KEEP THAT SAW RUNNING RIGHT

Image Gallery

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

A few minutes of your time and a little attention to detail are all it takes to ...

If you're a chain saw owner, you're probably well aware of your machine's enormous potential for chewing through raw timber. But perhaps because modern saws are so efficient, and tend to mesmerize their operators into believing that everything's hunky-dory as they drone away, many people tend to take such tools for granted ... and eventually pay the penalty for neglect in the form of a hefty bill at the repair shop.

The majority of today's chain saw users are occasional " lumberjacks" -cutting and bucking logs only when fuel is needed for the family woodstove—and therefore tend to forget how much punishment a saw can suffer over the course of just one season. Furthermore, some owners may feel intimidated by what appears to be an intricate piece of machinery ... and perhaps don't realize that most maintenance chores need not involve intruding on the "delicate" parts of the tool at all.

The fact of the matter is, though, that many chain saw owners could do their equipment a world of good if they only took the time to perform a dozen or so basic checks at regular intervals. Of course, the precision work-that involving the innards of the powerplant and its accessories-is best left to the experienced ... but a machine that's been routinely inspected and serviced is much less likely to need major repairs than is one that's been neglected or abused.

IF IT AIN'T BROKE, FIX IT ANYWAY

As the term suggests, preventive maintenance requires that a small investment of time and money be made periodically to avoid a greater expense down the road. This is especially true of high-revving, alloy-construction chain saws. Because they're aircooled, usually are used under deplorable conditions, and are often asked to perform beyond their limits, the gasoline-powered cutters demand more than just token attention.

Ideally, you should service your saw before it starts to act up ... but, short of that, you can at least be receptive to the warning signs that'll let you know your machine's ready for a going-over. Difficult starting is probably the most common (and unmistakable) problem, and this can be attributed to anything from stale fuel to a bad spark plug On the other hand, a loss of power at full throttle could indicate a dirty air filter or a clogged exhaust chamber. And even with the engine running perfectly, you may find yourself really laying into a log to get it cut ... with only a chattering chain and an overheated bar to show for your efforts. If this is the case, it's time to sharpen the tool's teeth, before their dullness can cause further complications.

DO IT BY THE BOOK

Whether you've had a good deal of mechanical experience or are a neophyte in the nuts-and-bolts department, you'll find the chain saw operator's manual to be an invaluable aid. Besides telling you how to prepare and use the tool safely, it should identify the basic owner - serviceable parts and give the critical specifications for each maintenance step. If your manual doesn't include this data, see if a local dealer can provide some information on your particular unit ... and when you're ready for a new saw, consider the quality of the literature as well as that of the machine!

Like all well-built pieces of equipment, a chain saw requires specific maintenance tools (and often comes with a small kit that includes most of the "specialty" items needed for a basic tune-up). Generally, you'll be using the following implements: a socket-type spark plug wrench ... several sizes of flat-bladed and Phillips screwdrivers ... a combination wrench (to fit the sprocket-cover nuts) ... a set of feeler gauges (to adjust the spark plug gap and the points, if your engine has conventional ignition) ... an assortment of allen wrenches ... a pair of needle-nosed pliers ... a wire brush ... a nylon brush (or a toothbrush) ... some tongue depressors or narrow wooden sticks ... a thin, stiff length of wire . . . a grease gun to fit the nose sprocket (if your bar has one) ... a chain saw file (not a tapered or rat-tail unit) that's compatible with your particular chain ... a flat or triangular file ... and a jointer or depth gauge to set the chain rakers.

Naturally, it never hurts to have more than a basic set of tools, and you'll probably find your work much easier if you have an assortment of 1/4"- and 3/8"-drive socket wrenches, a pair of Vise-Grips, a set of small combination or ignition wrenches, and, perhaps, a file guide or a clampon chain sharpener.

Part of being a good mechanic is, of course, using your tools properly. Therefore, though ViseGrips are a truly wonderful invention, they shouldn't be used in place of a socket or end wrench. Likewise, never use a flat-bladed screwdriver to deal with a Phillips-head or allen screw, no matter how well it appears to fit. And, though it's a must to keep all fasteners tight, bear in mind that overtightening is dangerous because it can (and usually does, when you're dealing with alloy engine cases) result in stripped threads. Last but not least, make certain you keep the saw's parts in some type of order as you remove them from the main assembly. Draw a picture or make a note if that's what it takes, but be sure you can put the covers, bolts, clips, etc. back where you found them when it's time to wrap everything up (you'd be surprised how weak your memory can suddenly become when you're working on unfamiliar equipment).

A 12-POINT ONCE-OVER

The dozen trouble spots we've chosen to detail here should cover most of the things that might ail your saw as a result of normal use. Once the equipment's been cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted, there's no reason why it shouldn't perform as well as it did when it was new ... if all the components are in good condition. Be sure to take your time as you work and to consult your operator's manual for specific information on your particular machine. Then again, don't be afraid to recognize your limits. If you feel a certain operation is beyond your ken, take the saw to someone who's familiar with it and watch him or her make the adjustment so you'll be able to do it yourself the next time. And when you get the job completed, remember the most important point of all: You, the operator, are ultimately responsible for how safely your chain saw is used.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print