Homelite 38cc Chainsaw Manual

The Homelite 38cc Chainsaw is a gas-powered, professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a 38cc 2-stroke engine, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, chain brake, quick-stop inertia brake, and a durable 16-inch Oregon bar and chain. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 38cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration system, chain brake, quick-stop inertia brake, translucent fuel tank, primer bulb, choke control, and side-access chain tensioner.

Safety Warnings

Always wear protective gear: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.

1. Clear work area of obstacles and bystanders.
2. Inspect chainsaw before each use: chain sharpness, tension, and lubrication.
3. Hold chainsaw firmly with both hands; maintain secure footing.
4. Never operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.
5. Shut off engine before adjusting or transporting.

WARNING! Kickback can occur without warning. Always use chain brake and keep tip guard in place. Never operate a chainsaw when fatigued or under the influence.

Assembly & Preparation

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

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Loosen bar nuts, position bar over studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar, align drive links, tighten nuts finger-tight.
2. Adjust chain tension: Use side-access tensioner to achieve proper tension (chain should snap back when pulled from bar).
3. Fill fuel tank: Use fresh 50:1 gas/oil mixture (89 octane minimum).
4. Fill oil tank: Use quality bar and chain oil.
5. Prime and choke: Press primer bulb 5-6 times; set choke to closed position for cold starts.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources, with engine off and cool.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 38 cc (2.3 cu in).
• Power Output: 2.1 HP @ 9,500 RPM.
• Fuel Mix Ratio: 50:1 (unleaded gasoline to 2-stroke oil).
• Bar Length: 16 inches (40 cm).
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325” / .058”.
• Drive Links: 68.
• Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM.
• Max Engine Speed: 13,500 RPM.
• Sound Pressure Level: 108 dB(A).
• Vibration Level: 4.2 m/s² (front handle), 6.1 m/s² (rear handle).

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke lever, primer bulb, stop switch, chain brake lever, decompression valve.

Components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle, fuel tank cap, oil tank cap, muffler, spark plug, air filter cover, side-access chain tensioner.

Operation: Squeeze throttle lockout and trigger to engage throttle. Push chain brake forward to engage; pull toward rear handle to disengage. Use decompression valve to reduce pulling effort during starting.

Starting & Operating

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

1. Place chainsaw on flat ground, clear of debris.
2. Engage chain brake by pushing lever forward.
3. Set stop switch to "I" (On).
4. Pull choke lever to full choke position.
5. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
6. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
7. Place toe in rear handle, pull starter rope briskly 2-3 times until engine "pops".
8. Move choke to half-throttle position.
9. Pull starter rope until engine starts.
10. Allow to warm up 30 seconds, then disengage chain brake.

Tip: For warm restart, omit choke and primer steps.

Maintenance Schedule

Supports long life with regular maintenance.

1. Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension and sharpness; inspect for loose fasteners; clean air filter; check fuel and oil levels.
2. Every 10 Hours: Clean spark arrestor screen; inspect spark plug.
3. Every 20 Hours: Replace air filter; clean cooling fins; check fuel filter.
4. Every 50 Hours: Replace spark plug; clean carburetor air passage; inspect anti-vibration elements.
5. Every 100 Hours: Clean combustion chamber; inspect piston and cylinder.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use round file (5/32" or 4.0mm) and file guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle. File each cutter equally.

Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts, turn tensioning screw clockwise until chain fits snug against bar (can be pulled around by hand). Retighten bar nuts. Recheck after first few cuts.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term Storage (over 30 days):

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
2. Drain bar and chain oil tank.
3. Remove chain, clean in solvent, coat with oil, and store in sealed bag.
4. Clean entire chainsaw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
5. Store in dry, cool place, covered to prevent dust.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank; fuel can degrade and damage carburetor.

Warranty Information

Homelite 38cc Chainsaw includes a 2-year limited warranty for residential use and a 90-day warranty for commercial use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, or use of non-genuine parts. For warranty service, contact Homelite Customer Service at 1-800-242-4672 or visit www.homelite.com. Proof of purchase required.

Troubleshooting

Reset: For carburetor issues, adjust H and L screws to factory settings: H: 1-1/4 turns out, L: 1 turn out.

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