Loosening Chain on Husq 55

[BotetourtSteve]

I can't get through half a tank of fuel before I have to shut my 55 down to tighten the chain back. Sometimes 2-3 times during one tank. I've looked at everything and darned if I can figure out why, so any ideas?

I've had the saw since it was new (97 model) and never had trouble until last few times used, so not operator issue, at least I don't think so.

 

[LLigetfa]

Is it oiling well? When you tighten the chain, do you lift up on the bar and pull up on the chain? If you don't do that, the bar can shift later in use.

 

[Brian VT]

When you tighten the chain, do you lift up on the bar ?

Like he's saying...rest the bar nose on something while tightening and tighten the rear nut 1st. Also, make sure there's no crap between the bar/body/nut that might compress when sawing. If the chain is old or isn't getting lube maybe it's failing and ready to let go ? Hold the spinning chain/bar over a stump and check for oil spray on the stump.

 

[caber]

I had this issue with my 55. Chain was always getting loose. I replaced the nuts. Problem went away.

 

[Gooserider]

Agreed on the making sure there's no crud in the works, then...

Make sure when tightening that you only TIGHTEN the adjuster screw - if you get the chain too tight, back way off on the screw until the chain is WAY too loose, then start tightening again - that little pin on the adjuster is what really keeps the bar from sliding back, so it must not have any play, or the bar WILL loosen up to get rid of the slop.

Then do the hold the bar up, rear nut first tightening routine...

Gooserider

 

[fyrwoodguy]

how's the sprocket?????........it's most always the problem too!

 

[BotetourtSteve]

I had this issue with my 55. Chain was always getting loose. I replaced the nuts. Problem went away.

Really? I don't understand how just replacing the nuts would have cured the problem, particulary since as Gooserider said, the tightening pin is really what holds the tension on the chain.

And to the other replies, all yes. Oiling fine, good chains, proper procedure when tightening. Someone mentioned sprocket - which one (bar or head)? Almost new bar, so that is not issue (replaced bar thinking that was the problem, but no change).

Thanks for all replies so far!

 

[Brian VT]

Someone mentioned sprocket - which one ?

Drive sprocket.

 

[BotetourtSteve]

What am I looking for if the sprocket is bad or worn out?

 

[Gooserider]

What am I looking for if the sprocket is bad or worn out?

Hard to describe beyond the obvious "the teeth look worn", but there are lots of pictures if you go to the chain maker's websites - at least I know that Oregon does, I presume others would as well. Essentially the sprocket should be smooth on the outside with a series of slots that engage the drive links on the chain. As the sprocket wears those slots get distorted, and you will start getting groves where the chain sideplates start hitting the body of the sprocket.

If all else fails, your local saw shop should have no problem showing you the difference, and once you've seen it, it is easy to spot.

Gooserider