I have a two year old Stihl 14" model 009. The thing just burns up chains. I had it in for tune up this spring and haven't used it much, but have some dead fall to take care of, and with a fresh chain I can't even make it through 1 cut on an 8" chunk. I am thinking that ~maybe~ the bar is just the slightest bit bent. It doesn't look like it is at all, tho'. It has oil and runs pretty well, but just doesn't cut like it should. Any ideas for me? Thanks!

-- Dreen (bisuit@here.com), September 23, 2001

Answers

Is the oiler for the chain plugged with dirt so it's not getting enough lubricant on the chain as it cuts?

-- Sandra Nelson (Magin@starband.net), September 24, 2001.

Doreen sounds like you do have a warped bar. Might be a very good investment to buy another, course, it's good to keep a couple of them and spare chains on hand.

-- Uncle Jake (lulafred@cs.com), September 24, 2001.

Hi Dreen how tight is your chain? Bob se,ks.

-- Bobco (bobco@kans.com), September 24, 2001.

I checked the oiler and it isn't plugged. I didn't think so as last time I tried to use it I filled the oil chamber and it ran out very quickly. The chain gets loose very quickly as well. It wasn't always this way on this saw. I took the bar off and can't detect a bend, but perhaps the groove the chain is supposed to be has been squashed the tiniest bit. Guess I will pick up a new bar and chain and see how that goes. I don't have a caliper to accurrately measure the groove, but somethin' is seriously wrong! Thanks for your tips, I'll let ya know.

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), September 25, 2001.

Hi Doreen If you can find a thin Screwdriver, nail tip or such that fits in the groove, try running it around the bar. Also, put that bar on a flat surface and look for gaps. If the chain won't stay tight then maybe a link or two could be removed. I remember (looking back to the future - as a new land owner/homesteader) there shouldn't be much movement of the chain at rest when you tighten it, and of course it loosens as you use it due to expansion. Now I have to go hunt for a Jonsared!

-- rick K (rick_122@hotmail.com), September 28, 2001.

A dull chain tends to get slack faster than a sharp chain (due to thermal expansion and the fact that it makes a finer chip, dust, which clogs the oil holes) so keep the chain out of the dirt. Do not ever allow the bar to make contact with the dirt as you make a cut, not even once. Also, as you tighten the chain during an adjustment, always lift up on the end of the bar as you make the adjustment and continue to do so until you have tightened the bar nuts. You have said that your saw is oiling properly, an easy way to test this is to start the saw and rev it up (not wide open throttle but close)and hold the tip of the bar close to something (a leaf or piece of wood) so that you can see oil being slung off of the chain onto it. A properly oiled chain will sling oil off and make an oil slick rather quickly. Also, you need to check the bar plate (if it has one) and the oiler holes on the saw and on the bar. The saw should use a full tank of fuel and leave a small amount of oil in the oil tank. It should not use all of the oil before it runs out of fuel. Stihl makes a tool to clean the bar groove and oiler holes, you may have one in your tool kit that came with the saw. If your chain can be pulled along the bar by hand with the saw not running then your bar isn't pinched enough to be a major concern. If it is bent enough to tell just by looking down it then it needs to be straightened, it isn't rocket science and can be done by hand or knee. Any reputable shop should be more than willing to offer you any assistance needed to keep you the consumer happy. Stihl makes an excellent saw and the dealer you purchased it from usually will be a major help. A VERY GOOD REASON TO NOT MAKE A PURCHASE FROM A MASS MERCHANDISER. Happy cutting.

-- pbrogdo (pbrogdo@entergy.com), November 11, 2001.

Hmm, Chain, bar, lube and tension all ok?

Well...I'd give up and borrow the neighbors saw for a while

-- Jed (sawsall@wodmill.org), August 14, 2002.