Husky 346XP bar attachment bolt

[peakbagger]

I got my saw stuck in big hemlock this weekend and decided the best approach after trying wedges was to remove the saw body from the bar and chain. I have done this before and its PITA to do as the chain will not clear the clutch housing even if the bar is backed all the way back. After jiggling poking and prodding I got it off and then wedged the log to get the chain out. I decided I needed to use the saw to finish the cut so I went to put the bar back on and I only had one of two threaded studs to bolt the bar on. The other stud was pushed level with the case and when I tried to pull it out it slid all the way into the bar oil reservoir. I drained the bar oil and pulled out a loose stud that has a rectangular head that lines up with recess in the casting in the interior of the bar oil casting. I can see the hole through the case where it originally protruded from.

Anyone have any hints on getting the stud pushed back down the hole? It reminds me of a "ship in bottle" project. I really don't want to have to split the case. I am thinking of cleaning up the stud and epoxying a thin flexible wire to the tip and then threading the wire down through the hole from the bar oil opening. I figure once the wire is through I can use it to line up the stud with the hole and pull it through.

Next question is what retains this stud in place normally?. I haven't pulled the clutch yet which prevents me from removing the SS plate that covers the base of the studs and the oiler so I cant see if there and any retaining clips.

 

[dougand3]

Never worked on a 346 but a 55 just has bar bolt head sitting in a slotted recess inside oil tank. Slots around head keep bolt from rotating as you torque bar nuts. I could use 6-8" long hemostats holding head and insert threads into bolt holes. And the bar plate should come off first - gotta be easier.