Cleaning my saw...?

[Gunther274]

Been cutting alot of sappy fir for most of the winter, and my saw is getting covered with sap and grime. I am wondering if there is any harm in just going at it with brake cleaner or if that is the stupidest idea? I want to get all the junk out from around the carb and everything.

 

[JustinM]

hrm. thats a tough one. I dont think i like the idea of going at the carb with brake cleaner.

usually I try to only use compressed air on my saws, but obviously sap is a different beast. You could try a tire foam type of product (put it on all your plastic before you start) which should help it resist the sap - plus it will have the added advantage of making your saw look newer

I think if it was at the point when you were ready to spray brake cleaner inside the saw, then its probably at the point where you could do a full tear down & actually wash the parts separately (in a parts washer or by hand). I suspect this would be your best bet - as opposed to trying to spray something on the saw & hope for the best.

Just my 2¢ though, I havent had a lot of problem with really messy sappy trees.

 

[grack]

i have been using that foaming .99 cent oven cleaner in a can it doesnt burn my eyes or lungs out like carb or brake cleaner does and does a great job and has not hurt any plastic or rubber on any of my saws i let it soak in about 20 minutes and hose it out then air dry with pressure then i run the saw works great for me i have cleaned some horrible messes after cutting railroad timbers this way.

 

[jeremy clarkson]

man rub wax onto all the parts you can and you have an easy time getting the sap off after you cut next time.

 

[sgrizz]

I have used wd40 and rubbing alcohol on my stihls with plastic covers and have no problems with fading. wd40 , just spray on let it sit for a minute or two and i use a tooth brush and a cheap paintbrush or a rag . then wash with water and dry with the air comp.

 

[grack]

man rub wax onto all the parts you can and you have an easy time getting the sap off after you cut next time.

that works great i very much recommend that i do that also but most of the saws i buy are filthy and have to be scrubbed.