mariaricardo
New Member
I let my grandson use my new Stihl chainsaw and he left the brake on when he started it. Now I can't get the cover back on. Did he wreck it? If so, how can I fix it?
chain brake left on
- Thread starter mariaricardo
- Start date
Help Support Arborist Forum:
Nothing wrong with starting the saw with the brake on. Did you take the cover off with the brake on? Pull back on the brake handle and put the cover on.
Jeff
Jeff
squad143
Tree Guy
stihlman32
ArboristSite Operative
Nothing wrong with starting the saw with the brake on. Did you take the cover off with the brake on? Pull back on the brake handle and put the cover on.
Jeff
The only issue would be if he were to have run it at WOT for some time with the brake on.
tree md
Addicted to ArboristSite
It happens to me all the time. Like Jeff said, just pull the handle back or push it forward, which ever way it will fit and go on. No biggie.
mariaricardo
New Member
He gunned the throttle quite a bit trying to get it to work. What does WOT stand for?
cat-face timber
Knot Bumper
WOT means Wide Open Throttle
RacerX
Addicted to ArboristSite
vincem77
ArboristSite Operative
What cover are you having trouble trying to put back on? I had trouble a few times disengaging the brake on my ms250. Thought I would break the plastic pushing on it so hard. Took it in to get it checked out and the shop couldn't find anything wrong with it. Someone must have been a bit hungover when they assembled mine.
My Husky 51 is the same way. If the brake gets set with it off the saw I have to fasten it in the bench vise to unlock it. But to make up for that, it will set by almost just breathing on it.
Harry k
tree md
Addicted to ArboristSite
Top handle saws are bad about doing it.
That's one of the differences between a Husky and a STIHL. On most Husquvarna saws, the chain brake is part of the cover, so it is hard to remove or put back on with the brake in the 'On' or tripped position.
On most STIHL saws (all?) the brake handle and brake band are attached to the saw housing. It should not affect the side (aka 'clutch') cover, unless the handle is in the way or it was run so long that something plastic melted.
Philbert
mariaricardo
New Member
I took the saw to the shop. The cover that I'm talking about is the one that is over the sprockets where the chain meets the motor. The thread in the cover was stripped. Another question is - does it hurt the saw if the motor is gunned with the brake on?
A photo or two would be very helpful. I am not familiar with a STIHL saw that has a threaded cover - might be a newer model (?).
Generally not a good idea. It causes a lot of friction/heat on the brake band and the spur sprocket or clutch drum (if they turn blue, they have been overheated). This heat can damage other components, especially the plastic housing, covers, oil pump drive gear, etc. You may see some melting or discoloration of these parts.
I always start a saw with the brake on, but release it before pressing the trigger. Sometimes people forget and try to run with the brake on for a second or so, but that should not cause significant damage.
Philbert
If you can run your saw with the chain brake on, you got no chain brake! Duh! Sorry, but, really,
Jeff
vincem77
ArboristSite Operative
Is it one of the models with the quick chain adjuster? I'm assuming those thread on some way and don't use clutch cover nuts.
mariaricardo
New Member
My chainsaw is a Stihl Mini Boss 14" easy start. Brand new. My grandson didn't know there was a brake and must have put the cover on wrong when he tried to discover why the chain wouldn't move. It was under warranty and was fixed in 5 minutes. I really like the easy start feature but I have to put the saw up high so the kids can't get at it.
You all have been very helpful. Thanks.
You all have been very helpful. Thanks.
vincem77
ArboristSite Operative
Glad to hear you worked it out. Knowing there are kids around you may want to keep that brake on even if you do keep it up out of sight. Next thing you know they will be filling it with straight pump gas.
OK, now that makes sense. I had a mental block where I could only think of the conventional covers.
Philbert
