MS261 chatter/slapping sound when loaded

[madosta]

I have a MS261 M-Tronic and can't figure out the noise it makes when loaded up in a cut sometimes. It sounds "chattery" - I don't know how to describe it but it's not a pleasant sound - sort of a click/ratchety chatter.

Just pulled the sprocket and the bearing is great, still has grease from the last time I greased it, crank is fine, no discoloration, no markings, no broken clutch springs, and it oils fine.

Happens with .325 and 3/8 sprockets.

Should I pull the clutch or what to try next?

 

[CausticUC]

Happens with .325 and 3/8 sprockets.

I'll ask the first obvious question: changing both the bar and chain when you switch between sprockets?

Follow up obvious question: you double check your bar(s) for spread ?

 

[TBS]

Check the muffler screws.

 

[U&A]

Yup

Id say the same.

Check the bar chain to be tight ( pull slack on bar UP before tightening) and make sure the gauge, pitch match


Sent while firmly grasping my redline lubed RAM [emoji231]

 

[madosta]

Both bars are newer and nothing wrong with them. I can't imagine it would be the muffler but I'll double check.

It feels definitely like the clutch or sprocket. Metal rattle and only when loaded pretty good.

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[CausticUC]

It feels definitely like the clutch or sprocket. Metal rattle and only when loaded pretty good.

Ypu have checked both your clutch splines and your sprocket teeth?

 

[madosta]

Yes, hardly any wear.

I'll see if I can grab some pictures tomorrow.

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[CausticUC]

Okay that leads into the third obvious question... are you twisting the saw in the cut?

 

[pioneerguy600]

Does the 261 run a ,mini spline, or a regular spline rim drive sprocket? Interchanging them makes a poor fit.

 

[madosta]

It's a mini spline with that stamped steel washer, which I'm leaning towards right now. :shrug

Here's an older post with same sounds.
https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/ms-261-noisy-when-working-hard.231588/

 

[TBS]

It's a mini spline with that stamped steel washer, which I'm leaning towards right now. :shrug

Here's an older post with same sounds.
https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/ms-261-noisy-when-working-hard.231588/

My 361 clone has that same rattle that comes from washer vibrating. If you can find a thin rubber washer to go between the clip and metal washer that will stop the chatter.

 

[madosta]

Ok,

- I swapped back to .325 and greased the bearing
- Tightened a few handle screws that were a little loose, checked the muffler screws - they were fine
- I put some extra grease under the stamped washer before I put the e-clip back in

I just ran it for half an hour and it seems to not happen. I can hear a little of the bar tail stress when leaning on it, but it doesn't chatter. I'm guessing it is the sprocket washer. Might try the rubber or small nitrile o-ring.

Ordered an Alaskan Mill for this stem 46 DBH:



Thanks

 

[CausticUC]

Evil face in the break on that one! Hope it didnt land on anyone.

 

[madosta]

Hahaha wow. It's upset that it wasn't maintained and got eaten up by carpenter ants.

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