner stud in it. The upper hole now does nothing while it waits for it's turn when you flip the bar over next year. This upper hole is where most of your oil is draining uselessly. I think there is an easy fix for this. Find a wooden dowel that you can cut a short plug from and tap it into the unused hole. I haven't done this yet because I used for the time being 2 pieces of metal adhesive tape to cover both sides of the hole after cleaning the oil off the bar with alcohol. Since doing this I haven't had a chance to use the saw yet- hoping it works. This is a blunder by Stihl in that so many customers have had this problem and it would be so easy to redesign the bar.

[@bucksgarage1]

Robert Dyer let me know if it works.

[@robertdyer8376]

Hi Brett it helps a little. There just flat out isn't enough oil output from the pump. I see no liquid oil in the groove but if I pinch some of the sawdust from t;he groove between two fingers my fingers are a little damp. The chain may be getting a slight bit but I don't like the results. But the saw has so many other desirable attributes 1starts easy when cold 2 starts easy when hot 3 plenty of power 4 chain brake releases as it should ( as opposed to huskys on which the chain brake often won't release). So I did something outside the box and tried it for the first time today. I am using a simple external oiler which is a 4 oz plastic bottle with a long 1/8 dia flex tube. I drilled a 1/8 hole in the bar on the opposite side of the engine about a half inch from the plastic cover. The hole leads to the chain groove . Naturally the end of the flex tube goes into this hole. How to keep it in place? Drilled another 1/8 hole very near and below the new oil hole. This 2nd hole goes all the way through the bar. I used a cobalt drill bit. Through the 2nd hole goes a 1 inch long machine screw with the head on the motor side and a nut on the plastic cover side. Now 2 small zip ties around the screw threads hold the flex tube in place. The 4 oz bottle attaches to the chain brake handle. I use dirty motor oil in it. Used it for the first time today and made a few minor changes. It looks goofy but I think it will work. The oil bottle with the long flex tube is called a "zoom spout oiler" -google it and you can find it easily.

[@trevorfout4759]

Robert Dyer that should be done on any saw after use air compressor and blow gun work best have had a ms 290 witch the 291 replaced for 7 years only on my second bar and i cut 6 to 7 cord of fire wood a year

[@FarmallFanatic]

My favorite chainsaw, but dont own one. I have 2 husqvarnas.

[@phatrides222000]

I feel like my oiler is shit after 1 gallon of gas. WTF. I am going to try a thinner oil.

[@waynelarose821]

Check your bar it might be plugged

[@JohnBookout-li2ip]

Good video lighting could be better

[@sonofthunder.]

tank vent,sometimes let's enough flow, sometimes not,drill small hole in tank cap,now oil slings better,off the end,20 in bar 034 super,adjustment at max,I'd still like to see more flow, maybe a pump mod.

[@johnknowing-zr8de]

Maybe put the camera another 5 ft away so we cant see where the oil is coming out and use 2 more britelights so I can use my sunglasses to watch where the oil comes out

[@bucksgarage1]

I know its poor filming, I only uploaded it because I thought it may help someone on how to see if it's working or not. I was just starting to make videos and didnt know much about lighting and camera angles. I have been working on improving. Thank for watching.

[@jacksherwood495]

I could see fine until you put your light on the saw, bad glare. Get a bar cleaning tool to clean your chain groove of oil soaked saw dust. Then, make sure the hole for oil, on the bar, is free from obstructions. If the teeth on your chain discolor, it's burning up. Good luck

[@bobbyscott9629]

My ms250 was a piece of crap,burnt up 5 chains and sold it,,bought a ms291 also a piece of crap,want oil properly, should have done research before I bought another styhl, going 2 sell it also and go to Husqvarna, I tried various oils, and even broke the oil down

[@jacklitten]

The problem was you had the bar installed upside down, according to the video.

[@bucksgarage1]

jacklitten I'm not sure if you are being serious... you can run it with the bar up or down, makes no difference.

[@jacklitten]

Brett Buckley-- unfortunately I was. My ms390 has only 1 oil hole so can only go 1 way. I foolishly responded before I researched the smaller model. Thanks for keeping me in check. My apologies.

[@bucksgarage1]

I honestly thought they all came with a hole on each side. This is my first Stihl. It's good to know that info though. I got another since this video so I'll have to check it.

[@basilhozeska1242]

Brett Buckley they are all supposed to. Stihl bars i know have them on both sides. I have run 661 to 180 and everyone as been the same. The bars are supposed to get flipped every time you change you chain

[@WilliamStewart1]

jacklitten That's weird, my 390 has holes on both sides. You're supposed to flip the bar every second sharpening or so to keep the wear even.

[@bobbyscott9629]

Had 5 ms 170 they oiled great but my 250,and 291 both suck,nothing worse than a bar that want oil properly, they need a lawsuit

[@marcelojaime3788]

Hi, from Argentina, i have a ms 291, always think the oiler don't supply enogh oil, can't change anything, the oiler of chinese saw are better than this... SAD..!!!

[@caseyfirewood3059]

I had that iusse before then I fix it

[@trevrev2249]

How did you fix it dude?

[@leesmavicmoments5598]

Where is the fuckin adjuster no says just the underside

[@bucksgarage1]

The 291 isn't adjustable. Only the pro grade saws are apparently

[@caseyfirewood3059]

The pine is awful

[@michaelhaniger3230]

thanks for the info but please dont shine a bright light on your subject matter

[@dirkdiggler1186]

They don't oil Stihl it total garbage

[@RaiseAkitas]

Dude....turn the bar around. You have it on backwards.

[@bucksgarage1]

RaiseAkitas you are just kidding right.

[@Memphian1000]

That's the problem lol

[@66tricky66]

funny :)

[@poolpumps1216]

The problem was you had the bar installed upside down, according to the video

[@bucksgarage1]

The bar has a hole on both sides so it can be run upside down so you get even wear and longevity out of it. You are the second person to say that though.

[@bucksgarage1]

opereviews.com/trees-forestry/why-you-should-flip-to-an-upside-down-chainsaw-bar/

[@rearl1869]

Anybody that knows about chainsaws knows the bar will work either way .Its drilled to where it will still work upside down .

[@rearl1869]

The only thing thats upside down is the name on the bar