Homelite 3314 Chainsaw Manual
The Homelite 3314 is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw designed for general homeowner use, featuring a 33cc 2-stroke engine, 14-inch guide bar, automatic oiling system, and simplified controls for ease of operation. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure safe and efficient use. Always read and understand this manual before operating the chainsaw.
Safety Information
Operating a chainsaw involves serious risks. Always follow these safety rules to prevent injury or death.
| Hazard | Precaution |
| Kickback | Hold saw firmly with both hands; do not cut with tip of bar; use reduced-kickback chain. |
| Contact with chain | Always engage chain brake when not cutting; wear protective chaps, gloves, and boots. |
| Hearing damage | Wear hearing protection during operation. |
| Eye injury | Always wear safety glasses or face shield. |
| Fire/explosion | Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool; store fuel properly. |
| Carbon monoxide | Operate outdoors only; never in enclosed spaces. |
WARNING! Never operate while tired, under the influence, or in poor weather conditions. Keep bystanders at a safe distance.
Parts Identification
Key components of the Homelite 3314 chainsaw.
- Front Handle: With throttle trigger and throttle lockout.
- Rear Handle: With start/stop switch and choke control.
- Engine: 33cc 2-stroke air-cooled.
- Guide Bar: 14-inch Oregon-style.
- Chain: 3/8" low-profile pitch, 52 drive links.
- Chain Brake: Manual/automatic activation.
- Chain Tensioner: Side-mounted adjustment screw.
- Fuel Tank: Capacity 10.1 fl oz (300 ml).
- Oil Tank: Capacity 8.5 fl oz (250 ml) for automatic bar/chain oiling.
Assembly Instructions
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 with sprocket, ensure drive links engage.
- Install chain: Place chain over bar with cutters facing forward on top; adjust tension.
- Tighten bar nuts: Snug, then adjust tension so chain pulls freely but does not sag.
- Final tighten: Hold bar tip up, tighten nuts securely.
- Fill oil and fuel tanks (see next section).
CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain is properly seated on bar sprocket.
Fuel & Oil
- Fuel Mix: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with 2-cycle engine oil at 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas). Use Homelite 2-cycle oil or equivalent ISO-L-EGD certified.
- Mixing: Mix in approved container; shake well before filling.
- Bar & Chain Oil: Use quality chainsaw bar oil (viscosity appropriate for temperature). Do not use waste oil.
- Filling: Clean area around caps; fill slowly to avoid spills. Wipe any spilled fuel/oil immediately.
WARNING! Gasoline is highly flammable. No smoking. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Starting & Operation
Starting procedure for cold and warm engine.
Cold Start:
- Place saw on flat, clear ground.
- Engage chain brake by pushing forward.
- Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
- Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
- Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires (usually 2-5 pulls).
- Move choke to HALF CHOKE; pull again until engine starts.
- Allow to idle for 10 seconds; squeeze throttle to disengage choke.
Warm Start: Choke off; follow steps 4-7 without choke.
Cutting: Grip handles firmly; let chain reach full speed before contacting wood; do not force saw.
Chain Maintenance
Proper chain care ensures performance and safety.
- Tensioning: Check before each use. Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Adjust via side tension screw when bar nuts are loose.
- Sharpening: Use round file (5/32" or 4.0mm) and file guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle; file each cutter evenly.
- Depth Gauges: File down with flat file to maintain 0.025" below cutter top.
- Cleaning: Remove debris from bar groove, oil holes, and sprocket.
- Lubrication: Ensure oil tank is filled; check oil flow by holding saw over light surface and running at high speed—oil streak should appear.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
| Engine will not start | No fuel, flooded, spark plug | Check fuel mix; wait if flooded; clean/replace spark plug. |
| Engine starts then dies | Fuel filter, carburetor, air filter | Replace fuel filter; clean carburetor; clean/replace air filter. |
| Chain does not turn | Chain brake engaged, clutch, sprocket | Disengage chain brake; inspect clutch drum/sprocket for wear. |
| Chain oil not flowing | Empty tank, clogged oil hole | Fill oil tank; clean bar oil holes; check oil pump. |
| Excessive vibration | Loose parts, unbalanced chain | Tighten all nuts/bolts; sharpen chain evenly. |
| Poor cutting performance | Dull chain, low chain speed | Sharpen chain; check engine RPM. |
Storage
Proper storage prolongs saw life.
- Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run engine 2 minutes.
- Run carburetor dry by disconnecting fuel line and letting engine stall.
- Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil; clean bar and coat with oil.
- Clean entire saw; check for loose/missing parts.
- Store in dry, secure place, out of reach of children.
CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.
Specifications
- Model: Homelite 3314
- Engine: 33cc 2-stroke, air-cooled
- Power Output: 1.8 kW (2.4 HP)
- Guide Bar Length: 14 inches (35 cm)
- Chain Pitch: 3/8" low-profile
- Chain Gauge: 0.050" (1.3 mm)
- Drive Links: 52
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.1 fl oz (300 ml)
- Oil Tank Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
- Dry Weight: 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg)
- Sound Pressure: 108 dB(A)
- Vibration: Front handle 4.2 m/s², Rear handle 5.8 m/s²
Warranty & Support
Homelite 3314 includes a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or improper maintenance. For technical support, parts, or service:
Homelite Customer Service: 1-800-242-4672
Website: www.homelite.com
Service Centers: Authorized locations listed on website.
Always use genuine Homelite parts for repairs.
Homelite 3314 Chainsaw Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025