Homelite Chainsaw UT 10654 Manual

The Homelite UT 10654 is a gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for general-purpose cutting, pruning, and limbing tasks. It features a 2-stroke engine, automatic oiler, chain brake, anti-vibration system, and a 16-inch guide bar. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Fuel & Oil Mixing 7. Starting & Operation 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Chain Sharpening 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke gasoline engine, 16-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration handles, throttle trigger lockout, and decompression valve.

FeatureDescription
Engine Type2-stroke, air-cooled gasoline engine
Displacement40.2 cc
Guide Bar Length16 inches
Chain Pitch3/8 inch low-profile
Automatic OilerLubricates chain during operation
Chain BrakeInertia-activated safety feature
Anti-Vibration SystemReduces operator fatigue
Decompression ValveEases starting
Throttle LockoutPrevents accidental throttle engagement
Fuel Tank CapacityApprox. 14.9 fl oz (440 ml)

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear appropriate PPE.

  1. Wear safety gear: helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
  2. Clear work area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within 15 feet.
  3. Inspect chainsaw: Check for loose parts, chain tension, and damage before each use.
  4. Hold firmly: Use both hands with thumbs wrapped around handles.
  5. Avoid kickback: Do not cut with tip of bar; be aware of pinch points.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. No smoking.

Assembly & Setup

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. Adjust chain tension: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
  3. Tighten bar nuts: Secure while lifting tip of bar upward.
  4. Fill oil tank: Use bar and chain oil (not motor oil or waste oil).
  5. Mix fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) with 2-stroke oil at 40:1 ratio.

CAUTION! Chain must move freely; overtightening can damage bar and chain.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with throttle trigger, rear handle, choke lever, ignition switch, primer bulb, decompression valve, chain brake lever, and throttle lockout.

Controls: ON/OFF switch (I=On, O=Off), Choke lever (closed for cold start), Primer bulb (press 5-6 times for cold start), Decompression valve (press before starting), Chain brake (push forward to engage, pull back to disengage), Throttle lockout (must be depressed to engage throttle).

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

Fuel & Oil Mixing

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher) and 2-stroke engine oil designed for air-cooled engines.

  1. Mix in approved container: Never mix directly in chainsaw tank.
  2. Ratio: 40:1 (3.2 oz of oil per 1 gallon of gasoline).
  3. Shake well: Ensure thorough mixing before refueling.
  4. Fill fuel tank: Use funnel to avoid spills. Wipe any spilled fuel.
  5. Bar and chain oil: Use only oils labeled for chainsaw use. Check level before each use.

Tip: Use fuel within 30 days. Add fuel stabilizer if storing longer.

Starting & Operation

Starting procedure (cold engine):

  1. Place on clear, level ground. Engage chain brake.
  2. Turn ignition switch to ON (I).
  3. Move choke lever to closed position.
  4. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  5. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
  6. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (usually 2-5 pulls).
  7. Move choke to open position. Pull starter rope to start.
  8. Allow 30-second warm-up at idle before cutting.

Cutting Techniques: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work; do not force. Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).

WARNING! Always engage chain brake when carrying or not actively cutting.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Perform daily maintenance before operation.

  1. Check chain tension: Adjust if chain sags from bar.
  2. Inspect chain sharpness: Dull chain increases risk and effort.
  3. Clean air filter: Remove, tap clean, or wash in soapy water if foam. Dry completely.
  4. Check spark plug: Clean electrode gap (0.025 inch) or replace if worn.
  5. Clean cooling fins and exhaust area: Remove debris with brush.
  6. Clean saw body: Wipe with damp cloth. Never use water spray.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening

Use round file and file guide matching chain pitch (5/32 inch for 3/8" low-profile chain).

  1. Secure bar: Clamp bar in vise.
  2. File angle: Maintain 30-degree angle on cutters.
  3. File direction: Push file forward across cutter in smooth motion.
  4. Equal strokes: Apply same number of strokes to each cutter.
  5. Check depth gauges: Use depth gauge tool to maintain proper height (0.025 inch below cutter).
  6. Lubricate: Apply oil to chain after sharpening.

Tip: Sharpen chain at first sign of dullness (fine dust instead of chips).

Storage

Prepare chainsaw for storage (30 days or longer).

  1. Drain fuel tank: Run engine until it stops. Or add fuel stabilizer to full tank and run for 2 minutes.
  2. Drain oil tank: Empty bar and chain oil tank.
  3. Clean thoroughly: Remove all sawdust, dirt, and debris.
  4. Remove chain: Clean and soak in oil. Store separately.
  5. Store in dry place: Cover to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Store fuel mix and chainsaw in well-ventilated area away from open flames.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo fuel, flooded, spark plug, switch offCheck fuel; wait if flooded; check/replace spark plug; ensure switch ON.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, air filter, carburetorReplace fuel filter; clean air filter; may need carburetor adjustment.
Chain does not turnChain brake engaged, clutch, sprocketDisengage chain brake; inspect clutch and sprocket for wear.
Chain oils poorlyEmpty oil tank, clogged oil portFill oil tank; clean oil ports on bar and saw.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chain, damaged barTighten all fasteners; sharpen chain evenly; inspect/replace bar.
Chain comes off barLoose bar nuts, worn bar, improper tensionTighten bar nuts; replace worn bar; adjust chain tension.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Homelite service center.

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

Homelite Chainsaw UT 10654 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025