346xp problems, or maybe not!!

[SiW]

A month or so ago, said saw (not mine) stopped working mid use, then seemed to be seized. Switched saws to finish job. Got round to looking at it today and it started up no problem at all. Thought I'd give it a bit of a clean as maintenance isn't big on the owners agenda. Whilst checking clutch and drum I realised its nearly impossible to rotate it anti- clockwise, it's ok for so far then gets really difficult then ok again. This isn't the case in the clockwise direction. Is this normal or has it a problem? Any help much appreciated

[njm]

A month or so ago, said saw (not mine) stopped working mid use, then seemed to be seized. Switched saws to finish job. Got round to looking at it today and it started up no problem at all. Thought I'd give it a bit of a clean as maintenance isn't big on the owners agenda. Whilst checking clutch and drum I realised its nearly impossible to rotate it anti- clockwise, it's ok for so far then gets really difficult then ok again. This isn't the case in the clockwise direction. Is this normal or has it a problem? Any help much appreciated

 

turning the saw with the spark plug removed ? check the oil pump drive / remove exhaust check for damage

[harrythecat178]

Strip and clean clutch, check for broken springs, probably replace springs anyway, make sure all resin and dirt is cleaned out, replace bearing and try again. Clutch prone to seizing if using certain types of biodegradable oil

[SiW]

Turning with plug in, clutch is fine and rotates forward no problem. Just don't want to use saw and risk seizing it

[spudulike]

The starter pawls are catching under the recoil cover, remove it and check again.

This is 100% normal for this and many other Husqvarnas!

Take the muffler off and look at the piston, any scores and it is toast but could probably be sorted!

[SiW]

Pawls are free and no sign of any damage, will check piston over wkd, is it possible for a saw to temporarily seize?

[spudulike]

Pawls are free and no sign of any damage, will check piston over wkd, is it possible for a saw to temporarily seize?

 

Most saws seize and then free up once cooled down but just lose compression due to the ring being bonded in to the piston groove.

 

Not sure if you understood my earlier statement, it wasn't about the Pawls sticking but a statement saying if the recoil cover is in place, on many Husqvarners, yours included, the function of the pawls will stop the crank turning anti-clockwise but will rotate clockwise. This is unlike many Stihls but is normal!

[SiW]

Cheers spud , understand where you were coming from now