Chainsaw troubleshooting

[wolf02w]

I have a 14" homelite and a 20" poulan. Both are doing the same thing, as soon as I start a cut, the chain becomes extremely loose. Any help appreciated. TIA.

 

[prado t]

Hi, Your chain gets warm and expands a bit when a cut is made. There is a warm tension and a cold tension. They also seem to get loose when the chain oil gets added. Carry your wrench with you! OH by the way , I have a STIHL 023, STIHL 036 PRO and Use a 666STIHL for work . They all do it. New chains need to be retensioned more than an older one. That is my experience.

I bought a POULAN 20" a few years back and have completely worn out 6 OREGON chains it keeps cutting. IMOP a 100 bargain


There is a chain saw pro on the forum maybe he might chime in.

 

[e9999]

yes, if you start standard tight (for me that's looks tight on but can't pull chain out till the guides are out of the bar) and the chain heats up there will be some expansion and it will look a bit looser. Maybe look visibly slightly loose (as in not tight). But shouldn't hang like a loose necklace flopping around though. I do routinely retighten the chain when it gets hot, though, and I also let it a bit loose before putting it away so it doesn't overstress when cooling down.

These saws have some positive (screw) chain tightening mechanism I assume? All OK with that?

 

[splitshot]

^^^Typical running longer bars.
Check for clutch sprocket wear also.

 

[D'Animal]

1st Make sure you have the right saw chain for the saw. .325/.375 etc.
2nd Make sure your oiler is working
3rd Make sure you are using bar and chain lubricant, not regular motor oil
4th Make sure your sprocket is not worn out

5th When you tension your chain, hold up on the tip of the guide bar.