How to measure clutch wear? Bogging down in the cut - MS 290

[ham]

I have an MS 290 that has quite a bit of wear on it. 18" bar. If I'm deep in the cut it seems as though the clutch slips, the motor doesn't stall but it "bogs", the engine is turning while the chain is stopped. It feels like it's basically the clutch slightly slipping.

I've already replaced the spur sprocket setup with OEM rim, it didn't seem to make a difference. Everything was cleaned out, no bar oil seems to be in there.

 

[cuinrearview]

I bet someone here would send you a known good clutch to try.

 

[HarleyT]

That is a lot of oil on that drum, try cleaning everything with carb cleaner and see if that changes anything. Also put up a pic of your chain.

 

[ham]

That is a lot of oil on that drum, try cleaning everything with carb cleaner and see if that changes anything. Also put up a pic of your chain.

It's an almost new stihl yellow, attached

 

[ham]

I will do a better job cleaning the clutch area, but one of the things that seems odd is so little of the shoes touch the drum

 

[HarleyT]

Is there a chance that the clutch isn't the original one?

 

[ham]

Is there a chance that the clutch isn't the original one?

Sure it’s possible. The saw has an unknown history. That said the part number matches up to an 1127 clutch. Part number 1127/00A

 

[HarleyT]

The various numbers that you might see on clutches can be misleading.

 

[HarleyT]

Here is a clutch off of an 017-025- sized saw, you will see the 1127 as well.

 

[HarleyT]

The MS271 clutch is a little bit smaller diameter, the ms311 is same diameter, but a bit thicker/heavier.

 

[HarleyT]

Put your sprocket over the clutch and see if there is any side to side slop.

 

[HarleyT]

Here is a ms290 clutch in a drum, there is little side to side slop.

 

[Jasent]

Looks like spring have worn a groove. Hard to tell from the pic.

 

[ray benson]

I have an MS 290 that has quite a bit of wear on it. 18" bar. If I'm deep in the cut it seems as though the clutch slips, the motor doesn't stall but it "bogs", the engine is turning while the chain is stopped. It feels like it's basically the clutch slightly slipping.

I've already replaced the spur sprocket setup with OEM rim, it didn't seem to make a difference. Everything was cleaned out, no bar oil seems to be in there.

Second pic the inside of the drum looks greasy where the shoes grab. Needs a good cleaning and only put a little grease on the bearing.

 

[user 122190]

Normally if the clutch is the problem, you would have excessive heat very quickly and there would be over heating (like blueing) on the metals.

 

[Jasent]

Normally if the clutch is the problem, you would have excessive heat very quickly and there would be over heating (like blueing) on the metals.

Good point

 

[Old2stroke]

. If I'm deep in the cut it seems as though the clutch slips, the motor doesn't stall but it "bogs", the engine is turning while the chain is stopped. It feels like it's basically the clutch slightly slippin

When you say the engine "bogs" when the chain stops, if you mean the engine rpm is pulled way down when the chain stalls, this sounds normal. Stall the chain and the engine will slow down to the point where the clutch starts to slip and then all the power of the saw will show up as heat in the clutch. Same as running a saw with the brake on. If the chain stalls did you expect the engine to stop?

 

[ham]

When you say the engine "bogs" when the chain stops, if you mean the engine rpm is pulled way down when the chain stalls, this sounds normal. Stall the chain and the engine will slow down to the point where the clutch starts to slip and then all the power of the saw will show up as heat in the clutch. Same as running a saw with the brake on. If the chain stalls did you expect the engine to stop?

I think you are exactly right, seems so obvious now! Rpm goes down, clutch retracts

 

[farmguywithasaw]

I know my ms290 doesn’t like to be pushed. Just have to let it cut. Also make sure the motor is tuned up good. That will solve a lot of problems

 

[HarleyT]

I know my ms290 doesn’t like to be pushed.

Well, who does???