Husqvarna 141 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 141 is a lightweight, gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for occasional users and homeowners. It features a 38.2cc 2-stroke engine, a 16-inch guide bar, LowVib anti-vibration system, Smart Start for easier starting, combined choke/stop control, air injection centrifugal air cleaning, and an inertia-activated chain brake. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Basic Operation 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Guide Bar, Saw Chain, Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Stop Switch, Choke Control, Fuel Tank, Oil Tank.

FeatureDescription
Engine38.2cc 2-stroke, air-cooled gasoline engine
Guide Bar16-inch Oregon style, replaceable sprocket nose
Saw Chain3/8" low-profile pitch, .050" gauge
Chain BrakeInertia-activated, manual release
LowVib SystemReduces vibration to the handles
Smart StartReduces resistance in starter cord
Air InjectionCentrifugal air cleaning for longer filter life
Combined Choke/StopSingle lever for choke, start, and stop positions
Fuel Tank CapacityApprox. 0.33 US gallons (1.25 liters)
Oil Tank CapacityApprox. 0.21 US gallons (0.8 liters)

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all instructions before use. Wear proper PPE.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, with engine off and cool. Use clean, unleaded gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil (50:1 ratio).
  4. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the bar tip. Do not let it contact objects.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety rules can result in serious injury or death.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts. Place chain over sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit bar onto studs. Adjust tension.
  2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (min. 89 octane) mixed with Husqvarna 2-stroke oil (50:1). Shake well before filling.
  3. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use Husqvarna chain oil or equivalent. Check oil flow before cutting.
  4. Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Re-tighten after initial use.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged (pulled back toward front handle) before starting.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Right Side: Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout (must be depressed to engage throttle), Front Hand Guard / Chain Brake, Stop Switch.

Left Side: Choke/Stop Control Lever (positions: RUN, CHOKE, STOP), Decompression Valve (if equipped), Primer Bulb (if equipped), Fuel Cap, Oil Cap.

Rear: Rear Handle, Starter Grip, Air Filter Cover, Spark Plug.

Chain Brake: Engages automatically via inertia or manually by pushing hand guard forward. Pull back toward front handle to disengage.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

  1. Place saw on flat, clear ground. Engage chain brake.
  2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  3. Move choke control to CHOKE position.
  4. Press throttle lockout and pull throttle trigger. Hold trigger and push throttle lockout down to lock in start position.
  5. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
  6. Move choke control to RUN position.
  7. Pull starter cord again until engine starts. Saw will run at high idle.
  8. Squeeze throttle trigger to disengage start throttle lock and return to idle.
  9. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Warm Start: Begin at step 3 with choke in RUN position.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Move stop switch to STOP position or move choke control to STOP.

Basic Operation

  1. Stance & Grip: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward. Grip front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand. Keep elbows slightly bent.
  2. Starting a Cut: Let the chain do the work. Apply light downward pressure. Avoid forcing the saw.
  3. Kickback Prevention: Never cut with the upper tip of the bar. Be especially careful when cutting limbs under tension.
  4. Bucking (Cutting Fallen Logs): Support log off ground. Cut from top down. Watch for binding.
  5. Limbing (Removing Branches): Work from trunk outward. Let branches support log weight. Stand on opposite side of trunk from branch being cut.

Tip: Maintain a sharp chain. A dull chain requires more force, increases wear, and is more dangerous.

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTask
Before each useCheck chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check for loose nuts/bolts. Inspect for damage.
Daily (or every 5 hours)Clean air filter. Check fuel filter in tank.
Weekly (or every 25 hours)Clean cooling fins. Check spark plug condition/gap. Clean exterior of saw.
Monthly (or every 100 hours)Replace spark plug. Clean fuel filter. Check/replace fuel line if cracked.
SeasonallyClean/replace air filter. Check anti-vibration elements. Clean carburetor air intake.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use a round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for 3/8" LP). File each cutter at original angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges with a flat file and gauge.

Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw (located near bar mount) clockwise to tighten until chain is snug against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension after first few cuts.

WARNING! A loose chain can derail. An overtightened chain can break and cause excessive wear.

Storage

  1. Short Term (under 30 days): Run carburetor dry. Empty fuel tank into approved container. Store in dry place.
  2. Long Term (over 30 days): Perform short-term steps. Remove chain, clean and oil it. Clean entire saw. Store chain in oil. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.

CAUTION! Never store a chainsaw with fuel in the tank or carburetor. Fuel can degrade and cause starting problems.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, old fuel, flooded engine, clogged filterCheck spark plug. Use fresh fuel mix. Wait if flooded. Clean/replace air filter.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, dirty carburetor, faulty fuel lineReplace fuel filter. Clean carburetor. Inspect fuel line for cracks.
Engine lacks powerDirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, dull chainClean air filter. Clean spark arrestor screen. Sharpen chain.
Chain does not turnClutch worn, drive sprocket worn, chain brake engagedInspect clutch and sprocket. Disengage chain brake.
Chain throws oil but does not lubricate barOil hole clogged, wrong oil viscosityClean oil outlet on bar and saw. Use proper chain oil.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chain, worn anti-vibration mountsTighten all nuts/bolts. Sharpen chain evenly. Check mounts.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Husqvarna service dealer.

Support: Husqvarna USA, 1-800-487-5962, www.husqvarna.com/us

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