How to Change a Chainsaw Clutch

Place the chainsaw on a level, well-lighted work space while changing the clutch. Pull the front hand guard back to ensure the safety mechanism is disengaged. Using the wrench, loosen the two bar nuts on the clutch cover. Loosen the bar tensioner screw to release tension on the chain.

Unscrew the bar nuts with your fingers and take off the clutch cover. Pull the nose of the bar up and lift the chain off the sprocket. Set the bar and chain away from the saw. Using the screwdriver, unscrew the oil plate, located next to the bar posts.

Wedge off the circlip on the end of the crankshaft stub, using the flat tip of the screwdriver. Slide off the washer, clutch drum, needle roller bearing and chain sprocket from the stub.

Take off the rubber boot attached to the end of the spark plug. Unscrew the spark plug with the socket wrench and remove it from the cylinder. Slowly insert the piston stop tool directly into the cylinder hole. Rotate the clutch with your hand until the piston contacts the stop tool.

Attach the clutch removal tool to the center of the clutch hub. Use the socket wrench handle to loosen the clutch hub, turning the bolt clockwise for the reverse thread on a chainsaw's clutch.

Set the new clutch onto the crankshaft stub. Tighten the clutch hub counterclockwise using the clutch removal tool. Apply a small amount of engine grease to the needle roller bearing. Set the sprocket, needle roller bearing, clutch drum and washer on top of the clutch.

Fit the new circlip around the crankshaft stub to secure the clutch assembly. Refit the oiler plate, chain, bar and clutch cover to the chainsaw. Remove the piston stop tool and reattach the spark plug and wire.