How to Clean a Homelite Ranger Air Filter

Put on a pair of goggles that feature protective side guards and then flip the ignition switch on your Homelite Ranger chain saw to the “Stop” position. Move the chain brake lever near the handle, the “Run” position.

Look for three screws in the cylinder cover and then use a screwdriver to loosen the screws. Position the chain brake lever away from the handle, the “Brake” position. Grasp and lift the cover away from your chainsaw -- from the front followed from the back -- and then set it aside.

Pull the choke lever and rod out to the "Full Choke" position. Spray compressed air into the entire area to dislodge debris and sawdust.

Locate the filter at the front of the area and then unscrew and set aside the retaining screws holding the filter in place. Put the head of a flat-head screwdriver between the filter and the bottom of the filter housing. Turn the handle clockwise slightly to unlock the filter from the housing and then pull the filter from your chainsaw.

Blow debris from the filter on both sides with compressed air. If the filter looks extremely dirty, wash it in sudsy, warm water. Rinse it thoroughly to remove all residue and then set it aside to air-dry. After it has dried completely, reinsert it into the housing -- tabs on the bottom in first -- and then secure it with the retaining screws.

Unscrew and remove the starter assembly on the side of your chainsaw. Remove the fan housing baffle and pull the prefilter away. Blow compressed air into the engine housing to remove debris and then blow both sides of the filter.

Return the filter to your chainsaw and then return the fan housing baffle and starter assembly to your chainsaw and secure with the screws you removed. Return the cylinder cover to its position and secure it with its screws. Return the choke lever and rod to the “Run” position.