36 Vintage Homelite Chainsaw FAQs (With Answers)
In this article, we address the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Homelite chainsaws, providing you with quick and insightful answers to common queries.
Whether you're a new owner or considering purchasing a Homelite chainsaw, this guide will help you gain a better understanding of these powerful tools and their operation.
Who Makes Homelite chainsaws?
In 1994, the Homelite Corporation was acquired by John Deere, and later in 2001, Techtronic Industries acquired Homelite from John Deere. Homelite is known for its affordable and reliable power tools that cater to homeowners.
Are Homelite Chainsaws Any Good?
They do a good job on light to medium jobs and are perfect for home use. As far as newer models go, Stihl and Husqvarna chainsaws dominate sales like Homelite once did but Homelite remains a well respected brand.
What Year Did Homelite Go Out of Business?
Homelite, maker of popular chainsaws for the home market, ceased being an independent company in 1954 when it was acquired by Textron. It has been re-sold to new companies twice since that time.
What Year Was the Homelite 150 Made?
Homelite 150 model chainsaws were introduced in 1986, however, the model was only manufactured for one year. Not having a chain brake system and being powered by a smallish 43cc engine had an impact on sales and the model was retired after just one year.
What year was the Homelite XL 12 made?
The XL-12 series of Chainsaw manufactured by Homelite-Textron began production in 1964 and ceased production in 1988.
During its 24 year production run it earned many accolades and became a favorite with users for its durability, power, ease of use and comparatively light weight.
How old is a Homelite XL 12 chainsaw?
The Homelite XL 12 model enjoyed a 24 year production runfrom 1964 to 1988 in Canada and the US.
Older XL-12s are often blue and white in color while newer ones are typically Homelite red.
What's the price of a Homelite chainsaw?
The current price of a new electric model Homelite chainsaw starts at $64 U.S., gas-powered models are no longer being produced.
Vintage Homelite gas-powered chainsaws vary in price based on age, rarity and condition and have become a collector item over time.
Vintage model saws range in price from $50 to $500 on average and sometimes more for extremely rare models.
Is Homelite made in China?
Currently, yes. Homelite chainsaws have been manufactured by TechTronics Industries, which is based in Hong Kong, since 2001.
Prior to 2001, Homelite chainsaws were manufactured in North America by Homelite Corporation(pre-1954), Textron(1954-1994) and John Deere(1994-2001).
Who bought out Homelite brand chainsaws?
The Homelite Corporation, manufacturer of popular chainsaws, was first bought out by Textron in the early 1950's.
Subsequently, the brand was sold to John Deere in 1994 and then to TechTronics Industries in 2001.
Is Ryobi and Homelite the same company?
Yes, Ryobi and Homelite chainsaw brand rights are both currently owned by TechTronics Industries(TTI). Both brands of chainsaw share many identical part numbers making replacement parts interchangeable and repair services more streamlined.
Is Homelite Made in USA?
No, not since 2001 when rights to the Homelite brand were sold to Hong Kong based TechTronics Industries.
Some assembly is performed in the U.S., however, parts and design decisions are finalized in China.
What is the biggest Homelite chainsaw?
From September 1958 until mid 1959 Homelite manufactured the 8-29 model chainsaw that most consider the biggest in terms of displacement.
At 129 cc it was certainly one of the most powerful. Physically larger vintage Homelite saws exist but require two people to operate.
What is the fuel mixture for a Homelite chainsaw?
Recommended Homelite chainsaw fuel mixture is 50-1.
Prior to advances in oil technology the most common Homelite recommended blends were 40 to 1 and 32 to 1. Ethanol free fuel is always recommended.
Homelite 330 Chainsaw Specs?
| Category | Specs |
|---|---|
| MANUFACTURED BY | HOMELITE-TEXTRON PORT CHESTER, NEW YORK, USA |
| SERIES OR ASSEMBLY NUMBER | UT10540 UT10604-A |
| YEAR INTRODUCED | 1981 |
| ENGINE DISPLACEMENT | 3.27 cu. in. (53.6 ccm) |
| NUMBER OF CYLINDERS | Homelite Two-Cycle single cylinder loop scavenged engine |
| CYLINDER BORE | 1.687 in. (43 mm) |
| PISTON STROKE | 1.464 in. (37 mm) |
| PISTON RING THICKNESS | 2 rings, pn 93823 |
| CYLINDER TYPE | Aluminum with Chrome plated bore |
| INTAKE METHOD | Reed valves |
| MANUFACTURER ADVERTISED H.P. | 3.29 SAE @ 8,000 RPM |
| WEIGHT | 12 lbs. 8 oz. (5.7 kg) powerhead only |
| OPERATOR CONFIGURATION | One Man operation |
| HANDLEBAR SYSTEM | Rigid |
| CHAIN BRAKE | Optional, mechanical |
| CLUTCH | Centrifugal, 3 metal shoes |
| DRIVE TYPE | Direct |
| CONSTRUCTION | Injection molded Polymer |
| MAGNETO TYPE | Flywheel Electronic |
| CARBURETOR | Walbro WT or Zama |
| MAJOR REPAIR KIT | Walbro K10-WAT ZAMA |
| MINOR REPAIR KIT | Walbro D10-WAT ZAMA |
| AIR FILTER SYSTEM | Nylon mesh cartridge |
| STARTER TYPE | Homelite automatic rewind |
| OIL PUMP | Automatic |
| MAXIMUM ENGINE RPM | 10,500 to 11,000 no load |
| IDLE RPM | 2,800 to 3,000 |
| IGNITION TIMING | fixed |
| BREAKER POINT SETTING | none |
| FLYWHEEL/COIL AIR GAP | 0.015 in. (0.38 mm) |
| SPARK PLUG TYPE | Champion DJ7Y |
| SPARK PLUG GAP | 0.025 in. (0.63 mm) |
| CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS | Caged needle roller |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 16 oz. (473 ml) |
| FUEL OIL RATIO | 32:1 with Homelite oil |
| RECOMMENDED FUEL OCTANE | Regular |
| MIX OIL SPECIFICATION | Homelite chain saw mix oil |
| CHAIN PITCH | 3/8 in. |
| CHAIN TYPE | Homelite |
| BAR MOUNT PATTERN | 14 link |
| SHORTEST GUIDE BAR SUPPLIED | 16 in. (40 cm) |
| LONGEST GUIDE BAR SUPPLIED | 24 in. (61 cm) |
| COLOUR SCHEME | Homelite Red |
How many CC's is a Homelite 360?
The Homelite 360 model chainsaw began production in 1976 and has an engine displacement of 57 cc. This translates into roughly 3.85 horsepower at 9000 RPM, according to Homelite.
Related: Use our chart for easy CC to HP Conversion
How many cc's is a Homelite 240?
The Homelite 240 model chainsaw began production in 1986 and has an engine displacement of 39 cc. This translates into roughly 2.15 horsepower at 8000 RPM, according to Homelite.
How many cc's is a Homelite Super XL?
The Homelite-Textron Super XL series of chainsaws have an engine displacement of 58 cc. This translates into roughly 3.33 horsepower at 7500 RPM, according to Homelite-Textron.
How many cc's is a Homelite Super 2?
The Homelite Super 2 series of chainsaw were manufactured from 1976 until 1982 and have an engine displacement of 31 cc. This translates into roughly 1.75 horsepower at 8000 RPM, according to Homelite.
How many cc's is a Homelite 150 automatic?
The Homelite 150 model chainsaw with automatic oiler was produced for a single year, 1986, and has an engine displacement of 43.3 cc.
This translates into roughly 2.95 horsepower at 8000 RPM, according to Homelite.
How do I identify my Homelite chainsaw?
Homelite chainsaws have a model information plate located on or near the main handle. Information plates include a model number, serial number and sometimes other information such as country of manufacture.
Most model numbers can still be decoded online and contain year and model information.
Did Homelite go out of business?
The Homelite Corporation was acquired by Textron in 1954 whom subsequently took over in making business decisions for the Homelite brand.
Homelite chainsaws continue to be developed and sold worldwide by its current owner, TechTronics Industries.
What type of oil does a Homelite chainsaw use?
Homelite operator manuals recommend using Homelite brand chain oil or clean SAE-30 to oil the chain.
Environmentally conscious operators report having good results with bio-degradable vegetable based oils that won't pollute or leave toxic residue behind like motor oil does.
Remember to properly dispose of old oil and gas.
Why is my Homelite chainsaw smoking?
There are several reasons your Homelite chainsaw might be smoking.
The most common reasons are improper airflow caused by a dirty air-filter, an improperly set idle speed and too much oil in the fuel mixture.
If the smoke seems to be coming from the bar or chain and not the motor check the chain oil level. Machine overheating is another common cause.
Is Homelite a Home Depot brand?
No, Homelite brand chainsaws are currently owned and manufactured by TechTronics Industries(TTA).
Home Depot has a contract with TechTronics Industries to sell Homelite brand chainsaws in their stores.
How do you maintain a Homelite chainsaw?
Homelite recommends the following procedures be completed during regular maintenance: chain tension adjustment and sharpening, air-filter replacement, oil level and condition check as well as a spark plug inspection or replacement.
Whenever possible refer to official Homelite instructions or the Homelite chainsaw manual for your specific model.
Where is the carburetor on a Homelite chainsaw?
The carburetor on Homelite chainsaws is universally under the handle, what isn't universal is the removal procedure. On some models the carb can be accessed by removing the air filter and cover and on other models the recoil cover needs to be removed as well.
Finally, on models like the Super 2, virtually everything must be disassembled and the engine slid sideways out of the housing to expose the carburetor.
Where is the air filter on my Homelite chainsaw?
The air filter on Homelite chainsaws is typically behind a large square cover underneath or next to the chainsaw handle.
For maintenance purposes the air filter is easily accessible and located as far away from the exhaust and chain as possible.
How do you change a spark plug on a Homelite chainsaw?
To change the spark plug on a Homelite chainsaw first turn the start switch to the off position and locate the boot covering the end of the coil wire.
Unplug the boot from the spark plug by grasping it firmly and pulling gently with a slight turning motion. With the spark plug exposed use a spark plug removal socket to unscrew it from the base.
Never try to turn it by the porcelain portion or it may break and cause injury. Installation is the reverse of removal.
What size chain does a Homelite XL use?
Chain pitch, gauge and driver count information is stamped on the side of all chainsaw bars. It's important that your new chain matches all three readings.
The driver count, sometimes called driver link number, refers to number of links in the chain. Most Homelite chainsaws were manufactured with 16" to 20" chains but don't guess, bring the saw to a local repair shop if you're unsure.
How much does a Homelite Super XL weigh?
Homelite Super XL chainsaws weigh 13 lbs. 14 oz. not including the bar and chain. Manufacturers report the weight of their chainsaws without the bar and chain attached.
Most saws had several bar and chain options which change the total weight of the chainsaw.
What can I substitute for bar and chain oil?
Vegetable and Canola oil can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to recommended bar and chain oil, assuming the temperature outside is warm enough.
Eco-friendly oils don't flow sufficiently at low temperatures. Hydraulic fluid and 10-w30 motor oil can also be used in the absence of a better alternative. These are not as sticky as manufacturer recommended bar and chain oil so your chainsaw will require more of it.
Homelite Chainsaw Serial Number Lookup
The serial number on Homelite chainsaws contains useful information about the saw such as model and year information. This information is extremely useful when determining the value of the saw and when ordering replacement parts.
The data required to lookup and decode the serial number on vintage Homelite chainsaws is somewhat sparse because they were manufactured at different plants and in different countries.
