Clutch trouble

[NovaMan]

My chain moves at idle, and if I hit the chain brake, it kills. I didn't perceive an increase in idle speed, but my ear isn't as definitive as a tach. Most clutches slip when they wear out; is it the same with a chainsaw clutch, or do they stick? Is it possible that it's just gummed up?

 

[cuttinscott]

Either a broken clutch spring or a frozen/gummed up sprocket bearing would be my guess

Scott

 

[Lakeside53]

If you've lugged the saw with a dull chain etc, then the clutch can overheat and the springs loose tenstion. Eventually the wear from being sloppy and break. Pop the clutch drum off, check for the obvious, and if you don't see any problems, just replace all three springs (assuming we're talking about your 026 - about $2 each). You don't need to remove the clutch to replace the springs, but it will help if you stop the piston with some rope.

 

[NovaMan]

Thanks guys, I'll have a look at my next chance and report back.
(And yes, this is my 026.)

 

[straight6jeff]

My 61 was doing the same thing at idle. The clutch spring was weak. I did not realize how weak until I got a new clutch. I cahnged the clutch, drum, rim and bearing. Much better now.

 

[NovaMan]

One broken spring. I'll get a replacement on my way home from work tomorrow... I should replace all three springs, right?

 

[cuttinscott]

One broken spring. I'll get a replacement on my way home from work tomorrow... I should replace all three springs, right?

Right replace all the springs, also lube the sprocket bearing

Scott

 

[NovaMan]

Sprocket bearing? From what I can tell, the sprocket is a solid piece of metal which slips over the splines on shaft of the clutch drum.

A pic would be stupendous.

 

[cuttinscott]

Sprocket bearing? From what I can tell, the sprocket is a solid piece of metal which slips over the splines on shaft of the clutch drum.

A pic would be stupendous.

Ok its generally called a sprocket bearing but it is the clutch drum bearing as you have a floating rim sproket.

Scott

 

[NovaMan]

Ah, OK. So do i just pack it with grease?

 

[cuttinscott]

Ah, OK. So do i just pack it with grease?

Real light Grease I use a spray lube Wurth HSS2000 which sprays as a penetrant then changes to a light grease.
If you use tooo heavy of grease it will drag too much and give you the same affect as your broken clutch spring.

Scott

 

[NovaMan]

Other than WD40 (which isn't much of a lubricant), the non-grease lubricants I have are Aerokroil, 3-in-1 oil, Marvel Mystery Oil, motor oil, bar and chain lube........ and nickel antiseize. Would any of those work?

 

[WRW]

Got any Vaseline?

 

[cuttinscott]

Chain Lube


Scott

 

[scottr]

NovaMan , surely you have some wheel bearing grease .

 

[Lakeside53]

any oil... or forget it... the factory ships them dry - the chain lube is what keeps it going...

 

[GASoline71]

any oil... or forget it... the factory ships them dry - the chain lube is what keeps it going...

Yup...

Gary

 

[NovaMan]

OK, I'll just slather some B&C lube on it then.

I went to the dealership and they ordered the springs today: 0000 997 5600
On the receipt, it says they're for an MS270 or MS280. Did they order the right springs?

 

[Lakeside53]

They are the correct springs.

 

[NovaMan]

I picked them up and installed them. A little bit of a PITA, but not too bad really.

For people searching for clutch spring replacement info:
You need a wide cold chisel or an exceptionally wide flat blade screwdriver and a needle nose pliers to pop off the e-clip. Then you'll need something like a screwdriver to stick through the clutch to keep it from spinning while you remove the surviving springs, and something to wedge the clutch piece toward the crank so you won't have to stretch the new springs so much. Then you can use your needle nose to stretch the new springs into place. Put a couple drops of bar and chain lube on the sprocket bearing, wipe off the inside of the clutch drum, reassemble, and you're good to go.