Homelite 240 Chainsaw Owners Manual

The Homelite 240 is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw designed for general homeowner use, featuring a 2.4 cubic inch (40cc) engine, automatic oiling system, 16-inch guide bar, and a chain brake for enhanced safety. This manual covers essential safety warnings, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure safe and efficient use of your chainsaw.

Safety Warnings & Symbols

Operating a chainsaw is inherently dangerous. Failure to follow instructions can result in serious injury or death. Key safety symbols and their meanings:

Parts Identification

Familiarize yourself with the main components of your Homelite 240 chainsaw.

1. Front Handle/Hand Guard: Contains chain brake.
2. Rear Handle: Contains throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and stop switch.
3. Guide Bar: 16-inch sprocket-nose bar.
4. Saw Chain: Low-kickback safety chain.
5. Chain Sprocket: Drives the chain.
6. Chain Catcher: Helps reduce risk if chain breaks or derails.
7. Muffler: Reduces engine noise and directs exhaust.
8. Fuel Tank Cap: For gasoline/oil mix.
9. Oil Tank Cap: For bar and chain oil.
10. Primer Bulb: For cold starts.
11. Choke Control: For starting a cold engine.

WARNING! Never operate a chainsaw you are not thoroughly familiar with. Read this manual completely first.

Assembly & Initial Setup

Your chainsaw may require minor assembly. Work 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. Ensure chain is seated in bar groove. Hand-tighten nuts.
2. Tension Chain: Lift bar tip up. Using a scrench (combination tool), turn tensioning screw clockwise until chain fits snugly against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts securely.
3. Add Fluids: Fill fuel tank with fresh 2-cycle fuel mix (see Section 6). Fill oil tank with specified bar & chain oil.
4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, lockout, and stop switch move freely. Test chain brake function by pushing hand guard forward until it clicks.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling the chain. The cutters are extremely sharp.

Specifications

• Model: Homelite 240.
• Engine Type: 2-cycle, single cylinder, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 2.4 cu in (40 cc).
• Fuel Capacity: Approximately 0.5 US pint (240 ml).
• Oil Capacity: Approximately 0.25 US pint (120 ml).
• Guide Bar Length: 16 inches (standard).
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" pitch, .050" gauge (check bar marking).
• Ignition System: Electronic.
• Weight (dry): Approximately 10.5 lbs (4.8 kg).
• Sound Power Level: Exceeds 100 dB(A). Hearing protection required.

Controls & Operation

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

1. Place saw on firm, flat ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
3. Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
4. Place toe in rear handle, grip front handle firmly. Pull starter cord briskly 2-3 times until engine 'pops'.
5. Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE. Pull starter cord until engine starts.
6. Allow engine to warm up for 10-15 seconds, then squeeze throttle to disengage half-choke. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Press and hold the STOP switch.

Cutting Techniques: Use a firm grip. Let the saw do the work; don't force it. Be aware of kickback. Plan your cut and escape path.

Fuel & Oil

Fuel Mix: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with a high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at a 40:1 ratio. (e.g., 3.2 US fl oz oil per 1 US gallon gas). Shake container thoroughly.

Bar & Chain Oil: Use a quality chainsaw bar oil for proper lubrication. Do not use waste motor oil.

Filling: Clean area around caps. Fill slowly to avoid air bubbles. Wipe up any spills immediately.

WARNING! Fuel is highly flammable. Refuel outdoors, with engine off and cool. Do not smoke.

Maintenance Schedule

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use a round file matching your chain pitch (e.g., 5/32" for .325" pitch). File each cutter at the manufacturer's specified angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal file strokes per cutter. File depth gauges with a flat file and gauge.

Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. A properly tensioned chain will not sag from the bar. Re-tension when chain is cool (not hot from use).

CAUTION! Always wear heavy gloves and engage chain brake when servicing the chain.

Storage

1. Prepare Fuel System: Run engine until it stops to use up fuel in carburetor. Or, add fuel stabilizer to tank, run for 2 minutes, then drain completely.
2. Clean: Thoroughly clean saw of dirt, sap, and debris.
3. Remove Chain: Clean chain in solvent, dry, and coat with oil. Store separately.
4. Lubricate: Put a few drops of 2-cycle oil into cylinder through spark plug hole. Pull starter cord slowly 2-3 times to distribute.
5. Store: Place in a dry, secure location, out of reach of children.

Warranty Information

The Homelite 240 Chainsaw is covered by a limited warranty for residential use. Proof of purchase is required. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper fuel, commercial use, or normal wear items (chain, bar, spark plug). For warranty service, contact an authorized Homelite service center. For more information, visit www.homelite.com or call 1-800-242-4672.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, take your saw to an authorized Homelite service dealer.

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