McCullough Mac3516 Maintenance / Repair

[McCullough]

Have used a Mac3516 (16in bar) for over 10 years and have always been pleased with it (it has seen a lot of use as we burn wood for heating a house and attached shop). The engine still has good power and the chain brake components have been replaced. the sproket has some wear, but is quite usable. Chain is sharp. Lately it has become unusable in that when you start cutting on a log the chain will stop turning/cutting when any significant amount of tension is placed on the chain, which typically occurs just a 1/2 inch into the log. I was curious as to what might be causing this?

 

[PWB]

Had to replace the shoes in the clutch on a homelite 35 that was doing this (a LOT of years ago). I'd be pulling the drum off the clutch to have a look.

 

[mbopp]

Pull the clutch & see if it's contaminated with oil. I use a spray can of brake cleaner to clean the shoes, then re-lube the bearing & reassemble.