[AT] OT: McCulloch Chainsaw

[Francis Robinson]

    Hi David:

    Those coils can and do fail but it is not the more common failing of 
those ignitions. Be sure that you disconnect the grounding (short out) wire 
from the kill switch to be sure that the switch or a bad wire is not 
grounding out the spark.
    Also check that the crankshaft bearings are not worn enough to allow the 
points setting to change as you try to start it. Grab the crank by both ends 
and shake it to see if it is loose enough for your shaking it to make the 
points open or close just from bearing slop.
    You can test the ignition also using a cheapie .98 cent two lead neon 
test light like you use to test an outlet. Try connecting it to the coil 
where the spark plug wire takes off to be sure that that wire has not 
failed. Those little neon lights only need something like 60 or 70 volts to 
fire them but will take 50,000 volts no sweat. Neon test lights are 
generally used to test high out-put electric fences.
    If all else fails buy a coil...   :-)

    BTW, I have used chainsaws for many many years and once got another 
couple of more years out of one by installing one of the little electronic 
ignition modules after I found that the crank bearings were badly worn and 
was having trouble finding a set. In these days of much cheaper saws I just 
intend to keep my saws replaced regularly even if they don't accumulate many 
hours. I can sell a clean two year old saw for well over half of new price 
and I seldom even change a spark plug except when selling the saw. I may 
wear out a couple of chains and maybe even a bar but I always have a new 
engine, new safety equipment (chain brakes etc.) and never an old tired fuel 
syatem that can fail at just the wrong time. I did keep my last string 
trimmer too long and the fuel line fell apart. Gads, I hate working on 
string trimmers and chain saws. Most small engine shops have a trash hopper 
full of string trimmers...   :-)   They are just too awkward and time 
consuming. Labor charges get too high too fast. They are generally fully 
repairable but it is silly to put $75 in repairing a $100 trimmer. I bought 
a new one this year and "might" keep it two years. Three years is too long. 
:-)



--
"farmer"

Francis Robinson
Central Indiana, USA
robinson at svs.net