Tensioning The Chain - Stihl MSA 300.0 Instruction Manual

14 Assembling the Chain Saw
► Make sure that the cutters in the groove on the top side of
the guide bar face the tip of the bar. STIHL chains are
manufactured with arrows on the tie straps to help the
operator determine the proper direction of the chain.
Arrows on the tie straps on the top of the bar must point
toward the bar tip.
7
► Point the guide bar tip away from the chain sprocket (7).
► Place the chain around the chain sprocket.
► Slide the guide bar (6) over the collar screws (5). The
head of the collar screw must protrude into the oblong
hole.
► Fit the pin of the tensioning gear in the hole (8) of the
guide bar.
► Disengage the chain brake, @ 15.2.
0458-009-8601-A
► Direct the drive links into the groove of the guide bar (6,
arrow) while turning the side chain tensioner (3) clockwise
until it stops.
The guide bar and chain must be firmly and securely
mounted on the saw.
► Fit the sprocket cover on the saw so that it is flush with the
housing.
► Turn the nuts clockwise until the chain sprocket cover is
firmly attached to the saw.
14.2.2 Removing the Guide Bar and Chain
► Unscrew the nuts securing the chain sprocket cover.
► Remove the chain sprocket cover.
► Turn the side chain tensioner counter-clockwise until it
stops and the chain is loose.
► Remove the guide bar and chain.
NOTICE
The top and bottom of the guide bar are symmetrical, and
the bar may be mounted with the printing facing up or down.
Flipping the guide bar each time the chain is sharpened or
changed will help reduce uneven wear and extend its
service life.

14.3 Tensioning the Chain

WARNING
To reduce the risk of severe personal injury from chain
derailment, check chain tension frequently, @ 6.5. At
operating temperatures, the chain stretches and sags. New
chain tends to stretch more than used chain. Tension the
chain so that the drive links cannot come out of the groove
on the underside of the guide bar.
To properly tension the chain:
► Switch off the chain saw, @ 17.2.
► Engage the chain brake, @ 15.1.
► Remove the battery, @ 16.2.
English
39