Need chainsaw advice

[Pokeboater]

I have a new Echo CS-346 that is driving me nuts! The saw is light and cuts fast but it slings the chain off 2 or 3 times per tank of gas (I'm only on my 3rd or 4th tank of gas). I'm spending more time putting the chain back on than cutting. I've replaced the chain 2 times to no avail, the bar looks fine and the sprocket looks fine. I keep it as tight as possible without burning up the clutch. I have a Husky 350, 359 and a Stihl 034 and never have a problem with chains coming off. Is it the size of the chain/bar thats causing the problem? The bar is awfully long an narrow compared to my other saws. Is there another saw this size that would be better? By the way, I'm cutting small stuff with alot of cutting over my head, so weight is a big consideration.

 

[clearance]

Welcome to the site, ditch it and use the 034.

 

[COLD_IRON]

I was thinking it might be the chain tensioner.

 

[pallis]

Assuming you are using the correct pitch chain, and you are right about the sprocket being good, the next place to look is the bar. It sounds like it might not be straight.

 

[computeruser]

Sprocket still looks good, right? Everything lining up correctly? Then it's probably bar-related.

If you're still running the original 16" Echo-painted Intenz bar, that could be part of the issue. I've seen a few that kept throwing chains no matter what. Swapping for a Pro91 solved that problem right quick in the case of the saws that I saw doing that.

 

[Brushwacker]

New. Use your warranty.
Do you have the same pitch sprocket on your saw and your bar and your chain. I would double check.
A flaw in the sprocket in the bar would be my #2 check.
#3 Is your bar straight,the rails evenly gapped and evenly surfaced?
#4 Make sure your groove is clean all the way to the tip both sides. A hacksaw blade broke in half works well.
If you have not found the problem at this point,mabe your clutch hub or crankshaft end is defective which I would think unlikely.

 

[Pokeboater]

Everything lines up, sprocket looks new, chains new, not sure what the problem is. Could it be the narrow bar? Looks like the chain has to make a sharp turn at the end. I'm cutting some really small stuff, maybe the chain is stretching when the teeth catch something?

 

[oregonlumber]

i would doubt that it would be the narrow bar to me it sounds like maybe burr in the bar but it would have to be noticeable look at the chain tensioner and see if its stripped out

 

[sugarbush]

your probably getting small twigs or branch's caught between the chain and bar, (it'll walk the chain off) when cutting small stuff keep the chain snug (no sag) and the rpm's up. also sharp chain.