Hi,

Hubby needs some advice regarding our chain saw. It's a Poulan 16". When trying to adjust the chain tension the chain/bar adjusting screw is maxing out before the chain is tight. The saw is about 5 years old and this problem has just come up. Almost as if the chain has stretched!

Any advice will be much appreciated. Thanks!

Pauline and Ken in NC.

-- Pauline (tworoosters_farm@altavista.com), April 13, 2001

Answers

the cains can and do streach if its been 5 years you have been lucky or just dont saw that much wood the chains can be shortened most saw shops can take a link out this is economical if there is still enough tooth to use after repeated sharpenings dad drilled an extra hole in the bar not a real safe idea makes the bar a little unstable if you get it back too far have it shortened or get a new chain if that one is worn badly or the bar could be worn too so take a look at that too use plenty of bar oil when sawing actualy i use used oil in the chain oiler its thiner and not as good as the bar oil but definatly cheeper

-- george darby (windwillow@fuse.net), April 13, 2001.

George is right, chains stretch thru continue use because the metal gets hot cutting wood and when metal gets hot it stretches. so take it to you local hardware or some place where they sharpen and they will take a link or two out for you or if its too bad gone they should be able to make a new one for you.

-- Tom (tjk@cac.net), April 13, 2001.

Thanks guys!! That makes sense and must be what happened. Thanks for the quick response. We just got a horse and I want to make a schooling ring. Our two acres is pretty much all woods so we're going to have to take out some trees.

All best wishes to you and Happy Easter!

Pauline and Ken NC

-- Pauline (tworoosters_farm@altavista.com), April 13, 2001.

Your tightening adjustment may have become disconnected from the bar. If so just reconnect. Does anybody use clean drain oil for bar oil in their saw? I have for many years with very good results. I figure if it's good enough to be in your car's engine it should be good enough to go around your bar once as long as it doesn't become contaminated while changing oil. I am a heavy saw user, cutting all our winter's wood plus a little logging.

-- tom in cen wisconsin (brushfarmer@hotmail.com), April 13, 2001.

Chains stretch and/or wear and bars wear.

-- Hendo (redgate@echoweb.net), April 14, 2001.

It sure sounds like your chain has streched. I wonder if your oiler isn't functioning properly, though. I have never had this problem, even back when I made my living cutting firewood.

I also always save my used motor oil for use as bar oil on the chain saw. Works fine. And it's a great form of recycling. Not to mention it's free. Even Siskiyou National Forest uses used motor oil for this purpose, and they aren't known for being concerned about saving (our) money on anything.

JOJ

-- jumpoff joe (jumpoff@ecoweb.net), April 14, 2001.

Definitely sounds like your chain is wore out. I have two of poulan 16" saws. The best place I found for a new chain is Wal Mart. You can get a pack of two Oregon chains for $20 and they're the performance chains with extra teeth. I couldn't believe the difference when I finally gave up on my old chain and replaced it. Next time I won't wait till I've filed the teeth down to nothing. As soon as the chain gets a little ratty its worth the $10 for the increased performance.

-- Carter (chucky@usit.net), April 16, 2001.

Thanks for all the help. Yes the bar was worn too. He went out and bought a new bar and chain. (the Oregon) It's as good as new again (if not better!)

All best wishes,

Pauline NC

-- Pauline (tworoosters_farm@altavista.com), April 18, 2001.