Ed - I have exact same symptom. I don't have a solution, sadly. Some thoughts: 1) I think the hard stop is too soon. If you disassemble you can see clearly that there is more room to travel - design flaw. 2) I'm going to try removing a link in the chain. Also, local hardware store had super knowledgeable chainsaw person who suggested getting a custom chain - apparently plenty of places will do that. Just one less link would provide all the adjustment range we'd need.