Don't Let This Happen To Your Chainsaw!

In this video I show you some important maintenance that should be done to your chainsaw whether you have a Stihl, Husqvarna, Poulan or any saw for that matter.
And from what I have seen in my shop this maintenance is especially important if you have a Stihl MS291 or 391 chainsaw because if you don't do this it can end up costing you a lot of money to repair your saw!
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Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor".
#donyboy73 #stihlchainsaw

[@donyboy73]

Check out my video on a neat MS170 chain adjuster mod here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ-plWWEgryDj9E

[@941Earl]

Here my friends thought I was going overboard cleaning my saw, bar, and the clutch/drum after every weekend I use them. I use them hard, too. This just proves I was correct in my practice. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

[@capohd28]

Every use is probably excessive, but like myself, you probably enjoy doing it. It's really satisfying to clean up a grungy saw. It's also nice to pull out,a clean saw to use. Better too much maintenance than not enough.

[@MrRander7769]

What you are saying is maybe I should do this to my 40 year old mcculloch? I thought I cleaned it pretty good with a air hose. Never had any problems.

[@gunterbecker8528]

I'm a hard knuckle chainsaw guy ,but maintenance is always my first priority "AS WELL AS A SHARP CHAIN" my saw after years is better than new 😅! U my number 0ne guy,keep up the good work mate

[@henerker]

Another super helpful, money saving video from Dony! Wow….I never knew this could happen!!! This simple maintenance would prevent losing the entire saw. Thanks so much, Dony!

[@markproulx1472]

Man, great advice. I’ll service my two saws the next time I’m at our farm.

[@henryhenry5897]

This guy makes me go out to my garage and check this bearing and grease it lol

[@donyboy73]

lol

[@lanefrank6208]

I clean and grease this bearing after each use of my MS462. Prior to installing the bearing, I fill the interior about half full of Stihl grease and cover the opposite end of the bearing with my finger. As the bearing slides are pressed over the crankshaft with my finger, the grease is forced from the interior through to the exterior surfaces of the bearing packing it. I then slide the clutch drum on , making sure that the slot in the drum engages the oil pump, and then complete the assembly. Less messy way to grease it. This is a good video. Thanks Don.

[@jackpinesavage1628]

I just wrote, then cancelled a comment, after I scrolled down to see you said almost exactly what I said.

[@newcreation07]

I am planning on getting me a 391 at some point. I hope they don’t stop making it anytime soon, but I’m glad I watched this video

[@TC-fq2ew]

Great tip and reminder! Admittedly, I haven't done that since I got my saws running. I have stihl 460, 034, and 260 which I just bought new oil cap for per another video of yours. Thank you for your very informative videos. While I have figured out over the years much of the content, I refer to your knowledge and experience to dot i's and cross t's. Your "no BS" delivery approach keeps me coming back for more knowledge. Thanks and keep up the excellent work. TC

[@circuitbreaker9001]

Have a husky 51. It is 30 years old now. Never knew about this bearing maintenance till this year. I now do it and the bearing was still good. I do 20 cords or more a year. Great video for those who did not know. I think all of us really enjoy how you share your knowledge. Will be working Dec.29th up in your area

[@Tommyr]

The old saying "They don't make them like they used to" is SO true. For just about everything.

[@tannerc900]

I’ve never particularly had an interest in small engines before, I just did what I needed to on my own equipment when the time arose but after bingeing all your videos you make being a small engine mechanic look so cool. I’m always outside doing the maintenance tips you show

[@andrewcornford2306]

I'm a professional tree surgeon in the UK, I have both 291 and 391 they are great saws. I clean my fully after each day, even sometimes during the day if it's particularly dirty weather or I'm cutting a wind blow out of a river. Another great informative video for the uninitiated, thanks.

[@ronaldbailey7365]

Gotta get pro grade saws last longer

[@happycamper6352]

@@ronaldbailey7365 I was going to say same; plus power-to-weight ratio is better for less fatigue and more productivity, plus the materials are stronger e.g. more magnesium, less plastic. Do a teardown or watch a youtube teardown of home-gamer vs. pro saws from Stihl. Night and day differences.

[@michaelspencer301]

Thanks for another great video. You were the first and by far the best small engine repairman I subscribed to . Keep up the great work. 👍

[@johnmclaughlin7406]

Cut wood for 50 years. Never knew about this bearing maintenance. Started out with a XL-123 Homelite, then a R55 Partner. I ended up converting both to a rim sprocket from a star sprocket. Bars back then were hard nos bars not sprocket nose bars. After cutting firewood for my dad and I I have now converted to wood pellets.I have a Harman PF-100 wood furnace. I must say that I actually enjoyed my time in the woods with my dad. He has passed on in July at 95 years old. Many memories, mostly good and some bad. I now own a Husqvarna 359, and an Echo CS-370 chain saws.

[@johnready630]

Great advice but one other thing that will cause this wear is over tightening the chain , if fact that can actually take your main crank bearing and seal out. Cheers , former Stihl Canada Tech. Dept. employee.

[@georgedavall9449]

Great point John, as will not releasing tension on the chain after saw has been shut down from a lot of cutting!

[@rooster3019]

Great advice. I was unaware that new saws had plastic clutch bearing cages. My saws are older and I used NGLI-2 lithium. I now use NGLI-2 shear stable polyurea. I replace clutch spurs as the chain wears into them causing pitch change compared to new replacement chains. But, bearings are original from back in mid 1970's.

[@bobmcl2406]

Well, I guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend! Thanks for another clear and complete video.

[@wayneberry8703]

Thanks so much Dony, this will be my first job tomorrow morning lol. I had never thought about that bearing at all. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. Cheers mate.

[@wayneberry8703]

Cleaned the bearings and clutch housing today. Thanks Dony for the thumbs up.

[@junotafoya4712]

Yes Sir,been doing this for years ms391 and old school 044.Running smooth with no problems.

[@paulfroese1469]

That's been on my mind about that bearing and you put my mind at ease cause I'm heading to the shop now. Much thanks and appreciate it. Nothing's cheap these days and any preventative maintenance is worth everything!! 👍😉

[@annettepalmgren4018]

Very helpful information especially for my 291

[@davidabernathy4553]

Well now this is a interesting video and I already knew about this. I have always done routine maintenance on my sprocket bearings, but this is definitely good information for people that didn't even know that this little bearing existed.

[@Marine-72]

Excellent! I have an MS 291 and did not know this, thank you. And the 291 has been a very reliable saw.

[@RichA-ww8co]

More important tips! Thanks. Volunteer in preserve with much chainsaw work. Saws take aa beating. Your tips assist in maintaining said saws that are essential to preserve maintenance. Essential channel for me and the preserve.

[@dougscrivens4002]

I think you just saved me many pounds. Cheers from Redditch, 🇬🇧 England.

[@jeffcampbell4484]

Have a 270 and 271, will check them this weekend, great tip thanks

[@Ray-ks1xp]

First time seeing this, I’ll have to service mine, thanks for the information 👍

[@benjammin2859]

I’m a longtime subscriber and just watched this video last night. I’ve owned an MS391 for 6 years and use it for about 6 weeks a year to cut firewood to heat my home (around 16 m2 of mixed softwood and hardwood). I do all the maintenance myself. I’ve replaced the clutch drum and bearing once in that time but have never lubricated the bearing in between. This morning I removed the E-clip to check the condition of the bearing, and the plastic cage was broken! Fortunately the crankshaft appears to be undamaged. You saved my saw, Dony. Thank you!

[@madpogue]

Glad I caught this video. I learned about the roller bearing when I first started running saw 15 years ago, but I, uh... forgot about it. And I just bought a used Echo. Sure enough, all my saws including the Echo had dry roller bearings BIG time. Much better now.

[@oceanheadted]

I like the stihl design for the clutch, easy to clean up.

[@LIF1395]

I never ever knew this and I try to look after my gear as best I can

[@johnholmes8416]

Great tip. I have a 291 & I'll make sure to do this maintenance regularly. 👍 Thanks

[@gregwilson9035]

Hi Dony, greetings from Down Under. Thanks for the 291 advice. I have a fairly new one and will be checking the bearing from now on. I also have a Stihl 010 from the early ‘80’s. It is still going strong. I can’t help thinking they are not made as well now.

[@JazzyJaz11]

Just replaced needle bearings in an MS311 and MS361 (MS361 got very hard to pull, I found needle bearings in the case when I pulled the clutch drum; I replaced the bearings in the 311 before it happened there). I had not greased them ever! Thanks donyboy, you are spot on as usual. I've been running saws for 50 years off and (mostly) on, having owned about a dozen and had never seen this happen before. Heed his advice!

[@Matt_justlikethat]

Hey Don, I just did the bearing maintenance/cleaned and greased on my 290. While I had the clutch drum off I cleaned the inside surface where it contacts the clutch also with the carb cleaner an a terry towel. It had a build up on the edges that don’t contact the clutch. Got it back together feeling good about something I didn’t know. Thanks Matt From Ohio 👍👍

[@pureblood324]

290 is well and I love it I'm not looking forward to upgrading to a newer cheaper made song in the future that's for sure I'm going to make sure all 290 stays running strong FYI do the muffler mod thank me later LOL

[@alanporter2694]

Great tip. I must check my one out I have not greased it up to this point.

[@sandsock]

Ive been doing that on my saws going back to the 90s. They have always been plastic caged through at least 5 stihls. My saw mechanic pulled me aside, when i was having a saw sharpened and ahowed me how to break it down that far. He used to maintain a whole landscaping crews saws. General rule of thumb. Was hit it in the spring and fall. Then every 4 sharpening. About qhen you got it near the shop and swere usung the air compressor. To clean it up. Its probably every few cords of wood for me. Averaging 30 to40 cords a year. Ive never seen a clutch shaft wear loose. The sales guy goes farther and recommends loosening the chain when you quit. So the chains not hot and pulling\bending the shaft. He says he has seen it. When he worked the repair side

[@rolfnilsen6385]

Oh dear. Thank you for great tips! I happen to have a 390 (and 026 Super) and will check on these now.

[@davekana8388]

Thanks, Bearing was in need of more grease, but we’re good on wear. Great tips!

[@MrGoobum]

Great video. You’re right. They don’t make ‘em like they used to. Thanks for the tips!

[@dwainetyncompany]

Thank you for this video, really. I made the purchase of a brand new MS261, with the M-tronic. I'm really keen on proper maintenance and being a new chainsaw owner, not entirely fluent in the dos, donts, and shoulds. Still studying sharpening alot. With no one to turn to in person, and only KZbin videos and hear say to go off of. I do a lot of trial and error research. Now I'm aware of another consideration in terms of maintenance! Thank you!

[@georgedavall9449]

This Man is just awesome! Ain’t no two ways about it. 👍✌😊

[@michaelchilders1658]

I’ve got a 391 so this information in greatly appreciated!! Awesome! Thank you Dony!!👍🔥

[@jacobbellwood6184]

I have a ms180 size and I maintain that area. I've 6 years and haven't had the need to replace any of it yet. Might be up for a new sprocket next year but if that's all I need in that time, it's worth the ounce of prevention

[@hollywood1937]

Thank you for the great maintenance tip. I am new to the chain saw game. Have learned a lot from you. I have always taken care of my equipment, but this is another level which I am happy to start doing. Saving me money and having my machines run at their top potential is key! Thanks again

[@susanbutler2498]

Excellent Advice Mate! I'm off to the shed to grease my Stihl BEFORE I use it again. Thank you from NZ.

[@m998hmmwv7]

Good idea I usually only check when changing our bar and or chain. Ty..

[@setdown2]

Only somebody who works on these saws knows the real deal on what wears out and how to prevent it...great tip ...👍

[@donyboy73]

my buddies that work at stihl dealers noticed the same problem

[@hanksbud2544]

Excellent video. I know what i will be doing this weekend. Thanks Dony

[@ChippyOutdoors]

Also note that using the chain brake when idling with it on for anymore then needed will melt those plastic caged bearings, melt plastic case around the brake band, change the temper in your clutch springs also. I did a 2 part series on a ms171 that had this happen to, and have a couple ms170s on the shelf from customers who did the same thing. There are aftermarket options for steel caged clutch bearings also. I never use the stihl plastic caged ones anymore for those reasons

[@johnkosheluk1041]

Also on the ms194 to check under the recoil for pom prons it is common for them to be by the coil if you don't check you will get the cylinder hot same on the ms201tcm

[@Patrick4959]

Top stuff Donny mate cheers from Australia to Canada.

[@heavysnow8616]

Chainsaw clutch bearings being greased around the world. Good job Donny! Keep it up.

[@mattlaptop5728]

Thanks for sharing this vital information. I checked my bearing today and it was needing grease. Without this video I would never have known to check….until it was too late. Note to Stihl: Please change to a metal cased roller bearing not the plastic version.

[@jefffrayer8238]

Same plastic cage on camshafts of the Harley Twin Cam and Evo. Most owners replace with Torrington steel cage so I wonder if the same could be done on the saws? Hate to admit but in this case the plastic cage beaing held together as crank wore down.

[@Robnord1]

Thank you for the maintenance tip Dony! I just checked the parts diagram for both my baby Poulan and my Chinese 038 clone (don't judge me...lol) and they both have this arrangement.

[@jjparody8257]

That's the 1st thing I did, too, on my 2 Poulans. You are right, there is no roller bearing. Guess that's one of the reasons that they sell for $130 vs $300 &up for Stihl & Husq.

[@Robnord1]

@@jjparody8257 Yes. Instead of a nice roller bearing, the little Poulan has a bearing sleeve pressed into the clutch drum. 😒Disposable versus rebuildable. Even more reason for me to clean and lube it I imagine.

[@Rattletrap2]

Thanks Don! Great tip! I want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and expertise!

[@Rural_Racooon]

Good information. Many people neglect these little things that make a big difference in longevity of their saw. It is hard to understand why manufacturers make something they know is going to get beat on so cheap, and ask a pretty penny for it out of the box.

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Thank you for your professional advice Don. I better check out my couple of saws. Cheers from Perth WA 🦘🇦🇺

[@vetterfellow]

Good morning DB73, All good points I didn't know about. I need to take out my saws and check this out on mine. Thanks, Ol Budy. U - D - Best 👍

[@gardenfork]

Great tip Don, I have two older Stihls , curious to see if they have the metal roller cage. Eric.

[@viperstrike3827]

My 025 has plastic!

[@donyboy73]

some do

[@theskullsculler7991]

Thanks for the heads up. Will do!

[@manyfeather2knives423]

Your the best. I love these vids on maintenance. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@donyboy73]

Glad you like them!

[@stinch2]

Thanks for the heads up. I have the same plastic cage roller bearing design on my MS250 that I purchased new last year. Just packed mine with low temp lithium grease, great tip thanks!

[@lukepodolski8818]

Thank u for the excellent advice

[@jamesmooney5348]

When I've done this, I notice a difference for the better in performance. But I used standard axel grease- not sure if that's the best option... Thanks for sharing this.

[@REF49]

Great information, have not addressed this, thanks!

[@davekana8388]

Thanks for the reminder on my MS391.

[@JeanLucCoulon]

Valuable (!) information! Thanks.

[@Wilett614]

Great tip , And well presented Thank you !

[@paullemay3218]

Thank you for sharing this valuable information. ❤️🇨🇦

[@TheronTeeter]

Nice video. Very helpfull. I agree with everything u said. However i seem to find it impossible to keep my saws even remotely clean lol.

[@waynetrain8033]

Great tip! Your other video on changing the clutch was a huge help

[@adnacraigo6590]

I have a 391. Thanks for the tip. You are excellent.

[@capohd28]

Omg, I didn't know about this service point, thanks! Hope my older MS260 has the better quality bearing. I think I would have noticed play, so I'm probably good. It'll get greased now.

[@mikedee8876]

I had a 261 fail in this way, the bearing let go and destroyed the clutch.....I pay close attention to this bearing now.

[@capohd28]

I looked at my MS260 today. Indeed it has a plastic sleeved bearing, so it looks like they’ve been using them for awhile, even on the pro level saws. No play or visible wear, but it was dry of any grease, and I couldn’t see any sign of grease ever being there. I suspect it might have been oiled only. I’m so glad I saw this video to catch this before I had issues. I used the red lithium all temperature bearing grease, which should work fine.

[@PatHiggins-Mayo]

Thanks Dony.. Hope you and your family have a nice Christmas

[@lizandromiramontes661]

donyboy brush chrome plate on the crankshaft , nice video on that little bearing .

[@tombeckett4340]

Great information thanks.👍🇨🇦

[@johnkosheluk1041]

And on the ms201 and ms 194 under the recoil cover check for pom Pons especially the ms 194 by the coil

[@tonymartin4112]

Thanks, good videos. Very helpful information. Do have anything on replacing chain brake on STIHL MS291 releasing the tension on the two springs tools best used to do so. Than put everything back together.

[@chuckmorris7043]

thanks for the good advice. We have an old Farmboss 29, and a new MS661. I did encounter a worn out bearing, it was gone. patched it up with a new bearing and some lube.

[@micanopykracker902]

Hey Donnie just want to say I'm a new subscriber I just watch you and Steve's live podcast from the other day. And I enjoyed it very much. So it's so weird that I seen this video housing with the spur on it for my Husqvarna and I put a new bearing in it like an idiot I did not grease it however I haven't used it either so first thing in the morning you know what I'm doing really like your guys stuff you'll probably be hearing from you a lot thanks again brother this is Brian from the Nature Coast of Florida

[@anemone104]

Brilliant! MS 362s do this too and if ignored, the rocking of the clutch drum on worn bearings and on the worn crank stresses the E-clip and its groove causing wear and the whole drum, sprocket and chain sometimes makes a bid for freedom out of the side of the clutch cover. Over 4 years I have consigned nine 362s to parts for one customer who runs a big saw fleet. The saws are excellent, robust and reliable and earn the money, but they get worked hard and maintenance just does not seem to happen out on site.... 1&2 series pro and semi-pro Husqvarnas had a greasing drilling in the end of the crank and had less issues. Without this, the clutch drum bearing just does not seem to get enough lube from chain oil alone.

[@haraldpost]

You could repair the crankshaft using a speed sleeve, e.g. SKF speedi sleeve, if you can find a suitable dimension. They are 11 thousands thick.

[@jerzeedivr]

Wow! Great Info.!

[@Frankiarmz]

Invaluable information and instruction!

[@levent8208]

Thanks Dony, I have a MS180 and It was on my todo list but I didn't know about the plastic bearing, it's kind of ridiculous that to save 1$ a company would design something like that. It looks like a trend now to make short videos, not sure why but I like the concept.

[@BrockOBauma]

I'm not going to admit how long I've had my 290, but I'll soon be checking my bearing for the first time.

[@bashdenny1768]

Looking at the 291 👍

[@raymondcampbell2346]

Great tips Don. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. You and your family have a Merry Christmas.

[@Mechanicturfgear]

Servicing your saw after heavy use for next use or user is key . That’s what was taught at a chainsaw servicing and usage seminar the guys went to. Line up the clutch drum to your oiler lever also on those Stihls .And watch that you don’t flick the c clip across the room ( ask me how I know this) Clean , bar and chain maintenance and adjustments will make them last for near forever. 10 plus years so far lol

[@Michel-Artois]

Hi Dony, very useful video...as usual! Ce roulement ne se voit pas et on le néglige souvent. Le pire est aussi de nettoyer le coté pignon/chaine avec un coup de laveur haute pression , pour gagner du temps. Je l'ai déjà vu. L'eau rentre dans la cloche avec la pression , rien de pire pour accélérer la détérioration du roulement, de l'embrayage, de la pompe à huile...Une catastrophe si la machine est ensuite rangée pour un bon moment, ce qui est souvent le cas. Je te suis depuis la France avec beaucoup de plaisir! Michel

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Another great tip Don I also warn about over tightening the chain which tends to Oval the drum and could do the same to the crank. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

[@TheToolnut]

I always slacken off the chains on my saws at the end of a Days work.

[@garyanello3881]

Great tip!!! Thank you Mr. Don 😁

[@themowerman]

Good video mate.. hope your all keeping safe.. take her easy bud

[@tomm5827]

Very valuable bit of advice. Thank you for posting this video. I will be sure to regularly perform this maintenance on the 291 I recently purchased.

[@robertgwalsh5878]

Thank you. Merry Christmas

[@robertdouglas3456]

Great information Donny! Merry Christmas! 💥🎄

[@bruceseverson6622]

I clean my saw after every use but never new I should check and grease that bearing. Thanks for the video.

[@apuuvah]

Very good informative channel. So, your effort is much appreciated.