Chainsaw talk

[gimpyrobb]

So I've had a Stihl 029 super for a long time. I haven't used it the whole time i've owned it as much as I have here at the new house. My current use is sectioning a stump to remove. The tree was cut down long before we got here but they had left a 5ft high section of the trunk. I cut that down and started to use a Dr. power stump grinder. I honestly didn't think it would do much, but it is impressive! After going around the stump, I realized I should do more sectioning and removal with the chainsaw, so that brings us to these questions.

1- My chain gets loose on the bar after a while.Is there a way for the bar nuts to let it slide and give the chain slack? What would I do/replace to fix that?

2- I don't know how I did it, but while cutting across the bottom, the handle pulled out of the hole it sits in. How do I get it back in?

I will be hunting for answers on the web, but wanted to see what you guys come up with.

[Matt Shade]

Sometimes a chain loosening up is because its getting really hot. If the chain isn't sharp and you are wallowing away on it, or the oiler isn't working right it will get much hotter than normal cutting.

Otherwise, if the barn nuts are torqued well you usually don't get any slip. Also make sure that the pin for the chain tensioner is seated well in the bar so that the bar lays flat and the nuts can be tightened properly.This area should be relatively clean when you put things together.


As for the handle I've never had that happen. I'd have to see it to have any idea on how it goes together. My dad does have an 029, maybe I can check it out next time I'm out in the barn.

[Shade Tree Welder]

1- My chain gets loose on the bar after a while.Is there a way for the bar nuts to let it slide and give the chain slack? What would I do/replace to fix that?

-- As Matt said a warm chain can expand and loosen, your chain should never get so hot you cannot touch with a bare hand. If your chain is getting hotter than that. 1. you likely have a dull chain and 2. either you are out of bar oil or you bar oiler is clogged. Make sure the ports in the bar are clear and open and the port under the bar is clear and open. 3. Check the oil filter on the pick up tube in the oil tank and make sure it is not clogged. That should get replaced, I do mine every couple of years. Also Stihl chain saws have an oil adjustment for the bar oil on the bottom of the saw. I run mine wide open.

I doubt very much you chainsaw nuts are loose or allowing the bar to slide. other nuts are likely loose.

If you are not getting enough bar oil on the chain the chain will wear, the pins/rivets on the chain will wear as well as the bottom of the links in contact with the bar will wear.

My most common chain is for the 25" bar and has 72 drive links, that is 144 pins. If my pins or links wear just 0.001" that will add 0.144 inches the the length of the chain. So a little wear on the components of the chain will add up fast. Many people call this "chain stretch" but it is really chain wear.

2- I don't know how I did it, but while cutting across the bottom, the handle pulled out of the hole it sits in. How do I get it back in?

Got no clue on this pictures would help.

[JohnBoy]

as Ron says pics for the handle problem, but looking at a parts diagram it seems fairly similar to the setup on my MS180 where the loop handle is held on with a kind of rubber rivet.

it's a rubber bushing with I think two plastic inserts in it. The inner insert when pushed toward the outside of the saw is loose and allows the rubber to go into a socket in the saw. The outer insert is a kind of flat mushroom and the stem goes into the rubber when the handle is put over the rubber.

To remove/replace you prise out the mushroom and then get in from behind to push the inner insert out. refitting is the reverse of removal.


Not explaining that very well, but take a looksee and grab some pics while you're there

[Shade Tree Welder]

Originally Posted by JohnBoy

as Ron says pics for the handle problem, but looking at a parts diagram it seems fairly similar to the setup on my MS180 where the loop handle is held on with a kind of rubber rivet.

it's a rubber bushing with I think two plastic inserts in it. The inner insert when pushed toward the outside of the saw is loose and allows the rubber to go into a socket in the saw. The outer insert is a kind of flat mushroom and the stem goes into the rubber when the handle is put over the rubber.

To remove/replace you prise out the mushroom and then get in from behind to push the inner insert out. refitting is the reverse of removal.


Not explaining that very well, but take a looksee and grab some pics while you're there

Yeah, Stihl like to make parts of a chinese puzzle with their saws...

[JohnBoy]

Originally Posted by Shade Tree Welder

Yeah, Stihl like to make parts of a chinese puzzle with their saws...

It's pretty easy when you know how. But man, until you know how

[gimpyrobb]

Thanks gang, I had to visit mom in the physical therapy joint today and when I got home only had time to drag out a mound of dirt in the way of my trench drain. I wanted it done today cause we're supposed to get rain for 11 of the next 14 days. Anyhoo I will get some pics once I get to working on it. In addition to fixing the handle I will be sharpening the Chain.