Chainsaw clutch problem

[HermitJohn]

Ok, couldnt find new chain for the saw (sure I have one) so sharpened old one for last time I think (teeth are at limit if not beyond). Anyway it started right up with fresh gas. However when I went to cut, chain would stall with motor fully revved unless I just barely touched the wood. Looked and plenty clutch lining and from what I could see lining doesnt look oily. I didnt take clutch apart (not up to that big of a job today) but would assume either glazed lining or rust on centrifigal parts keeping clutch from fully engaging. Anything I can spray to loosen centrifigal parts without getting lining greasy? By way this is a 3.7 cu in Sears/Roper from 60's/ I am suspecting corrosion as I used saw last spring and dont remember any problem.

[Ken Scharabok]

My recommendation would be to bite the bullet and take the clutch apart to see if there is an obvious problem.

Ken S. in WC TN

[swamptiger]

HJ;

My first thought would be that the chain isn't getting adequate lubrication..

[HermitJohn]

Originally Posted by swamptiger

HJ;

My first thought would be that the chain isn't getting adequate lubrication..

This thing has auto and manual oiler. Auto oiler was adjusted so oil just dripped off bar. Chain in other words was very well lubed and moves freely by hand on the bar. There is no binding. The engine revs freely without the slightest hesitation like it would when chain is binding. This is a clutch problem one way or another. Ken is probably right, I am just feeling lazy about taking the thing apart. My project for today.

[swamptiger]

Another thing is that the clutch could be oily. Give it a good cleaning. Sounds like you might actually be over-oiling the chain, which could also be the source of your clutch problems.

[Balancedmom2003]

I hope that you are feeling better & I hope that you get your saw in working order soon!

[HermitJohn]

Maybe its a good day after all. Put little 3in1 oil in centrifugal parts in middle of clutch, gave it a few taps with hammer and voila. After reinstalling chain, it works perfectly. Need another chain but otherwise cut up pile of very dry oak branches with no fuss.

[mikell]

Drive teeth could be binding on the clutch. After a while the clutch wears into the chain profile and you may not be located in that area so it binds when the clutch engages.

mikell