How to diagnose a failing clutch

[jcquade]

I have a ms251. When running it I hear a rattle in the clutch area. The chain does not move when I let off gas. That's all cuts and runs just fine. There is no slippage or anything with the chain. The chain stops when the break is engaged. I am wondering if the clutch is going out or is this something that is common? Is there something else that could be causing the rattle? I took the clutch apart and everything looked good, A little dirty and I cleanedthat up. I do not recall the rattle when this all is new. I have two ms170s and they don't rattle either.

 

[buzz sawyer]

Have you checked the crankshaft where the clutch bearing rides? Could be worn, allowing excess play in the bearing. If the crank is not worn, check how the rim sprocket fits on the clutch splines. If OK, try replacing the bearing. I've had saws that rattle like this but never had a problem.

 

[jcquade]

You at

Have you checked the crankshaft where the clutch bearing rides? Could be worn, allowing excess play in the bearing. If the crank is not worn, check how the rim sprocket fits on the clutch splines. If OK, try replacing the bearing. I've had saws that rattle like this but never had a problem.

 

[jcquade]

Thank you. I had a new piston put on it so assume crankshaft is good as I would expect them to say something if not. I will put a new spindle with grease on it and see if thar fixes it. Seems like a cheap and easy shot.

 

[HarleyT]

Put up some pics of the saw, especially of the sprocket area with the bar/chain removed.

 

[PV Hiker]

Could be the washer behind the e-clip that holds the sprocket a little loose and rattling.

 

[trains]

Ive seen clutches with worn star, or shoes, and the shoes rattle a bit, but mostly its from the circlip washer rattling around.
When you say its running and making the noise, do you mean when its cutting, its noisy, or when the chain is stationary, you get the rattle then ?

 

[jcquade]

When it is stationary. If i rev it up. The saw is too loud to hear it. Not a loud squeak either. The loose washer makes sense although I checked ot and it sure seems tight.

 

[Piotr Pakuła]

the drum bearing also spoils too much tensioning of the chain

 

[trains]

Best to take the clutch drum off and take some pictures, as has already been requested.

Ive seen oil drive gears stick to the crank, and the drive wire that indexes with the clutch drum rim groove, flail around under the clutch drum making a racket too.

but its all guesses till we see some clear pics.

 

[jcquade]

I replaced the spindle bearing and it is not rattling. Thank you for your recommendations

 

[trains]

Ah, good to know, when you originally said that you had taken it apart, I assumed that you had inspected that and re greased it too.
bet the drum had less wobble with the new bearing then .

 

[jcquade]

Ah, good to know, when you originally said that you had taken it apart, I assumed that you had inspected that and re greased it too.
bet the drum had less wobble with the new bearing then .

I am new to working on my saws. Not even sure what to look fir to tell if parts are worn. Definitely not a good inspector. Have a happy new year.

 

[trains]

I am new to working on my saws. Not even sure what to look fir to tell if parts are worn. Definitely not a good inspector. Have a happy new year.

Well, you have posted about it here and are willing to learn, there are many clever, experienced mechs here to help you learn, and the only silly question is the one you dont ask. So your in a good place now.
I am sure in a years time, you will look back and think, oh how basic, but at the moment your at the start of your learning journey.

Happy new year to you too.

 

[thenne1713]

I have a ms251. When running it I hear a rattle in the clutch area. The chain does not move when I let off gas. That's all cuts and runs just fine. There is no slippage or anything with the chain. The chain stops when the break is engaged. I am wondering if the clutch is going out or is this something that is common? Is there something else that could be causing the rattle? I took the clutch apart and everything looked good, A little dirty and I cleanedthat up. I do not recall the rattle when this all is new. I have two ms170s and they don't rattle either.

REPLACE NEEDLE BEARING AND OIL/GREASE per OM schedule?