Chainsaw Repair

Yup, me too.

  John

Thanks, guys.  Now I just need to do a bit of research on whether there are parts to swap to drive the oiler properly, an dI should be ready to go.

Good advice from everyone here.  I made me a clutch removal socket from a used deep well 1/2" drive socket.   Used a commercial  one from my neighbor many years ago and got an idea and copied it and made my own.  Easy to do.  I regulate my impact drivers psi down to 40-60lbs. and go up from there if I need more force.  Most of the time it don't take a lot.  I use the starter pulley rope and it works good so far.  Have to be careful with ported saws as it likes to find its way in one of them.  Bring your piston to almost TDC before inserting the rope, and it will prevent this.   Never tried the screwdriver method and don't think I need to.   Stick it in wood as was said earlier and you should be good to go. 

Thank for all the advice, everyone. I finally got back out for a visit and swapped the clutch drum. I used a punch and hammer in the slots designed for that, and it came off after half a dozen raps. Did not need the rope in the piston. I did not need to replace the oiler gear.

I put some grease on the bearing and wiped a bit on the bore of the clutch drum and on the crankshaft, put it all back together and cut some wood right off the bat to tighten things up. Everything went as expected, and it's working fine. I showed the owner how to do it while I was at it, so he can replace the rim sprocket next time it's needed. (Owner's son is a bit hard on saws, and likes to keep cutting with a dull chain, so he puts wear on things faster than might otherwise be expected. I've given him a few sharpening lessons, but the need for it doesn't seem to have sunken in yet.)

I suspect the problem is less about the type of chain he is using, and more a matter of him noticing that it's dull and choosing to do something about it. All of the other pointers I've given him he's taken to quickly (using PPE; looking for overhead hazards before starting work; waiting for a moment after the tree falls and re-looking for hazards, rather than just charging in; having clear escape route planned prior to felling; avaoiding use of the kickback zone of the bar). For some reason, sharpening just hasn't stuck with him.