question about chain problems

[CJ7Diesel]

I have a Husqvarna 445. It's an old one that someone gave me. They said it didn't work. I took it apart, cleaned it up, and put it back together and it has worked fine. Anyway, I've been using it to clear some land I just bought. It has been working fine, there has been some issues with the chains wearing out rather quickly. I was chalking it up to user error, running them too hot, not sharpening enough. So, I recently bought a new chain, the fourth one. I am having problems with it. The saw will bind up. The chain will randomly get either really loose or really tight. I could adjust it so its just right, rev the saw once and it will be hanging off the bar, or really, really tight. I've checked and double checked the size of the chain. All I can figure is maybe a bad sprocket? I only think that because that is the only thing that touches the chain. I just want to get some input before I start replacing parts.

Thanks
Chris

 

[Egon]

Is the chain gauge the same as the bar?:thumbsup:

 

[CJ7Diesel]

The gauge is right. When I first got the saw it had the wrong bar and I could not get the chain to work properly. Through a lot of research on chain sizing I became quite the expert on pitch, DL and gauge. Anyway, As I think back, It was the same exact issues hen when the chain was the wrong size as the issues I'm having now. Holding the chain, it seems different than the other chains I was using. I wonder if it is defective or in the wrong packaging.I'm no chainsaw expert but I feel like I'm going to be by the time this is all done....

 

[Egon]

Have you measured the chain?:thumbsup:

 

[CJ7Diesel]

No I didn't do that. I guess I just assumed it would be the right length

 

[Egon]

Sorry, I meant the chain gage.

 

[Ted Summey]

My Husquvarna dealer makes chains from bulk and boxes them according to size in boxes supplied by Oregon. It is Oregon bulk chain. If your dealer does this it is possible that it was mispackaged. If it was a Husqvarna blister packed chain, it is doubtful but certainly possible to be mispackaged.

 

[radioman]

most likely its a worn sprocket. If I were you, I'd visit a local dealer and show them what you got. They will be able to fire off an suggestion and parts for you. The parts will likely be much more then what you can get online but its a cheap diagnosis IMHO.

 

[CJ7Diesel]

Thanks for everyone's input. I will post how it turns out.

 

[s219]

Worn sprocket is my guess -- I can tell if you post a pic.

 

[CJ7Diesel]

I will see if I can get a pic of the sprocket later this evening

 

[LD1]

Maybe I missed it but did you verify the oiler is working?

Also possible the bar is wore out. Do the drive links fit without much slop?

Also, are you sure the drivelinks are seated on the sprocket before you tighten the nuts. If they aren't, it will seem tight but when you start the saw and rap the throttle, and then they seat...it would make the chain break loose

 

[CJ7Diesel]

The oiler is working fine. It's a new bar and the chain seats good on the bar sprocket. Not sure about the chain seating on the motor sprocket. I will look into that. I will also still try to get those pics of the sprocket on here

 

[LD1]

If that saw has a rim sprocket, you are supposed to change it with every chain. They're only about $6-$8. Although I usually go a couple of chains before I swap.

 

[CJ7Diesel]

I didn't have a chance to get pics of it. But looked real close at the sprocket and it definitely looks worn. I priced them online and just like you said. about 8 bucks. Thanks for the help

 

[cqaigy2]

I remember as a youngster using my Dad's homelite he told me to rest the tip of the bar on something when tightening to make sure the tip of the bar was all the way up. He told me if i let the bar support it's weight, that the tip will drop some and while sawing, it will try to move upward and cause the chain to tighten. So following my usual method of finding things out for myself, I to proceeded to just let the tip hang, tighten things up and went to work, wrecke the chain, sprocket and bar. He wasn't too happy with me and it took a lot of mowed lawns and fence building to pay for the damage. :laughing: Fortunately, even though im not too smart, it only takes me one time....usually.