Makita 6401 - Engine runs - does not turn the drive sprocket

M

Mike Pellet

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May 25, 2025
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My 6401 is low hours as I use it for residential (non-commercial) work.

Engine starts easily, but does not engage the drive sprocket when revved up. I tried to order a new clutch, but they are not available.

Any other possible causes? Would hate to retire such a good saw.

Thanks in advance.

Mike Pellet
 
I do not know your knowledge about saws and their workings so if I'm stating the obvious things don't be offended! Firstly make sure the chain brake is not activated or something on the mechanism is broken. Take the clutch cover o and bar and chain off. If you are not familiar of the sprocket workings, post photos of the sprocket and some of the chain cutting teeth and of the clutch drum. Does the clutch drum spin by hand without the motor running?
The clutch on the Makita 6401 is similar in size to many saws of this type and with normal operation / use function for many hours without problems. Do you lean on the saw / lever the saw in the wood with the dogging spike?
Start the saw up with the clutch cover off and post a film of the clutch cover with the motor running.
If you have not yet, If you can take off the spring clip and washer holding the sprocket and rim off and look at the clutch and springs. Is the clutch / drum blue on the outer?
After diagnosis it's good to understand why / what has failed so it won't happen again as well as sorting out the problem.
Clutches are still ready available, where are you based?
 
FATBOY2017 said:
I do not know your knowledge about saws and their workings so if I'm stating the obvious things don't be offended! Firstly make sure the chain brake is not activated or something on the mechanism is broken. Take the clutch cover o and bar and chain off. If you are not familiar of the sprocket workings, post photos of the sprocket and some of the chain cutting teeth and of the clutch drum. Does the clutch drum spin by hand without the motor running?
The clutch on the Makita 6401 is similar in size to many saws of this type and with normal operation / use function for many hours without problems. Do you lean on the saw / lever the saw in the wood with the dogging spike?
Start the saw up with the clutch cover off and post a film of the clutch cover with the motor running.
If you have not yet, If you can take off the spring clip and washer holding the sprocket and rim off and look at the clutch and springs. Is the clutch / drum blue on the outer?
After diagnosis it's good to understand why / what has failed so it won't happen again as well as sorting out the problem.
Clutches are still ready available, where are you based?
Click to expand...
Agree with all of this. Just an added word of caution when you run the saw without the clutch cover... a clutch that has been running on a saw and tightened over time will probably stay in place but often time if you've just removed the clutch and put it back on hand tight, then rev the engine, when you let off the gas, there'll be just enough inertia involved to send the clutch spinning off at a high RPM. When it happened to me I was left looking for all 3 shoes and springs, and having to put them back together. Hope you get it sorted.
 
Yes as internet pretender has said be aware of this happning. I have had it happen
to me twice and like him spent half a day looking for clutch bits and the second time not
so lucky took a piece out of my arm so I am very carefull now what I am doing in that
department. Not sure on this but picking the Makita6401 will be a Dolmar clone and
if so I have a Dolmar 105 and a 107 and had clutch driving problems with both infact it
was the 105 that took to me. ended up getting a new clutch bell for it and solved the problem.
Although I don't say that model had the greatest of clutch systems.
 
The clutches on the Makita / Dolmar 6401 are inboard and have a clip on the outside if the clutch drum, so very unlikely to spin off. The Makita 6401 is exactly the same as the Dolmar, made in the same factory, can be just badges or colour but sane saw, not a clone. Dolmar 105 and 107 have outboard clutches so can spin off if not tight.
 
When I said clone I meant the same saw Dolmar/Makita not a chinese copy.
Well that,s good it has a clip as was just warning people that screw on ones
can spin off and as I said can be quite dangerous.
 
FATBOY2017 said:
The clutches on the Makita / Dolmar 6401 are inboard and have a clip on the outside if the clutch drum, so very unlikely to spin off. The Makita 6401 is exactly the same as the Dolmar, made in the same factory, can be just badges or colour but sane saw, not a clone. Dolmar 105 and 107 have outboard clutches so can spin off if not tight.
Click to expand...
Ah, yes. That's right. An inboard clutch is a different story. Happened to me when I was working on my dad's old Echo 670. I've got a couple outboard models too.
 
if i remember correctly there is a one way bearing on the shaft that drives the clutch. Which is why in order to remove clutch you have to block the piston from moving. it is possible that bearing has gone south. I have had my Dolita apart to replace the oil pump ( home depo cast off) that was quite a few years ago. so I could be off base.
 

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