Craftsman 20" 50cc bar / chain problem

[David McGrath]

I recently bought a Craftsman 358350981 chainsaw 50cc 20" bar and chain. Problem is, when I put the bar and chain on the saw all is normal. However after I tighten the bar nuts, I can not manually rotate the chain no matter how tight or loose I tension the chain. If I loosen the bar nuts, all is good. I don't see any parts worn or missing. I own several saws and I have never encountered this problem. The parts diagrams on line show me that I'm not missing any parts. The sprocket has some wear, the bar is in very good condition. It's a Oregon 20 3/8 - 70 PU the chain is practically new. The saw runs fine after I replaced the fuel lines, filter and rebuilt the Zama carburetor. When I removed the clutch cover to sharpen the chain, I found two 3/8" flat washers that shouldn't have been in between the bar and the side cover. Obviously the former owner also had the same problem. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance of any and all replies.

 

[David McGrath]

I recently bought a Craftsman 358350981 chainsaw 50cc 20" bar and chain. Problem is, when I put the bar and chain on the saw all is normal. However after I tighten the bar nuts, I can not manually rotate the chain no matter how tight or loose I tension the chain. If I loosen the bar nuts, all is good. I don't see any parts worn or missing. I own several saws and I have never encountered this problem. The parts diagrams on line show me that I'm not missing any parts. The sprocket has some wear, the bar is in very good condition. It's a Oregon 20 3/8 - 70 PU the chain is practically new. The saw runs fine after I replaced the fuel lines, filter and rebuilt the Zama carburetor. When I removed the clutch cover to sharpen the chain, I found two 3/8" flat washers that shouldn't have been in between the bar and the side cover. Obviously the former owner also had the same problem. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance of any and all replies.

Update. I see that the chain brake band has a groove worn in it and even though its disengaged, its catching on the clutch drum. It was most like run engaged or partly engaged and it now has a groove worn in it. That said, it needs replaced so how do I find the correct part and it's number. The side cover that is marked Husqvarna, every number on it, once entered gets me nowhere. I even plugged in the Craftsman number and none of the parts diagrams I have located, show me the part much less a part number. I should have stuck with repairing Stihl saws!

 

[Paul]

I’m guessing that you don’t have the proper bar on the saw. Too narrow at the mounting end and bar cover is squeezing the bar groove together.
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