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Posted: 12/21/2014 1:10:47 PM EDT
I've been using this Stihl for almost 20 years. Seriously, 20.
Last season it began to develop an issue. The chain would get loose. I'd tighten it up and cut another tank of gas...chain is loose. I mean, sloppy, about to slop off. I'd tighten it and by then I was out of chain tensioner movement. I thought I was doing something wrong. Over tightening, using too light of bar oil, pushing the bar/chain too hard? The other day I bought a new bar, 20" and installed it along with the new chain that came with it. The tensioner was already at HALF its movement before the chain was even used. Just installing required half the movement. I cut exactly ONE tank of gas with it and the chain was so loose it was slopping off. I'm not pushing down on the saw, I am running it with bar/chain oil. The bar is not heat stressed (no visual burns, or paint missing). The chain shows some wear, but, I can 'hear' a singing chain when it is not being lubed properly. Holding the running saw over dry leaves shows a steady smear of oil droplets spinning off the chain. Something is wrong, but, I don't know where, mechanically, I should look now. TRG |
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What are you cutting? I used to cut a LOT of almond wood. It was pretty tough on chains and tightening every tank of gas was not out of the realm, especially with an older chain.
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Just in case you don't know,
Be sure to push up on the bar when Installing it. Not doing so has caused my chain to Loosen up. |
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What are you cutting? I used to cut a LOT of almond wood. It was pretty tough on chains and tightening every tank of gas was not out of the realm, especially with an older chain. View Quote Oak. Sweet Gum. Elm. I cut old trees, mostly. They have been standing dead, or laying on the ground, for a year or two. I seldom cut green wood. The wood I do cut is normally 30-40% rotted. This hasn't changed. Same wood variety that I have always been cutting. TRG |
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Originally Posted By Slacker:
Just in case you don't know, Be sure to push up on the bar when Installing it. Not doing so has caused my chain to Loosen up. View Quote I don't lift up on the bar. I'll try it, but, I've never had the issue in the past. I'll need to cut more wood in the next day or so and I'll see if lifting the tip helps. Ironic username. TRG |
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Twenty year old saw ... willing to bet the tension mechanism has galling or some stripping in the threads.
Have you also checked the nuts/studs clamping the bar for galling or stripping? I replace the nuts every couple years.
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Twenty year old saw ... willing to bet the tension mechanism has galling or some stripping in the threads. Have you also checked the nuts/studs clamping the bar for galling or stripping? I replace the nuts every couple years. View Quote I'll check them. Any chance you might have a pic that could show what they should look like and what a bad one looks like? TRG |
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Quoted: I'll check them. Any chance you might have a pic that could show what they should look like and what a bad one looks like? TRG View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Twenty year old saw ... willing to bet the tension mechanism has galling or some stripping in the threads. Have you also checked the nuts/studs clamping the bar for galling or stripping? I replace the nuts every couple years. I'll check them. Any chance you might have a pic that could show what they should look like and what a bad one looks like? TRG If you remove the blade, look at differences in wear on the black threaded shaft that moves the adjuster back and forth. The wear is typically not on that shaft but in the adjuster itself. Blow it out with compressed air so you can see better. Look for missing e-clips, seen that happen also. Also, arboristsite forum has gurus that are much better than I to diagnose and get parts if necessary. They also have a manual library good for exploded parts diagrams. It has been a long time since I handled one of those saws ... they have a good rep for reliability. My saws are much newer, a 362 and a 441cm. I'm going to check on some manuals I may have in my garage ...
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Galling = threads look stripped. Usually the nut, if not caught in time, the stud starts wearing.
Look at uniformity of threads.
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complete tensioner $17
And that Canker Disease killed oak will suck the oil of the chain like brake cleaner. |
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Forgot about this .... When was last time sprocket was changed?
Old worn sprocket will wear out a new chain quickly. I buy chain by the dozen and swap out in the field when needed. Fleabay has good prices on Stihl chain if you buy quantity. Old chain and new sprocket is kind of OK, new chain and worn sprocket is not OK.
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Maybe a stupid question, but you are using a Stihl chain right?
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Forgot about this .... When was last time sprocket was changed? Old worn sprocket will wear out a new chain quickly. I buy chain by the dozen and swap out in the field when needed. Fleabay has good prices on Stihl chain if you buy quantity. Old chain and new sprocket is kind of OK, new chain and worn sprocket is not OK. View Quote I've never changed the sprocket. I'll get pics of it as well. As for the chain question, I've used Oregon, Stihl and Countryside (TSC brand) TRG |
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I've never changed the sprocket. I'll get pics of it as well. As for the chain question, I've used Oregon, Stihl and Countryside (TSC brand) TRG View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Forgot about this .... When was last time sprocket was changed? Old worn sprocket will wear out a new chain quickly. I buy chain by the dozen and swap out in the field when needed. Fleabay has good prices on Stihl chain if you buy quantity. Old chain and new sprocket is kind of OK, new chain and worn sprocket is not OK. I've never changed the sprocket. I'll get pics of it as well. As for the chain question, I've used Oregon, Stihl and Countryside (TSC brand) TRG Chances are that your tensioner is stripped. Most Stihl dealers should carry the parts and it is easy to change. |
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It doesn't. ... but some people are going to believe that it does. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Maybe a stupid question, but you are using a Stihl chain right? Why would that make a difference? It doesn't. ... but some people are going to believe that it does. It makes a difference between a high quality chain (not necessarily Stihl) and a POS that wears out cutting a maple tree . |
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It makes a difference between a high quality chain (not necessarily Stihl) and a POS that wears out cutting a maple tree . View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Maybe a stupid question, but you are using a Stihl chain right? Why would that make a difference? It doesn't. ... but some people are going to believe that it does. It makes a difference between a high quality chain (not necessarily Stihl) and a POS that wears out cutting a maple tree . NOTHING on the market will stretch that easy and fast...not even the HD china garbage. The Cheapest of the cheap chains on E-Bay, stop stretching after 2-3 adjustments...they go dull on popple like a bastard, but stop stretching at a certain pont. It's either the Rim sprocket is down past the nubbins, or his adjuster has finally gotten stripped out. Being 20 Years old, I'm guessing a 6 dollar, 7 pin rim is in order, and was worn out 5 years ago. |
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Another vote that the worm in the tensioner is stripped or worn.
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I'd look close at the little nub that fits into the bar so that it can be tightened or loosened. The part that fits into the bar is probably worn to a taper and is letting the bar slip.
I had the exact issue with my chain getting loose last year and replaced that part and no more loose chain. It is the piece that the adjustment screw moves and it was only a couple of dollars. |
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Thanks for all the advice. I hve not had time to go out there and tear in to it.
I am going to 'guess' that wear is the issue on that sprocket. I cut 6-8 cords per year. I've been doing that for 20... TRG |
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Thanks for all the advice. I hve not had time to go out there and tear in to it. I am going to 'guess' that wear is the issue on that sprocket. I cut 6-8 cords per year. I've been doing that for 20... TRG View Quote The local Stihl dealer will have rim sprockets for under 10 bucks, and they are easy to swap out. While you're in there, replace the clutch bearing too, as it was time to do so around 2002....and maybe eyeball the clutch and drum for wear. Send the old rim to Stihl along with the story. I'm not sure if it's some sort of record or not, but it's going top be close. Who knows, maybe the Krauts will gift you with a Hat or something. |
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IIRC, Stihl saws have a lifetime warranty on the clutch.
(For non commercial use) |
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I've sold Stihl my entire life and my bet is it is the sprocket worn. The chain falls into the groove allowing the chain to loosen up. A close second bet would be an issue with the chain tensioner mechanism.
Both have already been covered, but I guarantee it is one of those two issues. |
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In addition, when that happens to my farm boss I clean out the oil tunnel/groove in the bar and everything is fine again. Follow the other posters' advice first.
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The local Stihl dealer will have rim sprockets for under 10 bucks, and they are easy to swap out. While you're in there, replace the clutch bearing too, as it was time to do so around 2002....and maybe eyeball the clutch and drum for wear. Send the old rim to Stihl along with the story. I'm not sure if it's some sort of record or not, but it's going top be close. Who knows, maybe the Krauts will gift you with a Hat or something. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Thanks for all the advice. I hve not had time to go out there and tear in to it. I am going to 'guess' that wear is the issue on that sprocket. I cut 6-8 cords per year. I've been doing that for 20... TRG The local Stihl dealer will have rim sprockets for under 10 bucks, and they are easy to swap out. While you're in there, replace the clutch bearing too, as it was time to do so around 2002....and maybe eyeball the clutch and drum for wear. Send the old rim to Stihl along with the story. I'm not sure if it's some sort of record or not, but it's going top be close. Who knows, maybe the Krauts will gift you with a Hat or something. I have not had time to take pics and pull things apart, but, just from a glance, yeah I have some major wear there. I probably should send it to stihl tell them, "Use this one for breeding purposes. It's The One." TRG |
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I've sold Stihl my entire life and my bet is it is the sprocket worn. The chain falls into the groove allowing the chain to loosen up. A close second bet would be an issue with the chain tensioner mechanism. Both have already been covered, but I guarantee it is one of those two issues. View Quote If you have the parts in stock ... I have two 026s that I will need sprockets and tensioners for. I can IM you my address or you got a number I can call and order? TRG |
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I have not had time to take pics and pull things apart, but, just from a glance, yeah I have some major wear there. I probably should send it to stihl tell them, "Use this one for breeding purposes. It's The One." TRG View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Thanks for all the advice. I hve not had time to go out there and tear in to it. I am going to 'guess' that wear is the issue on that sprocket. I cut 6-8 cords per year. I've been doing that for 20... TRG The local Stihl dealer will have rim sprockets for under 10 bucks, and they are easy to swap out. While you're in there, replace the clutch bearing too, as it was time to do so around 2002....and maybe eyeball the clutch and drum for wear. Send the old rim to Stihl along with the story. I'm not sure if it's some sort of record or not, but it's going top be close. Who knows, maybe the Krauts will gift you with a Hat or something. I have not had time to take pics and pull things apart, but, just from a glance, yeah I have some major wear there. I probably should send it to stihl tell them, "Use this one for breeding purposes. It's The One." TRG Ya need a new rim sprocket, Clutch bearing, and a couple of E-clips. Always keep a spare E-clip, duct taped in the saw box somewhere with a spare Bar nut. Damn things shoot off the clutch, and engage some sort of diabolical stealth technology bullshit 9 times out of 10. |
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If you have the parts in stock ... I have two 026s that I will need sprockets and tensioners for. I can IM you my address or you got a number I can call and order? TRG View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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I've sold Stihl my entire life and my bet is it is the sprocket worn. The chain falls into the groove allowing the chain to loosen up. A close second bet would be an issue with the chain tensioner mechanism. Both have already been covered, but I guarantee it is one of those two issues. If you have the parts in stock ... I have two 026s that I will need sprockets and tensioners for. I can IM you my address or you got a number I can call and order? TRG Sure! I'll look tomorrow. I'd bet we have a couple and I'd be glad to ship them to you. I'll look and get in touch about it. |
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It's suffering from not being a Husky....... View Quote You're right about that.... after 20 some years of neglect (no offense intended OP) it's still running, which brought to light the need to replace the rim sprocket and do a little real maintenance. Husky doesn't have that problem because they just simply don't last 20+ years... |
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You're right about that.... after 20 some years of neglect (no offense intended OP) it's still running, which brought to light the need to replace the rim sprocket and do a little real maintenance. Husky doesn't have that problem because they just simply don't last 20+ years... View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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It's suffering from not being a Husky....... You're right about that.... after 20 some years of neglect (no offense intended OP) it's still running, which brought to light the need to replace the rim sprocket and do a little real maintenance. Husky doesn't have that problem because they just simply don't last 20+ years... With a two month old infant at home, cold weather, and now a sick dog I haven't pulled these saws apart yet. But, since posting I have cut another two trailers of wood (four different oaks, standing dead) with the saw. TRG |
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Quoted:With a two month old infant at home, cold weather, and now a sick dog I haven't pulled these saws apart yet. But, since posting I have cut another two trailers of wood (four different oaks, standing dead) with the saw.
View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:With a two month old infant at home, cold weather, and now a sick dog I haven't pulled these saws apart yet. But, since posting I have cut another two trailers of wood (four different oaks, standing dead) with the saw.
I hear you there... 1 month old here... stuff doesn't stop when little ones come along... FWIW, I wasn't knocking you or anything. If you don't know the sprocket needs maintenance (a LOT of people don't) then you can't really be blamed too much. I was just pointing out to the funny man that thinks Husky is superior, this saw made it 20 years and is still going even with a little neglect. Quoted:
<a href="http://s671.photobucket.com/user/TheRedGoat/media/garden2014/20150107_133657_zps24cfc78b.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv71/TheRedGoat/garden2014/20150107_133657_zps24cfc78b.jpg</a> Wow, that's some pretty good wear!!!! |
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I hear you there... 1 month old here... stuff doesn't stop when little ones come along... FWIW, I wasn't knocking you or anything. If you don't know the sprocket needs maintenance (a LOT of people don't) then you can't really be blamed too much. I was just pointing out to the funny man that thinks Husky is superior, this saw made it 20 years and is still going even with a little neglect. Wow, that's some pretty good wear!!!! View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:With a two month old infant at home, cold weather, and now a sick dog I haven't pulled these saws apart yet. But, since posting I have cut another two trailers of wood (four different oaks, standing dead) with the saw.
I hear you there... 1 month old here... stuff doesn't stop when little ones come along... FWIW, I wasn't knocking you or anything. If you don't know the sprocket needs maintenance (a LOT of people don't) then you can't really be blamed too much. I was just pointing out to the funny man that thinks Husky is superior, this saw made it 20 years and is still going even with a little neglect. Quoted:
<a href="http://s671.photobucket.com/user/TheRedGoat/media/garden2014/20150107_133657_zps24cfc78b.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv71/TheRedGoat/garden2014/20150107_133657_zps24cfc78b.jpg</a> Wow, that's some pretty good wear!!!! Two decades ... minimum. Saw was purchased from a pawn shop. Used, but lightly, when purchased. Late 1990s. 96? 98? Not sure. TRG |
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Price includes installation and on-site tech support, right? TRG View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Parts should be on the way tomorrow! 'Preciate the business. Price includes installation and on-site tech support, right? TRG Lets not get carried away there Mr. Goat! |
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Now you have a cool keychain <a href="http://s48.photobucket.com/user/11724/media/A-Z/DSCN9489_zps8cb4dc06.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f240/11724/A-Z/DSCN9489_zps8cb4dc06.jpg</a> View Quote Very cool! I have to do that. |
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Lets not get carried away there Mr. Goat! View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Parts should be on the way tomorrow! 'Preciate the business. Price includes installation and on-site tech support, right? TRG Lets not get carried away there Mr. Goat! I have a nice spot out back where you can camp... TRG |
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Quoted:In my lap yesterday. I was trying to post here .. he had other plans.
View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Haha, our little girl is quite the squirmer; as a matter of fact, we've had several people comment that they've never seen a newborn move around as much as she does... very active means there is almost no way to hold her and post on arfcom at the same time unless she is sound asleep. Quoted:This was moments after his bath, whereupon he peed from the sink in to the toaster. Face says, "Bathe me again, and I take out the coffee pot..."
Haha, glad I don't have that problem just yet. We're hoping for a boy on the next go around; we'll just have to see if I get to enjoy the wonders of long-range, directional urination in the future. Quoted:
Now you have a cool keychain Yup, pretty sweet idea... why didn't I think of that? |
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Now you have a cool keychain <a href="http://s48.photobucket.com/user/11724/media/A-Z/DSCN9489_zps8cb4dc06.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f240/11724/A-Z/DSCN9489_zps8cb4dc06.jpg</a> View Quote Yep. That right there is yer problem. Check the drives on your chains. Those "Dents" and "Smears" on the driving edge can be filed out. Just use a Mill bastard file and lay the chain flat. If ya don't, they will booger up the new rim. I still think you should send that to the Krauts with the story. |
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Send it to bryan Equipment in Loveland Ohio. They are the largest Stihl distributor in the USA if not the world. I was just up their for some training and they have an amazing collection of Stihl, new and old.
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Now you have a cool keychain <a href="http://s48.photobucket.com/user/11724/media/A-Z/DSCN9489_zps8cb4dc06.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f240/11724/A-Z/DSCN9489_zps8cb4dc06.jpg</a> View Quote Nice! |
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Send it to bryan Equipment in Loveland Ohio. They are the largest Stihl distributor in the USA if not the world. I was just up their for some training and they have an amazing collection of Stihl, new and old. View Quote The new part solved the problem. Saw cuts properly and the chain is not getting loose now. Cuts like it's new again. TRG |
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The new part solved the problem. Saw cuts properly and the chain is not getting loose now. Cuts like it's new again. TRG View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Send it to bryan Equipment in Loveland Ohio. They are the largest Stihl distributor in the USA if not the world. I was just up their for some training and they have an amazing collection of Stihl, new and old. The new part solved the problem. Saw cuts properly and the chain is not getting loose now. Cuts like it's new again. TRG Glad to hear! Thanks for getting the parts from me. |
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