23
ENGLISH
100283
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
If the saw chain was damaged by contacting hard
objects, such as nails or stones, or was abraded by mud
or sand on the wood, have Champion or other qualified
service dealer inspect for potential damage and sharpen
or replace the blade and/or bar if needed.
When sharpening the saw chain, file all cutters to the
specified angles and measurements. Other angles or
measurements can cause excessive wear to the guide
bar and saw chain, cause the chain to dull quickly and
increase the chance of kickback. Fast cutting can be
obtained only when all cutters are uniform.
1. Tighten the chain tension so that the saw chain is
taut and does not wobble. Refer to Adjusting the
Chain Tension.
a. Always file the saw chain at the midpoint of
the guide bar.
2. Use a round file to sharpen the top plate and side
plate of each cutter.
a. Use a 5/32 inch (4 mm) diameter file.
b. Keep the file level with the top plate of the
cutter (Fig. 32). Do not let the file dip or rock.
Use light, but firm pressure.
c. File toward the front corner of the cutter
(Fig. 33). Lift the file away from the cutter at
the end of the forward stroke. Only file on the
forward stroke.
d. Apply a few firm strokes to each tooth. When
filed correctly, the top plate will be at a 30º
angle and the side plate will be at an 80º angle
(Fig. 34). Using the correct file and file holder
will automatically produce the correct angles.
If you do not fully understand the sharpening procedure
after reading the instructions, have the saw chain
sharpened by Champion or other qualified service dealer
or replace the saw chain.
NOTE
Maintaining the Saw Chain
For safe, efficient operation, the saw chain must be
maintained properly.
The saw chain will wear with use, causing the chain to
stretch. This is normal. When it is no longer possible to
obtain a correct chain tension adjustment, the saw chain
will need to be replaced. Refer to Replacing the Guide
Bar and Saw Chain. Always keep the saw chain sharp.
During operation, look for the following indicators of a
dull saw chain:
– Wood chips are small and powdery.
– The saw chain must be forced through the wood.
– The saw chain cuts to one side. If any of these
conditions exist, sharpen or replace the saw chain.
Refer to S
harpening the Saw Chain
or
Replacing the
Guide Bar and Saw Chain
.
Sharpening the Saw Chain
The saw chain is very sharp. Always wear heavy-
duty protective gloves when handling or performing
maintenance on the saw chain.
WARNING
An improperly sharpened saw chain increases the
chance of kickback. Failure to replace or properly
maintain the saw chain can cause serious injury.
WARNING
A dull or improperly sharpened saw chain can cause
excessive engine speed during operation, which can
result in severe engine damage.
WARNING
7. Using the outer tightening knob, rotate it clockwise
(Right) with the bar tip held up, so that fix the guide
bar securely. Then check the chain for smooth
rotation and proper tension (see blade tensioning
section for proper blade adjustment/tension) while
moving it by hand. If necessary, readjust with the
chain cover loose.
Installing the Guide Bar and Saw Chain Cont’d
Hold outer bar lock knob with one hand, while turning
inner chain/bar adjustment knob
NOTE
Fig. 31
