I have owned and heavily used a Husqrvarna 345 chainsaw for about 5 years now. A while back the chain started to be difficult to rotate on the bar and makes a “ratcheting/clanking” type noise with passive rotation. Lately with use the chain locks up and partially comes off the drive sprocket. When you look at is from the bottom it seems the chain is out of alignment. By that I mean the chain seems to be pulled toward the middle of the saw by the sprocket cover. Chain rotation with the sprocket cover off is OK, but when the sprocket cover is on and snugged up, the problem occurs when you begin to tension the chain a bit. Even running the saw with a very loose chain (which is new as well as the bar) causes clanking and such. I did notice my old bar was bent inward at the saw/sprocket end when I changed it and am wondering if that caused the chain to ride inside excessively and wear the inner sprocket, so now even with a new bar, the chain rides inside?
Do I need a new sprocket, sprocket cover, or something else? I was hoping someone would know since I don’t want to just throw parts at is. Thanks in advance.
Joe
Do I need a new sprocket, sprocket cover, or something else? I was hoping someone would know since I don’t want to just throw parts at is. Thanks in advance.
Joe