How to Replace the Hand Guard on a Poulan Chainsaw (Model P3314)

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The hand guard is attached to the chainsaw ahead of the front handle. It is part of the saw's chain brake system. When the hand guard is pushed forward, it engages the chain brake, which quickly brings the chain to a stop.

The hand guard works with the front handle to engage the chain brake (in the event of a kick back accident). It is important to inspect the hand guard, and test the brake often to help prevent a serious accident.

If the hand guard is broken, cracked, or improperly attached to the saw, it must be repaired before the saw can be safely used.

This article provides step-by-step instructions for removing and installing the hand guard on a Poulan chainsaw.

Let's get started.   REMOVING THE HAND GUARD [top] 1. Remove the clutch cover assembly.

Remove the (2) nuts from the bar mounting bolts.

Rotate the chain tensioner screw counterclockwise to release tension from the chain.

Remove the clutch cover assembly.

  2. Remove the bar and chain assembly.

Remove the bar and chain assembly from the saw.

  3. Remove the front handle.

Remove the (2) screws securing the front handle to the side of the saw.

Remove the (2) screws securing the front handle to the bottom of the saw.

Remove the front handle assembly from the saw.

  4. Remove the chain brake assembly.

Remove the (4) screws securing the chain brake assembly to the saw.

Remove the chain brake assembly away from the saw.

  5. Remove the top cover.

Remove the (3) screws securing the top cover to the saw.

Lift the top cover away from the saw.

  6. Remove the starter assembly.

Remove the (4) screws securing the starter assembly to the saw.

Remove the starter assembly from the saw.

  7. Remove the hand guard.

Use a screwdriver to disengage (pry) the hand guard from the chain brake assembly.

Remove the hand guard from the saw.

  INSTALLING THE NEW HAND GUARD [top] 8. Install the new hand guard.

Starting on the carburetor-side of the engine; align the plastic pivot post (on the saw) with the recess in the new hand guard.

Align the other end of the hand guard with the pivot post on the (brake-side) of the engine.

Carefully lift or bend the hand guard (as needed) to seat the pivot post into the recess on the hand guard.

Pivot the hand guard assembly back-and-forth to engage the chain brake spring.

  REASSEMBLING THE UNIT [top] 9. Reinstall the starter assembly.

Install the starter assembly onto the engine.

Hold the starter assembly in position while pulling gently on the starter rope (until the starter pulley engages the flywheel).

Secure the starter assembly with the (4) screws.

  10. Reinstall the top cover.

Install the top cover.

Secure the top cover with the (3) screws.

  11. Reinstall the chain brake assembly.

Install the chain brake assembly onto the saw.

Verify that the brake band evenly encircles the clutch assembly.

Slide the handguard (backward or forward) as-needed to align the internal components.

Secure the chain brake assembly with the (4) screws.

  12. Reinstall the front handle.

Install the front handle onto the saw.

Secure the front handle with the (2) bottom screws.

Secure the front handle with the (2) side screws.

  13. Reinstall the bar and chain.

Lay the bar on a flat surface.

Install the chain onto the bar; ensuring that the sharp side of the teeth (along the bottom of the bar) are facing the saw.

Partially install the bar and chain assembly onto the saw, ensuring that the chain engages the drive sprocket on the clutch drum.

Continue installing the bar (and chain) over the bar bolts.

Pull the bar assembly forward (away from the engine) to align the drive links (on the chain) with the groove in the bar.

  14. Reinstall the clutch cover assembly.

Install the clutch cover assembly.

Apply (side) pressure to the clutch cover assembly.

Using a long screwdriver, rotate the tensioner screw (in either direction) until the bar adjustment pin engages the hole on the bar. (The entire assembly should “snap” into place when this occurs).

Once the adjustment pin engages the bar; rotate the tensioner screw in the opposite direction until the chain begins to tension.

Install and hand-tighten the bar nuts.

  15. Tension the chain.

Grasp and raise the distant end of the bar and chain assembly (opposite the engine) until the saw begins to rise.

While holding the bar in the raised position, grasp the chain at the center (and top) of the bar.

Lift the chain away from the bar assembly and inspect the gap between the two components.

The chain is tensioned correctly when the weight of the chain does not cause it to sag below the guide bar.

Rotate the tensioner screw (as necessary) to tighten or loosen the chain until it is correctly tensioned.

Tighten the bar nuts to secure the clutch cover assembly.

Do-it-yourself repairs like these are easier than you might think: From lawn machines to cordless drills, kitchen mixers to outdoor grills. Our "how-to" articles walk you through each repair from start to finish.

So, doing-it-yourself means never having to do it alone.

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