I have just replaced the chain on my Stihl 017 petrol chainsaw by following the instructions & all seemed well but the chain does not turn - I thought it was probably debris jammed in the bar preventing smooth movement so I soaked it in chain lubricant & tested it again but to no avail!! Could it be the bar that is damaged??? Or can anyone advise me on the possible cause of this as its driving me nuts - there is still plenty of oil getting through to the chain so it is certainly not lack of lubricant!!
Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Simi

Simona Pagliari, December 2007

It sounds like a goofy reason, but check to make sure the chain isn't on backwards.

Don, December 2009

You either have a bad bar or a bad sprocket tip on the end. If you purchased the wrong size chain that would be a problem also.

Larry Holbrook, September 2008

If you still have the old chain check the thickness of the drivers with the new chains drivers . The drivers are the part of the chain that rides down in the bar. The rails have to match the chain drivers.. to tight on the rails and the chain won't turn to loose and it won't cut straight. Most bars are stamped with the correct chain dimensions.

kj, December 2007

ANOTHER POSSIBILITY IS SOME OF THE BARS HAVE A ROTATING GEAR IN THE TIP OF THE BAR IF THIS IS FROZEN NOTHING WILL TURN EITHER

dhagan@hotmail.com, December 2007

Are you sure the chain brake handle hasn't been pushed forward - locking the chain clutch? If this isn't the case then either the wrong chain has been fitted or its well over tightened - or the chain bar is out of alignment somehow.

John, December 2007