Stihl 044 Instruction Manual - Page 36

Taking Care of Guide Bar During Break- in Period 2 1 3 • Turn the bar over - every time you sharpen the chain - and every time you replace the chain this avoids one-sided wear, especially at nose and underside of the bar. Regularly clean 1 = oil inlet hole 2 = oilway 3 = bar groove. • Measure groove depth with scale on filing gauge* at nose of Duromatic bars in area used most for cutting on Rollomatic bars. *Special accessory 34 143BA026 KN Chain type Pitch Minimum groove depth Rapid 3/8" 6.0 mm (0.24") If groove depth is less than specified: Replace the guide bar. The drive link tangs will otherwise scrape along the bottom of the groove - the cutters and tie straps will not ride on the bar rails. A factory new machine should not be run at high revs (full throttle off load) for the first three tank fillings. This avoids unnecessary high loads during the break-in period. As all moving parts have to bed in during the break-in period, the frictional resistances in the engine are greater during this period. The engine develops its maximum power after about 5 to 15 tank fillings. Do not make the mixture leaner to achieve an apparent increase in power - this could damage the engine - see section "Adjusting Carburetor". Note: Always disengage chain brake before accelerating engine and before starting cutting work. High revs with the chain brake engaged (chain locked) will quickly damage the powerhead and chain drive (clutch, chain brake). 044