Activated by the drive shaft, the chainsaw oil pump draws oil from the lubricant tank and transports it via a duct to the upper groove of the guide bar, where it is dispensed through a special hole. The drive links of the chain then spread it along the entire length of the guide bar and the chain itself.
The lubricant protects the chainsaw’s guide bar and chain from wear, overheating and oxidation. The oil pump has a constant or adjustable flow rate, which can be set using an adjustment screw according to the guide bar, wood and ambient temperature.
Efco chainsaws are equipped with an automatic oil pump with constant flow rate (like the MT 2000 E electric chainsaw and the MTi 30 battery-powered chainsaw) or automatic with zero flow rate at idle speed (like the MT 3500 S and MT 3710 compact petrol-engine chainsaws or pruning chainsaws) or, finally, with adjustable flow rate and zero flow at idle speed (this is the case with most petrol-engine chainsaw models).
Poor-quality biodegradable oil can cause lubrication system components to stick, thereby clogging the chainsaw's oil pump circuit and oil tank filter. In particular, poor-quality biodegradable oils tend to thicken as they age: this can happen when a chainsaw is unused for long periods, such as during winter storage. We therefore recommend that you use good-quality biodegradable oil—such as Efco Chain Lube guide bar and chain protector—both to avoid problems with the oil pump and to minimise environmental impact (the lubricant coats the guide bar and chain links with a film that is gradually dispersed into the environment as you cut).
How to clean a chainsaw oil pump? Here’s how to prepare the lubrication system for long periods of inactivity:
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Completely empty the oil tank and close the cap.
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Remove the guide bar and chain.
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Run the chainsaw at idle speed, to completely drain the oil pump and outlet pipe.
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Pour a small amount of engine oil—which is chemically more stable and doesn't degrade—into the oil tank.
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Clean and reassemble the guide bar and chain.
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Run the chainsaw with no load until the guide bar and chain are well lubricated.
After cleaning the oil pump and before storing your chainsaw, also empty the mixture tank, to prevent the fuel from deteriorating and causing problems with the carburettor and engine. On the subject of storage, here's how to store tools over winter.
When you start using your chainsaw again after a long break, after filling the oil tank with biodegradable lubricant, check that the chainsaw's oil pump is working properly using the following test:
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Start the chainsaw.
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Disengage the chain brake.
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Point the guide bar down towards a dry surface.
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Accelerate to medium speed for a few seconds.
If everything is fine, a streak of oil droplets will form on the dry surface. Whereas, if the oil tank is full but the guide bar and oil outlet remain clean, the pump may need replacing. To replace the oil pump on your Efco chainsaw or to enquire about anything else, contact your nearest service centre.
Chain and guide bar oil isn't the only lubricant you need if you have a petrol-engine chainsaw: here's why and how to choose quality oil and petrol for fuel mixture. Although necessary, lubricating the guide bar and chain is not enough to ensure efficient cutting: find out how to keep the chainsaw’s guide bar and chain in top condition.
