Saw Chain Tension Adjustment - McCulloch MS4016PAVCC, MS4018PAVCC User Manual

TO INSTALL SAW CHAIN:
WARNING
Always wear heavy duty gloves when handling saw chain
or making saw chain adjustments.
1. Spread chain out in a loop with cutting edges (A)
pointing CLOCKWISE around loop (Figure 3-3F).
2. Slip the chain around the sprocket (B) behind the
clutch (C). Make sure the links fit between the sprock-
et teeth (Figure 3-3G).
3. Guide the drive links into the groove (D) and around
the end of the bar (Figure 3-3G).
NOTE: The saw chain may droop slightly on the lower part
of bar. This is normal.
4. Pull guide bar forward until chain is snug. Ensure all
drive links are in the bar groove.
5. Install the clutch cover making sure the tang is posi-
tioned in the lower hole in the guide bar. Make sure
the chain does not slip off of the bar. Install the bar
retaining nuts hand tight and follow tension adjust-
ment instructions in Section 3-4. (Figure 3-3H)
NOTE: The guide bar retaining nuts are installed only hand
tight at this point because saw chain adjustment is
required. Follow instructions in Section 3-4, Saw Chain
Tension Adjustment.
B
C
7
3 - ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
A
3-3F
D
3-3G

3-4. SAW CHAIN TENSION ADJUSTMENT

Proper tension of saw chain is extremely important and
must be checked before starting, as well as during any cut-
ting operation.
Taking the time to make needed adjustments to the saw
chain will result in improved cutting performance and pro-
longed chain life.
WARNING
Always wear heavy duty gloves when handling saw chain
or making saw chain adjustments.
TO ADJUST SAW CHAIN:
1. Hold nose of guide bar up and turn adjustment screw
(D) CLOCKWISE to increase chain tension. Turning
screw COUNTERCLOCKWISE will decrease amount
of tension on chain. Ensure the chain fits snugly all
the way around the guide bar (Figure 3-4A).
2. After making adjustment, and while still holding nose
of bar in the uppermost position, tighten the bar retain-
ing nuts securely. Chain has proper tension when it
has a snug fit all around and can be pulled around by
gloved hand.
NOTE: If chain is difficult to rotate on guide bar or if it binds,
too much tension has been applied. This requires minor
adjustment as follows:
A. Loosen the bar retaining nuts so they are finger tight.
Decrease tension by turning the bar adjustment screw
COUNTERCLOCKWISE slowly. Move chain back and
forth on bar. Continue to adjust until chain rotates
freely, but fits snugly. Increase tension by turning bar
adjustment screw CLOCKWISE.
B. When saw chain has proper tension, hold nose of bar
in uppermost position and tighten the bar retaining nut
securely.
H
3-3H
D
3-4A