Installing Guide Bar/Chain - Shindaiwa 488EMC Owner's/Operator's Manual

Installing and Adjusting the Guide Bar and Saw Chain
NOTE:
For longest chain life, place new or
replacement chain loops in oil and
soak overnight before installation.
IMPORTANT!
The chain brake must be completely
disengaged before removing or installing
the clutch cover.
1. Use the socket wrench to remove
the clutch cover nut(s) in a
counter-clockwise rotation.
2. Remove the clutch cover.
3. Remove and discard the packing
spacer.
CAUTION!
Failure to align the guide bar and
chain tensioner pin can cause seri-
ous damage to the clutch cover, guide
bar, tensioner pin, and/or engine
crankcase!
4. Place the guide bar over the guide
bar stud(s) and chain tensioner pin.
WARNING!
The cutters on the saw chain
are very sharp! Always wear
gloves when handling.
5. Install the chain loop over the drive
sprocket, and then align the chain
drive links within the guide bar
groove. Verify that the cutters are
properly oriented as shown. (inset to
above). If chain installation is
difficult or if the chain appears too
tight, refer to "Adjusting the Saw
chain,".
6. Install the clutch cover over the bar
stud(s) and install the bar nut(s)
finger tight.
WARNING!
Never operate this saw
without the clutch cover
installed.
7. Place the saw on a flat surface and
lift the bar nose slightly.
8. To adjust chain tension:
Turn the chain tension screw
clockwise to tighten the chain.
Turn the chain tension screw
counter-clockwise to loosen the
chain.
Chain Adjusting
Screw
Turn Clockwise to
Tighten the Chain
(extend the guide
bar)
Guide plate (B)
Clutch Cover
While lifting the bar nose, tighten
or loosen the adjusting screw until
the chain at mid-bar on the
bottom of the bar just contacts the
guide bar rails.
1/8"
Max.
Check the gap between chain
side plates and the bar rail.
9. Tighten the bar nut(s). The saw
chain tension is correct when
there is not any slack on the
bottom of the guide bar but the
saw chain can move freely.
Stud
Chain tensioner pin
Nut
Spacer (discard)
Hole in guide bar fits
over chain tensioner pin
Re-Adjusting the Saw Chain
WARNING!
Inspect chain tension often
during operation, especially
when breaking in a new chain. A
loose saw chain can jump from the
guide bar, possibly causing serious
personal injury!
1. To adjust chain tension in the
field: Stop the saw and allow the
guide bar and chain to cool.
Loosen both bar nuts approx. 1-
turn each, and then perform steps
7-9 above. Never operate the saw
with a loose chain!
Guide plate (A)
BAR TIP
Top of bar
Chain orientation
Bottom of bar
7