Husqvarna Model 141 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna Model 141 is a lightweight, gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for homeowner use, featuring a 38.2cc engine, 16-inch guide bar, low vibration system, air injection cleaning, combined choke/stop control, inertia-activated chain brake, and easy-start system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 38.2cc X-Torq engine, 16-inch guide bar, LowVib anti-vibration system, Air Injection air cleaning, combined choke/stop control, inertia-activated chain brake, Smart Start easy-start system.

FeatureDescription
Engine38.2cc X-Torq engine for reduced emissions
Guide Bar Length16 inches (40 cm)
Chain Pitch3/8 inch low-profile
Fuel Tank Capacity0.33 US quarts (0.31 liters)
Oil Tank Capacity0.21 US quarts (0.20 liters)
Weight (without bar/chain)10.1 lbs (4.6 kg)
Vibration DampingLowVib system
Air FiltrationAir Injection centrifugal cleaning
Safety FeaturesInertia-activated chain brake, right-hand guard
Starting SystemSmart Start for easier pulling

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Wear protective equipment.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Awareness: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with tip of bar.
  4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from sparks. Use fresh gasoline/oil mix.

WARNING! Chainsaw kickback can cause serious injury. Always use proper grip and cutting techniques.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach guide bar: Place bar on studs, adjust tensioning screw, tighten nuts.
  2. Install chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Adjust tension.
  3. Fill fuel: Mix gasoline with 2-stroke oil (50:1 ratio). Fill fuel tank.
  4. Fill chain oil: Use Husqvarna chain oil or equivalent. Fill oil tank.
  5. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Chain tension must be checked cold and adjusted frequently during first use.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke/stop control. Rear Handle: Main switch (On/Off).

Key Controls: Chain brake handle, inertia-activated brake, combined choke/stop control, decompression valve (if equipped), primer bulb, fuel and oil tank caps, chain tensioner, rear hand guard.

Operation: Throttle lockout must be pressed before throttle trigger engages. Chain brake engages automatically upon kickback or manually by pushing handle forward.

Starting & Stopping

Starting Cold Engine:

  1. Place saw on flat ground. Engage chain brake.
  2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  3. Set choke control to full choke.
  4. Press primer bulb 4-6 times.
  5. Pull starter handle until engine fires.
  6. Move choke to half-throttle position.
  7. Pull starter handle to start. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Starting Warm Engine: Use half-throttle position, no priming.

Stopping: Release throttle, move On/Off switch to STOP position.

Tip: Always engage chain brake when starting or carrying saw.

Operating Instructions

Basic Cutting Techniques:

  1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut, then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
  2. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk. Cut from top of limb, avoid contact with ground.
  3. Bucking: Support log. Cut from top, avoid pinching bar.
  4. Pruning: Use light touch. Do not cut above shoulder height.

WARNING! Never operate chainsaw with one hand. Always maintain secure footing.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter. Inspect bar for wear.

Weekly: Clean cooling fins. Check spark plug condition. Clean fuel filter.

Monthly: Clean carburetor air intake. Check all nuts and bolts for tightness. Inspect anti-vibration elements.

Annually: Replace fuel filter. Clean combustion chamber. Have professional service if needed.

Chain & Bar Care

Chain Sharpening: Use round file (5/32 inch). Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters equally.

Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar monthly for even wear. Lubricate sprocket nose.

Chain Tension: Proper tension when chain snaps back against bar but can be pulled by hand.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Disconnect spark plug wire during maintenance.

Storage

Long-Term Storage:

  1. Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
  2. Run engine until carburetor is dry.
  3. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil.
  4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins.
  5. Store in dry, cool place, away from children.

CAUTION! Gasoline left in carburetor can cause starting problems. Always use fresh fuel next season.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, flooded, old fuelCheck spark plug; use fresh fuel mix; avoid over-choking.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, air leakReplace fuel filter; check fuel lines and carburetor.
Chain doesn't turnBrake engaged, clutch wornDisengage chain brake; inspect clutch and drum.
Chain throws oilOil port clogged, wrong oilClean oil ports; use correct bar/chain oil.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chainTighten all bolts; sharpen chain evenly.
Chain dulls quicklyCutting dirty wood, improper filingAvoid ground contact; maintain correct filing angle.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Husqvarna service center.

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

Husqvarna Model 141 Chainsaw Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025