How to Troubleshoot a Homelite Ranger 33cc

Loosen and remove the screws on the top of the engine that hold the cylinder cover in place. Take off the cylinder cover and remove the air filter from its mounting post. Pull the rubber boot off the spark plug's tip.

Unscrew and remove the spark plug from the cylinder. Replace the spark plug if the tip looks broken, bent or blackened from carbon. Screw the new spark plug into the cylinder.

Fit the ignition tester's leads to the rubber boot and to the tip of the spark plug. Push the choke lever to the "Run" position. Set the chainsaw on the ground and make sure the bar won't hit anything should the chainsaw accidentally start.

Pull hard on the starter rope several times and watch the tester's window for a blue spark to jump across. If no spark is present or the spark is a weak yellow, allow a professional to test and repair the ignition system.

Unhook the ignition tester from the boot and the spark plug. Loosen and remove the spark plug again. Tighten the compression gauge into the spark plug hole using your fingers.

Pull hard on the starter rope continuously until the compression gauge's needle reaches its maximum point. Allow a professional to service the compression system if the reading is below 100 psi.

Unscrew the choke cover plate, just behind the spark plug, where the air filter mounts. Take the choke cover plate off and unhook the two plastic hoses from the carburetor.

Lift the chainsaw up and tilt it slightly. Check for gas to dribble from the hoses. Allow a professional to service the fuel system if no gas leaks out of the hoses.