Installing and Adjusting the Guide Bar and Saw Chain
NOTE:
For longest chain life, place new or
replacement chain loops in oil and soak
overnight before installation.
IMPORTANT!
The chain brake must be completely
disengaged before removing or
installing the clutch cover.
1. Use the socket wrench to remove the
clutch cover nut(s) in a counter-
clockwise rotation.
2. Remove the clutch cover.
3. Remove and discard the packing
spacer.
4. Place the guide bar over the guide bar
stud(s) and chain tensioner pin.
CAUTION!
Failure to align the guide bar and
chain tensioner pin can cause
serious damage to the clutch
cover, guide bar, tensioner pin,
and/or engine crankcase!
WARNING!
The cutters on the saw
chain are very sharp!
Always wear gloves when handling.
5. Install the chain loop over the drive
sprocket, and then align the chain
drive links within the guide bar
groove. Verify that the cutters are
properly oriented with cutter edges
facing forward on top of bar. If chain
installation is difficult or if the chain
appears too tight, refer to step 8.
6. Install the clutch cover over the bar
stud(s) and install the bar nut(s)
finger tight.
WARNING!
Never operate this saw
without the clutch cover
installed.
IMPORTANT!
Proper chain adjustment is essential for
maximum performance, chain life, and
operator safety. Always inspect chain
tension before operating this saw!
7. Place the saw on a flat surface and lift
the bar nose slightly.
8. To adjust chain tension:
n Turn the chain tension screw clock-
wise to tighten the chain.
n Turn the chain tension screw
counter-clockwise to loosen the
chain.
n While lifting the bar nose, tighten or
loosen the adjusting screw until the
chain at mid-bar on the bottom of the
bar just contacts the guide bar rails.
Sprocket
9. Tighten the bar nut(s). The saw
chain tension is correct when there
is not any slack on the bottom of the
guide bar but the saw chain can move
freely.
Chain Adjusting
Screw
Turn Clockwise to
Tighten the Chain
(extend the guide
bar)
Re-Adjusting the Saw Chain
1. To adjust chain tension in the field:
Stop the saw and allow the guide bar
and chain to cool. Loosen both bar
nuts approximately 1-turn each, and
then perform steps 7-9 above. Never
operate the saw with a loose chain!
Guide Bar
Studs
Spacer (discard)
Clutch Cover
Nut
Insert Chain Tensioner
Pin into the Hole
Saw Chain
1/8" Max.
(3 - 3.5 mm)
Check the gap between chain side
plates and the bar rail
WARNING!
Inspect chain tension often
during operation, especially
when breaking in a new chain. A
loose saw chain can jump from the
guide bar, possibly causing serious
personal injury!
7