The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Chainsaws => Topic started by: RKnee68 on November 08, 2017, 07:27:38 PM

Title: Stihl MS 461 chain trouble
Post by: RKnee68 on November 08, 2017, 07:27:38 PM
My Husky just gave out and I went to the Stihl MS 461. Love the saw but I am having trouble with the chain.  If it jumps out of the bar, the drive links are getting scored up.  When I go to re-insert the chain it binds up because of the increased width.  Took me 3 hours to figure that out .  Talked to the dealer about the problem and he stated to grind the drive links down.  Have you ever tried to grind the links down in the field.  bought an Oregon chain, Lasted longer but still binds up.  This is getting to be a pain.  Any one out there with this same problem.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 461 chain trouble
Post by: johnny newburgh on November 08, 2017, 07:39:32 PM
How is the chain coming off? Is it very loose or catching brush pieces? Thinking back the only times I can remember chain coming off is when my chain was loose and trying to clear smaller branches around downed tree. And i think on occasion may have gotten burred or a little twisted? Then i would put chain back on and it would work it's way back to normal operation. Did you look at bar to see if groove in bar was pinched in? Maybe that is the case if second chain is binding also?
Title: Re: Stihl MS 461 chain trouble
Post by: DelawhereJoe on November 08, 2017, 09:11:41 PM
Are you keeping the chain adjusted properly and picking up on the end of the bar when your tightening the chain and bar nuts ? Another thing to watch out for is that when the chain goes on the rim sprocket that the drive links fit all the way down into the sprocket, if its not down all the way you will end up with more chain slack then what you want.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 461 chain trouble
Post by: leeroyjd on November 09, 2017, 04:22:29 AM
There are two white plastic pieces inside the clutch cover. Check to make sure they are there and in good shape.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 461 chain trouble
Post by: ButchC on November 09, 2017, 07:28:41 AM
It is common that a chain that jumps off the bar will have burrs on a couple drivers, you file them off and go on. I am not a fan of "run'em and they make their own clearance, bars are expensive,,,. It is possible that there is an issue with the bar or sprocket but not likely on a new saw. People dont like hearing it but you might be causing it with your operating techniques. I have a buddy that that thinks  that's the way it is supposed to because he tosses chains constantly,he is also constantly pinching the bar,,,  Running dull chains or not enough oil causes much heat and resulting stretch and people dont notice it and the chain comes off.  This is a common issue for people who have never had a saw such as a 461 that has enough power to burn through wood with a dull chain,, not making accusations,, just my experiences.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 461 chain trouble
Post by: RKnee68 on November 10, 2017, 02:52:35 PM
Great answers, I am not too old to take good advise.  Operator error not uncommon on new stuff. ;D  The chain was not loose to the looking, bottom was tight , but I was cleaning up small branches prior to main cut.  Oiler was set at factory and I usually don't mess with stuff on a new saw til I figure out things.  The instruction manual shows how to tighten up the chain,( yes I read it)  so that wasn't the issue.  Drive on Drill Sgt.  Thanks again for your wisdom R