Not so smooth..

[Typhoon]

Hello. The other day I was cutting with my 346 and shattered the rim sprocket into pieces. Well night before last I just got around to putting a new one on. After installing it and putting on a brand new chain, when I pull the chain around the bar, it doesnt feel as smooth as it should. I of course tried different amounts of tension on the bar but still made no difference. It feels almost the same as if you were to put a sprocket on with the wrong pitch. I know the sprocket is the right one, its a 325 7 tooth. But for some reason it doesnt feel right. I have not ran the saw yet because it has been raining here for 2 days. I just wanted to mention this to see if anyone else had ever experienced this. Its strange. Also, does it matter which side of the sprocket faces out? Thanks!

 

[Crofter]

Typhoon. Go over your drivers one by one and check that there is no upset metal sticking out of the drive tangs and that none of them are bent. Even derailing sometimes does some damage that needs a few strokes of the file. Check also that no damage has been transferred to the sprocket nose of the bar. I change my rims around to equalise wear.

 

[Typhoon]

Also by the way, what is the proper method for taking the clutch assembly off? I am not sure that I did it the right way. I sat the saw down on the ground, and put a screwdriver in the little indention on the clutch, and hit it a few times with a hammer until it came loose then I spun it off.

 

[Hunter]

one thing also to check is that the chain is actually in the sprocket and not beside it. I have had chains get beside the sprocket and give the same rough feeling.
Hunter

 

[cbfarmall]

Like Hunter was talking about, I've had the chain off the sprocket twice. Once, the drivers wore a groove in the drum splines. Both times, the chain drivers were severely damaged. Small saws might not do the damage that my 090 and 066 caused.

Typhoon,

Your method is acceptable provided you don't beat on the clutch all day long. The proper way to do it would be to lock the crank with a piece of rope in the spark plug hole, and use the tool the manufacturer supplies. I've used an impact wrench, but now only as a last resort.

Chris B.

 

[Typhoon]

Where might I find one of these tools?

 

[Typhoon]

Oh and I had Jeff Sikkema send me one of those piston stoppers so thats what I use to stop the crank from turning. But I wish I would have known about the rope trick. That sounds like it would work great too!

 

[glens]

Rope works nicely, but you have to take care you don't let it get down into the transfers.  The tool Jeff sent will be best.

This is why I prefer outboard sprockets.

Glen

 

[turnkey4099]

Originally posted by Typhoon
Oh and I had Jeff Sikkema send me one of those piston stoppers so thats what I use to stop the crank from turning. But I wish I would have known about the rope trick. That sounds like it would work great too!

For sure. The tech workig on my Johnny Red let that happen. Had to dismantle teh saw to get it back out.

Harry K