Homelite 16 Inch Gas Chainsaw Manual

The Homelite 16-inch Gas Chainsaw is a powerful and reliable tool designed for cutting firewood, pruning trees, and general yard maintenance. It features a 16-inch guide bar, a gas-powered 2-cycle engine, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, and a chain brake for safety. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 16-inch guide bar and chain, 2-cycle gas engine, Automatic chain oiler, Chain brake, Anti-vibration system, Throttle trigger with safety lock, Primer bulb, On/Off switch.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Wear proper safety gear.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed boots, and close-fitting clothing.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Chain Saw Handling: Hold with both hands. Never operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.
4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of the kickback zone (upper tip of guide bar). Use reduced-kickback chain.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, with engine off and cool. Wipe spills immediately.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. The chain brake is a safety device; test before each use.

Assembly & Setup

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

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts. Place chain over sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit bar onto studs. Adjust tension.
2. Install Hand Guard/Chain Brake: Ensure it moves freely and engages properly.
3. Fill Oil Tank: Use recommended bar and chain oil. Fill to marked level.
4. Mix Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane min.) mixed with 2-cycle oil at 50:1 ratio (see Section 6).
5. Final Check: Ensure all fasteners are tight. Chain should move freely but not sag from bar.

CAUTION! Do not attempt to start the saw until assembly is complete and you have read the Operation section.

Specifications

• Model: Homelite 16-inch Gas Chainsaw
• Engine Displacement: 40 cc (approx.)
• Guide Bar Length: 16 inches
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" / .050" (check model-specific)
• Fuel: Gasoline + 2-cycle oil mix (50:1)
• Oil: High-quality bar and chain oil
• Ignition System: Electronic
• Sound Power Level: Approx. 110 dB(A) - Wear hearing protection.
• Vibration Level: <2.5 m/s² (with anti-vibration system)

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Controls: - Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Squeeze to increase RPM. - Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed before throttle can be engaged. - On/Off Switch: "I" for ON, "O" for OFF. - Choke Lever: For cold starts. - Primer Bulb: Press 5-6 times to draw fuel into carburetor. - Chain Brake/Front Hand Guard: Push forward to engage brake; pull back toward handle to disengage. - Chain Tensioner: Screw adjustment located near guide bar.

Components: Fuel Tank Cap, Oil Tank Cap, Muffler, Spark Plug, Recoil Starter Handle, Rear Handle, Front Handle.

Fuel & Oil Mixing

Use fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. Do not use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol (E10).

1. Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1. For 1 gallon of gasoline, add 2.6 fl oz of high-quality 2-cycle engine oil.
2. Mixing: Add oil to an approved fuel container first, then add gasoline. Close cap and shake thoroughly.
3. Bar & Chain Oil: Use a dedicated, high-viscosity bar and chain oil for proper lubrication. Do not use waste oil.
4. Storage: Label fuel mix container with date. Do not store mixed fuel for more than 30 days.

WARNING! Gasoline is extremely flammable. Mix outdoors, away from sparks or flames. Do not smoke.

Starting & Operation

Follow these steps for safe starting and operation.

1. Cold Start: a. Place saw on flat ground. Engage chain brake. b. Move On/Off switch to ON (I). c. Set choke lever to FULL CHOKE position. d. Press primer bulb 5-6 times. e. Pull starter rope briskly 2-3 times until engine 'pops'. f. Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE. g. Pull starter rope until engine starts. h. Let engine run for 10 seconds, then squeeze throttle to disengage choke.
2. Warm Start: Do not use choke. Follow steps b, d (optional), and g.
3. Cutting: Disengage chain brake. Allow chain to reach full speed before contacting wood. Use a steady, controlled feed pressure. Let the saw do the work.
4. Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Move On/Off switch to OFF (O).

CAUTION! Always engage the chain brake when carrying the saw or when not actively cutting.

Maintenance Schedule

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain cuts faster, safer, and reduces wear on the saw.

1. Tools Needed: Round file (correct size for chain, e.g., 5/32"), file guide, flat file for depth gauges.
2. Secure the Bar: Clamp bar in a vise.
3. File Angle: Maintain manufacturer's specified angle (typically 30°). Use file guide.
4. Filing Technique: File from inside to outside, using smooth strokes. Apply equal pressure and strokes to each cutter.
5. Depth Gauges: After several sharpenings, check and file down depth gauges (rakers) to proper height using a depth gauge tool.
6. Equal Length: Ensure all cutters are filed to the same length for balanced cutting.

Tip: Sharpen chain at first sign of dullness (saw produces fine dust instead of chips, requires more pressure to cut).

Storage

Proper storage extends the life of your chainsaw.

1. Short-term (1-4 weeks): Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor. Top up bar oil tank.
2. Long-term (Seasonal): a. Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor. b. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder. Pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil, then reinstall plug. c. Clean entire saw thoroughly. d. Loosen chain tension slightly. e. Store in a dry, locked place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in the tank in an enclosed area due to fire and fume hazards.

Troubleshooting

For Service: Contact Homelite customer service at 1-800-242-4672 or visit www.homelite.com. Use only genuine Homelite parts.