How To Fix a ChainSaw if You Put Oil in the Gas Tank
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Check out this easy solution if you accidentally filled your chainsaw fuel tank with bar and chain oil.
How many time have I heard "my wife accidentally put oil in the gas tank". Okay guys, I know it was you and you don't need to be embarrassed. And it's not the damn kids either! ;-)
This is an extremely common problem that happens when you are not familiar with a chainsaw or just haven't used one in a while. I see this in the shop more often than you think.
This video is how to correct the mistake and get back to cutting firewood.
The chainsaw in the video is a Stihl MS170 Chainsaw.
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My dad has degenerative disk disease and I'm looking for a lightweight saw he can use since he refuses to quit cutting, any suggestions he prefers Stihl but he's not buying i am lol. Cutting brush and wood around 8-10" or so around $400 to spend. Any suggestions would be helpful thank you, I enjoy your videos 👍
God Bless You Steve I'm new to the chainsaw world. I have a little Remington 14-in and I don't know how the hell I did it.
I did exactly that, I put the Oil in the Gas and the Gas in the Oil.
A Bright Orange Cap.
I don't know why my mind Registered Oil. Down in my basement, I took a real strong flash light and there it is. It says Fuel: Oil Mix.
That could have been What My Mind's Eye Saw Oil 🤔😬 I tried everything to get it started checking the spark plug filter nothing. Then I remembered.
I marked your video down in watch later and sure enough the filter inside the gas, is what made my mind click. I said why doesn't that other one have a filter? Then that's when it hit me and I came to the strong flashlight. You put my mind at ease though and I'm hoping for the best cuz this is a brand new chainsaw.
When you said listen guys you didn't mess up your motor. For the past couple of days prior to realizing this I've been tipping it up in different angles trying to get the fluid to run out and the little bulb also would fill up so I push on that and it would make a puffy sound spitting out oil. I'm not sure if the lines are cleared out or if the carburetor still has oil in it not sure if I should just fill it up with gas and chain oil and go out and try to see if it will just start up. Or should I just go ahead and pull the filter out and do as you suggested. Be nice if I got an instant reply Thank You Again
Just bought this a week ago and this exact thing happened. Followed your instructions verbatim and got my saw back in action. Thank you! Really enjoyed your style
Great to hear!
Once again,Thank you for all of the information you have given to me over the years. Your a one of a kind person.
You're Welcome...
Really enjoyed the grin as you gunned the throttle and blew the white smoke toward the camera (us viewers). Quality infotainment my friend.
LOL! I couldn't resist....
That white smoke was from earlier using hemostats ,every day ! 🙋🏼♂️
Never ever never ever let someone borrow your chainsaw
Right on brother
I'm with you on that
One word - "Consequences". One phrase - "What was I thinking?"
110%
Yes exactly. Life lesson #1. The two things you never lend to another bloke.... your chainsaw or your wife.... they'll both come back screwed. 😆
Did this very thing today. Have a top-handle that has the tanks opposite of location on any other saw I've ever owned. I've done it more than once but always caught my mistake before I started the saw. Good info, Steve. You're golden!
Thank You...
67 YO jack of all trades and I will own it. Did this last spring 2018 and I took these steps and felt like I won the lotto when it fired and cleared in couple minutes. Great video for subs and don’t refill bar oil when you’re in a hurry.
Right on Don...
I have a friend who did this and thought he had surely ruined his saw. I dumped both tanks and refilled them properly and told him it was a $1 a pull. He grabbed it and pulled it untill it started. DAMN, I MISSES OUT ON ABOUT $30. Great advise Steve. Thanks! Bill Stiles. Johnstown, Ohio, USA.
LOL! Right on Bill....
At 71 yrs of age you wouldn't think a lady should run a chain saw. I love mine. I did exactly what you said and bingo it started up. Thank you so much as you know you saved me a lot of money. Also, now I know where the fuel filter is...haha.
That is awesome! You're Welcome...
The MS170 I recently purchased was the exact same way. Your video is why I looked at it first. Thank you for your knowledge and sharing.
My pleasure!
Steve, Thanks for saving me! I worked two 19 hours days and on my day off decided to cut some firewood and made the mistake. I have been using chainsaws for
20 years and couldn't believe I did it. Overtired. Followed your advice and got my Stihl farm boss back and running in 15 minutes.
Right on Buddy...
My dad filled his gas burning pickup with diesel 40 years ago while drunk. It made it home but it was jerking and jumping and smoking. He was thoroughly embarrassed and never did that again. Great video as always, and great tip on the hemostats.
Thank You...
Great. I put the wrong fuel mixture into the chainsaw tank. Your video saved me a lot of time to get on with my work. Thank you mr. Steve, you are a master. Greetings from Slovenia (EU).
You're Welcome...
You saved me I put oil in my brand new stihl ms251. Thanks to your video it runs again. Thank you sir
Great to hear!
Thanx Steve. Mistakes do happen especially when one is out in the woods. Saves some bucks and time👍👍👍.
I came across this video after making the same mistake as your customer, great! it worked! thanks a lot!
from Holland.!
Great to hear!
I'm having a hard time believing someone could reverse the oil+gas tanks when filling up but hey, looks like it does happen.
I'm not without blame, I once grabbed the wrong bottle and mixed bar oil with my gas. Ran a full tank through the weedeater and realized my goof when I walked into the garage and saw the bottle of bar oil on the bench.
Keep up the good work. 👌😀
Thank You...
I did that once to my Echo chainsaw. The tanks are situated opposite of most chainsaws I've owned. Once I realized my mistake I just rinsed out the tank with gas after I drained the oil out and refilled it. Luckily it started right up. I've never made that mistake again!
@@Earthneedsado-over177 same here. It's a dumb mistake but it happens.
Your videos make wonderful bedtime stories before I head to sleep. That chainsaw purring is like it said, "And they lived happily ever after."
Thank You...
I sure wish I’d seen this one when I put the oil in the fuel tank of my one month old Stihl chainsaw. I was sure I’d killed it but knew if I took it to the shop I’d not see it again for maybe months. I took it all apart, down past the carb, splitting the fuel line in the process. After ordering and waiting for a new line and filter for a week I was able to get it up and running. But, oh shit!, was I freaked out that I’d killed a brand new machine! Your videos are so much fun and so helpful, Steve! Great stuff! Thanks so much! Joe Jovanovich in Eastern Washington.
Ha. I actually did that one day. Stupid me! Don't know what I was thinking. I didn't think about cleaning the fuel filter. I popped the carburetor and hoses, and sprayed those with cleaner the best I could. Much white smoke for a minute or so. But eventually -- success.
Thanks for all your well-explained, well-presented videos, Steve. I learn a lot from you and Donny Boy. Thank you, Canadian friends!
You're Welcome...
I'm 4 stones into this problem, so I should be in business. New something was wrong with the gas I used as it started and shut down real quick after filling the tank-something was wrong alright! Dumped fuel out of saw and it proved just how much I was paying attention. Hopefully this saved me; I'll see tomorrow.
Good luck!
I have had that happen. They bring it in put Bar and Chain Oil in where the Gas goes and vice-versa. I like the way you do it Steve. I usually put a new Fuel Filter but from now on I am going to do it your way. Great Visio keep them coming Steve. Love your Channel.
Thank You...
Your advise is so precise and so exact and easy to follow. You have helped me when I needed advice on my chain saw and saved me time and money. Thank you 🙏 😇
Great to hear!
Steve, thanks for your clips much better than the owners manuals. I was a fire dept. mechanic for 31 years we had many small engines two and four cycle. We had both mix and straight gas cans on the trucks. When the fire fighters weren't looking I would mix Amsoil 100/1 in the straight gas cans, if they dumped it in the saws and jaws no harm done . A little synthetic mix oil is good for air cooled engines as they tend to run hot and dry in the head. Keep up the good work and libation.
Right on Frank...
I filled my stihls gas tank with chain oil a few months ago, a mile into the woods, I was fortunate enough to realize this as the oil just reached the top of the tank.
I just turned it upside-down dumped it all out added a small amount of gas shook it like a sparypaint can dumped it again filled it with gas and saved my day.
On a side note I did not know you were from Vancouver Island, and didn't catch your accent, but that's all I can hear now.
So...yep.. I made this mistake and Steve saved the day with this video. Had to go through all steps. blowing out the fuel filter and fuel line with an air compressor finally did the trick. My little Echo 2511t is back in business. Thank you Steve!
You're Welcome...
Wow, I think you just saved me a lot of money. I accidentally put bar oil in the fuel tank of my MS192T. I've fueled it a thousand or more times, and am still kicking myself for doing it. Thought for sure that I would be taking it in for a full Carb rebuild.
Fantastic!
Love your videos Steve. Succinct, practical, and entertaining. You're a good communicator with down to earth style. Great stuff!
I appreciate that!
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon You're welcome. I've learned a lot!
Dude I been running saw for 6 years as a wildland fire fighter but being doing arborist tree care for two years now so I'm still fairly new to climbing LOL but I did exactly this to my Stihl MS 151 tc I haven't done this fix yet I'm about to and I feel confident now about getting my baby saw back running lol so yous to running bigger saws where the gas and bar oil are far apart instead of rite beside each other !! Rookie mistake none the less but having it be the first time I ever done I wasn't feeling so good lololol so THANK YOU BRO! From central BC . Cheers
You're Welcome...
You have a great information I have a STIHL MS290 & A Husqvarna 435 and both of them have a little gas Pump emblem on both of them I never had that problem of putting oil and the gas tank on either one of them
Right on....
Had a brand new MS180 come back to the store with this exact scenario a few days ago! One tank of work done then refilled and got them mixed up. Checked your videos for this topic and of course you covered it! Was great to know I was correct in assuming it would be fine if I could get it cleaned out enough. Flushed the fuel tank, new fuel filter and flushed the line with carb cleaner first and then tried starting. No luck at first so shot some starting fluid down the carb and got it to start running for very short periods with throttle full open and normal run position on the choke setting. Repeated for a while but would only get a couple seconds of running. So to make it a little easier and to free up a hand I taped the trigger down so the throttle was kept open and once I got it to run after priming with starting fluid I was able to pick up the can quickly and keep squirting starting fluid in the carb to keep it running until it finally cleared out and ran at top speed. I of course then shut it off and removed the tape on the trigger and the next start it was running like new; with a little white smoke of course. Thanks Steve!
You always make repairs look so easy and give out good information. That's why I subscribed and follow your channel. Keep up the great work!
Thank You...
Your the best teacher that I have seen and I am 72 y o way to go Steve you still the man
Thank You...
Another great video Steve. My dad is an old school diy guy and doesn't do modern technology so whenever he comes up to visit, he wants me to pull up your videos. He's a big fan and so am I. Keep up the good work man!
Nice compliment! Thank you Buddies...
Just got a 170 for free. Had no compression. And a stripped out bar stud. A little diesel and bar oil with gas brought the compression back and is running like a dream! Bar stud fixed as well.
Great tip and fix for the fuel/oil mixup! You are the coolest. No telling how much money you save folks on their chainsaw (and other similar tools) repairs. Carb cleaner and duct tape are the beans!! The hemostats are one of the handiest tools I own. I have one straight and one curved one in every tool box I own.
Right on Buddy....
First off thank you for this video. Second I will tell you the story I’ve been running the chainsaw all day and I’m completely exhausted and I’m thinking about the next set of very complicated cuts I need to make and I set my chainsaw down in a different direction than I normally do. I put fuel where it shouldn’t be an oil where it shouldn’t be. Fortunately I realized after trying to start it what I had done and immediately dumped both put gas in the gas tank switched it around and dumped it and then started it. All better now.
Great details on how to fix this issue. Thank you
Did the exact same thing, and your video helped me a lot! Thx for the great knowledge you share! My saw runs like a clock again!!
Great to hear!
Great video. You are obviously very knowledgeable, true professional. You save your customers a ton of money. Other shops your right probably would have pulled the carb, got the job done but at least probably another hour of labor. Many can’t or don’t want to think out of the box! Your a pro thanks.
Right on Buddy! Thank You...
Yep, I've done it once. Lost time and being aggravated sure is a great teacher.
Thank You...
I've watched a few of your vids now, I buy old tools and fix them. Just want you to know your vids have taught me a lot many thanks
You're Welcome...
Thanks, Steve!!!! Worked like a charm and now I'm back to cutting.
Excellent!
Steve!! You have literally helped me save hundreds and fix my weed eater, chainsaw and pressure washer this week alone. Literally. Thank you beyond words brother. I don’t know how to ask a question on your website under the riding mower section but I have a husqvarna 46” riding mower that won’t start without starter fluid but will run perfectly once I use the starter fluid. Have a new car, plug, fuel pump and solenoid and have adjusted the choke cable!!! Help brother!
New *carb
Steve, what can I say… other than oops, I made the same mistake. You’re the best, keep up the good life.
Virginia Beach baby!
Sir I really appreciate the time and work you put into your videos. Take Care
Thank You...
Thanks man from Ireland, got the father's chainsaw working after I put oil in it. You saved my ass man!
Right on Buddy! You're Welcome...
I've done that a few years ago. One step I did, but you didn't was I put some fuel in the gas tank. Swished it around, then dumped it. Did it a second time. The filled it and tied starting it. Smoked like your did. Just found your channel and subscribed. Good info and beer. :-)
Thank You...
Hey Stevo ... there's no way I can go to your website ... you have entirely TOO MANY ... VERY GOOD ... HIGHLY INFORMATIVE videos! Thanks for all you do, one of these days maybe I will be finished watching the videos and get to check your web page too! Already been to your tools channel and have a wish list going already from there too.
I appreciate that!
Loved this! Thank you.Saved me after doing the stupid stuff, realized it before pulling the string so it worked like a charm.
Excellent!
Thanks for all the knowledge Steve, love your videos and your channel in general.
Thank You...
Hemostats are great to have around. Stihl equipment comes with the little orange screwdrivers. I have dozens of them stashed all over the place. Shop, truck and home and I swear I use them more than any other tool.
Right on Buddy...
This video helped me out alot - thanks Steve! My saw didn't start as easily as yours, but I cleaned it up good and kept pulling and pulling and all of a sudden it gave signs of life! Looks like you'll be the first one I subscribe to. Have a great start on 2021!
Great to hear!
Sorry to hear of you brothers passing....best to you....love your videos
Thank You...
Lol I really enjoy watching your videos. You’ve inspired me to rebuild my ms 260 myself. I bought a pressure vacuume tester and after I build a couple plates to block of my muffler port and the carberator I’ll vacuume and pressure test it and if that all passes I’ll start the rebuild🙂 It would be great if you ever deside to do a piston and. Cylinder replacement video. Thanks for all the great knowledgeable videos. I love the no nonsense get to it approach you have. Cheers 🍺
You're Welcome...and Thank You...
Great advice, my stupid move would cost me a lot of money, so thank you Steve! Ed. Bibbs out
Just found your channel. New sub. I have used a chainsaw for years and just did this myself. I have 2 echo saws and the fuel and oil tanks are on opposite sides. I was in a hurry and accidently made the mistake. Your video is spot on. Drained, flushed refilled correctly and after a bit it was just fine.
Right on Rob...
Howdy Mr. Steve & fellow followers. Here goes my unsolicited tip that has precluded me from making that mistake. Since I have a myriad of different chainsaws in my arsenal (stihl x2, husqvarna x3, "crapsman" x2, "pull-on" x1 & a homelight).... what I do is occasionally get a black sharpee marker & rehighlight the faded raised Braille like markings that indicate fuel+oil & bar oil. This may come in handy for those that allow their saws to be loaned out. "Ounce of prevention is worth a pund of cure". As always, LOVE YOUR VIDEOS. CHEERS. Southern Maryland out.
Great tip! Thanks Ed....
Thank you...Thank you.! A friend thought that he was doing me a favor and filled up my Stilh 261 with gas in the oil reservoir and oil in the fuel tank. Your technique worked great.
You're Welcome...
This guy is solid gold. Love his no nonsense delivery and simple practicality. The wife was doin me head in and I put chain oil in the petrol tank. Was just about to hang myself when I thought - I wonder if anyone on youtube has covered this problem ? Cue Steve, all good and the rope went back in the shed. I live to chop another tree.
Right on Stevo...
I did this once but fortunately realized what I had done before I started it. I emptied it, put a little gas in the tank and shook it up, dumped it and then filled it properly. It started right up and ran fine! I was lucky!!!
Hi Steve, It was the highlight of my day watching your video and you grabbing a pair of safety glasses.
Perfect!
I hate to admit it, I did this today. Luckily I didn't try to start it. Cleaned out the tank w fresh gas, changed the fuel filter, cleaned the fuel line as directed, refueled and it started right up. Glad I was at the house when it happened! Great videos! Thanks!
Right on Greg....
Great money saver. I was happy to hear you say, that maybe it was on purpose, something I have long suspected, also. It is just to plain simple , to be a accident. Especially on cars and trucks, when they have been making the bodies so many years. They know exactly where it is going to catch mud and water , then rust out . Then so many people,will trade in on a new one, a few years earlier than planned .
Steve...You may want to add a half ounce of Mechanic in a Bottle to the fuel just to make sure the carb is really clean. I am always amazed at how that stuff works on my kids' two- and four-stroke engines that they can't get to run right.
Keep up the informative videos.
Steve you the man! Thanks for all the tips and walk throughs.
Thank You...and You're Welcome...
Robert and Gilitar, nice to read after the fact. Learned my lesson the hard and expensive way
Malcolm
Steve your a master of fixes. Thank you brother
Glad to help
You are having fun Steve. Don't you love it when stuff starts. Hey there my friend,--- I have family in Powell river. Across the straight back on the main land.
NO WAY! That is so awesome.....Small world....
Great vid as per usual👍🏼 I’m all about saving money on simple fixes like this.
Right on Buddy...
Great tips. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
You're Welcome...
I love it Mr. Steve! Thank you for the tip. I've never actually done this, but I can see how it might be an easy mistake to make.
Right on Buddy...
"Usually doesn't take more than one Keystone light!" Made my day with that Steve! Thanks for the giggle!
Any time!
I love your videos. Lots of great information. The beer is a nice touch
Thank You...
Steve u are a legend 👍Great tip.
Thank You...
What a great invaluable tip. Since I don't use a Chainsaw everyday. I am now smarter because you you.
Right on John...
I let my buddy borrow my stihl 011 and he did the same thing. Thank you for this video because I was dreading having to rebuild the carburetor thinking that's what it was going to take!
Glad I could help
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon I commented before I actually fixed it and since then I've already fixed it and burned up two tanks of fuel thanks again man that saved me a huge headache!
I really enjoy your channel. I recently found you while working on my daughters weed eater and your content helped me so much I subscribed. Thank you!
Thank You...and You're Welcome...
Good job mr.steve. got to love keystone light and white smoke. Thank you
You're Welcome...
Yup, oil in the gas tank and gas in the oil tank. Man, this makes me feel so much better knowing I'm not the only dummy who ever did this. My mistake was asking my brother in law to look my saw over to see if he could figure out why it wouldn't run. The end result was much mirth at my expense. Not likely to live that one down in this lifetime.
Learning a lot watching your videos. Thanks.
You're Welcome...
Thx Steve. I've had to fix the same mistake a couple times... However, I use Ether down the carb to get it to pop. Next time I'll remember to clear the gas tube as well.
Right on Dan...
Thanks! I borrowed my boyfriend's Stihl landscaping chain saw and even though he told me what to do, I didn't really register and my worker put the oil in for gas...now the pull thing won't pull. So, beleive it or not, boyfriend isn't too happy with me, BUT i am going to wait till he gets home this weekend before i try your Fix it Yourself moves! Fingers crossed I can cheerlead while he fixes it on Monday after a long day at work without his saw! Girlfriends are so helpful hey?
Right on Jenn.....
Steve, I made almost a similar mistake once but it was on a new to me Echo CS 3000 limbing saw. Since the bar oil and fuel cap/reservoirs are reversed from my Stihl saws, I went to add fuel to the saw in the rear hole and refilled the Bar oil tank with Premix. I quickly dumped it out and air dried the tank before adding more bar oil. Sure wish Echo had put the tanks like the Homelites, Stihl, Poulan, Husq's I have used before.
Thanks for that info, I was struggling to start my saw until i followed your instructions, absolutely tip top sir, thanks
You're Welcome...
Many thanks from this hoser to you and all your hosers.
Right on Pete...
Amazing video. Steve is so cool. If I lived in Vancouver I would apply for a job there. I was day dreaming and put some 4 stroke oil in the gas tank. I topped off the tank with fuel to dilute the oil but no luck. It's still a bit cold here in Boston so that may be part of my problem. Come the weekend I will drain the fuel tank and float bowl and give it a go. BTW I agree with Gilitar's comment from last year.
Hey Steve your the man , If you cant fix it , no one can 👍🏻
Thank You...
Keystone Beer is a good Beer. Question what’s the right spring tension for my bar break on my Poulan?
Awesome video. Literally just had this happen this weekend....don't lend out your chainsaw lol. Went through the exact same steps before I saw your video. Good to go now!
Good stuff!
Thanks Steve! Quality content man! Really enjoy your channel.
Is there a way to clean your exhaust port at home? Do you have a post already if it?
This is the first time I've have watched your channel but you got me out of a tight spot. I had to use my brothers chainsaw because mine was acting up and I put oil in the gas hole like a dumb ass. I went along with the video and working like new. Thanks you saved me an ass whoopin!!
Right on Buddy! You're Welcome...
Great video Steve, thank you. Glad you don't have smoke detectors above your head! Cheers mate.
Right on
In the summer when the bugs are biting it's nice to have a bit of white smoke keeps the mosies away!
Thanks a lot. I just did the same thing on the same machine. Tomorrow will fix it.
Good luck!
Watched your vids on carbs and got my Tecumseh 5 hp Ariens snowblower running good! Thanks, Steve.
Safety glasses definitely. I once got PB Blaster in my eye despite the glasses and I can't recommend that experience.
Right on Jeff...
I love your videos Steve, big fan from Scotland
Thank You...
I just got my saw back and told me they did this. He dumped it filled with fuel dumped again and put some fuel in the carb. Smoked a bit but soon ran clean. Needless to say I was worried about my saw till this video. Thanks
Right on
"How many time have I heard "my wife accidentally put oil in the gas tank". Okay guys, I know it was you and you don't need to be embarrassed. And it's not the damn kids either! ;-)" next they'll start blaming the dog... I don't have a chain-saw, just watched this to learn a little more. Great vid!
Thanks saved me some money. I did order from your amazon
Thanks Steve.
Right on Joe....Thank You...