CS261 e-clip missing following operation.

[Capetown]

Hi there, I wonder if anyone could help me please? I’ve got a CS261 which is about 12 years old, but has had very little use. I fired it up last month and used it for about 30 minutes. As I use it so infrequently I usually remove the chain and oil soak it and clean the remainder. When I removed the cover I was surprised to find the e-clip missing. The washer, sprocket and drive dog were still there. I had a spare e-clip so replaced it and used the saw again. The same thing happened again. I suppose the cover stops the sprocket from coming off!  Then I changed the e-clip and washer this time. The same thing happened again. Has anyone had this happen to them? Thank you in advance.

[Stubby]

27 minutes ago, Capetown said:

Hi there, I wonder if anyone could help me please? I’ve got a CS261 which is about 12 years old, but has had very little use. I fired it up last month and used it for about 30 minutes. As I use it so infrequently I usually remove the chain and oil soak it and clean the remainder. When I removed the cover I was surprised to find the e-clip missing. The washer, sprocket and drive dog were still there. I had a spare e-clip so replaced it and used the saw again. The same thing happened again. I suppose the cover stops the sprocket from coming off!  Then I changed the e-clip and washer this time. The same thing happened again. Has anyone had this happen to them? Thank you in advance.

Sounds like the e-clip goblin has been 😃 Seriously though are you sure you are pressing it home completely ?

Edited 2 hours ago by Stubby

[maybelateron]

If the e-clip is not bang on the right size, it might seem to fit ok but not actually do the job properly. Or is the groove on the end of the crank a bit damaged (unlikely)?