42cc Homelite Chainsaw Manual

The Homelite 42cc chainsaw is a gas-powered cutting tool designed for medium-duty tasks such as limbing, pruning, and cutting firewood. This manual covers safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications for the UT-10542, UT-10542A, and similar 42cc models. Always read and understand this manual before operating the chainsaw.

1. Safety Instructions 2. Parts Identification 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Fuel & Oil 5. Starting & Operation 6. Chain & Bar Maintenance 7. Troubleshooting 8. Storage 9. Specifications 10. Warranty Information

Safety Instructions

Operating a chainsaw involves serious risks. Follow all safety guidelines to prevent injury or death.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Always hold saw firmly with both hands; use low-kickback chain; avoid tip contact.
Hearing damage	Wear hearing protection during operation.
Eye injury	Always wear safety glasses or face shield.
Fire/explosion	Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool; no smoking.
Carbon monoxide	Operate outdoors only.
Vibration	Take frequent breaks; inspect handles for damage.
Cutting hazards	Clear work area of obstacles; do not operate above shoulder height.
Electrical hazards	Keep away from power lines.

Parts Identification

Key components of the Homelite 42cc chainsaw.

Front hand guard / chain brake
Throttle trigger lockout
Throttle trigger
Rear handle
Starter grip
Fuel tank cap
Oil tank cap
Chain tensioning screw
Guide bar
Saw chain
Muffler
Air filter cover
Choke lever
Ignition switch (On/Off)
Decompression valve (if equipped)

WARNING! Never operate a chainsaw with missing, damaged, or loose parts.

Assembly & Setup

Assembling your chainsaw from the box.

Remove all packaging materials and inspect for damage.
Attach guide bar: Loosen bar nuts, position bar over studs, align chain drive links with bar sprocket.
Install chain: Place chain over bar with cutters facing forward on top; ensure proper direction.
Tension chain: Adjust tension screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar; tighten bar nuts.
Fill bar & chain oil: Use recommended oil; check for leaks.
Mix fuel: Use 40:1 gasoline to 2-cycle oil ratio (consult manual for exact spec).

CAUTION! Wear gloves during assembly to avoid cuts from sharp chain.

Fuel & Oil

Fuel Type: Use fresh unleaded gasoline with minimum 89 octane.
2-Cycle Oil: Use high-quality air-cooled 2-cycle engine oil (ISO-L-EGD, JASO FD).
Mix Ratio: 40:1 (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gasoline) for most Homelite 42cc models.
Bar & Chain Oil: Use non-detergent SAE 30 or special chain oil in cold weather.
Refueling: Stop engine, allow to cool, clean area around caps, fill slowly.
Storage: Never store saw with fuel in tank for more than 30 days; use fuel stabilizer.

Starting & Operation

Starting procedure for cold and warm engines.

Cold Start:

Place saw on flat, clear ground.
Engage chain brake.
Move ignition switch to ON.
Set choke lever to FULL CHOKE.
Press decompression valve (if equipped).
Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
Move choke to HALF CHOKE, pull until engine starts.
Allow to warm up 30 seconds, then disengage chain brake.

Warm Start: Use HALF CHOKE or no choke; pull starter rope.

Cutting Techniques: Use lower part of bar for cutting; let chain do the work; avoid pinching.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

Chain Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (usually 3/8" LP). File at 30° angle; maintain equal tooth length.
Chain Tension: Check frequently when new; chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove; flip bar each time chain is sharpened for even wear.
Sprocket: Inspect for wear; replace if teeth are hooked or damaged.
Air Filter: Clean weekly with soapy water or replace if damaged.
Spark Plug: Clean and regap to 0.025" every 10 hours; replace annually.

Tip: Keep chain sharp—dull chains cause kickback and strain engine.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Engine won't start	No spark, old fuel, clogged filter	Check spark plug; use fresh fuel; clean air filter.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issue	Replace fuel filter; clean carburetor.
Chain won't turn	Brake engaged, low oil, worn sprocket	Disengage brake; fill oil; inspect sprocket.
Chain throws oil	Overfilled oil tank, wrong oil type	Drain excess; use correct bar oil.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all nuts/bolts; sharpen chain evenly.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper tension	Sharpen chain; adjust tension.

Storage

Proper storage prolongs chainsaw life.

Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil.
Clean entire saw; inspect for damage.
Store in dry, cool place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods—fuel degrades and damages carburetor.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 42cc (2.6 cu in)
Power Output: 2.2 HP
Guide Bar Length: 16" or 18" (model dependent)
Chain Pitch: 3/8" low profile
Chain Gauge: 0.050"
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
Oil Tank Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Dry Weight: 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)
Sound Pressure: 108 dB(A)
Vibration Level: 5.2 m/s² (front/rear handle)

Warranty Information

Homelite 42cc chainsaws come with a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship for 2 years from date of purchase for residential use (90 days commercial). Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or use of non-genuine parts. For warranty service, contact Homelite Customer Service at 1-800-242-4672 or visit www.homelite.com. Retain this manual and sales receipt.