Trouble with my 560xpg

[Stuart Picken]

Hey folks

So the other day my 560 started making a noise I'd never heard before. Like a rattle or clacking sound as it runs. If I rev it up it the noise speeds up to, and it's a sort of consistent rhythm.

Its still cutting, no noticeable change in performance I don't think. Stopped using it for now.

I've taken the clutch and oiler off, no help. The little arm thing that comes out the saw (that the clutch/sprocket goes onto) is solid, no wobble but if I had to guess I'd say the sound was behind that.

There's nothing obviously loose.

So, I'm imagining a piston/cylinder issue? Now. I know naff all about petrol engines. 

Anyone got a diagnosis? 

And anyone know where I can get an idiot's guide?

 

To be frank the saws not be that hard used. Maybe 6/8 months of flat out forestry stuff, then a soft tree surgery retirement.

 

[Jwoodgardenmaintenance]

Crank bearings?

Edited December 28, 2018 by Jwoodgardenmaintenance

[htb]

Crank stuffers?

 

Ask Spud

[Mark Bolam]

Sounds too simple, but check the bolts on the exhaust manifold.

All of them, with the cover off.

[spudulike]

I think the crank bearings or stuffers are the most likely cause. Have you tried it without the clutch and drum being fitted as the clutch can rattle.

You can try to turn the engine over slowly with the plug out and see if there is any resistance or tight spots.

[adw]

Are we sure its not just the baffle in the exhaust that has broken up and rattling about, the fact that its seems to be running ok would rule out anything terminal.

[Stuart Picken]

So I went out and gave the crank a wee shoogle on the clutch side, and it feels rock solid. Does that rule out crank bearing?

And I don't really know what crank stuffers are, I guess they fill space around the piston? How would I check them? Would that involve splitting the saw? In which case it's maybe a local shop job?

Also, muffler baffle. Presumably I can just run it with the muffler off and see if the sound goes? 

I do think the sound is coming down from in the body of the saw

[adw]

The crank stuffers are on the crank bob weights, yes you would have to at least lift the cylinder to see them, and split the crankcases to replace them, just remove the muffler and give it a good shake if it rattles the baffles have come loose.

[peatff]

8 hours ago, Stuart Picken said:

Also, muffler baffle. Presumably I can just run it with the muffler off and see if the sound goes? 

That's a plan, leave your ear protectors off as well and all your problems will be solved, you'll definitely not hear any rattles anyway 

[Stuart Picken]

Soooo uuuh. I believe in admitting when you've been a nob. 

Came back to the saw tonight, before opening up the top I decided to do a quick idiot check and went round all the obvious stuff again.

So uh, turns out the dogs were a bit loose, half turn with the Allen key and we're back in business.....

Huh.

Thanks for the input folks!