Chopping Chain Saws

Archive for the ‘Maintenance’ Category

For Gas powered chainsaws

Most gas-powered chainsaws use an in-tank fuel filter. When this filter becomes clogged with debris, it will cause decreases your chainsaw’s performance.

Make sure that you have the proper replacement fuel filter on hand before removing the old fuel filter.

* To replace the fuel you will have to drain the gas tank. The fuel filter is usually mounted on the end of the fuel pickup hose inside the gas tank.
* Carefully pull the end of the fuel pickup hose to the gas tank opening. DO NOT DISCONNECT THE HOSE FROM THE CHAINSAW. If you accidentally disconnect the hose for the chainsaw, you will have to take your chainsaw to an authorized repair center
* Carefully and gently, pull and twist the filter casing while holding the end of the hose steady to remove the old filter from the hose.
* Replace the old filter with a new filter, which is correct for the make and model of your chainsaw in the same manner as you removed the old filter.
* Refill the fuel tank with fresh oil/ fuel mixture.

Dispose of the old fuel in according to your state and local ordinances regarding petroleum waste.

Additional Maintenance Procedures as suggested by your owner’s manual or as needed

Depending on how often a chainsaw is used, some makes and models of chainsaws require special maintenance procedures. These procedures are located in your owner’s manual. Please ensure that you following your chainsaw’s manufacture’s procedures to guarantee maximum life and performance of your chainsaw as well as safe operations.

Because chainsaws do dirty work, it is necessary to make sure that certain parts are clean and working properly.

One such feature is the spark arrester screen. This is located inside the chainsaw’s muffler. It’s function is to prevent any sparks from exiting the exhaust port, causing injury to the operator or falling on flammable materials, such as dried leaves. Over time, oily deposits will clog the screen and decrease the chainsaw’s ability.

To inspect, clean, or replace the spark arrester screen, first you need to locate the chainsaw’s muffler. Next, remove the heat shield. This is usually a vented plastic or metal guard. Next, disassemble the muffler, then remove the spark arrester screen. Inspect the screen if it is damaged, then replace it with a new screen, if not then clean the screen. To clean the spark arrester screen, carefully use carburetor cleaner. Finally, replace the screen, reassemble the muffler, and replace the muffler guard.

To guarantee that your chainsaw will give you its maximum performance it is necessary to clean or replace you sparkplugs after every 10 hours of use.

Many people will frown at this frequency, but remember this piece of equipment is used to cut through wood, which will cause your spark plug to become dirty or worn. Not only will a dirty or worn spark plug cause erratic performance but it will also make your chainsaw harder to start.

It is easy to recognize worn spark plugs, for they will have a slightly rounded electrode. First, you want to remove the spark plug connector by pulling and slightly turning the rubber boot. NEVER remove the connector by gasping the wire. Next, using a spark plug wrench, you want to remove the spark plug, then examine the electrode tip. You want to also make sure that the plug is clean and free of any large deposits of carbon.

To clean the spark plug, carefully use carburetor cleaner and fine-grit sandpaper or an emery board. (I prefer to use the emery board) Once you have removed all dirt and carbon deposits, then use a gapping tool, gap the spark plug to the manufacturer’s specification, and then reinstall the spark plug. If the plug is worn, replace it with a new plug, which is gapped to your chainsaw’s manufacturer’s specification.

To avoid a wear pattern on your guide bar, you need to turn the guide bar after every 10 hours of use.

To do this simple remove the guide bar and flip it over, then reinstall it. If your bar shows signs of excessive wear, or is damaged in any way, the guide bar must be replaced with a new guide bar. Do not use your chainsaw until the guide bar has been replaced.

To turn the guide bar refer to your owner’s manual or follow the instructions listed below:

* Remove the shroud covering, clutch, and chain drive sprocket by losing then removing the two bar retaining nuts.
* Release the tension on the saw chain by turning the adjustment screw counterclockwise. (The adjustment screw should be located on the front of the motor housing near the guide bar.)
* Remove the saw chain.
* Remove the bar protector plate. (Make note of its placement so that it can be replaced correctly when reassembling.)
* Remove the guide bare, flip over the bar, then reinstall the bar.
* Replace bar protector plate.
* Replace saw chin.
* Properly tighten tension on saw chain by turning the adjustment screw clockwise.
* Replace clutch, chain drive sprocket, and shroud covering, then reattach the two bar retaining nuts and tighten them.

Perform these maintenance issues.

Lubricate the Sprocket Tip (EVERY 10 HOURS of USE)

After every 10 hours of use, you should lubricate the sprocket at the end of the guide bar according to your chainsaw’s manufacturer’s guidelines. The majority of chainsaws requires a special tool with a heavy gauge needle, grease reservoir, and a plunger handle in order to lubricate the sprocket. Depending on the make and model of chainsaw this tool may have been included, if not these tools can usually be purchased where parts for your chainsaw are sold. You want to inject the grease into the lubrication hole, which is located near the center of the sprocket shaft. When a small amount of grease begins to ooze around the edges of the guide bar near the sprocket, then you have enough lubrication.

Perform these maintenance issues.

Inspect the Kickback Guard (EVERY USE) (if equipped)

Not all chainsaws are equipped with a kickback guard. This covers the chain at the tip of the guide bar in front of the sprocket wheel. The purpose of this feature is to prevent contact of the tip with stationary objects, thus prevent violent kickbacks. Unfortunately, many operators remove this guard. The guard should never be altered or removed. If the guard is defective, then it should be repaired or replaced. Failure to maintain the kickback guard can result in serious or possible fatal injury.

Clean or Replace the Air Filter (EVERY 10 HOURS of USE)

By performing regular air filter maintenance, your chainsaw will run cooler and use less fuel.

To do this, simply locate the air filter on your chainsaw. This is generally located behind a vented removable cover near the rear of the motor. You have difficulty locating this, simply refer to your owner’s manual.

Once you have located the air filter, remove the cover, then carefully remove the filter. Next, clean or replace the filter as needed. To clean the foam elements use soapy water, rinse thoroughly, then allow to air dry before replacing it. Replace the paper elements, and replace the filter cover. You never want to operate your chainsaw without an air filter. This will damage your chainsaw.

The chain brake mechanism is a very important safety feature of your chainsaw and is designed to stop the chain when kickback occurs.

Each year over 40,000 individuals are injured due to the mishandling of a chainsaw. Over half of these injuries are a result of kickback. Therefore, before every use, you must ensure the mechanism is working properly. If there is a problem with this mechanism, follow your manufacturer’s procedures or take the chainsaw to an authorized service center for repair. Do not disassemble, remove, or attempt to service the chain brake mechanism yourself.

*Every chainsaw placed into initial service shall be equipped with a chain brake and shall otherwise meet the requirements of the ANSI B175-1.1991 “Safety Requirements for Gasoline-Powered Chainsaws.” Each chainsaw placed into service before February 9, 1995, shall be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chainsaw kickback. No chainsaw kickback device shall be removed or otherwise disabled. **
**Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration Section 6 of the Logging Preamble. For more information please visit their website at: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/logging/logsafe.html

Though chainsaws require very little maintenance, when properly maintained your chainsaw will last longer and be a safer tool to use.

Every chainsaw owner should keep the following list to help ensure the proper upkeep of the chainsaw.

Tools & Materials Needed to Maintain your Chainsaw

Important Safety Note: Before you service or perform any maintenance on your chainsaw make sure that it has had proper time to cool down. Always ensure that the spark plug has been disconnected if your chainsaw is gas powered. If your chainsaw is electric always, ensure that it is unplugged before performing any maintenance. Always wear protective gloves and eyewear when handling or performing maintenance on your chainsaw.

BASIC TOOLS NEEDED

* Carburetor cleaner
* Combination spark plug/guide bar wrench (Several chainsaw manufacturers make and sell multipurpose tools, which function as: Guide bar wrench, screwdriver, spark plug wrench, and basic wrench, specifically made for your particular chainsaw. You can purchase one or two of these tools so that you can carry one with you into the woods or when you are working with your chainsaw.
* Safety Goggles
* Bar and chain oil (that is recommended for the make and model of your chainsaw)
* Fresh fuel/oil mixture (that is recommended for the make and model of your chainsaw)
* Gloves
* Owner’s Manual (Store in plastic baggie keep for reference, in addition it is recommended that you either make an extra copy or request a copy from the manufacture.)
* Round file and file guide for sharpening saw chain
* Screwdrivers
* Shop rags
* Spare Spark plugs
* Spark plug gapping tool
* Sprocket lubricant
* Spare parts as needed (that are recommended for the make and model of your chainsaw)

In addition to the require tools listed above, you should also have the following items with you:

* First aid kit (this should contain at lest one large wound compress.)
* Multipurpose fire extinguisher
* Sharp axe
* Sledgehammer and wedges
* Bar and chain oil
* Pre-mixed two-cycle motor oil and gasoline for the engine (gas chainsaws)

The fuel for your chainsaw should be mixed according to the manufacturer’s requirements. Never use reclaimed crankshaft oil in your fuel.

All chainsaws sold in the United States must be equipped with a Chain Brake. This is designed to stop the saw chain instantly and is either activated manually or activated by the force of the kickback itself. You must refer to your owner’s manual on the proper way to check the chain break for your particular saw. Maintenance on this safety feature is vital and should one be attempted by a certified, properly trained chainsaw service technician.

Important Safety Note: Every chainsaw placed into initial service shall be equipped with a chain brake and shall otherwise meet the requirements of the ANSI B175-1.1991 “Safety Requirements for Gasoline-Powered Chainsaws.” Each chainsaw placed into service before February 9, 1995, shall be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chainsaw kickback. No chainsaw kickback device shall be removed or otherwise disabled. **

**Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration Section 6 of the Logging Preamble. For more information please visit their website at: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/logging/logsafe.html

Rotational Kickback: The rapid upward and backward motion of the saw that can occur when the moving saw chain near the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar contacts an object such as a log or branch.
(Source ANSI B175.1 2000)

Linear kickback (also called pinch kickback): The rapid push back of the saw that can occur when the wood closes in and pinches the moving saw chain in the cut along the top of the guide bar. (Source ANSI B175.1 2000)

Routine maintenance for chainsaws is generally simple. Chainsaws have to be lubricated and most chainsaws have two sources of lubrication.

Most two-stroke engines are lubricated by their fuel, which contains approximately 2 to 5% oil, depending on the model and make of the chainsaw. The oil is dissolved in the fuel, forming a highly flammable mixture. Therefore, for the external lubrication of the blade and chain a completely separate oil reservoir is used.

Important Safety Note: Before you service or perform any maintenance on your chainsaw make sure that it has had proper time to cool down. Always ensure that the spark plug has been disconnected if your chainsaw is gas powered. If your chainsaw is electric always, ensure that it is unplugged before performing any maintenance. Always wear protective gloves and eye ware when handling or performing maintenance on your chainsaw.

The oil that is used to lubricate the blade and chain is quickly depleted because of the centrifugal force of the chain tends throw off the oil. Always ensure that this reservoir is properly filled before each use of the chainsaw. In addition, if you will be using the chainsaw for a long period of time it is suggested that you have extra oil to refill this reservoir. Failing to maintain this reservoir, or using the wrong viscosity oil for the make and model of your chainsaw will damage the saws and tends to cause the chain to come off of the bar. If you are working with some types of soft woods, it may be necessary to occasionally stop and clean out or unplug the oil holes that dispense oil to the chain.

You will also need to clean the air intake filter, which tends to clog with sawdust. Generally, you should check this before each use, to prevent problems. Usually, if the intake filter is cleaned from time to time it is not a problem during operation. For instructions on how to clean your intake filter, refer to your owner’s manual. Many professional chainsaw operators clean the intake filter with gasoline. Do Not Use gasoline that oil has been added to, for this will clog your intake filter.

Chainsaw will need to have their chains removed from the saw and sharpened. How frequently this must be done, will depend on how often the chainsaw is used. When the teeth of your chainsaw are sharp, your chainsaw will produce chips of wood, when the teeth are dull, it will produce more sawdust, than wood chips.

There are several simple methods to keep the teeth of your chainsaw sharp.

You can purchase kits, rotary tool attachments, or simply take a few minutes and sharpen them with the proper files. To make sure you are doing this properly, check your owner’s manual, or visit your chainsaw storeowner. Where you purchased your chainsaw should have technicians who will show you how to sharpen your chain correctly. You can sharpen your chainsaw teeth with a round file, or thoroughly sharpen them with the use of a specialized electric sharpening jig. The jig ensures that each cutting face is at the correct angles. These angles are carefully balanced to maximize the saw’s cutting efficiency.

Important Note: Carbide chainsaw blades cannot be sharpened with conventional sharpeners. They must be sharpened by a certified chainsaw repairman.

There should be no reason to adjust your chainsaw’s carburetor. These are adjusted at the factory for optimal performance and efficiency and normally do not require readjustment. However, if your chainsaw’s carburetor does require to be readjusted, you will have to take it to an authorized service center. Incorrect adjustment will result in engine seizure.

These may sound like no brainers but you should check on these every time you use the chain saw.

Tighten All Screws and Fasteners (EVERY USE)

No matter how expensive your chainsaw is, or how well it is made, all chainsaws vibrate. Therefore, you need to carefully check all fasteners and tighten them if needed. You need to pay close attention to the fasteners that are securing the bar, chain and safety guards.

Inspect the Fuel System (EVERY USE) Gas powered chainsaws only

This may sound like a no-brainer, however, you need to check your fuel system before every use for leaks. Look for leaking fuel around the fuel filler cap, near the carburetor and at the base of the engine casing. If you detect a leak, DO NOT USE your chainsaw. You will need to take your chainsaw to a licensed service center for repair.