Adjusting The Chain Tension - Ryobi p546 Operator's Manual

 Chain is correctly tensioned when there is no
sag on the underside of the guide bar, the chain
is snug, but it can be turned by hand without
binding.
NOTE: If chain is too tight, it will not rotate.
Loosen the chain cover screw slightly and turn
tension adjuster 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Lift
the tip of the guide bar up and retighten chain
cover screw securely. Assure that the chain will
rotate without binding.
 Place the hex key back into the storage area.

ADJUSTING THE CHAIN TENSION

See Figures 29 - 30.
WARNING:
Never touch or adjust the chain while the motor
is running. The saw chain is very sharp. Always
wear protective gloves when performing main-
tenance on the chain.
 Stop the engine before setting the chain tension.
Make sure the guide bar screw is loosened to
finger tight, turn the chain tensioner clockwise
to tension the chain. Refer to Replacing Bar
and Chain earlier in this manual for additional
information.
 A cold chain is correctly tensioned when there
is no slack on the underside of the guide bar,
the chain is snug, but it can be turned by hand
without binding.
 Chain must be re-tensioned whenever the flats
on the drive links hang out of the bar groove.
 During normal saw operation, the temperature
of the chain will increase. The drive links of
a correctly tensioned warm chain will hang
approximately .050 in. out of the bar groove.
NOTE: New chain tends to stretch, check chain
tension frequently and tension as required.
NOTICE:
Chain tensioned while warm, may be too tight
upon cooling. Check the "cold tension" before
next use.
MAINTENANCE
LIFT THE TIP OF
THE GUIDE BAR
UP TO CHECK FOR
26 - English
SAG
APPROX. .050 in.
FLATS
Fig. 27
HEX KEY
Fig. 28
Fig. 29
Fig. 30