Chainsaw Repair

Husqvarna - Stihl - Poulan - Jonsered - Dolmar chainsaws and more => Poulan => Topic started by: Chris-PA on July 28, 2015, 09:20:48 pm

Title: Warped Plastic Poulan Clutch Covers
Post by: Chris-PA on July 28, 2015, 09:20:48 pm
I've had problems with the clutch covers warping on my 42cc Poulans over the years.  They can warp in two ways - first, the rear corner starts to lift away from the chassis, which can mess with the alignment of the chain brake and cause the band to drag. 

Second, the surface of the bar mounting pad starts to curve, which can cause problems with the oiling.  Because the bar is oiled through the upper tensioning boss which goes all the way through, if there is a poor seal on the outside of the bar then oil can leak out there and bypass the bar groove.

I have repaired a couple by sanding/grinding the bar mount pad flat, and trying to re-angle it so the tail of the cover moves back toward the case.  This is hard to get right because the steel inserts for the bar studs are harder in the center, and so it is difficult to remove all the curvature.  Also, you are removing material, so the whole cover is moving towards the case. 

The first picture shows a cover that is not warped (but broken), and you can see the chambers molded in above the bar studs.  There is not a lot of sealing surface there, so if the top edge pulls away it will leak. 

The second shows an old cover I worked on with a belt sander - it is not all that flat, but better than it was.

The third picture shows a stainless steel outer bar plate I added to a cover I ground (gently) with a 4" grinder.  This helped seal it up quite a bit better.  I'm hoping it will help prevent further warping, but only time will tell.  I'll be getting a new cover and will try it on that from the beginning.
Title: Re: Warped Plastic Poulan Clutch Covers
Post by: Cut4fun . on July 28, 2015, 10:55:17 pm
Good thread.
I have a few out of whack clutch covers here from saws that came in. Broken bands, busted through tensioner areas beyond repair etc. Never looked to see if they were warped too.
Title: Re: Warped Plastic Poulan Clutch Covers
Post by: Chris-PA on July 29, 2015, 09:03:27 am
I think the 32/35/38cc Macs have it right for a plastic clutch cover, with an outer bar plate and the extra screws at the back edge.  They're a bit of a PITA when changing chains but no real big deal, and they support the back edge properly. 

Of course I'd rather have a metal clutch cover like the PP5020.
Title: Re: Warped Plastic Poulan Clutch Covers
Post by: Cut4fun . on July 29, 2015, 09:08:33 am
Here is one for different plastic covers on poulan partner jonsered. http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/poulan/plastic-clutch-cover-wear/
Title: Re: Warped Plastic Poulan Clutch Covers
Post by: old guy on July 29, 2015, 10:52:55 am
That metal cover is the most expensive part of the 5020, it costs $54, the cyl. is $15 less than that.

    John
Title: Re: Warped Plastic Poulan Clutch Covers
Post by: Cut4fun . on July 29, 2015, 12:07:19 pm
That is a little pricey for sure. Ordertree the go to poulan parts spot has them PP5020AV clutch cover  577234603 $47.99  then add shipping
Title: Re: Warped Plastic Poulan Clutch Covers
Post by: Chris-PA on July 29, 2015, 01:51:18 pm
Ahh, good info.  I'm going to be fabricating outer bar plates for all the plastic clutch covers that don't have them, which is pretty much all my Poulans.  I'm hoping to reduce both mechanical and thermal stress on the cover, and to improve the seal for better oiling.