Homelite Chainsaw D3850B Manual

The Homelite D3850B is a gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for general-purpose cutting, pruning, and limbing. It features a 38cc 2-cycle engine, an 18-inch guide bar and chain, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, and a chain brake for safety. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Operating 7. Chain & Bar Maintenance 8. Fuel & Lubrication 9. Storage 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 38cc 2-cycle engine, 18-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration system, chain brake, primer bulb, and manual fuel pump.

FeatureDescription
Engine Displacement38cc 2-cycle air-cooled gasoline engine
Guide Bar Length18 inches (45 cm)
Chain Pitch.325 inch
Automatic OilerLubricates bar and chain during operation
Chain BrakeInertia-activated safety feature to stop chain
Anti-VibrationReduces operator fatigue
Fuel Tank CapacityApprox. 14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
Oil Tank CapacityApprox. 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Ignition SystemElectronic ignition
Weight (dry)Approx. 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg)

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Wear proper safety gear.

  1. Always wear eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
  2. Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away.
  3. Operate with both hands on the handles.
  4. Ensure chain brake is functional before each use.
  5. Never operate in a closed area; risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous. Failure to follow safety rules can result in serious injury or death. Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.

Assembly & Preparation

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. Tension chain: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tensioning screw until chain fits snugly against bar, tighten nuts.
  3. Fill fuel tank: Use fresh gasoline mixed with 2-cycle oil at 40:1 ratio (see specifications).
  4. Fill oil tank: Use bar and chain oil only.
  5. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake operate smoothly.

CAUTION! Do not use automotive motor oil or dirty gasoline. Mix fuel in a clean, approved container.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke lever, primer bulb, stop switch, and decompression valve (if equipped).

Controls: STOP switch (OFF/RUN), Choke lever (for cold start), Throttle lockout (must be depressed to engage throttle), Chain brake lever (forward to engage, pull back to disengage), Primer bulb (press 5-6 times for cold start).

Maintenance points: Air filter cover, spark plug, chain tensioning screw, bar nuts, fuel and oil caps.

Starting & Operating

Starting procedure (cold engine):

  1. Place chainsaw on flat, clear ground.
  2. Engage chain brake by pushing lever forward.
  3. Move stop switch to RUN position.
  4. Set choke lever to FULL CHOKE.
  5. Press primer bulb 5-6 times.
  6. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
  7. Move choke to HALF CHOKE, pull until engine starts.
  8. Allow to warm up at idle for 30 seconds, then disengage chain brake.

Operating: Grip handles firmly. Let chain reach full speed before cutting. Do not force saw; let chain do the work. Avoid kickback by not contacting tip of bar with object.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures performance and safety.

  1. Chain Sharpening: Use round file and guide. File each cutter at 30° angle. Maintain equal length on all cutters.
  2. Chain Tension: Check frequently when hot and cold. Chain should snap back when pulled from bar but not bind.
  3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar each time chain is sharpened to ensure even wear.
  4. Sprocket: Inspect for wear; replace if teeth are hooked or damaged.

WARNING! Always wear heavy gloves when handling chain. Ensure engine is off and cool.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use fresh unleaded gasoline with minimum 89 octane. Mix with high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).

Bar & Chain Oil: Use only designed bar and chain oil for proper lubrication, especially in cold weather.

Air Filter: Clean every 5 hours of operation. Replace if damaged.

Spark Plug: Clean and gap to 0.025 inch (0.63 mm) every season. Replace if worn.

Storage

For long-term storage (over 30 days):

  1. Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor.
  2. Run engine until it stops to clear fuel lines.
  3. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Store bar and chain in oiled cloth.
  4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  5. Store in dry, cool place, away from children.

CAUTION! Old fuel can damage engine. Never store with fuel in tank.

Regulatory Information

EPA and CARB compliant for emissions. Meets ANSI B175.1 safety standards for gasoline-powered chainsaws. This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For support, contact Homelite Customer Service at 1-800-242-4672 or visit www.homelite.com.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, old fuel, floodedCheck spark plug; use fresh fuel mix; wait if flooded, start with choke off.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, dirty air filterReplace fuel filter; clean or replace air filter.
Chain does not turnChain brake engaged, clutch wornDisengage chain brake; inspect clutch and sprocket.
Chain oils poorlyEmpty oil tank, clogged oiler holeFill oil tank; clean oiler holes in bar.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chainTighten all bolts and nuts; sharpen chain evenly.
Chain throws off barLoose chain, worn bar, damaged drive linksTension chain properly; inspect bar and chain for wear.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Homelite service center. Do not attempt to repair unless qualified.

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

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