Poulan chainsaw leaks bar oil

[charles p]

My Poulan 2000 has a very slow leak somewhere and the bar oil leaks out into the case.  It is annoying and I'd like to fix it.  What do you think is wrong and what should I do?

[Graybeard]

When you finish using it unscrew the oil fill plug and release the pressure that has built up. That should stop the leak.

[Glanceblamm]

When you finish using it unscrew the oil fill plug and release the pressure that has built up. That should stop the leak.

Well Duh. (Hits forehead with palm with mouth open) My Homelite has been doing the same thing for years and I have been living with it. I am always careful to keep the oil level below the pressure port upon filling so the oiler would work but never thought of the tank being under pressure after shutting it off.

THANKS GRAYBEARD!

[charles p]

Never knew I was not suppose to top off the oil hole.  Learned something of value today.  Now if I can just remember to run the carb dry each time.

[Graybeard]

I was told this by the folks who service my Stihl saws. The said to remove the cap on both gas and oil prior to putting it away and all will be fine. Of course if you leave gas in for very long times it is good to use Sta-Bil in it.

[rwng]

I have two Poulans and love 'em both but I have just been living with this problem. I will try what GB suggested but I thought it was just because of the plastic chain oil sump. I never checked other saws, like Stihl etc. to see if they were plastic also. By the way, everyone I talked to with Poulans says this same thing. (bar chain oil leaks)

[Graybeard]

I have two Poulan saws as well as two Stihls. Now I'd be hard pressed to find those Poulans these days and seem to recall at least one was given to our oldest son Bobby. The other likely is around here somewhere but is no longer used. Still if the oil cap is removed after use and put back on to relieve the pressure inside the oil compartment it will not leak or mine don't/didn't.

The oil doesn't just leak out onto the bar it is pressurized in operation and that forces it out at a set rate. Remove that pressure and it should stop coming out.

[rwng]

Like GB said, I opened the caps the last time I used the saw. When I went to use it yesterday, no oil puddle. Wow, one would think that I would have figured something like that out after 19-20 years. Thanks GB.