eriklane
ArboristSite Operative
What the hek?
All my saws chains go loose on every tank, no matter what I do
- Thread starter eriklane
- Start date
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Guido Salvage
Supreme Saw Whoreder
Is the adjuster pin in the proper hole? Are you tightening the bar nuts sufficiently? Unless your saw is putting out enough oil the chain will get hot and stretch.
Wagnerwerks
The underdog..
Check to make sure you're oiling.
eriklane
ArboristSite Operative
All saws run a tank of oil out as they should. Maybe they're running out too fast. That I can check...Yes of course, I tighten the bar nuts like mad and lift the tip. All new (aftermarket) chain guard/brake elements...Husky 394,372,51. I think I'll adjust the oilers all back a bit, or shut down after what I figure is 1/2 tank and see where the oil level is. Might be the ticket...thanks.
What brand of chain?
eriklane
ArboristSite Operative
Oregons, and is a Stihl safety chain.
fearofpavement
Trying them all
Something's not right from an operational aspect, especially if it is happening on multiple saws. What are you using for oil? What are you cutting? Are your chains sharp?
banana boat
ArboristSite Operative
How is the sprocket condition?
eriklane
ArboristSite Operative
Cutting mostly hardwoods, using Husky oil, and yes, sharp. Not sure on sprocket condition but I know one of them was new last year.
Should havd a splash of bar oil left in the tank when you run out of gas. If not then maybe its using it too fast. Either adjust the oiler or put less gas in the tank so you run out of gas first. How new are the chains? New chain will strech and needs adjusting the first few tanks. Some brands less if it comes pre-streched.
Get any chain hot enough and it'll show some slack. When things cool down, does that slack disappear? If not, chain (straps/rivets) is wearing abnormally. You might even be able to tell which & how much.
Is this a significant change from what you've experienced in the past?
Any chance you could have a knowledgeable buddy check it out? Sometimes the obvious becomes transparent.
Ironworker
Addicted to ArboristSite
How tight are you putting your chain on initially, all chains will slack a tiny bit after you run it.
eriklane
ArboristSite Operative
These are not new chains, and so they should not stretch...I bet it's the oil...I also can leave one on after using and see if it tightens up...
Try re-tightening the tensioner bolt after tightening the bar nuts...
The bar nuts hold the bar not the tensioner. steve
jus2fat
Two Harley Fatboys
From what you have described...I think your problem is oil related...I expect you are not getting enough oil to your bar.
Overheated bar = stretched hot chain. Clean bar grooves...bar oil supply hole...and make sure oil pump is pumping oil.
J2F
Overheated bar = stretched hot chain. Clean bar grooves...bar oil supply hole...and make sure oil pump is pumping oil.
J2F
What are you calling loose ? How much slack ?
Chris-PA
Where the Wild Things Are
The choices I can think of are:
- Mechanical movement (loose nuts, etc.)
- Heat causing the metal to expand and the chain to grow and loosen (lack of lube, dull chain, tight fit in bar, etc.)
- Rapid wear on pivots and/or bar (lack of lube)
A person leaning too hard on a dull chain will do it every time.
