chain won't adjust

OokieTwo

Greetings:
I have a Craftsman, (18" chainsaw, 2.4 cu.in./40cc, 2-Cycle, Model No. 358,350810) and can no longer adjust the chain to get it tight enough so it is safe to operate. So far I've replaced the chain, bar, and sprocket but I can not get it to tighten properly. It only tightens enough so there's too much slack and then I can't get it to tighten anymore.
Thanks.

stan

Hi and welcome,

Don't shoot me for what I am about to say but are you sure you have the right size chain for the bar? It has been known to happen that an extra link is put on by mistake when joining. If you haven't already id check it against a chain that you know once fitted properly.

Having ruled a chain problem out you would be looking at the adjustment pin and the track it runs along. Im not familiar with craftsman as a saw but i know when we had a similar problem with our Stihl 660 the problem was with the adjustment pin and the rail it traveled along. They both became loose and could not tension properly.

If you run it down to the local dealer or repair shop they should be able to see pretty quickly if that is the problem or you could give it a go for yourself if you know your way around a chainsaw well.

Defiantly would not suggest using the saw if you cant get the slack out of the chain. It might run alright at first but if you hit a knot or something you could be wearing the saw or the chain.

Say safe and good luck hope I could be of some help.

OokieTwo

Hmm, could be a slightly different chain - never thought of that. I'll double check and let you know. Appreciate your thoughts.

Eric Frei

On my Stihl MS660 I run an 8 tooth drive. SO I have to get an 85 link chain not 84 link ..... or it wont fit, and yes, I did forget once and bought 84DL chains.

__________________

stan

I have not heard much about that setup how do you find it compared to a standard setup. Do you get better performance out of the saw?

Eric Frei

Honestly, I don't know.

I have run a 25" bar with 8 tooth rim drive since new. Seems to go alright but maybe for a bigger bar it's not so good. Everyone likes a MS660, great saw, but heck they drink juice!

__________________

stan

Fair enough then id never heard of that setup before so i might ask the dealer next time im in and see what the difference is.

Its funny you say that the 660 drinks a bit because if was actually thinking a bit towards the opposite. Maybe I am just used to filling up smaller saws more often because I was over working them previous to getting the 660.

I wont argue that they are a great saw though that is just a given.

Cut4fun

This one likes fuel as it is woods ported and 8T with 25" too. Really likes 9T with 16" .

Got to get a pic or 2 later, not saved on this puter