Poulan Farm Pro 375 Chain Saw

The clutch assembly has reverse threads, or lefthanded threads as some folks say. This is to prevent the torque of the engine spinning your clutch assembly off everytime you put a load on the saw. Most saws are this way. I'm not a chainsaw mechanic so I can't say if all are set up that way, but for sure the vast majority are.

Good luck. I recently changed a sprocket on an older Poulan for the first time and it was easy. The clutch assembly had a nice long piece right across the center which I used to turn the assembly off the crank with a large pair of channel locks. You do not have to be too concerned about how tight you get it when re-installing as the torgue of the engine will basically do it for you. However, don't fire it up without putting the bar and chain back on first.

Mike

I use an impact wrench (VERY CAREFULLY) and make sure you know which way the threads go. It seems like I once came across a chainsaw that had left-hand threads on the crankshaft, but that might have been on the flywheel end. Another option is to buy a special tool made of tough plastic that threads into the cylinder (in the spark plug threads) and the end of it jams up against the piston when you try to turn the engine over. Option 3--remove the starter housing and you can hold the flywheel (I hold it wearing a welding glove.) with something and then loosen the nut. Be sure you torque it to spec when you re-assemble.

I use an impact wrench (VERY CAREFULLY) and make sure you know which way the threads go. It seems like I once came across a chainsaw that had left-hand threads on the crankshaft, but that might have been on the flywheel end. Another option is to buy a special tool made of tough plastic that threads into the cylinder and the end of it jams up against the piston when you try to turn the engine over. Option 3--remove the starter housing and you can hold the flywheel (I hold it wearing a welding glove.) with something and then loosen the nut. Be sure you torque it to spec when you re-assemble.