Replacing Poulan Electric Chainsaw Chain: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to replace poulan electric chainsaw chain

Maintaining your Poulan electric chainsaw is essential for optimal performance and safety. A loose or dull chain can affect the cutting ability of your chainsaw and even lead to safety hazards. To replace the chain, you'll need to first loosen the nuts holding the bar without removing them. Turn the adjusting screw to the left to release tension, allowing the bar to slide back and providing space to reinstall the chain. After placing the chain, adjust the bar and tension until the chain is tight and properly tensioned. It's important to ensure the chain is installed correctly and regularly sharpened to maintain its cutting efficiency. Chains can be sharpened using a round file or by taking them to a mower shop for professional sharpening. Additionally, be cautious when handling the chainsaw, as improper usage can accelerate wear and tear on the chain and the machine.

Characteristics and Values

Characteristics Values
Chainsaw model Poulan Pro 50, Poulan Electric Chain Saw PLN1510, Poulan Pro 400E, Poulan 2075, Poulan Electric Chain Saw ES300
Chain characteristics Sharp, snug, not loose
Chain maintenance Sharpen with a round file freehand, avoid hitting the tip against the ground, avoid hitting nails or rocks
Chain replacement Loosen the nuts holding the bar, turn the adjusting screw to the left, slide the bar back, put the chain back on, adjust the bar pin until the chain is tight
Chain tension Rotate the tensioning screw to increase or decrease
Chain replacement products Oregon brand from Box Stores, Jeremywell 14-inch Chainsaw Chain Blade 52 Drive Links, 3/8" LP Pitch, 0.050'' Gauge, 3-pack

shunzap

Loosen the nuts holding the bar, then turn the adjusting screw left

To replace the chain on your Poulan electric chainsaw, you will need to loosen the nuts holding the bar in place. Do not completely remove the nuts. Instead, loosen them just enough to allow you to turn the adjusting screw left. This action will enable you to slide the bar back, creating the necessary space to put the chain back on.

It is important to note that you should not remove the nuts entirely. Loosening them is sufficient to provide the required slack. Once you have turned the adjusting screw left and moved the bar, check if you have enough room to reinstall the chain. If not, you may need to take the nuts off, remove the bar plate, and slide the bar back further.

After creating the necessary space, carefully reinstall the chain. Ensure that it fits smoothly within the bar. If the chain encounters any resistance or does not sit properly, there may be a burr on the bottom of the chain. In such cases, inspect the chain for any signs of damage. If the chain is badly burred, it will need to be replaced.

Once the chain is properly seated, slide the bar forward until it aligns with the adjusting pin. You may need to adjust the pin backward or forward to achieve the correct alignment. Once the bar is in position, install the bar plate and hand-tighten the nuts. Finally, adjust the bar pin until the chain is at the proper tension. A correctly tensioned chain should allow you to pull it up and expose approximately half of the drive teeth on three or four drives.

shunzap

Slide the bar back, remove if necessary, and replace the chain

To replace the chain on your Poulan electric chainsaw, you will first need to slide the bar back to reduce the tension on the chain. This will allow you to remove the old chain and bar. It is important to push the bar back towards the engine to loosen the cutting chain. Once the bar is removed, you can clean the area around the sprocket and inside the sprocket cover.

Before removing the bar, inspect it for any signs of wear or damage. Check for bent or damaged bars, excessive side-to-side wiggling of the chain, tilted blades, or a jammed or broken nose sprocket. If you notice any of these issues, it is advisable to replace the bar for better performance and safety.

After inspecting and cleaning the bar, you can slide the new bar onto the adjustment posts. Reinstall the chain, ensuring that the sharp end of the blades is pointing forward towards the front of the bar. Make sure the chain is adjusted correctly on the bar nose and the primary driving sprocket.

Finally, pull the bar forward to create tension in the chain, and tighten the chain to the proper tension.

shunzap

Check for burrs on the chain

Burrs on a chainsaw chain can be caused by a loose chain hitting the chain catcher. If the chain is loose, put it back on very loose and run it for a few seconds to remove the burrs. If this doesn't work, you may need to file them down.

It's important to check for burrs on your chainsaw chain, as they can cause the chain to cut crookedly and wear down the bar and drive sprocket. You can check for burrs by feeling the cutter after sharpening the chain. A small amount of burr is normal, as you cut, scrape, and push metal shavings from the inside to the outside edge. However, if the burr is uneven between different cutters, you may need to adjust your technique when sharpening the chain.

To avoid burrs on your chainsaw chain, make sure that all of your file strokes are as close to the same angle as possible, and that you are not 'rounding over' (changing the angle) at the end of the stroke. You can use a guide bar clamped in a vise to help with this. Additionally, make sure that your chainsaw is well-maintained and that the oiler is working and full.

If you notice significant burrs on your chainsaw chain, it may be necessary to replace the chain or seek professional sharpening services.

shunzap

Adjust the bar pin until the chain is tight

Adjusting the bar pin until the chain is tight is a crucial step in ensuring your Poulan electric chainsaw is safe and effective. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Locate the adjusting screw or knob: This screw is often perpendicular to the direction of the chain. It may be located between the mounting studs or on the outside of the chainsaw, such as on the bar cover or engine. Refer to your Poulan electric chainsaw's owner's manual if you're having trouble locating it.

Tighten the screw or knob: Using the appropriate tool, tighten the adjusting screw or knob. This action will move the small pin that catches the bar, either shortening or lengthening it to adjust the tension. Make sure the blade is snug on the bar.

Check the chain tension: With gloves on for safety, manually pull the chain loop around the bar to feel for any tight spots. The blade should move smoothly all the way around. If it feels too tight in certain spots, lightly loosen the adjustment screw until the blade can slide smoothly. The blade should sit snugly on the entire bar without being too tight.

Perform the snap test: Wearing gloves and goggles, hold the top of the saw. With your other hand, lift the chain off the bar at its midpoint and let go. If the chain doesn't snap back into place, the tension needs adjusting. For precise work, aim for a 1.25mm gap between the blade and the bar when the motor is cool. Remember that a warm motor and chain can expand, causing the chain to loosen slightly.

It's important to note that an overly tight chain can damage your Poulan electric chainsaw's engine or clutch and reduce its cutting ability. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for the proper tension settings. By following these steps, you'll be able to achieve the correct tension and ensure your chainsaw operates optimally.

shunzap

Stay on top of tensioning to prevent the chain from getting loose

To prevent your Poulan electric chainsaw's chain from getting loose, it is important to stay on top of tensioning. This involves regularly inspecting the chain for signs of wear and tear and ensuring that the chain tension is correct.

Over time, the chain on your Poulan electric chainsaw will stretch and expand, especially when it gets warm or old. As a result, it is crucial to inspect the chain regularly and adjust the tension as needed. A loose chain can cause dangerous situations, so it is important to address this issue promptly.

To adjust the chain tension, you will need to loosen the chain tensioner using a screwdriver or wrench. Be careful not to overtighten the tensioner, as this can lead to damage. Once the tensioner is loosened, carefully pull the old chain off the bar. If it is stuck, a gentle rocking motion can help loosen it.

In some cases, the issue of a loose chain may be caused by a worn-out sprocket or a mismatched sprocket and chain pitch. Inspect the sprocket for any signs of wear and ensure that the chain and sprocket are properly aligned. If the sprocket is worn, it may need to be replaced.

Additionally, it is important to use high-quality chains and follow the recommended chain tension guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This will help prevent chain breakage and ensure optimal performance.

The Electric Bass: Fretting About Frets

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

First, loosen the nuts that hold the bar in place, without removing them. Turn the adjusting screw to the left and the bar should slide back, giving you room to put the chain back on. If this doesn't work, remove the nuts and bar plate, then slide the bar back. If the chain doesn't fit smoothly, it may be damaged and need replacing. Once the new chain is in place, slide the bar forward and install the bar plate, tightening the nuts by hand. Adjust the bar pin until the chain is tight.

If the chain is loose, it may be that it has expanded due to warmth or age. If it is not possible to adjust the tension, the chain may be damaged. Hitting a rock or the ground with the chain can also cause damage, so be sure to keep the tip off the ground.

You can sharpen the chain with a round file, or take it to a mower shop to be sharpened. Alternatively, you can buy a replacement chain.

Replacement Poulan chains can be purchased from hardware stores such as Lowe's, HD, Tractor Supply, and Northern Tool. They are also available online from retailers such as Walmart and LumberJocks.

This will depend on the model of your Poulan chainsaw. For example, the Poulan Electric Pro 400E requires a 14-inch chain with a 3/8" low profile pitch, 0.050" gauge, and 52 drive links. The Poulan 5020AV requires a 20-inch chain with a 3/8" pitch, 0.050" gauge, and 72 drive links.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment