How to Install the Clutch Washer Kit on a Poulan Chainsaw (Model P3314)

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The clutch washer kit includes the inner and outer clutch drum washers, as well as the retaining clip that secures the clutch drum to the crankshaft. In addition to helping secure the clutch drum to the saw, the outer washer acts as a shoulder to keep the chain on the sprocket. Because it comes in contact with the chain, the outer washer can wear over time.

This wear will be accelerated if the chain is run with too little tension, which allows the chain more side-to-side movement. Too little chain tension can also cause the chain to jump off the bar, which may damage the outer washer.

The retainer (C-clip) should be replaced anytime it is removed. The metal clip will expand when it is removed, and may not hold firmly if it is reused.

This article provides step-by-step instructions for removing and installing the clutch washer kit on a Poulan chainsaw.

Let's get started.   REMOVING THE CLUTCH WASHERS [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 washers.

Use a small screwdriver to pry the clutch drum RETAINING CLIP away from the shaft.

Remove the OUTER CLUTCH WASHER from the clutch drum.

Slide the clutch drum away from the clutch assembly.

Remove the INNER CLUTCH WASHER.

  INSTALLING THE CLUTCH WASHER KIT [top] 4. Reinstall the clutch drum.

Install the new INNER CLUTCH WASHER.

Install the clutch drum onto the clutch.

Install the new OUTER CLUTCH WASHER.

Align the new clutch RETAINING CLIP with the shaft.

Use long-nosed pliers to seat the retaining clip on the shaft.

  REASSEMBLING THE UNIT [top] 5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

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