Stihl chainsaw bar oil not coming out is a problem I faced recently. It happened on a cold Tuesday. I was ready to cut wood. Suddenly, I saw smoke. My chain was bone dry. I had to stop fast to save my bar. If you have this issue, do not run your saw. Here is how I fixed mine at home.
The “Cardboard Test”
First, I had to be sure. Was it dry? Or did it just look dry?
I use the “Cardboard Test.” It works every time.
- I found a clean piece of cardboard.
- I held the saw tip six inches away from it.
- I revved the engine high for five seconds.
Result: The cardboard stayed clean. No oil splatter. If the oiler works, it leaves a dark line. Mine was dry.
Check 1: Is It Too Cold?
It is December. The air is cold.
Bar oil gets thick in the cold. It turns into syrup. The pump cannot move it.
My Experience: I keep my saws in a shed. It freezes in there. The oil was just too cold to flow.
The Fix: I put the saw in the sun. I let it warm up. I also added a little “winter grade” oil. It flows better.
Check 2: The Dirty Bar Groove
This is almost always the cause.
I took the bar off the saw. I looked at the groove. This is the rail where the chain rides.
It was packed tight. Sawdust and oil mix. They form a thick paste. It looks like wood putty. This blocks the oil.
The Fix:
- I grabbed my scrench tool.
- I used the hook end.
- I scraped the whole groove clean.
Check 3: The Tiny Inlet Hole
I looked at the bar again.
There is a small hole near the back. This is where the oil enters the bar. I held it up to the sun. I could not see light through it. It was plugged.
The Fix:
- I found a paperclip.
- I poked it through the hole.
- I blew it out with a puff of air.
Now, the oil had a clear path.
Check 4: The Tank Vent “Hiss”
I once had a saw that oiled for a minute, then stopped. It drove me mad.
It was the tank vent.
As oil leaves the tank, air must go in. If the vent is clogged, a vacuum forms. The pump stops working.
The Fix:
- I ran the saw until it stopped oiling.
- I opened the oil cap slowly.
- Hiss.
I heard air rush in. That hiss meant the vent was clogged. I cleaned the small valve on the side of the saw with a brush.
My Quick Fix Table
Here is a simple chart to help you fast.
| Problem | What I Check First | How I Fix It |
| No oil at all | The inlet hole on the bar | Poke it clear with a wire. |
| Chain gets hot | The bar rail groove | Scrape out the sawdust paste. |
| Oil flows then stops | The tank vent | Clean the vent. Listen for a hiss. |
| Oil is too thick | The temperature | Warm up the saw or use thin oil. |
Getting Back to Work
I put the bar back on. I tightened the cover.
I tried the cardboard test again. I hit the gas. A nice, wet line of oil hit the paper.
Success.
I walked back to the oak tree. The saw cut smooth and cool. The smell of hot metal was gone.
If your Stihl chainsaw bar oil is not coming out, don’t panic. Start simple. Clean the bar. It is usually just a bit of sawdust in the wrong place.
FAQs – Stihl Chainsaw Bar Oil Not Coming Out
Why is my Stihl chainsaw bar oil not coming out?
It is often just a clog. Sawdust blocks the bar groove or the tiny oil hole. Check the tank vent too. Cold oil can also be too thick for the pump to move.
Can I keep cutting if the bar oil stops flowing?
No, never run a dry chain. It creates high heat very fast. This will ruin your bar and chain in minutes. You must fix the oil flow before you cut any more wood.
How do I unclog my Stihl chainsaw bar properly?
Take the bar off the saw first. Use a small tool to scrape the rail groove clean. Poke a wire through the tiny inlet hole to clear it out. This clears the path.
How do I adjust the oil flow on a Stihl chainsaw?
Some pro models have a screw on the bottom to change flow. Most smaller home saws do not. Check your manual to see if you can adjust the pump to add more oil.
Why is my chainsaw bar oil so thick in winter?
Cold makes oil turn into sludge. The pump cannot move it. Keep your saw in a warm place. You can also mix in a little winter grade oil to help it flow better.