How to Maintain the Guide Bar on a Poulan Chain Saw

The guide bar is an integral part of a Poulan chain saw, and it must be properly maintained for the chain saw to operate at peak efficiency. If the saw begins to cut at an angle or to one side, or if you have to force the saw to cut all the way through, chances are the guide bar needs attention. Even if you don’t notice any problems it is recommended that you check the condition of the guide bar every time the chain is sharpened.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Poulan chain saw
• Chain adjustment tool
• Heavy-duty gloves
• Utility knife
• Flat file
• Rags or paper towels

1. Insure the ON/STOP switch is moved to the STOP position. Allow the engine to cool.

2. Remove the bar nuts, located on the right hand side of the body of the engine, by turning them counter-clockwise with the socket side of the chain adjustment tool. Set the bar nuts aside.

3. Remove the clutch cover that was held in place by the bar nuts and set it aside. Put on heavy duty gloves. Lift the chain off the guide bar. Lift the guide bar off of the bar bolts and set it aside. Remove the chain from the sprocket and set it aside.

4. Clean any accumulated sawdust and debris from the guide bar groove by inserting the blade of the utility knife into the groove and sliding it around the perimeter of the guide bar. Clean out the oil holes.

5. Inspect the guide bar for bends, cracks or excessive wear on the groove. If any of these conditions are present, the guide bar should be replaced. Check the guide bar for burrs or uneven top edges on the groove. File burrs and uneven surfaces with a flat file to restore square edges and sides.

6. Wipe the guide bar with the rags or paper towels. Dispose of the rags or paper towels in an approved container.

7. Replace the chain over the sprocket. Replace the guide bar on the bar bolts. Lift the chain into place in the guide bar grooves. Replace the clutch cover. Place the bar nuts back onto the bar bolts and tighten to finger tightness by turning them clockwise.

8. Adjust chain to proper tension. Tighten the bar nuts with the socket side of the chain adjustment tool.

Tips & Warnings

• A worn guide bar can make cutting difficult and can damage the chain.
• The sawdust should be cleaned from the guide bar and sprocket hole after each use.
• The chain is extremely sharp and can cause serious cuts. Never handle the chain without first putting on heavy duty gloves.

[BWATTS14]

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