Hey everyone, I just inherited a Makita EA3201S. It fires up great, idles fine, and has solid power, but I'm getting absolutely zero oil to the bar, even after cleaning out the bar groove and the little oiling port on the saw body. I checked the oil tank hose connection, which seems clear, but when I rev the saw with the bar off, no oil mist or stream is coming out. I'm worried the oil pump itself has failed or the worm gear is stripped. Before I dive in and tear the whole thing down to replace the pump.. has anyone run into this specific issue on the EA3201S or a similar gas Makita and found a simple fix like a hidden clog I might be missing? What's the best way to confirm pump failure? I want to make sure I order parts and make replacements that are necessary.. Thanks!
Tips to confirm pump failure on Makita EA3201S?
- Thread starter _russ608
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Apex22
Well-known member
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- Aug 27, 2025
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The EA3201S oil pump seems to have failed, or the worm gear might be stripped. To diagnose the issue, disconnect the oil line at the pump outlet and rev the engine, if there’s no oil flowing, the pump is probably bad. Make sure to check the worm gear on the clutch side for any signs of wear. If the tank line is clear, you shouldn’t have any hidden clogs. Remember to order both the pump assembly and the worm gear together.
makita pulled the cork on gas(petro) powered units a couple years back, so parts are hard to find. Rioby did the same thing along with numerous other companies leaving consumers high and dry. I just received a part for my expensive Rioby multi head weed /brush unit ( 2years old) that was ordered last march. Went out and bought a Stilh ( gas) unit (ouch$$$) figured they might not pull that stunt for as long as i am still around and able to do stuff. Personally I dislike battery powered units in some areas like heavy outdoor work. I don't like electronics in field equipment either. Failure rates are to high, dealer only repairs ( IF they can even fix it) = more hogwash.
