Chainsaw muffler silencers are designed to reduce noise and keep harmful exhaust gasses away from the user. Unfortunately, if you’ve used your chainsaw for a long time, used bad-quality oil, or had a faulty carburetor, its muffler is more than likely filled with gunk and carbon residue.
The proper way to clean a chainsaw muffler silencer is to dismantle it first. A toothbrush and carburetor cleaner is recommended if there is little residue inside. Solid carbon residue is best removed using a propane torch. If your muffler has a spark screen, clean it with a wire brush.
Whether you are doing it for the first time or just looking for alternative ways to clean your muffler, the rest of the article will walk you through the steps needed to do a thorough and safe job.
1. Prepare for the Cleaning Operation
Before starting the cleaning process, you must ensure you have the proper tools and items. You might find most of these items around your house, and you must purchase the rest.
Below is a list of the items you will need:
- Philips screwdriver (or another appropriate screwdriver)
- An adjustable wrench like this highly-rated Amazon Basics Adjustable Wrench (link to Amazon)
- Propane torch (or another fire torch available)
- Stainless steel brush
- Sanding paper
- Used toothbrush (or any other small brush)
- WD40 or other suitable carburetor cleaning spray
- Safety gloves
- Safety goggles
- Towel (optional)
Once you have your items ready, prepare your chainsaw by doing the following:
- Release the throttle trigger on your chainsaw.
- Switch the engine off.
- Place your chainsaw on a flat surface.
- Wait until the chainsaw completely cools off before starting the cleaning process. Otherwise, you risk getting severe burns (source).
2. Dismantle the Chainsaw Muffler Silencer
After you allow some time for your chainsaw to cool completely, you can begin dismantling the muffler silencer. If you have a towel available, place it on the saw blade to avoid getting injured. Also, put on your safety gloves and goggles before you proceed.
Follow the steps below to dismantle the muffler silencer:
- Remove the cover. Some chainsaw models have an engine cover that needs to be removed first. Using the screwdriver, unscrew the two or three bolts holding the lid in place and remove it to reveal the muffler silencer. Next, you might need to remove the spark plug boot if it gets in the way of the muffler removal.
- Remove the muffler. Depending on your chainsaw model, two, three, or four bolts will fasten the muffler onto the cylinder. Remove these with the screwdriver or adjustable wrench (source).
- Remove other nuts. In rare cases, an additional lock nut will hold the muffler in place. Remove it with the adjustable wrench.
- Remove the spark screen. A spark screen should be attached to the muffler with a set screw. Remove the screw and then the spark screen.
3. Inspect the Chainsaw Muffler Silencer Parts
It is essential to check the muffler for any cracks or dents before you begin the cleaning process. You need to replace any compromised part for the safe functioning of your chainsaw. Don’t forget to check the spark screen for any damage and replace it if necessary.
Failure to replace a malfunctioning spark screen will put you at risk of fire hazard. Check your chainsaw manual to learn how often you need to clean this part. If you’ve used your chainsaw for a while without cleaning the spark screen as required, it is best to replace it now.
4. Check the Muffler Silencer for Accumulated Residue
During this step, you must figure out what to use for cleaning. For example, if the chainsaw muffler silencer and spark screen barely have solid residue and look clean, you can skip the propane torch cleaning part.
If the muffler and spark screen has accumulated oil and carbon residue, the only option to thoroughly remove them is to use a propane torch. The RTTOOA High-Intensity Propane Torch (link to Amazon) would be an excellent choice.
5. Use the Propane Torch To Burn Off Accumulated Residue
Follow the two-step procedure below to burn off the residue:
- Use the propane torch (or a similar fire torch) to burn off all the residue on the muffler silencer. If the muffler gets hot enough to turn red, do not worry. Continue until the residue is all burnt up and turns into white ash. Don’t forget to use the torch on the spark screen as well.
- Scrape off all the white residue with a stainless steel brush. If you own a compressed air blower, use it to blow away the remaining ashes. Use the brush to clean the spark screen, too.
If you do not own a propane torch or any other fire torch, do not worry. Another viable method is to burn the residue inside the chainsaw muffler silencer.
Below are some of your options:
- If you own a barbecue, you can make a fire and leave the muffler silencer on the grill for one or two hours, regularly checking the amount of residue left.
- Alternatively, you can put it in a fire pit or build a safe fire in your backyard and leave it there for some time.
6. Scrape Off Any Excess Residue Using Sanding Paper
After the chainsaw muffler silencer has cooled, it is time to use the sanding paper. You can scrape off the remaining residue with a sanding paper in your hand, or if you own one, you can use a sanding drum on a rotary tool like Dremel.
7. Clean the Muffler Silencer With a Carburetor Cleaner
To ensure the best results for the cleaning process, use a carburetor cleaner or rubbing alcohol solution. Thoroughly spray or soak the muffler silencer in the solution and set it aside until all the liquid evaporates.
Rub the spark screen using the used toothbrush. Only mount the muffler or use the chainsaw after the solution is gone.
8. Reassemble the Muffler Silencer and Give It a Test
After the cleaning process is done, reassemble your chainsaw. Make sure to tighten all bolts and screws and place the spark screen in its place (source). Don’t forget to test it to see how smooth it runs after a total muffler cleaning.
Using a chainsaw in unventilated areas is dangerous, as it can cause the buildup of carbon monoxide (source).
What if your chainsaw muffler is full of gas? You should find out why there’s a leak and how to solve the issue. Read my guide to learn more. [What to Do When a Chainsaw Muffler is Full of Gas]
Final Thoughts
Cleaning and maintaining the muffler silencer is a great way to extend the functioning time of your chainsaw. The muffler helps the engine receive the proper airflow, so you must always keep it clean.