Tips for checking clutch wear without teardown

[Northbound]

When your chainsaw clutch starts slipping out of nowhere, you quickly realize the importance of checking for wear before it gets worse.
What are some of your go-to methods that don’t involve a teardown?

Share the tricks that have helped you avoid extra time and hassle.

 

[kevinj54]

Since this is a chainsaw site one assumes you talking about saws but since you mention free play maybe a tractor?

Keeping them properly adjusted is part of proper maintenance. If slipping when properly maintained then get out the tools and see what failed.

 

[Northbound]

Since this is a chainsaw site one assumes you talking about saws but since you mention free play maybe a tractor?

Keeping them properly adjusted is part of proper maintenance. If slipping when properly maintained then get out the tools and see what failed.

Sorry about that. I asked the mod/admin to remove that confusing line

 

[Cleancut]

My old 372XP started slipping while I was in the middle of a harvest, nothing worse than losing power out in the woods. I typically spin the chain by hand to check for any unusual resistance and then do a quick under-load test. Often just a quick look at the clutch shoes can save me from needing a complete teardown.

 

[STIHLTECH]

Slipping clutch is a very rare occurrence. Usually from oil or other lubrication on the shoes. The #1 reason for a slipping clutch is a dull chain or low rakers. The clutch is designed to work with a sharp chain only.

If the idle must be lowered for the chain to stop, the you have weak springs or worn shoes at the carrier.

On the old Stihls with lined clutches, the lining would come off the shoes and bind up the clutch. Usually just removed it and kept going, steel on drum, like now. Never had a slipping complaint due to it missing. Springs usually worked fine.

Dull is the enemy. And the reason I repair saws, for the most part. Abuse is the other

 

[Northbound]

Slipping clutch is a very rare occurrence. Usually from oil or other lubrication on the shoes. The #1 reason for a slipping clutch is a dull chain or low rakers. The clutch is designed to work with a sharp chain only.

If the idle must be lowered for the chain to stop, the you have weak springs or worn shoes at the carrier.

On the old Stihls with lined clutches, the lining would come off the shoes and bind up the clutch. Usually just removed it and kept going, steel on drum, like now. Never had a slipping complaint due to it missing. Springs usually worked fine.

Dull is the enemy. And the reason I repair saws, for the most part. Abuse is the other

Thanks for the insight that really clarifies things. It's easy to point fingers at the clutch when the problem might actually be a dull chain or an issue with the setup

 

[Pinnacle]

Dull is the enemy. And the reason I repair saws, for the most part. Abuse is the other

I remember running a dull chain on my 046 for way too long a few years back, and I was puzzled by the smoking clutch.
As soon as I put on a sharp chain, the issue was resolved.

You’re right dull chains can mislead people into thinking they have clutch problems when they just need to sharpen them up.

 

[STIHLTECH]

Why would you NOT want to remove the sprocket drum to check? I quick look will answer way more issues than guessing.
Maybe that is why i am in business.
One thing that gets overlooked a lot is drum wear. The clutch has a small amount of slippage at engagement. Nothing noticeable, just normal operation. But it does wear the drum.
Usually on older and high hour saws. It should be checked and replaced if heavy ridges are found.
Unfortunately, replacement happens when the drum comes apart and wipes out the clutch, sprocket, oil pump and sometimes the saw motor case. $$$$$$$$$
Check, don't wonder.
Saves $$$$$$

 

[Paul]

Sounds like TECH and I have had the same experiences.

 

[Alan]

Always better to check than just guess. Appreciate you sharing.

 

[Ralf1e]

My experience of buying used saws is that the majority of them have clutch or rim sprocket wear. People just don't seem to understand that they are consumables on many saws.

 

[STIHLTECH]

Most users have no idea that there are consumables on a saw. Until it as too late and costs $$$$$$.

 

[Alan]

A little awareness early saves a lot of money later.