The Husqvarna 61 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a 61cc engine, automatic oiling system, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration system, and side-mounted chain tensioner. This workshop manual provides detailed instructions for maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and safety procedures. Below are key sections covering specifications, safety, disassembly, engine service, fuel system, ignition, lubrication, guide bar & chain, assembly, and troubleshooting.
Key identification: Model 61, serial number located on crankcase. Engine type: 2-stroke, single cylinder.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 61 cc |
| Power Output | 3.5 kW (4.7 hp) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 0.55 liters |
| Oil Tank Capacity | 0.26 liters |
| Guide Bar Length (Standard) | 15-20 inches |
| Chain Pitch | 3/8" or .325" |
| Weight (without bar & chain) | 5.9 kg |
| Ignition System | Electronic (SEM) |
| Carburetor | Walbro HDA |
| Spark Plug | Champion RCJ7Y or equivalent |
Always disconnect spark plug before servicing. Wear protective gloves and eyewear.
WARNING! Fuel and oil are flammable. Avoid skin contact with fuel mixture. Chain is extremely sharp.
Special tools: Flywheel puller (Husqvarna 502 50 86-01), piston stop, clutch tool, compression tester, pressure/vacuum pump.
CAUTION! Use correct tools to avoid damage to components.
Cylinder & Piston: Inspect for scoring, measure wear. Piston rings: Check end gap (0.3-0.5mm). Crankshaft: Check runout (max 0.05mm), bearing play. Crankcase: Check for cracks, seal surfaces.
Compression Test: Should be 120-150 psi (new). Below 100 psi indicates wear.
Crankcase Pressure/Vacuum Test: Apply 0.5 bar pressure; should hold for 30 seconds. Leaks indicate bad seals or gaskets.
Carburetor (Walbro HDA): Disassemble, clean jets, check diaphragms and gaskets. Needle valve: Check for wear. Adjustment screws: Initial settings L: 1 turn out, H: 1 turn out. Fine-tune for smooth acceleration.
Tip: Use ethanol-free fuel mix (50:1 Husqvarna XP oil) to prevent carburetor issues.
Spark Plug: Gap 0.5mm. Ignition Module (SEM): Check air gap (0.3mm) to flywheel. Resistance check: Primary coil 0.2-0.3 ohms, secondary 8-12 kOhms. Flywheel: Check magnets, keyway.
No Spark: Check kill switch wire for short to ground, module grounding, flywheel key sheared.
Automatic Oiler: Pump driven by worm gear on clutch drum. Check oil passages, filter screen in tank. Manual override (if equipped): Check plunger operation.
WARNING! Never run saw without bar oil; causes rapid chain and bar wear.
Bar: Inspect for straightness, groove wear, sprocket tip condition. Dress rails with flat file if burred. Chain: Sharpen with round file (size per chain). Check depth gauges (raker height 0.025" below cutter).
Sprocket: Replace if worn (clutch drum sprocket).
Chain Tension: Adjust so chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
Assembly is reverse of disassembly with attention to torque values and sealant.
| Component | Torque (Nm) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder bolts | 10-12 | Crisscross pattern |
| Clutch | 35-40 | Left-hand thread |
| Flywheel nut | 35-40 | Use piston stop |
| Crankcase screws | 8-10 | Sealant on halves |
| Spark plug | 20-25 | Do not overtighten |
Final Adjustments: Carburetor tuning, chain tension, idle speed (2800-3200 RPM), chain brake function test.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hard starting | Fuel, spark, compression | Check fuel freshness, spark, compression. Clean carburetor. |
| Runs then dies | Fuel delivery | Check tank vent, fuel filter, carburetor diaphragms. |
| Lacks power | Air filter, exhaust, tuning | Clean filter/spark arrestor. Adjust H needle. |
| Oil not pumping | Clogged filter, pump failure | Clean oil tank filter. Check pump drive gear. |
| Excessive vibration | Mounted parts loose, AV buffers | Tighten all screws. Replace anti-vibration buffers. |
| Chain brake not engaging | Band worn, mechanism dirty | Inspect band for wear. Clean and lubricate pivot points. |
Service Intervals: Air filter daily, spark plug every 25 hours, fuel filter every 100 hours.
Parts & Support: Genuine Husqvarna parts recommended. Contact authorized dealer or Husqvarna customer service.