PA Plumber
Addicted to ArboristSite
Would you be willing to reconfirm the sprocket on the 461 is correct?
Maybe pull it off and snap a couple of photos?
Maybe pull it off and snap a couple of photos?
Anybody try a long bar on an MS-461 ? Not enough range in tensioner
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naturelover
Tree Freak
Unless its the camera angle, it looks like the 261 tensioner has a longer groove in it than the 461, extends further from the outer stud.
Maybe try the 20" bar on both and compare where the tensioner is?
Maybe try the 20" bar on both and compare where the tensioner is?
I think my wife will kill me if I go outside one more time tonight, but I vividly recall the rim sprocket being stamped 7 - 3/8 when I looked at it last time.
I just scaled both photos the same in photoshop and overlaid them, and the 261 slot is indeed a little bit longer, giving more range of adjustment to push the bar out.
That was my first suspicion, but once I pulled the cover plate off the tensioner, I could see that it was all the way against the stop. You can see it in that second photo. It turns smoothly forward and back, but runs out of room going forward.
Can you elaborate on that? Will the 8-pin have enough of a larger diameter to take up the extra slack in the chain?
What about performance -- wouldn't an 8-pin increase chain speed and reduce torque??
If an 8 pin solves the problem and won't noticeably deteriorate cutting performance, then it's fine with me -- could be an easy solution!
fearofpavement
Trying them all
Even though the bar says it is supposed to be 91 drive links, if a 91dl chain is too long, it isn't too difficult to figure out that a shorter chain is going to be needed to use that bar on that saw. Pretty much anyone that sells chain makes them off a roll. Just get a shorter chain and make some chips. When you get additional chains in the future, get 90dl or 89dl or whatever works for that bar/sprocket/saw combo.
PA Plumber
Addicted to ArboristSite
I never got warm fuzzies running an 8 pin with longer bars (and full comp chain) on 70cc range saws. (Maybe the 461 can handle it just fine.)
Might be okay at 24" or shorter, but 28" is starting to get out there a bit.
Please keep in mind, this is personal preference of a wanna-be woodcutter type user.
Might be okay at 24" or shorter, but 28" is starting to get out there a bit.
Please keep in mind, this is personal preference of a wanna-be woodcutter type user.
Unfortunately, my local dealer does not make chain -- they specifically told me they don't do it because of liability issues -- so they had to order these stock 28" chains for me from Stihl (they also had to order the bar). I know that sucks, but I don't want to be fighting this issue every damn time I need to find a chain.
I could buy the tools to let me modify the 91 D/L chains down to 90 or 89, which may be the easiest way to live with the issue. But I think I need to give Stihl some grief, since this should be working out of the box according to their specs.
That's my concern, not having any experience. There's no question that will reduce torque in the cut.
I just did the math, and the 8-pin sprocket will only take up about 3/16" more slack in the chain. I don't even think that will solve the problem in this case (it would be marginal). It really needs to offset 3/8" at least.
SawTroll
Information Collector
That's what I would do, as something is right here!
Have you actually counted the dl on that chain?
That's what I would do, as something is right here!
Have you actually counted the dl on that chain?
Both chains I have (which are different types) count out at exactly 91 D/L. By eye, I think this saw/bar combo really needs 90 or 89 D/L for it to work.
fearofpavement
Trying them all
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A dealer that won't make chains up? Very interesting...Not too helpful in a situation like this I guess.
Breakers and spinners are nice but not necessary for breaking and mending a chain. If you can get a couple repair links from the dealer (they should give them to you since they don't use them) you can grind off the rivet heads, punch out the rivets and seat the repair link rivets with a small hammer. I've done it a number of times with satisfactory results.
Tzed250
Addicted to ArboristSite
Stihl is 91, McCulloch is 92, and Husqvarna is 93. Even with a two driver difference it's not two inches.
Mike-B
ArboristSite Lurker
Would be very interesting to see a 28" ES Light bar compared to a regular 28" ES. Whatever the cause, a shortened chain is really the only solution...
SawTroll
Information Collector
No, but no 28" bars really are 28".
First if you're dealer doesn't spin chain you need a new dealer. My guess is they don't know how to spin chain and they likely don't have the proper tools. On top of that they don't seem to stock common chain sizes, to me that means they're not a dealership.
What you have is a 24" bar and a 28" chain, the bar was simply marked incorrectly.
What you have is a 24" bar and a 28" chain, the bar was simply marked incorrectly.
kodiakyardboy
ArboristSite Operative
I see this phrase over and over here. With all due respect, not all of us have a choice. Bring the saw back and let your dealer sort it out. No use cutting back loops for a new saw that's not proper. That's what warranties are for.
