Homelite PS33 Chainsaw Manual

The Homelite PS33 is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw designed for general homeowner use. It features a 33cc 2-stroke engine, an automatic oiling system, a 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, a primer bulb for easy starting, a chain brake for safety, and a tool-less chain tensioning system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 33cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, primer bulb, inertia-activated chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, and spark arrestor muffler.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before use. Always wear proper PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chainsaw for damage, ensure chain is sharp and properly tensioned, check all fasteners are tight.
3. Operating Zone: Keep bystanders and pets at least 30 feet away. Never operate alone.
4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of the kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Use a reduced-kickback chain and maintain a firm grip.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. The chain brake is a safety device; test it before each use.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires attaching the guide bar and chain, and filling with fuel/oil.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs. Loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove with cutters facing forward on top. Install bar nut and adjust tension.
2. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use quality bar & chain oil. Fill to marked level.
3. Mix Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with 2-stroke oil at a 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas). Shake well.
4. Fill Fuel Tank: Add mixed fuel to tank. Avoid spilling.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly installed and tensioned before starting. A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can damage the engine.

Specifications

• Model: Homelite PS33
• Engine Displacement: 33 cc
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 40:1
• Guide Bar Length: 16 inches
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" LP, .050"
• Ignition System: Electronic
• Sound Power Level: Approx. 110 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front Handle: < 4.5 m/s²; Rear Handle: < 6.5 m/s²
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty for homeowner use.

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Controls:
Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Release to idle.
Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to engage throttle trigger.
Stop Switch (I/O): "I" for RUN, "O" for STOP.
Choke Lever: Used for cold starting.
Primer Bulb: Press 5-10 times to draw fuel into carburetor.
Chain Brake Lever/Front Hand Guard: Push forward to engage brake; pull back toward handle to disengage.
Chain Tensioning Knob: Tool-less adjustment located on side.
Manual Oiler Button: Press to deliver extra oil to bar and chain.

Fuel & Oil Mixing

Proper fuel mixture is critical for engine performance and longevity.

1. Use only fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89.
2. Use a high-quality 2-stroke engine oil certified for air-cooled engines (e.g., ISO-L-EGD, JASO FD).
3. Mix at a 40:1 ratio. For one US gallon: add 3.2 fluid ounces of oil. For one liter: add 25 ml of oil.
4. Mix in a clean, approved fuel container. Shake vigorously.
5. Do not use fuel older than 60 days. Use a fuel stabilizer if storing for over 30 days.

Tip: Never use straight gasoline or motor oil. Never use fuel containing more than 10% ethanol (E10).

Starting & Operation

Follow these steps for safe starting and operation.

1. Cold Start:
   • Place saw on clear, flat ground.
   • Engage chain brake (push lever forward).
   • Move stop switch to "I" (RUN).
   • Set choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
   • Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
   • Place toe in rear handle, hold front handle firmly, pull starter rope briskly 3-5 times until engine 'pops'.
   • Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE.
   • Pull starter rope until engine starts. Let run for 10 seconds.
   • Squeeze throttle trigger to disengage choke. Allow engine to warm up.
2. Warm Start: Use HALF CHOKE position only. Do not prime.
3. Operation:
   • Disengage chain brake by pulling hand guard back toward you.
   • Hold saw firmly with both hands. Thumb wrapped under front handle.
   • Begin cut at full throttle. Let the chain do the work; do not force.
   • Use manual oiler button periodically during heavy cutting.
4. Stopping: Release throttle, allow to idle, move stop switch to "O".

WARNING! Always engage the chain brake when carrying the saw more than a few steps or when not actively cutting. Be alert for kickback.

Maintenance Schedule

CAUTION! Perform maintenance only when the engine is off and completely cool. Disconnect the spark plug wire for safety.

Chain Sharpening & Replacement

A sharp chain is essential for safe and efficient operation.

1. Sharpening: Use a round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for 3/8" LP). File each cutter at the manufacturer's specified angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal file strokes per cutter. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.
2. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Adjust via side knob when cool. Re-check tension after first few minutes of operation.
3. Replacement: Replace chain when cutters are worn down to 1/4 inch, or if damaged. Replace bar if groove is deeply worn or rails are uneven.

Tip: Rotate the bar periodically to ensure even wear. Always wear heavy gloves when handling the chain.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Drain all fuel from the tank and run the carburetor dry.
2. Remove chain, clean it with solvent, dry, and coat with oil. Store separately.
3. Clean the entire saw, especially the air intake and cooling fins.
4. Apply oil to the cylinder: remove spark plug, pour 1 teaspoon of 2-stroke oil into cylinder, pull starter rope slowly 2-3 times to distribute, reinstall plug.
5. Store in a dry, cool place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store the saw with fuel in the tank for more than 30 days. Old fuel will gum up the carburetor.

Troubleshooting

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

Support: 1-800-242-4672 (US) or visit www.homelite.com