Alternative fixes for chain brake stalling engine?

[Barn Shop]

I once had this same issue on a Husqvarna 55 that come into my shop, the 55 with its outboard clutch,drum and break assembly can put greater flex on the end of the crank when applied thus causing crank bind/movement.
The culprit was a bad crank seal, would pass the pressure/vacuum test until i applied a lateral force onto the clutch drum then it would fail the vacuum test but not the pressure test.
Just one of the many interesting issues I've ran across in the years.

 

[huskyboy]

The bearings were probably bad if they had any lateral movement like that. There should be zero play. Usually a bad seal = bad bearings as well. The pto side main bearing is usually the first to wear out on a chainsaw. At least in my experiences.

 

[Wonkydonkey]

I was a bit late to this thread, as I read down, I was guessing bad crank on the pto side of a 261.
It took me by surprise when op said 241.
Anyhow, you got your answer, new crank time Sorry but that’s the only way fwd

edit, as @Creaky limb tree care said , there were a whole load of 261's with this problem in the uk. There were a lot on eBay, and some actually discribed the same fault.

 

[Shibby]

Those are good points! I'll check the bearings out when I tear it apart.

Honestly not sure if replacing the crank is worth it if it's $150+ just for one part. Might just part the saw out or sell it as-is stating the issue.

 

[Woodpecker]

Those are good points! I'll check the bearings out when I tear it apart.

Honestly not sure if replacing the crank is worth it if it's $150+ just for one part. Might just part the saw out or sell it as-is stating the issue.

Depends on how much you like the 241. They are kind of hard to come by as they are nla new. Could post a want ad for one

 

[Shibby]

Depends on how much you like the 241. They are kind of hard to come by as they are nla new. Could post a want ad for one

I'm not that attached to it. It's a nice saw, and the mtronic is super nice to start. I also like saws that have cheap available parts. The 241 seems to not have much available. Some 251/261 parts, but I think the 241 is just different enough to be its own thing. I think the 251 had a bottom cylinder cap, maybe someone can confirm that? Maybe I'll see if I can convert a 241 into a 251/261, I'm always up for a project.

 

[Maintenance Chief]

251 is a clamshell design, different.