Chainsaw Chain Won't Turn - Easy Fix! (Husqvarna 550xp Mark II)

Today I’m troubleshooting and fixing my Husqvarna 550xp Mark II(2). The chainsaw chain won't turn. It seized up on me when I was out in the field bucking up firewood (as seen in the last episode: • Husqvarna 550xp Mark 2... ).
I had been using it all day long...which is unlike me. If you have been following my firewood adventures, you know that I always carry multiple chainsaws with me so that I can spread out the wear and tear on them and have a backup in case something goes wrong with one. But I was just having SO MUCH FUN running this saw that I never grabbed for another. I mean, it runs great! After a day full of cutting, it seized up and the chain wouldn't spin. The engine was fine, but instead of spending the time trying to troubleshoot it in the field, I decided to wait until I could get it back to the shop and troubleshoot it then. So, here I am, back at the shop, taking this thing apart so I can get it up and running again.
It ended up being an easy fix. My chainsaw bar sprocket seized up, so I had to give it a good cleaning and greasing to get it moving freely again. I also discovered that my chain brake was stuck, so I had to unlock the brake as well.
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[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I'm giving away a BRAND NEW STIHL MS 261 chainsaw! Enter now through November 23, 2023 (Thanksgiving Day). Details here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHO5pmqtZ6d4oq8

[@Tebbypantgungun]

Agree with Bret, thanks for not just assuming we are thick and don't understand the break! The sprockets were definitely the problem. - I got too much shavings jammed into the saw.

[@bretolson8484]

Thanks for being THOROUGH and not just saying “chain brake” and quit. You’ve given me two things to consider when I pick up my frozen saw again. All The Best 😎

[@bretolson8484]

UPDATE- I got the saw running after new bar/chain and brake assembly. Runs like new again. Thanks for all the help! 😁

[@atheldown]

Had my bar bind up last night. I can't wait to get home tonight and see if I can get it freed up. Thanks for the video!

[@user-kd5xt1xr7y]

I'm a novice and couldn't figure out why my chain want moving. If you hadn't stopped and mentioned the chain brake I probably would've brought it in to a repair shop. Thanks for being so thorough!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I'm happy to help! Thanks for watching.

[@Redberryfarm888]

Those Husqvarna bar sprockets are at it again... our 550 did the same thing cutting and brought us to your video. (Yes... handy to have 'spare everything' with chainsaws.) Thanks for the upload ~

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Were you able to get it turning again?

[@Redberryfarm888]

@@OldSchoolMillennial Yes, thankfully. You'd think that after 30 years of cutting firewood we would have most of the tools you have (that sharpening depth gauge thing, for one...) but nope ... just a wood handled file that works to sharpen the blades for a while... but using WD40 and some PB Blaster and a small tip screwdriver got it moving soon enough to finish cutting the wood we were working on.

[@ThaopVan]

Awesome video. You did a great job explaining things as you go along. Really appreciate for making this video.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thank you. I'm glad it could help!

[@patrickjenkins9382]

Very helpful. Have the same exact thing happen cutting some big firewood. Video save me a bunch of time! Thank you! Great video

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, Patrick! I'm glad it could help. I have a bunch of videos about this chainsaw and other chainsaws if you want to check them out.

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

I was in the field with a few other guys cutting up a large log pile. we never met each other before but the guy next to me had this happen. It was his 1st saw and I showed him how to fix the issue.. He was thankful as he was going to take it to the shop to have it fixed. Saved him at least 50 bucks and a week of not cutting over a piece of debri..

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I bet he was glad to have you help show him how to fix his saw. It pays to know how to fix chainsaws/vehicles. Happy cuttin, Daniel!

[@rodneysweetnam8653]

Hi Glen - it's Big Rodders in Ireland. Not sure how you operate in the bield but I never sharpen on site. One reason why I prefer just to replace a dull chain on site is to enable me clean the clutch area, scrap out dirt from the bar groove, grease the sprocket bearing and flip the bar over when reassembling. While your bar may just have resin on it, it does have the appearance of having been overheated, which would suggest some issue with lubrication from lack of oil, or dirt, or excess pressure applied to bar or whatever. When cleaning the sprocket back in my shop I wash it out then spin it at slow speed with air pressure before greasing it again.

[@mooogoblue4]

So many useful tips. Thank you!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, Joe!

[@travisdelaney5301]

Good vid man! Helped me out! I’m a newbie at small engine equipment so this helped a ton. Thank you!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, man. I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@keithlett3693]

Thanks for the post. I blew up my stihl on a, get this, a hidden fireplace tool that had been concealed over the years. Anyway money a little tight and time not on my side I bought a husqvarna. First tree this happened. Pretty sure the bar was bad out of the box. Again thank you for the post as it confirmed what I thought was going on.

[@amandalauler6231]

thank you, very helpful. couldn't get my cover back on and this gives me the idea to check if the lock was engaged when I removed it

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I'm glad it could help.

[@area51kevin]

Thanks for the tips , mine locked up today !

[@RCEmichaelreavey]

Great video. I spent about 4 hours trying to figure out why? Exactly the sam thing happened to me. The new bar has no grease slot. The top bar sprocket on the new might be using sealed bearings. Thanks again Fratelli tutti para 15

[@ryankelly2800]

Same thing happened to my 550. Pretty easy fix!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Yes, it's good to get her up and going. I love this saw!

[@leeskithree]

exact same thing happened to my 550xp on the stock bar, I just went and bought another one (I was a chainsaw rookie at the time) wish I could find the one that is froze up and I could fix it

[@31415926535ism]

I have the same saw and had the same problem. Replaced the husky bar with an oregon.

[@guentherwilke2055]

My 450 Ranch locked up the bar sprocket today. I did grease it a bit to start, but we were cutting some juicy fir. I think it’s full of sap.

[@luciejedlickova3361]

Super sharp blade

[@mikeratcliff1446]

Good video. I’ll have to try my chainsaw and clean it up.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thank you!

[@MiguelGarcia-rv3nj]

Great job Thank you

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks man!

[@bundufundi]

Hello, do you have any tips on releasing the chain brake, what did you use? Many thanks.

[@TStagg901]

At 0:49 his life flashed before his eyes

[@patrickvennard838]

It happens with my 550 as well, I keep a 353 as a reserve nice video.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

My reserve saws for my 550 mark 2 are my MS261 and my Jonsered 2253(red 550) and then of course my 372xpw when all else fails. I've heard those 353s are great saws too!

[@patrickvennard838]

@@OldSchoolMillennial Yes I would never sell the 353 it is by far one of the most versatile saws I own. I also have a Jonsered 2165 in the UK they were always cheaper than Husqvarna but now Husqvarna makes their saws there are hardly any dealers left.

[@leifnilsen6107]

Need to squeeze high speed grease into the small hole at the tip sprocket on the bar or will burn up the bearings and sieze up like yours did.

[@jungletension2835]

I have the 440 on my workers was using it and the chain came off putting it back on but it doesn’t seem to rotate all the way around freely. It gets hung up somewhere I think maybe the chain is bent what do you think? What kind of chain do you use?

[@colbyfarrow1994]

Where did you get the chain sharpener

[@jbug2k11]

How did you get the chain break to rest. Mine is in the down position

[@davidedwards3734]

Ive noticed my saws after running them hard, the bar sprocket gets clogged. Thanks for the video

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Yes, definitely reminded me to keep a better eye on it and maybe switch up saws a little bit to give this one a rest! But all my saws appreciate a little TLC in the chainsaw shop!

[@tonytribisonna9886]

I had the same problem with my 550 xp Mark 2 keep the sprocket nose greased up that’s solved my problem

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, Tony!

[@keithgreen4877]

My Husqvarna has a hole at the end of the bar to grease the roller tip

[@hicoteo]

How do you fix a stuck clutch?

[@Peter-od7op]

Can you get parts for the sprocket

[@parapearce3129]

Awesome

[@archieprovan7859]

Hey, dealing with a similar situation. My bar is turning but it's grimy. I was thinking of trying to soak the sprocket in a solvent. I see that you used WD-40 and I imagine a lubricant? Does this way always work for you? Video was clear and easy to watch. Thanks.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Hi Archie, Yes, I was using a lubricant. I try to clean out the guide rails as much as possible and the gunk around the sprocket. It's been working for me. Good luck, and thanks for watching!

[@archieprovan7859]

@@OldSchoolMillennial Cheers!

[@philliphall4506]

How is the bar tip doing over time?Mine did the same thing and it had a bar with the sprocket you can grease . And I would grease it twice in a tank of gas. So I just had to replace the bar.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I've found I need to keep an eye on these bars and make sure I'm servicing them. As long as I keep the guide rails clean I haven't had many issues.

[@newseed5137]

This is happened to me twice on a brand new saw

[@ScooterDoge]

Thanks, my bar sprocket is locked up.

[@g.d.7629]

Oh and yes dirt in the brake band area is common!!! They even have oil from your bar but still work.

[@georgedavall9449]

Hey G.D. Yeah about the only drawback, if you will, on the Huskies... I’m always cleaning off the sprocket area, as it gets so dang messy. Harder to clean and keep clean, compared to an inboard clutch saw. But The Husqvarna design is a proven one. Take care of it, it will last. Peace !

[@georgedavall9449]

Awesome! That 550 just too powerful for that X Force bar?? 😂 You may have to look into an aftermarket bar, seriously. Just came across this as I am having problems with an almost new inboard clutch saw, and the floating sprocket stops turning at times? When I adjust the chain, and turn it, it will just lock up, as if i hit the chain brake? I will figure it out, I hope? 😂 stay safe! ✌ 👍

[@nanomaine]

Cute helper, with their own chainsaw... 8^)

[@tnmonty501]

I just put a new chain on my 440 , it made a few cuts and now the chain won’t turn

[@charliehumber6383]

Keeping them oilers turned up all the way helps as well👍

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Most definitely! Turn them up and let the chips fly!

[@markatkinson9963]

There's a hole on the tip of your bar you are suppose to grease.

[@georgedavall9449]

Not on the X Force bars, Markie mark! Glenn using the X force bar here.

[@newseed5137]

I’ve never had a sprocket on any other chainsaw seize up so what the hell is going on with Husqvarna?

[@ejkjr.4694]

What brand of electric sharpener do you use?

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Oregon 620, I love that sharpener! I like to sharpen all my chains as much as I can with that sharpener at my chainsaw shop that way I just have a little touch up to do in the field.

[@ejkjr.4694]

Thanks for getting back to me love your videos, you and family stay safe 🙏

[@ericwillman5291]

I "saw" you had a kickback just before the 550 locked up.

[@jnseney]

Does anyone else know what could cause this same problem? I even bought a new bar and still won't turn. It seems spin fine with no bar. I've been using the saw a lot but it is also a Husqvarna and almost new.

[@BiggerAlan]

Have you found the culprit yet? Was it covered by the warranty?

[@jnseney]

@@BiggerAlan yeah the culprit was me I was using the wrong bar and wore out two parts

[@jodybaker1809]

Gloves you could slip and the edges of bar can cut your fingers the same as chain

[@2010stoof]

I found sprocket uo at teg home depot youre suppoaed to peess into the hole there so im gojng to try that.

[@carlp7024]

My chainsaw is shooting sparks when chain is going, what do I do?????‽????

[@stormman8393]

Completely agree with all your opinions. It's hard enough cutting firewood let alone having problems with one saw and having to stop every five minutes.

[@aarons3203]

Thats why I never clean my bar tip with compressed air.

[@jimhoward1295]

Audio sucks in a couple of critical spots and I had to go back and turn on closed captions. Otherwise, great video!

[@g.d.7629]

Nobody knows the trouble Ive seen!!! Ive never heard that whole song!! Kinda like the man from nantucket!!

[@g.d.7629]

Those laminate bars when you pinch the tip wont turn, a small flat screw driver cud have opened it up to cut. This happened to my son and he was cryin the blues Till I straightened it and greased the tip. The fix is a Tsumura bar or oregon powermatch or even husq pro tip bar. The Tsumura is so smooth you will think your at a strip club and the girls all want your BAR.

[@bonitabromeliads]

my bar sprocket turns but the chain isn't moving. This is what happens when an employee uses my chain saw without asking.

[@harryharry3193]

@.047 watch it. be mindful of kickback. serious.

[@oldguy8177able]

same forgot to clean it ,problems why do we forget because we are lazy

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I hear you. After a long day of work, sometimes you're just ready to put your saw away and hang with your people.

[@dontswin]

Um yea, I'll have take my saw all apart, clean it all up. Weird thing is my saw hasn't had 1-20th the action your saw gets.

[@Living-The-Dream]

Good info .....preventive maintenance goes a long way! If you get a chance check out this awesome channel....Stihl, and more....Around The Shop ✔️🪵🪓🔥👍👏

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

For sure! I'll check it out, thanks!

[@dontswin]

remind me not to buy another Poulin 42cc again, or any model of theirs. I have a clutch issue, I got it running (fresh gas/oil) (plenty of bar oil) would not spin for 15 seconds...total garbage engineering. I could barely get the gas cap on...in place, should I have to use plyers to do that....? This PC of she it is about 2 weeks from heading to my recycle bin...w/the fockin gas.oil and everything... I'll never buy another Poulin trash saw again.

[@profeex9789]

You pinched the saw bet it was the tip

[@walterberg8030]

The music is so unnecessary, nice video otherwise