Homelite 14 Gas Chainsaw Manual

The Homelite 14 Gas Chainsaw is a lightweight, powerful chainsaw designed for general-purpose cutting, pruning, and trimming. It features a 14-inch guide bar, a 2-stroke gasoline engine, automatic oiling system, chain brake, and anti-vibration handles. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke gasoline engine, 14-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, chain brake, anti-vibration system, throttle trigger lockout, and rear handle with grip.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Wear protective gear.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders, especially children or pets, are within 15 feet.
3. Inspect Chainsaw: Check for loose parts, damaged chain, or leaks before each use.
4. Proper Grip: Hold with both hands, right hand on rear handle, left on front.
5. Avoid Kickback: Do not cut with tip of bar; be aware of pinch points.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Never smoke near fuel.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar: Place bar onto studs, align chain around sprocket and bar groove.
2. Install Chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
3. Tighten Bar Nuts: Hand-tighten, then adjust chain tension (see below).
4. Fill Tanks: Add proper fuel/oil mix to fuel tank; fill bar/chain oil tank.
5. Check Chain Tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar; adjust tensioning screw if needed.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned—too loose may derail; too tight may damage bar or engine.

Specifications

• Model: Homelite 14 Gas Chainsaw
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder
• Displacement: 33 cc (2.0 cu in)
• Power Output: 1.8 HP
• Guide Bar Length: 14 inches
• Chain Speed: Approx. 55 ft/s (16.8 m/s) at max RPM
• Fuel: Gasoline mixed with 2-cycle oil (50:1 ratio)
• Oil: Bar and chain oil (non-detergent)
• Sound Pressure: 105 dB(A) at operator's ear
• Vibration: Front/rear handle: 4.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle trigger, choke lever, ignition switch, primer bulb, and fuel/oil caps.

Controls: ON/OFF switch (STOP/RUN), Choke lever (Cold start position), Throttle trigger, Throttle lockout (must be pressed to engage throttle), Chain brake lever (push forward to engage), Primer bulb (press 5-10 times for cold start).

Chain Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts, turn tensioning screw clockwise to tighten chain, then retighten bar nuts.

Fuel & Lubrication

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

1. Mix fuel in approved container: Add oil to gasoline, shake well.
2. Fill fuel tank: Use funnel; avoid spills. Wipe any spilled fuel.
3. Bar/Chain oil: Use dedicated chainsaw bar oil; fill oil tank before each use.
4. Check oil flow: Run saw briefly over light-colored surface; look for oil splatter.

Tip: Never use straight gasoline or motor oil; improper mix will damage engine.

Starting & Operation

Starting procedure (cold engine):

1. Place on flat, clear surface; engage chain brake.
2. Move ON/OFF switch to RUN.
3. Pull choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
4. Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
5. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle.
6. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
7. Move choke to HALF position; pull starter until engine runs.
8. Allow to warm up 30 seconds; disengage chain brake before cutting.

WARNING! Always engage chain brake when starting or carrying. Never drop-start chainsaw.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures performance and safety.

• Daily: Clean air filter; check chain tension and sharpness; inspect for loose fasteners.
• Weekly: Clean cooling fins; check spark plug (gap 0.025 inch).
• Monthly: Clean fuel filter; replace spark plug if fouled.
• Seasonal: Replace air filter; clean carburetor if needed.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance to prevent accidental starting.

Chain Sharpening

Sharp chain improves cutting and reduces kickback risk.

1. Secure bar: Clamp bar in vise.
2. File size: Use 5/32 inch round file for standard chain.
3. File angle: Hold file at 30° to cutting tooth; follow existing angle.
4. File strokes: 2-3 strokes per tooth, equal number on each side.
5. Check depth gauges: Use depth gauge tool to file rakers to proper height.

Tip: Sharpen chain when saw produces fine dust instead of chips.

Storage

For long-term storage (over 30 days):

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil; clean bar groove.
3. Store in dry, cool place away from children.
4. Cover to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank; old fuel can gum carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Homelite service center. Do not attempt major repairs if unqualified.

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