How Do I Get the Blade to Turn on My Craftsman Chain Saw?
- 1). Turn the chainsaw off and disengage the chain brake. The chain brake is the plastic handle that runs across the top of the saw's body. This brake automatically stops the clutch and if it's engaged or stuck it will freeze up your chain.
- 2). Pull the chain down and off of the bar using a gloved hand. If the chain can't be pulled slightly off the guide bar, your chain is too tight, which will also freeze up your chain. Loosen the bar tensioner screw, located on the bar near the muffler to loosen the tension on your chain.
- 3). Unscrew the bar nuts with the wrench and remove the bar cover, bar and chain from the engine. Wipe the bar down with the rag and inspect for any dents, warping or other damage. Replace the bar if it's heavily damaged.
- 4). Hold the bar up by the tip and insert the tip of the knife into the slot on the guide bar. Scrape the guide slot clean of any compacted oil, sawdust and debris that could also keep your chain from spinning.
- 5). Check the sprocket tip on the nose of the bar. If it doesn't spin freely by hand, lubricate the sprocket bearings with engine grease and the lubrication gun. Cover the oiler hole with the nozzle on the lubrication gun and pump it once. Replace the bar if the tip's sprocket is damaged.
- 6). Inspect the drive links on the inner circle of the chain for any damage. If these are broken or don't fit your bar's guide slots properly, your chain will not spin. Replace the chain if any drive links are broken or missing.
- 7). Spin the clutch assembly by hand. If it doesn't turn or is locked in place you will need to remove it.
- 8). Remove the rubber boot from the spark plug and unscrew the spark plug with the socket wrench. Remove the spark plug and insert the piston stop tool into the spark plug hole. Unscrew the starter cover and turn the flywheel by hand until the piston contacts the stop tool.
- 9). Set the clutch removal tool in place over the clutch to hold it in place. Loosen the clutch's bolt by turning it clockwise. Pull off the clutch assembly from the engine. Remove the clutch drum and rear sprocket.
- 10
Inspect the clutch shoes, clutch spring, clutch retainer, clutch drum and sprocket for any damage. Replace any parts if they are chipped, broken or heavily worn. - 11
Turn the crankshaft by hand. If it doesn't move you likely have worn crankshaft seals, a seized up piston, a broken cylinder or a sheered flywheel. All of these repairs should be made by a professional.
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