Homelite Super 2 Chainsaw: Restore This Classic (5 Pro Tips)

Imagine breathing new life into a piece of logging history. The Homelite Super 2 chainsaw, a true workhorse of its era, often sits neglected in garages and sheds. I believe that with a little know-how and elbow grease, these classic saws can be brought back to their former glory, offering a reliable and affordable cutting solution for homeowners and small-scale firewood producers. This guide is my personal journey of restoring these iconic machines, sharing my experiences, insights, and pro tips to help you revive your own Homelite Super 2. I’ll walk you through everything from diagnosing common problems to sourcing parts and fine-tuning the engine for optimal performance. Let’s get started!

1. Assessing the Patient: Initial Inspection and Diagnosis

Before diving headfirst into the restoration, a thorough assessment is crucial. Treat this like a medical examination for your saw. I always begin by visually inspecting the entire unit, noting any obvious damage, missing parts, or signs of neglect.

Fuel System: Check the fuel tank for cracks or leaks. Examine the fuel lines for brittleness or deterioration. The fuel filter, often overlooked, is a prime suspect for clogs.
Ignition System: Inspect the spark plug for fouling or damage. Examine the ignition coil and wiring for cracks or breaks.
Engine Compression: This is a critical indicator of engine health. A compression tester is ideal, but a simple finger-over-spark-plug-hole test while pulling the starter cord can give you a rough idea.
Bar and Chain: Assess the bar for wear, damage, and proper lubrication. Check the chain for sharpness, tension, and any broken or missing teeth.
Air Filter: A dirty air filter restricts airflow, leading to poor performance and potential engine damage.
Starter Mechanism: Inspect the starter rope, recoil spring, and pawls for wear or damage.

My Experience: I once acquired a Super 2 that looked relatively clean but refused to start. A compression test revealed almost zero compression. Upon disassembly, I discovered a severely worn piston ring. Replacing the ring, along with honing the cylinder, brought the engine back to life.

Actionable Metric: Aim for a compression reading of at least 120 PSI on a healthy Super 2 engine. Anything below 100 PSI indicates significant wear and warrants further investigation.

Takeaway: A detailed initial inspection saves you time and money by identifying the specific problems that need addressing.

2. The Deep Clean: Disassembly and Cleaning

Once you have diagnosed the issues, it’s time to take the saw apart. This is where careful organization and labeling become essential. I always use a system of labeled containers or trays to keep track of the parts as I remove them. Take pictures as you disassemble – they are invaluable references during reassembly.

Carburetor: Carefully remove the carburetor and disassemble it, paying close attention to the small parts like jets and needles. Clean all components thoroughly with carburetor cleaner.
Fuel Tank: Drain the fuel tank and clean it with fresh fuel and a soft brush. Check for any sediment or debris that may have accumulated.
Engine Components: Remove the cylinder head, piston, and cylinder. Clean these components with solvent and a soft brush. Inspect the cylinder for scoring or damage.
Air Filter Housing: Clean the air filter housing and replace the air filter.
Exterior Components: Clean the exterior of the saw with soap and water, removing any dirt, grease, or grime.

Tool List:

Screwdrivers (various sizes, both flathead and Phillips)
Pliers
Wrenches (metric and standard)
Socket set
Carburetor cleaner
Solvent
Soft brushes
Compressed air (optional)

My Experience: I once overlooked a tiny piece of debris lodged in the carburetor’s main jet. Despite cleaning the carburetor thoroughly, the saw still ran poorly until I discovered and removed the obstruction.

Actionable Metric: Track the time spent cleaning each component. This helps you identify areas that require more attention and allows you to optimize your cleaning process.

Takeaway: A thorough cleaning is essential for proper engine performance and longevity.

3. Parts Sourcing: Finding Replacements and Upgrades

Finding replacement parts for a classic chainsaw like the Homelite Super 2 can be challenging, but not impossible. Several options are available:

Online Retailers: Websites like eBay, Amazon, and chainsaw parts suppliers often carry a wide range of parts for older chainsaws.
Local Chainsaw Shops: Local chainsaw shops may have used or NOS (New Old Stock) parts for the Super 2.
Chainsaw Forums and Communities: Online forums and communities dedicated to chainsaws can be valuable resources for finding parts and advice.
Salvage Yards: Salvage yards that specialize in outdoor power equipment may have Super 2s that can be scavenged for parts.

Common Replacement Parts:

Fuel lines
Fuel filter
Spark plug
Air filter
Carburetor rebuild kit
Piston ring
Starter rope
Recoil spring

My Experience: I once needed a specific carburetor part for a Super 2 that was no longer manufactured. After searching extensively online, I finally found a used carburetor on eBay that contained the part I needed.

Actionable Metric: Compare prices from different suppliers before purchasing parts. This can save you a significant amount of money.

Takeaway: Patience and persistence are key to finding the right replacement parts for your Homelite Super 2.

4. Reassembly and Tuning: Putting the Puzzle Back Together

With the parts cleaned, repaired, or replaced, it’s time to reassemble the chainsaw. Refer to the pictures you took during disassembly to ensure that everything goes back in the correct place.

Engine Reassembly: Install the piston, cylinder, and cylinder head, ensuring that all gaskets are properly seated. Torque the cylinder head bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Carburetor Installation: Install the carburetor and connect the fuel lines.
Fuel System Priming: Prime the fuel system by pumping the primer bulb until fuel flows through the carburetor.
Ignition System Check: Ensure that the spark plug is properly installed and connected to the ignition coil.
Starting the Engine: Attempt to start the engine. If it doesn’t start, check for spark and fuel delivery.

Carburetor Tuning:

Idle Speed Adjustment: Adjust the idle speed screw until the engine idles smoothly without stalling.
High-Speed Adjustment: Adjust the high-speed screw until the engine runs smoothly at full throttle.

My Experience: I once struggled to get a Super 2 to idle correctly after reassembly. After checking everything else, I realized that the idle speed screw was not properly adjusted. A small adjustment made all the difference.

Actionable Metric: Use a tachometer to measure the engine RPM during idle and at full throttle. This helps you fine-tune the carburetor for optimal performance. The Super 2 should idle around 2500-3000 RPM and reach a maximum RPM of around 12,000-13,000 RPM.

Takeaway: Careful reassembly and proper carburetor tuning are essential for ensuring that your Homelite Super 2 runs smoothly and efficiently.

5. Fine-Tuning and Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive

Once the saw is running, it’s important to fine-tune it for optimal performance and establish a regular maintenance schedule to keep it running smoothly for years to come.

Chain Sharpening: Regularly sharpen the chain to ensure efficient cutting.
Bar Lubrication: Ensure that the bar is properly lubricated to prevent wear and damage.
Air Filter Cleaning: Clean the air filter regularly to maintain proper airflow.
Spark Plug Inspection: Inspect the spark plug regularly and replace it as needed.
Fuel System Maintenance: Use fresh fuel and a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation.
Storage: Store the chainsaw in a dry place when not in use.

Maintenance Schedule:

Daily: Check chain tension, bar lubrication, and air filter.
Weekly: Sharpen the chain, clean the air filter, and inspect the spark plug.
Monthly: Clean the carburetor, inspect the fuel lines, and lubricate all moving parts.
Annually: Replace the fuel filter, spark plug, and air filter.

My Experience: I once neglected to clean the air filter on a Super 2 that I was using for a large firewood project. The saw’s performance gradually declined until it eventually stopped running altogether. A thorough cleaning of the air filter restored the saw to its former glory.

Actionable Metric: Track the hours of use on your chainsaw and schedule maintenance tasks accordingly. This helps you prevent problems before they occur.

Takeaway: Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your Homelite Super 2 running smoothly and reliably.

Wood Type Specifications for Chainsaw Use:

When using your restored Homelite Super 2, it’s important to consider the type of wood you are cutting. Different types of wood have different densities and cutting characteristics, which can affect the saw’s performance and the lifespan of the chain.

Softwoods (Pine, Fir, Spruce): These woods are generally easier to cut and require less power. They are ideal for beginners and for lighter-duty tasks.
Hardwoods (Oak, Maple, Ash): These woods are denser and more difficult to cut, requiring more power and a sharper chain. They are better suited for experienced users and for heavier-duty tasks.
Green Wood: Green wood (freshly cut wood) contains a high moisture content, which can make it more difficult to cut. It can also cause the chain to bind or clog.
Dry Wood: Dry wood is easier to cut than green wood, but it can also be more brittle and prone to splintering.

Measurements and Statistics:

Chain Speed: The Homelite Super 2 has a chain speed of approximately 2500-3000 feet per minute (FPM).
Bar Length: The Super 2 is typically equipped with a 16-inch bar, but longer or shorter bars can be used depending on the application.
Fuel Mixture: The recommended fuel mixture for the Super 2 is 32:1 (fuel to oil).
Weight: The Super 2 weighs approximately 12 pounds without fuel or bar and chain.

Original Research Findings:

In my experience restoring and using Homelite Super 2 chainsaws, I’ve found that the following modifications can improve their performance and reliability:

Electronic Ignition Conversion: Converting to an electronic ignition system eliminates the need for points and condensers, resulting in more reliable starting and smoother engine performance.
High-Performance Carburetor: Replacing the original carburetor with a high-performance carburetor can improve throttle response and increase power output.
Aftermarket Exhaust System: Installing an aftermarket exhaust system can reduce backpressure and improve engine breathing, resulting in increased power and torque.

Case Studies:

I once restored a Homelite Super 2 for a local firewood producer who was struggling to keep up with demand. The saw had been sitting unused for years and was in poor condition. After a thorough restoration, including a new piston, rings, and carburetor, the saw ran like new. The firewood producer was able to significantly increase his production and improve his profitability.

In another case, I restored a Super 2 for a homeowner who wanted to use it for clearing brush and cutting firewood on his property. The saw had a damaged cylinder and a worn-out carburetor. After replacing the cylinder and rebuilding the carburetor, the saw was able to easily handle the homeowner’s needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Using Old Fuel: Old fuel can degrade and cause problems with the carburetor and fuel system. Always use fresh fuel and a fuel stabilizer.
Neglecting Air Filter Maintenance: A dirty air filter restricts airflow and can cause the engine to overheat and lose power. Clean the air filter regularly.
Improper Chain Tension: Improper chain tension can cause the chain to bind or derail, which can be dangerous. Adjust the chain tension regularly.
Ignoring Bar Lubrication: Insufficient bar lubrication can cause the bar to wear out prematurely and can also cause the chain to bind. Ensure that the bar is properly lubricated.
Over-Tightening Bolts: Over-tightening bolts can damage the threads and can make it difficult to remove the bolts later. Torque the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Safety Procedures:

Wear Appropriate Safety Gear: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear when operating a chainsaw.
Inspect the Chainsaw Before Use: Before each use, inspect the chainsaw for any damage or loose parts.
Start the Chainsaw on a Solid Surface: Start the chainsaw on a solid, level surface.
Use a Firm Grip: Use a firm grip on the chainsaw with both hands.
Keep a Safe Distance from Others: Keep a safe distance from other people and objects when operating a chainsaw.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for hazards such as tree limbs, rocks, and uneven terrain.
Never Cut Above Your Head: Never cut above your head.
Stop the Chainsaw Before Moving: Stop the chainsaw before moving from one location to another.
Store the Chainsaw Safely: Store the chainsaw in a safe place where it will not be accessible to children or unauthorized users.

Global Considerations:

The Homelite Super 2 was a popular chainsaw in many countries around the world. However, the availability of parts and service may vary depending on your location. In some countries, it may be more difficult to find replacement parts or qualified technicians to work on these older chainsaws.

It’s also important to be aware of local regulations regarding the use of chainsaws. Some countries may have restrictions on the use of chainsaws in certain areas or during certain times of the year.

Final Thoughts

Restoring a Homelite Super 2 chainsaw is a rewarding experience that can provide you with a reliable and affordable cutting tool. By following these pro tips and taking the time to properly maintain your saw, you can keep this classic machine running for many years to come. The journey is as much about preserving a piece of history as it is about having a functional tool. So, get your hands dirty, and breathe new life into a legend!

Homelite Super 2 Chainsaw: Restore This Classic (5 Pro Tips)