Stupid chainsaw question

Mike mandry · Aug 28, 2003

I have a "Stupid" question for all of you guys who know more than I do.

I run older Homelites.

I have an older XL-12 that I know is getting pretty tired & the compression is suffering, but it still runs & starts easy.

sometimes, when I really "Lay her to the wood" it will be cutting well & next thing you know, it will stop dead in its tracks (the chain) & the engine seems to bog down real bad.

Is this the clutch slipping ?? It does not die, it will just "bog down" sometimes it will even do it in a very light cut.

I always assumed it was because the motor was getting tired??

Or, is it the clutch.

I know the chain is right, as it does not matter if I run a different chain. It will still do it.

The carb is tuned right & it starts easy & the fuel tank is venting the way it should.

Any advice appreciated.

tony marks · Aug 29, 2003

my guess would be the load cuts the rpm dn to the point where it doesnt engage
the chain. kinda like when its at idle.. the chain dont turn [if set rite], but the motor is still turning low rpm.
just a guess. good luck.
ps sorry if my meaning aint clear ,its the
best i knew how to describe it.

Stumper · Aug 29, 2003

You say that compression is on the low side. Tired saws (low compression don't seem to make the power. I've had worn out (or needing new rings saws manifest those symptoms. Still start, still run, bog out way too easy.

Crofter · Aug 29, 2003

Clutch Slippage

Those old Homelites were pretty torqie at lower rpm's and the clutch engaging force is reduced because of less centrifugal force at lower rpms. As you load the saw down you can reach a point of chain stall and clutch slippage. As the S shaped inner weight part of the clutch wears this will be more obvious. If you are keeping your chain really as sharp as it should be you probably would not have to load it down so to make it cut well.
Frank

hlw49 · Aug 30, 2003

Here are some things I have seen cause the problem you described. The fuel filter has let trash by and stopped up the inlet screen in the carb. or the screen under the high speed welch plug is partially stopped up and will run ok under light cutting condiitions and bog under heavier load. Small hole in the fuel line lets it draw air instead of fuel. Later Butch