CHAINSAW FAQ
Why does my saw leak bar oil?
The way our units lubricate a chain, most of the oil is distributed around the inside of the bar rails as it is circulated by the oil reservoirs in each drive link of the chain. The amount of oil being circulated inside the bar at any given time can be between .3 and .5 oz. As a general rule of physics, the oil will be pulled down by gravity once the chain stops turning, collecting at the bottom of the bar and seeping through the chain to puddle underneath the bar & chain assembly as well as under the drive sprocket. The fact that it appears to be continuing to seep after the unit is cut off for several days is owed to the viscosity of the oil and the anti-flinging compound (lithium) mixed with the oil at the refinery. These factors give the oil a very thick consistency, which in turn explains a slower flow rate. This condition is deemed to be normal for any chainsaw with a similar bar & chain lubricating system.
If the unit continues to seep oil after a few days, the problem may be the vacuum relief valve located in the side of the engine housing between the oil output hole and the bar stud(s). This valve has an internal spring and ball type arrangement with the ball pressed against the vent hole of the casing of the valve, when the tank develops a vacuum from the normal process of the oil being pumped out. The ball is pulled away from the hole, allowing air to enter into the tank and break the vacuum so that oil can continue to flow to the bar and chain assembly. Once the vacuum is relieved, the spring pushes the ball back against the hole of the valve casing. Sometimes debris may become trapped between the ball and the hole. This would cause the oil to keep “weeping” because there must be some measure of vacuum in the tank to keep the oil from flowing freely once the unit is shut down. More often than not, all one needs to do is to take a small pin or needle and push it into the hole of the valve (identifiable as a small silver disk with a small hole in the center) about 6 or 7 times to loosen the debris. This should re-seal the orifice and keep the oil from seeping from the output hole when the saw is stored.
How do I adjust the bar and chain on my chainsaw?
Please refer to your instruction manual under the headings: Mounting Bar and Chain, Tensioning the Saw Chain and Checking Chain Tension.
How often should I have my ZOMAX blower tuned up?
ZOMAX Protective Apparel or other professional Protective Apparel.
Can I adjust my own carburetor?
The carburetor comes from the factory with a standard setting. This setting provides an optimum fuel-air mixture under most operating conditions. With most carburetors, it is only possible to adjust the engine idle speed within fine limits. Quite often adjusting the carburetor will not solve acceleration issues. To find the correct setting for your machine, please refer to your instruction manual. If you do not have a copy of your instruction manual, please go to our product manual webpage where you can download a PDF version.
How often should I have my ZOMAX chainsaw tuned up?
Please refer to the Maintenance Schedule which can be found in the instruction manual.
What is the recommended procedure for preparing my ZOMAX chainsaw for long term storage (over 30 days)?
If the chainsaw is not used for more than three months, store it as follows
1) Thoroughly clean the entire machine, especially the cylinder heat sink and air filter, and scrub the surface of the machine with an oil-soaked cloth.
2) Empty the petrol tank in a ventilated area and clean it
3)Drain the carburettor, otherwise the carburettor pump film will stick and affect the next start-up
4) Empty the fuel tank, then start the engine and let the engine work until it turns off automatically .
5）Remove the saw chain and guide plate, clean and check them, and spray them with protective oil.
6）Fill up the chain oil tank
7) Remove the spark plug, pour a little engine oil into the cylinder, pull the engine with the starter rope 2~3 times and then install the spark plug, pull the starter rope again to stop it at the position where it feels strong ( compression upper stop).
(8) Place the engine in a dry, well-ventilated location, away from heat sources or open flames
9) The machine is placed in a dry and safe place for safekeeping to prevent unrelated people from moving ( such as children).
10) If the chainsaw is not used for a long time, use a brush to wash the chain, and then placed in the oil pool for safekeeping.
Read more about storing your outdoor power equipment
What size file do I use to sharpen my saw chain?
3/8" PICCO chain is sharpened with a 5/32" round file
.325" chain is sharpened with a 3/16" round file
3/8" chain is sharpened with a 13/64" round file
