21
ADDING BAR AND CHAIN OIL
The guide bar and saw chain require lubrication to minimize friction.
Never starve the guide bar and chain of lubricating oil. Running the
unit without enough oil will decrease cutting efficiency, shorten the
life of the saw chain, cause rapid dulling of the saw chain and
excessive wear to the guide bar from overheating. An insufficient
amount of lubricating oil is evidenced by smoke, guide bar
discoloration or pitch build-up.
Only use bar and chain oil that is formulated to perform over a wide
range of temperatures with no diluting required in the chain oil
reservoir. Do not use motor oil or any other petroleum-based oil. Do
not use dirty, used or contaminated oil. Damage may occur to the
guide bar or saw chain. Dispose of old oil according to federal, state
and local regulations.
Checking the Chain Oil Level
1.
Set the unit on a flat, level surface.
2. Look into the chain oil level window; use a flashlight if
necessary. The oil level should fill the window at least halfway
(Fig. 20). If the oil level is too low, add bar and chain oil. Refer to
Filling the Chain Oil Reservoir.
Filling the Chain Oil Reservoir
1.
Set the unit on a flat, level surface.
2. To prevent debris from entering the chain oil reservoir, use a damp
cloth to clean the chain oil reservoir cap and surrounding area.
3. Unscrew the chain oil reservoir cap (Fig. 21).
4. Carefully pour the oil into the chain oil reservoir.
DO NOT overfill.
5. Reinstall the chain oil reservoir cap. Tighten the cap firmly.
6. Wipe up any oil that may have spilled.
DANGER:
Failure to fill the chain oil reservoir will cause
irreparable damage to the unit. Make sure the chain oil
reservoir is always filled. Always use bar and chain oil.
WARNING:
Oil constantly flows from the chain oil
reservoir to oil the saw chain. Check the chain oil level
frequently so that it does not drop below half full.
Fig. 21
Chain Oil
Reservoir
Chain Oil
Reservoir Cap
ADJUSTING THE CHAIN TENSION
Check the chain tension before and during operation. Adjust the
chain tension whenever the flats on the saw chain hang out of the
bar groove (Fig. 22).
NOTE: A new saw chain tends to stretch and will need readjustment
after as few as five (5) cuts. This is normal during the break-in
period. The interval between future adjustments will lengthen
quickly.
CAUTION:
The guide bar, saw chain, and saw bearings
will wear more rapidly if the saw chain is not properly
tensioned. Maintaining proper chain tension will improve
cutting performance and prolong the life of the saw chain.
WARNING:
To prevent serious injury, never touch the
saw chain or adjust the chain tension while the unit is
running. Disconnect the unit from the power source to
prevent the unit from starting accidentally.
WARNING:
The saw chain is very sharp. Always wear
heavy-duty protective gloves when handling or performing
maintenance on the saw chain.
Fig. 22
Flats
Drive Links
Guide Bar
Fig. 20
Chain Oil Level
Window