Chainsaw chain not turning: Common Causes & How to Fix
1Chainsaw Clutch
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The clutch pads grip the clutch drum to turn the chain. If the pads are worn down, the motor may run but not spin the chain. Make sure the chain brake lever is off first. If the brake is on, the chain can't move. But worn-out pads won't engage the drum to drive the chain, even with the brake disengaged. To fix, and replace the whole clutch assembly. Those pads have to clamp the drum strongly to drive the chain. Over time and use, the pads can get smooth and slip on the drum surface. Releasing the chain brake is step one, but worn pads will still fail to grip. Installing fresh new clutch parts ensures strong pad contact for rotation.
How to Replace a Chainsaw Clutch
- Remove clutch cover. The clutch is located under the clutch cover on the side of the chainsaw. Take out the screws and detach the cover.
- Remove drive sprocket. Take off the nut holding the drive sprocket and remove the sprocket.
- Detach clutch. There may be a few screws securing the clutch. Carefully remove them and take off the clutch.
- Clean components. Use compressed air to blow away any debris on the clutch drum and needle bearing behind it.
- Install new clutch. Slide the new clutch onto the crankshaft and align the drum lugs. Replace the mounting screws.
- Replace drive sprocket. Slide the drive sprocket back onto the clutch drum and tighten the nut securely.
- Check chain tension. Adjust chain tension before use as needed.
- Replace clutch cover. Put the clutch cover back on and tighten down all the screws.
- Start chainsaw. Run the chainsaw to verify smooth clutch operation and make adjustments if needed.
- Maintain regularly. Keep clutch debris-free and make sure sprocket nuts are tight.
2Chainsaw Clutch Band Kit
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The clutch pads grip the clutch drum to turn the chain. If the pads are worn down, the motor may run but not spin the chain. Make sure the chain brake lever is off first. If the brake is on, the chain can't move. But worn out pads won't engage the drum to drive the chain, even with the brake disengaged. To fix, replace the whole clutch assembly. Those pads have to clamp the drum strongly to drive the chain. Over time and use, the pads can get smooth and slip on the drum surface. Releasing the chain brake is step one, but worn pads will still fail to grip. Installing fresh new clutch parts ensures strong pad contact for rotation.
How to Replace a Chainsaw Clutch Band Kit
- Remove clutch cover. Take out the screws securing the clutch cover and remove it to access the clutch.
- Take out clutch. Remove the mounting screws and slide off the old clutch to access the clutch band.
- Remove old band. Take note of the orientation and carefully pry out the old clutch band. Discard the band.
- Clean components. Use compressed air to blow away any debris on the clutch drum and needle bearing.
- Install new band. Carefully fit the new clutch band into place per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Replace clutch. Slide the chainsaw clutch back on, aligning the lugs. Insert and tighten mounting screws.
- Replace clutch cover. Position the clutch cover on the saw and tighten down the cover screws securely.
- Check chain tension. Examine chain tension and adjust as needed.
- Start chainsaw. Run saw and test clutch engagement. Readjust if needed.
- Perform maintenance. Keep clutch area clean and make sure sprocket nuts are tight.
3Chainsaw Drum Brake
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The clutch band brake grips the clutch drum to turn the chain. If the band is worn down, the motor may run but not spin the chain. First check that the chain brake lever is off. If the brake is on, the chain can't rotate. But a worn-out clutch band won't engage the drum to drive the chain, even with the brake released. To fix this, replace the entire clutch assembly. That band has to clamp the drum tightly to power the chain. Over time and use, the band can get smooth and slip on the drum surface. Releasing the chain brake is step one, but worn bands still fail to grip.
How to Replace a Chainsaw Drum Brake
- Remove the clutch cover. The brake is located under the clutch cover. Take out the mounting screws and detach the cover.
- Remove brake assembly. There may be a few screws securing the brake. Carefully remove them and detach the brake parts.
- Clean drum surface. Use compressed air to clear away any debris on the clutch drum surface.
- Install new brake. Position the new brake band onto the clutch drum surface. Replace any springs or clips.
- Reattach mounting parts. Attach any plates or arms that are part of the brake assembly using the manufacturer's instructions.
- Replace clutch cover. Position the clutch cover back on the saw and insert and tighten all cover screws.
- Check chain tension. Examine chain tension and adjust as needed before use.
- Test brake function. Start the chainsaw and engage the brake a few times to ensure proper operation.
- Perform maintenance. Keep the brake clean and free of debris and lubricate pivot points if specified.