Homelite 14 Chainsaw Manual

The Homelite 14 Chainsaw is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw designed for general-purpose cutting, pruning, and trimming. It features a 14-inch guide bar, a 2-stroke engine, automatic oiler, manual chain tensioning, and safety features including a chain brake and throttle lockout. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 14-inch guide bar and chain, 2-stroke engine, automatic chain oiler, manual chain tensioner, safety chain brake, throttle lockout, rear handle with anti-vibration.

Feature	Description
Guide Bar Length	14 inches (35.5 cm)
Engine Type	2-stroke, air-cooled
Automatic Oiler	Lubricates chain during operation
Chain Brake	Stops chain rotation in kickback events
Throttle Lockout	Prevents accidental throttle engagement
Manual Chain Tensioner	Adjusts chain tension via side knob
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approx. 10.1 fl oz (300 ml)
Oil Tank Capacity	Approx. 5.1 fl oz (150 ml)
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue
Spark Arrestor Muffler	Reduces exhaust sparks

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, loop chain over sprocket, align with bar groove.
2. Install bar nuts: Hand-tighten, then use wrench to secure (do not overtighten).
3. Adjust chain tension: Loosen bar nuts, turn tensioning screw until chain fits snug against bar, retighten nuts.
4. Fill fuel and oil tanks: Use proper fuel/oil mix in fuel tank; fill oil tank with bar and chain oil.

WARNING! Always wear protective gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward.

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear safety gear.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, steel-toe boots.
2. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chain sharpness, tension, and lubrication; check for loose parts.
3. Clear Work Area: Remove debris, ensure secure footing, keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.
4. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands, do not cut with tip of bar, be aware of pinch points.

CAUTION! Never operate chainsaw above shoulder height or on a ladder. Keep hands away from moving chain.

Specifications

• Model: Homelite 14 Chainsaw
• Engine Displacement: 33 cc (2.0 cu in)
• Guide Bar Length: 14 inches (35.5 cm)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch
• Chain Gauge: 0.050 inch
• Fuel: Gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil (50:1 ratio)
• Oil: Bar and chain oil (SAE 30 or equivalent)
• Weight (dry): Approx. 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg)
• Sound Level: Approx. 105 dB(A) at operator's ear
• Vibration Level: Less than 2.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main controls located on rear handle and top housing.

Handle Area: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, front handle, rear handle, chain brake lever.

Top Housing: Choke lever, primer bulb, stop switch, fuel cap, oil cap.

Side: Chain tensioning screw, bar nuts, spark plug cover, muffler.

Operation: Pull choke for cold start, press primer bulb 5-6 times, set stop switch to ON, pull starter rope. Engage chain brake by pushing lever forward; disengage by pulling back toward handle.

Fuel & Oil Mixing

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with 2-stroke engine oil at 50:1 ratio.

1. Mix in separate container: Add 2.6 fl oz (77 ml) of 2-stroke oil to 1 gallon (3.8 L) of gasoline.
2. Shake gently to blend.
3. Fill fuel tank: Use funnel to avoid spills.
4. Bar and chain oil: Use SAE 30 or equivalent; fill oil tank before each use.

Tip: Never use straight gasoline or motor oil. Do not mix fuel in chainsaw tank.

Starting & Operation

Supports both cold and warm starting procedures.

1. Cold Start: Set chain brake ON, move choke lever to CLOSED, press primer bulb 5-6 times, pull starter rope until engine "pops," move choke to OPEN, pull rope to start.
2. Warm Start: Choke OPEN, no priming needed; pull starter rope.
3. Cutting: Disengage chain brake, squeeze throttle trigger to increase engine speed, apply light pressure to cut.
4. Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle, press stop switch to OFF.
5. Kickback Response: If kickback occurs, chain brake should engage automatically; inspect chain and bar before resuming.

WARNING! Always engage chain brake when carrying or not cutting. Keep saw on ground when starting.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, sharpness, lubrication; inspect for damage
Every 5 hours	Clean air filter; check spark plug
Every 10 hours	Clean cooling fins; inspect fuel filter
Every 20 hours	Replace spark plug; clean muffler screen
Seasonally	Drain fuel for storage; sharpen/replace chain

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening

Sharp chain improves cutting efficiency and safety.

1. Secure saw: Use vise or clamp to hold bar steady.
2. File size: Use 5/32 inch (4.0 mm) round file for 3/8 inch pitch chain.
3. Filing angle: Hold file at 30° to cutting tooth; follow existing angle.
4. Stroke direction: Push file forward across tooth; rotate file slightly each stroke.
5. File all teeth: Sharpen each tooth to same length; check depth gauges with gauge tool.

Tip: Sharpen chain when saw produces fine dust instead of chips. File each tooth equal number of strokes.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare chainsaw for extended storage to prevent damage.

1. Drain fuel: Run engine until tank is empty, or add fuel stabilizer to full tank and run for 2 minutes.
2. Drain oil tank: Empty bar and chain oil.
3. Clean: Wipe exterior, remove debris from air intake and cooling fins.
4. Store: In dry, cool place; cover to prevent dust. Remove chain and store in oil if long-term.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Old fuel, clogged filter, flooded engine	Use fresh fuel mix; clean/replace air filter; wait 10 minutes if flooded.
Engine starts then dies	Fuel line clogged, dirty carburetor	Check fuel filter; clean carburetor.
Chain doesn't turn	Chain brake engaged, low oil, worn sprocket	Disengage brake; refill oil tank; inspect drive sprocket.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all nuts/bolts; sharpen chain evenly.
Chain throws oil	Overfilled oil tank, wrong oil type	Drain excess oil; use correct bar and chain oil.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, incorrect tension	Sharpen chain; adjust tension per manual.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Homelite service center.

Support: 1-800-242-4672; www.homelite.com