Homelite i3850B Chainsaw Manual

The Homelite i3850B is a 38cc, 2-stroke gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for general-purpose cutting, pruning, and limbing. It features a 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiler, anti-vibration system, inertia chain brake, and a decompression valve for easier starting. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Fuel & Oil Mixture 7. Starting & Operating Procedures 8. Chain Maintenance 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 38cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, decompression valve, anti-vibration handles, tool-less air filter cover, and transparent fuel tank.

Feature	Description
Engine Displacement	38cc 2-stroke air-cooled engine
Bar Length	16 inches (Oregon)
Chain Type	.325" pitch, 0.050" gauge, 55 drive links
Automatic Oiler	Lubricates bar and chain during operation
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated safety brake
Decompression Valve	Reduces cylinder pressure for easier starting
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
Oil Tank Capacity	8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Ignition System	Electronic ignition (CDI)

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Wear appropriate PPE: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.

Clear work area of debris and bystanders.
Inspect chainsaw before each use: chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication.
Always hold with both hands: right on rear handle, left on front handle.
Do not operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.
Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Do not smoke.

Assembly & First-Time Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assembly requires attaching bar and chain, filling fluids.

Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar over studs, align chain with drive sprocket, tension correctly.
Fill chain oil: Use bar and chain oil (not motor oil) in oil tank.
Prepare fuel mix: 50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil (87 octane minimum).
Prime and start: Follow cold start procedure.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is engaged during assembly. Chain tension should allow easy pulling by hand.

Specifications

Engine: 38cc, 2-stroke, air-cooled.
Power Output: 2.1 HP.
Fuel: 50:1 mix (87 octane gasoline with 2-stroke oil).
Bar Length: 16 inches.
Chain Speed: Maximum 55 ft/sec.
Weight: 10.8 lbs (without fuel/oil).
Sound Level: 106 dB(A) at operator's ear.
Vibration Level: Front/rear handle: 4.2/3.1 m/s².
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty.

Controls and Components

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

Handles: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle trigger. Maintenance points: Air filter cover, spark plug, chain tensioner, oil fill cap, fuel fill cap.

Operation: Pull choke for cold start, push to run. Engage chain brake by pushing forward. Use decompression valve before pulling starter rope.

Fuel & Oil Mixture

Use fresh 87 octane unleaded gasoline mixed with 2-stroke engine oil at 50:1 ratio.

Mix in approved container: 2.6 fl oz oil per 1 gallon gasoline.
Shake gently before filling.
Fill fuel tank to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.
Use bar and chain oil in separate oil tank.

Tip: Do not use gasoline older than 30 days. Do not mix fuel in chainsaw tank.

Starting & Operating Procedures

Starting (Cold Engine):

Engage chain brake.
Move stop switch to "I" (On).
Pull choke to full position.
Press decompression valve (if equipped).
Press primer bulb 5-6 times.
Place on ground, hold rear handle with right foot.
Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires.
Push choke to half position, pull until starts.
Allow to warm up 30 seconds before cutting.

WARNING! Keep hands away from chain. Do not drop-start. Always engage chain brake when not cutting.

Chain Maintenance

Chain Sharpening: Use round file (5/32") and file guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File each cutter equally.

Chain Tension: Adjust when chain sags from bar. Loosen bar nuts, turn tension screw until chain snaps back when pulled. Retighten nuts.

Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar monthly for even wear.

Storage & Winterization

Long-term storage (over 30 days):

Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tsp oil through hole, pull starter 2-3 times.
Clean air filter, bar, and chain.
Store in dry place, cover to prevent dust.

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

Regulatory Information

EPA Phase II compliant. Meets CARB emissions standards. Contains parts from global suppliers. For warranty service, contact Homelite at 1-800-242-4672 or visit www.homelite.com. Keep this manual for future reference. Copyright © Homelite Consumer Products, Inc.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Old fuel, flooded, no spark	Use fresh fuel; wait if flooded; check spark plug.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, air leak	Replace fuel filter; check fuel lines and carburetor.
Chain doesn't turn	Brake engaged, clutch worn	Disengage chain brake; inspect clutch and drum.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, low chain oil	Sharpen chain; fill oil tank; check oiler hole.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all bolts; balance chain or replace.
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil	Adjust oiler screw; use correct bar and chain oil.

Service: For repairs, use authorized service centers. Do not disassemble engine.

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