When beginning to cut, the chain will operate and then stop while I am cutting a log. Would this be a clutch problem?

Could be a few things.

1. Clutch slipping at engine end.
2. Drive shafts have become detached from drive or broken.
3. Clutch behind the drive sprocket on the cutting head may need tightening.
4. Chain too sharp/aggressive and is trying to cut too much and the stopping the chain.
5. Chain too tight.

If the chain is engaged properly in the sprocket and you've got the correct tension on the chain and the chain stops when you set it into a cut, you are probably riding the saw too hard...meaning you are pushing too hard for the saw to cut and the centrifugal clutch is stopping rotation. If this is an older saw, the pads inside the centrifugal clutch are probably badly worn necessitating replacement of the assembly.

Sometimes on a smaller saw, if the chain is sharpened with an aggressive angle, the little pads start slipping are wear quickly.

If you have the chain tension tightened too much, it will bind in the guidebar and stop the centrifugal clutch from rotating.

Does the saw run freely when not cutting? Dont press too hard, let the saw do the work. Is the cut compressing? Pull the saw out and under cut. Drive a plastic wedge in to the log

may have it too tight or my other main guess your clutch is out

Hi, make sure the chain is not on too tight, It should lift from the bar about a quarter inch. Also if there is a chain brake make sure that it is disengaged. If the chain stops but the saw is revving high then there may be a worn out clutch that needs to be replaced. Finally make sure the limb that you are cutting is not binding the chain under its' own weight.

The chain may need proper sharpening--it should not have to be forced to cut quickly. Make sure the bar and chain are being oiled enough. If the engine speed does not decline much, but the chain speed slows down, the clutch assembly may be full of oil (remove the cover and wash out the clutch with spray carburetor cleaner). Make sure the chain is properly tensioned--it should be tight to the bar, but able to be moved fairly easily by hand. Check the fuel filter and air cleaner for plugging. Make sure the fuel lines are in good condition. Hope some of this helps!

Remove the clutch cover, bar, and chain. Wash out the interior of the clutch with spray carburetor cleaner to get rid of oil build-up. Reinstall the bar, chain, and cover after cleaning the bar drive-end small oil passages that run out to the chain groove. Adjust the chain up to the bar, but not so tight that you can't move the chain by hand. Hope this helps!

THE SAW IS RUNNING FINE . WHEN THE CHAIN STOPS AND THE ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING AT HI THROTTLE THE CLUTCH MAY BE WORN AND SLIPPING. PULL THE CHAIN AND BAR AND SEE IF THE CLUTCH HOUSING IS BLUEISH IN COLOR IF SO I WOULD REPLACE THE CLUTCH

sounds like the clutch is starting to go out. i have one just like it and the same thing happened to me