Husqvarna Chainsaw Maintenance Manual

The Husqvarna Chainsaw Maintenance Manual provides essential guidance for the safe and effective upkeep of your Husqvarna chainsaw. Proper maintenance is crucial for optimal performance, longevity, and operator safety. This manual covers daily checks, routine servicing, troubleshooting, and important safety warnings. Below are key sections for safety, maintenance schedules, procedures, parts identification, and troubleshooting.

1. Safety Precautions 2. Daily Maintenance Checklist 3. Routine Service Procedures 4. Parts Identification 5. Chain & Bar Maintenance 6. Engine Maintenance 7. Fuel System Care 8. Troubleshooting Guide 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty & Support

Safety Precautions

Before performing any maintenance, ensure the chainsaw is turned off, the engine is cool, and the spark plug wire is disconnected. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Precaution	Description
Work Area	Perform maintenance in a clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated area away from sparks or open flames.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)	Wear safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.
Chain Brake	Engage the chain brake before starting any maintenance task.
Fuel Safety	Drain fuel in a safe container before storing or performing extensive maintenance. Do not smoke.
Sharp Tools	Handle sharp tools (files, gauges) with care to avoid injury.
Lifting	Lift the saw properly to avoid back strain; it is heavier than it appears.
Disconnect Power	Always disconnect the spark plug before working on the engine or cutting components.
Secure the Saw	Use a vise or clamp to secure the bar when working on the chain.
Manual Reference	Always consult this manual and your specific model's operator's manual.
Authorized Service	For complex repairs, contact an authorized Husqvarna service dealer.

Daily Maintenance Checklist

Perform these checks before and after each use to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Chain Tension: Check and adjust chain tension. A properly tensioned chain should snap back when pulled away from the bar.
Chain Sharpness: Inspect cutters for sharpness. Dull chains increase kickback risk and reduce efficiency.
Bar Condition: Check the guide bar for wear, straightness, and clean the bar groove.
Lubrication: Check chain oil level and ensure the oiler port is clear. Top up with recommended bar and chain oil.
Air Filter: Inspect the air filter. Clean if dirty; replace if damaged.
Fuel Level: Check fuel level. Use fresh, properly mixed fuel (gasoline and 2-stroke oil).
External Cleanliness: Wipe down the saw, removing sawdust, dirt, and debris from the cooling fins, clutch cover, and handles.
Fasteners: Check that all nuts, bolts, and screws (especially bar nuts) are tight.
Safety Features: Test the chain brake, throttle lockout, and stop switch for proper function.

WARNING! Never operate a chainsaw with a loose, dull, or damaged chain, or with low chain oil. This is extremely dangerous.

Routine Service Procedures

Follow this schedule based on hours of operation or as indicated in your model's manual.

Interval	Task	Procedure Summary
Every 5 hours	Clean Air Filter	Remove filter, tap clean, or wash with warm soapy water. Dry completely before reinstalling.
Every 10 hours	Clean Spark Arrestor Screen	Remove muffler cover, clean screen with a wire brush. Prevents power loss.
Every 20 hours	Check Spark Plug	Remove plug, check electrode gap (0.020" / 0.5mm typical). Clean or replace if fouled/worn.
Every 50 hours	Clean Fuel Filter	Drain tank, remove filter from fuel line, clean or replace.
Every 100 hours	Check Carburetor Adjustment	Idle speed (L) and high-speed (H) jets may need adjustment by a qualified technician.
Seasonally	Replace Chain & Bar	Inspect for excessive wear. Replace as a matched set if worn beyond service limits.

Parts Identification

Front Handle / Top Handle: Main gripping area with throttle trigger and throttle lockout.
Rear Handle: Contains stop switch and rear hand guard.
Guide Bar: The metal rail that guides the cutting chain.
Cutting Chain: The loop of cutters, drive links, and tie straps that performs the cutting.
Clutch Cover / Chain Brake Handle: Protects the clutch and incorporates the chain brake mechanism.
Chain Tensioner: Screw or knob for adjusting chain tension.
Chain Sprocket: Drives the chain; can be rim or spur type.

Muffler: Reduces exhaust noise and contains spark arrestor.

Cylinder & Cooling Fins: Engine block with fins for heat dissipation.

Air Filter Cover: Houses the air filter element.

Fuel Tank Cap: Seals the fuel tank.

Chain Oil Tank Cap: Seals the chain oil reservoir.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Proper care of the cutting system is vital for performance and safety.

Sharpening the Chain: Use a round file and file guide matching your chain's pitch. Maintain the correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to the same length. Check depth gauges with a gauge tool and file down if too high.

Adjusting Chain Tension: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw until the chain is snug against the bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts while lifting the tip of the bar. Re-check tension.

Cleaning the Bar: Remove the bar. Clean the bar groove, oil holes, and sprocket nose (if equipped) with a narrow tool and brush. Flip the bar weekly for even wear.

Lubrication: Always use Husqvarna or equivalent high-quality bar and chain oil. Check oil flow by running the saw at high speed (with chain brake on) near a light-colored surface; a line of oil should appear.

CAUTION! A loose chain can derail, causing severe injury. An overtightened chain can break or damage the engine.

Engine Maintenance

Keep your 2-stroke engine running smoothly with these procedures.

Air Filter Service: A dirty filter restricts air, causing poor performance and overheating. Clean regularly.

Spark Plug: Use the recommended plug type (e.g., NGK BPMR7A). Set correct gap. Replace annually or if damaged.

Cylinder Cooling Fins: Keep fins clean of sawdust and debris to prevent overheating.

Muffler & Spark Arrestor: Clean carbon buildup from the exhaust port and spark arrestor screen to maintain power.

Fuel Mix: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline (min 89 octane) mixed with a high-quality 2-stroke oil at the ratio specified in your manual (e.g., 50:1). Shake well. Never use old or stale fuel.

Fuel System Care

Prevent starting and running issues with proper fuel system maintenance.

Fuel Filter: Located inside the fuel tank. Replace annually or if clogged.

Fuel Lines: Inspect for cracks, brittleness, or leaks. Replace if damaged.

Carburetor: Basic adjustments (idle speed) can be made with a screwdriver. Major servicing should be done by a dealer.

Fuel Tank: Keep cap and vent clean. Drain fuel for storage longer than 30 days.

Tip: Use a fuel stabilizer if you plan to store the saw with fuel for more than a month.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

Engine won't start No spark, flooded, stale fuel, clogged filter Check spark plug, use fresh fuel, clean air filter, ensure choke/throttle lockout are in correct positions.

Engine starts then dies Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issue, vent problem Replace fuel filter, check tank vent, may need carb adjustment/cleaning.

Loss of power Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, dull chain Clean air filter and spark arrestor screen, sharpen chain.

Chain doesn't turn Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damaged Disengage chain brake, inspect clutch and sprocket, replace if worn.

Excessive vibration Loose components, unbalanced chain, damaged bar Tighten all fasteners, check chain sharpness/balance, inspect bar for wear/bend.

Chain throws oil Over-oiling, wrong oil viscosity Check oiler setting, use correct bar and chain oil.

Chain comes off bar Loose chain, worn bar, damaged drive links Adjust tension, inspect bar groove and sprocket nose, replace chain if drive links are damaged.

Reset: For electronic ignition models, a system reset may be required after certain faults. Consult dealer.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Long-Term Storage (over 30 days): Drain all fuel from the tank and carburetor. Run the engine until it stops to clear fuel lines.

Chain & Bar: Remove, clean, and coat with oil. Store in a dry place.

General Clean: Thoroughly clean the entire saw.

Location: Store in a dry, cool place, out of reach of children.

Battery (if electric start): Remove and charge/store according to battery instructions.

CAUTION! Storing with fuel in the system can cause gum deposits in the carburetor, leading to starting failure.

Warranty & Support

Husqvarna chainsaws are covered by a limited warranty. Proof of purchase from an authorized dealer is required. Warranty does not cover damage from neglect, improper use, lack of maintenance, or unauthorized modifications. For technical support, genuine parts, and dealer locations:

Visit: www.husqvarna.com

US Customer Support: 1-800-487-5962

Always use genuine Husqvarna replacement parts for optimal performance and safety.

Husqvarna Chainsaw Maintenance Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, stale fuel, clogged filter	Check spark plug, use fresh fuel, clean air filter, ensure choke/throttle lockout are in correct positions.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issue, vent problem	Replace fuel filter, check tank vent, may need carb adjustment/cleaning.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, dull chain	Clean air filter and spark arrestor screen, sharpen chain.
Chain doesn't turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damaged	Disengage chain brake, inspect clutch and sprocket, replace if worn.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain, damaged bar	Tighten all fasteners, check chain sharpness/balance, inspect bar for wear/bend.
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil viscosity	Check oiler setting, use correct bar and chain oil.
Chain comes off bar	Loose chain, worn bar, damaged drive links	Adjust tension, inspect bar groove and sprocket nose, replace chain if drive links are damaged.