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Finish Nailer Repair - Replacing the Driver Guide (Ridgid Part # 79004001022)
Article Breakdown
Finish Nailer Repair - Replacing the Driver Guide (Ridgid Part # 79004001022)
Tools & Materials
Chainsaw need a checkup? It's time to face the fix. Whether you are a legendary lumberjack or a weekend woodworker, eReplacementParts.com provides the parts, procedures and facts you need to fearlessly fix what fails you.
Does your engine "rev-up" but the chain won't move? You probably need a new clutch. The clutch is attached to the engine's crankshaft. The clutch drum is mounted over it.
The clutch is made up of a center hub, a couple of shoes, and a spring. When the throttle is opened (and the saw accelerates), centrifugal force causes the shoes to expand out from the hub, and contact the clutch drum; causing the chain to rotate.
When the saw decelerates, the spring retracts the shoes; causing the drum (and the chain) to stop.
Over time, the shoes may wear until they no longer make firm contact with the drum. The clutch spring can also become stretched until it no longer has the force to retract the shoes. This will cause the chain to rotate constantly. Occasionally (rarely), the spring will break; causing the same result.
If the saw is used beyond its capability, the clutch will slip. This slipping leads to heat, and premature wear of the shoes, the spring, and the clutch drum.
This article provides step-by-step instructions for removing and installing the clutch assembly on a Poulan chainsaw.
Let's get started. REMOVING THE CLUTCH [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 clutch drum.
Use a small screwdriver to pry the clutch drum retaining clip away from the shaft.
Remove the (large) clutch drum washer from the clutch drum.
Slide the clutch drum away from the clutch assembly.
Remove the inner (small) clutch drum washer.
4. Remove the clutch assembly.
There are several methods for loosening the clutch assembly. The simplest method (and the method described in this article) is to use a clutch removal tool and an impact driver. If you do not have a clutch removal tool (or an impact driver), you can still loosen the clutch assembly using a pair of adjustable pliers. However, you will need to bind the engine with a piece of old starter rope before attempting to rotate the clutch assembly.
The clutch is often (but not always) reverse-threaded. There should be a stamp indicating which direction to rotate the clutch assembly for removal (or installation). This particular clutch assembly is marked with an arrow and the letters "OFF."
Place the clutch removal tool onto the clutch assembly.
Use an impact driver (and socket) to loosen the clutch assembly.
Continue rotating the clutch (by hand) as necessary.
Remove the clutch assembly from the spindle.
INSTALLING THE NEW CLUTCH [top] 5. Install the clutch assembly.
Thread the new clutch assembly onto the spindle (in a counterclockwise direction) until it is hand-tight.
Place the clutch removal tool onto the clutch assembly.
Use an impact driver (and socket) to tighten and secure the clutch assembly.
REASSEMBLING THE UNIT [top] 6. Reinstall the clutch drum.
Install the inner (small) clutch drum washer.
Install the clutch drum onto the clutch.
Install the outer (large) clutch washer.
Align the clutch retaining clip with the shaft.
Use long-nosed pliers to seat the retaining clip on the shaft (and secure the clutch drum).
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.