HOW-TO Fix A Chainsaw With No Spark - Ignition Module Replacement

[@donyboy73]

Does your chainsaw only run until it gets warm, or will it not even start at all? It could be that you have weak or no spark at all at the spark plug.

[@gasperajdnik5627]

I'm a mechanic 👨‍🔧👨‍🏭, I have 16 experereants. I have a chainsaw and I fix it some Times. I know how to repair small engines, cars, motorcycles. I love your videos 🤝8-)

[@jk30hussain]

My chainsaw stopped working since last week it has no spark,after disconnecting ignition wire it sparks a lil though. I would like to know what should be done next

[@zmanphx]

My Chinese chainsaw which is new has the same symptom. Run strong when cold then dies and won't start when warm. I replaced the carburetor. Same thing starts right up when cold. Why would coil fail when warm?

[@berylmohd]

@@zmanphx eB

[@zmanphx]

@@berylmohd what is eb?

[@360Prairie]

Excellent video Dony. Your production quality is right up there with DIY tv shows. It's obvious you spend a lot of time getting your shots just right, and editing the videos very well.

[@idkaybictd1]

Thanks for taking the time to upload. Managed to fix 'no spark' issue. It turned out not to be the ignition unit but a combination of bad earth and loose switch cable. You gave me the confidence to properly open up and investigate. Cheers from SCOTLAND!

[@mikesmith1473]

Great video Dony, However, I would like to add one more tid-bit of advice. I have a Poulen 2250 that was driving me crazy. I had checked for spark and the spark plug was sparking fine but it would not start. Even with starter fluid it would not start. The carb was good, the gas lines were good, good compression, the spark plug was sparking but it would not run. Then I noticed an unusually large gap between the ignition coil and the flywheel. Why or how that happened I’ll never know. After I properly gapped the ignition coil the old 2250 runs like a new one. Thought I would share that with you so you can pass it on.

[@mercifulmama]

You are a excellent teacher - thank u 4 your help & God bless u :)

[@tinyb69]

Is ignition module failure a known problem with the MS 270, MS 280 saws? I've had an MS 270 for at least a dozen years, and I just had to replace my 5th module. This last one cost $160 from the Stihl dealer. I use the saw, maybe, 6-8 times a year, so it's not like it's getting a ton of use. I'm just getting frustrated at having to keep replacing a module, when I could buy a brand new equivalent saw for 3 times the price of the module. I'm tempted to just buy cheap aftermarket modules, because, if nothing else, I'll feel like I got my money's worth if it fails in a year or 2. Any thoughts?

[@MissouriOldTimer]

I've had the spark plug close to the opening and pulled the rope, it does make a pretty good flash when the fuel ignites..lol

[@viperstrike3827]

I have lost arm hair from that!

[@frankdigiovanni4946]

I would like to add to my previous comment,what is really astounding about you is this you take the complex an make it simple!!!!👍

[@VoteTeaParty]

Excellent job with the "zoom ins" you should contract out to Canadian and American industry.

[@oby-1607]

Imagine how many Stealerships must hate you for giving us all this good information. However, they don't have to worry as 99% of people out there will never try to repair their own equipment. Too busy, or too scared, or too lazy.

[@bedwards495]

Thank you so much for all your instructions! You've walked me thru three repairs so far and your step by step diagnosis and repair instructions are so easy to follow. So glad i didn't chuck my ms170 to the trash bin. I've probably cut about four or five cords of almond and fig wood since installing my ignition coil with your help. Again thank you.

[@semco72057]

I liked the way you diagnosed the problem and fixed that chainsaw. I have a Stihl chainsaw which is hard to pull over and don't want to start for me. The saw have been in the shop several times and I still have problems with it. After the problems I have had my solution is to never buy another Stihl saw again.

[@BrucesShop]

These coils are expensive. I have been looking for an aftermarket. But no luck. Thanks Don. Great video. I recognised the part # in the your comments.

[@johnclarke6647]

A business card is usually fine for setting the air gap, as long as it is .010 thick. Some are thicker. The Stihl spec is .15-.30mm, or .006-..012 inches, so a .010 thick business card is fine.

[@duracurvature]

Great troubleshooting video. Thanks for running the saw. Always nice to see the repair all the way through. For anyone passionate about IC engines, we always love to see them come alive.

[@todddra]

Nice video. Informative, high def, good camera work, Good naration. Thanks!

[@ramdanelimam7620]

Hello I have a chainsaw homelite 340, its coil ignition burns, I have not found on the market a replacement for the same model, can I use another model of a other brand? thanks for your vide

[@sokts5422]

I have the same problem with an echo kiuritz cs302! There should be a workaround on that...

[@Tony-Waldron]

Great video, easy to follow and understand.

[@stormchaser8605]

You f'in rock man, thanks for helping all of us DIY'rs along!

[@donyboy73]

thanks dude

[@freddygill3425]

Great teaching! Very clear and no wasted time. Thank you!!!

[@johnclarke6647]

One of the first things I check is the position of the bayonet lug on the end of the spark plug wire. These can be undone by users pulling the spark plug wire, haphazardly. I usually take my carb adjustment screwdriver and insert it in the boot and feel for the bayonet lug in the bottom of the boot. A lot of times it has been pushed back down the end of the boot where it can no longer connect the spark plug If this happens, I pull it out of the boot , connect it back on the spark plug wire and inset it back into the boot and re-check it for spark. A lot of times this fixes the problem, sometimes not. I then troubleshoot the coil if I still do not have spark, but this is my first check. .

[@philipjean1086]

Love my ms261C but replaced both oil pump $120 and ignition module $170 in first 3 years. Have a 1984 sthil 028 wood boss only part ever had to replace was carb boot. I’m pretty handy fixing stuff but Donny your videos are the absolute best on you tube and are very helpful to me. Thank You

[@johnmanning1006]

hay dony thanks for donate your time to help others, you make the world a better place.

[@earlmalmborg5581]

Donny I would like ,to see a video about what to look for if it's not the module.

[@curlykipper]

great video and super presentation skills. To the point, clear explanations and FREE. Thanks a lot.

[@WSmith2024]

KZbin is great; excellent videos like this allow us DIYs to save a lot of money. Thank you.

[@Mooseracks]

Please help me... I have a 365SP I HAVE good spark with plug out. With plug in, and using a spark tester online... SPARK in the spark tester light. I put fuel into the top cylinder...i get a little fart and that's it. pressure tested crank case...no leaks. Replaced all hoses, carb, tank filter, hose, vent... This saw just will not run Any advice from anyone is appreciated

[@johnsmith-sw7ii]

$100 for a coil....outrageous!!!

[@wyohorseman9948]

john smith Canadian money haha

[@TheExcep_tion]

So 75 american. Lol....much much difference. You could also get parts NOT from a dealer. Probably save around 40%. We can hold.your hand for that, too.

[@stevetipton6859]

john smith m.k mm n

[@stevetipton6859]

john smith

[@cliffmeadows6721]

Chinese coil on Ebay $28.00 shipped........Might work......might not!

[@paintrock]

Thanks for all of these videos. Neither my MS180C nor my 026 Pro would start after sitting for a year. Using your diagnostic tips and some relatively inexpensive parts, I have them both up and running.

[@GarrieYates]

I have a JD RX75 and can not get spark to plug. Change all electrical included the coil. Spark with tester but not to plug.????

[@rodneythaxton5704]

I had a brand new saw quit working after a couple of weeks. . No spark , bad modual easy fix

[@martincastillo8357]

Hi Donnie. I have a sthil Ms 251. No spark after installing new coil, new coil and new spark plug. Can you help? Love your podcast. Thanks

[@richardwallinger1683]

excellentm . loved the cardboard tip.

[@rooster3019]

Donnie; my relatively new (maybe 3 gallons of fuel mix so far) Hussqvarna 572XP failed to restart after chain touch-up on hot day. Later, when cool, started fine. Thought it was vapor locked. Couple of days later, failed to start again when hot. No spark at spark plug, and no spark on inline spark tester when tester grounded to plug. BUT with tester grounded directly to saw's cylinder head it showed good flashes. The spark plug is good and strong spark in an other saw. I will try removing the + lead from coil, if I can find it; but I suspect bad module. What say you?

[@dansego3789]

Great video had no idea where the ignition module was and troubleshooting a grounded ignition,fixed myself on the farm saved me time and money thank you very very much Dan

[@yehyaabdullah862]

I can’t get any spark on my 271 Stijl chain saw. I’ve new plug new coil new flywheel still on spark. The gap is correct. I’m baffled.Any ideals?

[@jimmyduggan323]

Precise and explained simply . Top job :)

[@johnkosheluk1041]

I am a stihl tech i like how the inside of the saw was clean

[@anotherbrickonthewall]

My coil seems to have weak spark. If i pull easy, no park at all. If I pull fast & hard, I get spark. But it won't start the saw and the plug gets wet. Its an MS361. I didn't notice any spark at first, but then noticed fast pulls in darkness shows a spark. My other saw (MS290), shows spark with easy pulls. I measured ohms between kill terminal to coil body=18k ohms. Resistance from coil body to plug wire was 2k ohms. I'm concerned about the 18k ohm measurement. But then the MS290, that kill terminal to ground measured 8k ohms, and that runs fine, so I'm baffled. I don't mind buying a coil but they are $176 and I want to be sure the coil is the problem before I drop that coin.

[@dcc1906]

My new chainsaw stopped running after 5 minutes. 6 months later I removed all the covers and found the coil wire tucked inside one of the vents on the cylinder head. It melted and shorted out the spark to the spark plug. Relocated wire and covered with electrical tape. Started on 3rd pull!!!

[@thomaswalz3515]

Ok.... I'm mechanically inclined, have worked on all kinds of machinery... I've a 80's era Stihl chainsaw. I'm on my 4th coil since it was given to me 3 years ago. I just put in the most recent replacement, the saw started, ran great for 2 minutes. While I was fine tuning the carb. It began faltering, died, not to be started again. The carb adjustments were less than a half turn. I returned to the original carb settings... nothing, not even a kick. I do get spark with the plug removed... but not as much as you demonstrated. I measured the ohms of all the dead ones, the primary coils in all ohm out near 1 ohm... a good coil primary is around 600-800 ohms. Why does this saw burn out coils? It's so simple. WTF? I'm flummoxed.

[@donhatcher9796]

After replacing the ignition module I tried testing for a spark by turning the flywheel rapidly using my hand. When I did not get a spark I assumed the problem hadn’t been fixed. Come to find out you can’t turn the flywheel quickly enough by hand to get a spark. Once I reinstalled the recoil starter I had a good spark.

[@alort5358]

Doc I got a got a stihl fs80r trimer 4137 3401 and put a new ignition coil 4137 -400-1350 and switch is good but no spark? Thank you for the videos you doing a good job!

[@alexscarselli3240]

Poulan PB4316 won’t start, not even a kick back on the pull cord. Get spark but it may be weak. I’ve put fuel in the cylinder and tried again NG. It was running. It’s not grounded. What should be a good coil ohms reading. Even tried straight fuel in cylinder NG. Plug look good. The hot condition and cold unit I don’t try yet, I’m familiar with that which is next. If you can show video on how and where to tak readings and values. Thank You

[@t8283287]

I'm having the same issue with my mcculloch. It's driving me mad, new ignition module and plug..no spark....all checks out..no short circuits...just no spark.....I nearly launched it across the road today....I am surenit is shorting out somewhere but cannot figure out why...should the ignition module be insulated from the barrel it is attached to???

[@luksurias]

I was replace the seals on my stihl 025 and the piston like ur video u had on yt. I have no spark with credit card gab...about 1,10 mm. So on internet i figure out the gab must be for my saw 0,2-04 mm. Now I have spark but is poor. I try 0,20, 0,25, 0,30 mm gab but its the same. That means I have to change ignition kit? Ty

[@donyboy73]

possibly yes

[@snellsentinel6485]

Thanks for your efforts regarding the replacement of this component in the still however the reality in the cost in doing so in new zealand makes the job prohibitive of course this is due to the expensive cost of parts that module retail price of $195 . thanks for your vido kind regards snell

[@mryazzie5408]

I have a 359 Husqvarna chainsaw. New top end rebuild. Only ran 20 minutes. Has no spark. I installed a new sparkplug, coil, and the 2 electric line. It still has no spark. Flywheel and coil are gapped

[@marknye51.thefixitguy]

great video again Dony. I am working on a new MS261C m-tronic saw that has no spark. I also found that when the chain break is engaged you cannot pull the recoi. I pulled the break cover off and found one of the tension springs was broken. I wounder if that may have contributed to the no spark issue. I'll do some more troubleshooting and make sure it's the coil.

[@turn-n-burn1421]

Obviously I'm having these problems since I'm here. I have an MS271, but mine looks newer. I looked up both, ignition module, which I bought and searched coil. Photos online look like the same exact part. I anticipate mine is headed to a repair shop.

[@mrpoorboy64]

I have a Poulan P3314 chainsaw. I have a electrical problem with saw. Saw looks new, I'm going to have replace fuel lines and filter. What do I need to check or might need to replace with electrical problem?

[@oldeagle1851]

Excellent presentation simple/short and clear.

[@daryld6046]

Dony; I acquired a Homelite CSP3314 chainsaw recently. No spark. In my attempts to resolve this, I replaced the plug, replaced the coil, gapped the coil with a bus. card and just a piece of paper, and disconnected the plus wire from the kill switch. each was an individual change/test and after each change I still had and currently have no spark at the plug. Ive tried grounding the plug to the cylinder and I've tried a plug tester. No spark and no light. All the research I've done indicates that changing the coil will solve the problem. But here it didn't. And it's a brand new coil. So what else might be the problem?

[@garyreid9842]

Hi Don. I have a Stihl MS211/C chainsaw in Australia that I have to replace the flywheel on. I accidentally sheared the key on my old one when I was trying to remove the clutch by trying to remove it the wrong way. (I had a severe brain fade ) .. I now have a new flywheel and wonder if you need to remove the ignition coil first to provide clearance and the correct way to torque up the nut on the flywheel . I would follow your advice by using a business card to provide the correct flywheel magnet/coil clearance. If you know the correct torque specs it would be useful to confirm. I think 28 Newton Metres ?. I have been looking on your site for flywheel removal / installation but not having too much success. Any help would be much appreciated.

[@siemonhg]

Great instructional video. Thank you!

[@charliesmith9528]

I just a brand new remington 20 inch bar chainsaw and it wont start,,im 65 and have worked on small engines a long time so i did the old theme of seeing if it had gas and spark,,,first i checked fuel and it gets plenty,,second i checked the plug and it shows NO SPARK,,put another plug to make sure it wast plug and it would not spark,,,is there anything else other than ignition module

[@mickjager5974]

I thinking the ignition module on my Poulan 2150 died. It's at least 10 years old and probably more like 15. My father in law gave it to me. After I adjusted the H screw and got it to finally run long enough so I could cut one 8" log. Then I shut it off to sharpen the incredibly dull chain. After that it would never even attempt to run, even with starter fluid. Not even a single brief brap brap brap for any of the, what felt like, 100 pulls of the starter cord. I could see a tiny bit of spark when I checked but man I just gave up and went out and bought an electric ego. I never use my chain saw more than a few times a year and if I have to waste couple hours trying to get it to start and run for less than an hour of cutting it's well worth the price to one one that Doesn't mind not being run for 6 months. Think I'm going to give it and an old Echo I had before it to a guy that works on yard equipment down the roan from me.

[@treesplease4053]

Superb, clear advice, thanks very much, job done, my saw is back running so I am a happy boy again.

[@davidunderwood4341]

I have an MS 362 c ignition module replacement with only one spot to hook a wire. Unfortunately my saw has 2 wires. I see from this one in the video that one of the wires goes right to ground with the mounting screws. I guess I just don't know which wire is what, the red or the black. I understand which one represents positive and negative. Lost. I think the black wire hooks to the spade on the coil. But it confuses me because I thought that color represents negative. All the replacement modules with replacement wires shows the black with the spade and the red with the ring. input on this would be much appreciated.

[@nickhendrian7451]

That yellow wire looks fucked

[@donyboy73]

I know but it was good lol

[@laverdajota8089]

100$ for a coil and lead , just shows who we are all ripped off by companies when you need spares for one of their products ,, disgraceful when you can by a Dewalt ,/ Bosch Drill for 100$

[@moorefab8192]

My ms270 has only cut about 4 cord of fire wood since it was brand new and is on its second coil already. was out running it this week and now that coil went tits up so I'm debating on what to do. no to happy to keep throwing $100 OEM coils in it but I've heard aftermarket ones are even worse. hard to believe though.

[@deletethis5489]

WTF ? so if you "" remove the positive wire from the module it isolates the coil "" . why is he using two names for the same part ? or is it two parts in one ? ""if you remove the positive wire and still have no spark"" . now why would removing the P wire GIVE you spark ? why would you get any spark with the wire removed ? why check it again ?

[@montedraper4454]

Stihl should have recalled all this crap and replaced it with something that works. I have replaced this 3 times and now am replacing the flywheel. This chainsaw now has cost thousands of dollars and rarely works. Stihl is expensive junk

[@allenletizia321]

I just got brand new Husqvarna 120 Mark II ran pretty good for half hour. Will not start now . I believe its coil. No spark . I disconnect the wire to the S/W no spark . You think it needs new coil?

[@bartdepauw1156]

Any idee why these ignitions typical stop working after about 5 min use ? I like to know/understand the physical problem occuring in the ignition coil when warm ...

[@uncleputz2033]

On the Stihl 048 AV electronic chainsaw, what is the proper name for the circular part that is under the flywheel? and how do you test it to make sure it is good or bad. Thanks for your time

[@homersturgill9172]

Thank you for your help.

[@danfriday1968]

Running saw & suddenly lots of smoke , now won’t start , no spark at plug . Do you reckon the module has overheated & needs a replacement? Is there anyway of testing it ?

[@imtruth69]

It is NOT the positive wire on the coil. It is the GROUND wire and it is used to GROUND the coil so it will not produce a spark.

[@allmountainsawrepair2241]

dony boy is a great technician.very helpful

[@meymoto4810]

I ordered a new coil and plug, still don't have spark. Bad coil from factory possible?

[@aclive2022]

for a 021 Stil the coil is currently $75 OEM. $15 for it on amazon

[@tonym6920]

Great video Dony!

[@mikebonge7206]

Why will my HRC 216 not start on first pull I have cleaned carburetor when I spray carburetor cleaner into air cleaner it starts on first pull

[@scottd3532]

Unfortunately parts cost the same as buying a used saw ..that's how the companys make the big bucks

[@tomkreye6674]

Another great and helpful video. I have this same saw and can’t figure out how to plug the hole for winter operation. Am I missing a part to cover the hole for summer?

[@finbah5706]

is there anyway to test an ignition coil with a multimeter? to see if its good or not?

[@neilfroggycrompton2466]

Yes search u tube & u will find what ur looking for

[@benjaminpaysse9704]

What if I have spark outside of hen test and add fuel to cylinder and it still won’t fire up ? Would that still be an ignition coil issue ? It’s brand new plug and clean ethanol free fuel I’m using.

[@mackjoe3978]

Thank you for the video. Great job, straight to the point with no rambling on how to replace the module.

[@cliffsteele979]

I have the same saw and exact problem. I installed a new ignition coil and still no spark? Weird. What else could cause no spark

[@zchannela3962]

hi, followed all yr instructions, change the module, but still no spark. What should i look for then?

[@vermbird8393]

my old homelite xl has no spark. new spark plug change ignition module, carb looks clean what do i do next?

[@craigwilliamson9041]

I have a homelite 45 cc 20" cut i put a new carburetor on it and i do have spark but changed the plug anyway but the saw will not start

[@krashdown102]

My coil only has one wire it’s a 038 magnum. There’s a ground wire somewhere else

[@lostinmyspace4910]

My Stihl blower SH86c does not spark. The blue cutoff switch wire is also broken. Does that broken wire prevent spark at the plug? I personally do't think so because the cutoff switch hasn't worked for a long time and the machine still was able to start. I would flood the motor to get it to stop. Would the blue broken wire really prevent it from starting at this point? Thanks for responding back.

[@shep6123]

That’s what my riding lawn Moore does starts real good and then you shut off Charlie start again few minutes it won’t start so what is the spark plug wire the module

[@PremierAccount-f5g]

thanks, is an ignition coil the same as a magneto? The retail shop said my ms250 magneto was bad.

[@yogilours722]

Hello Donyboy73 thank you for your videos, I have an ms170 and the spark plug always carbonize and the air filter looks clean, I see bad combustion and the carburetor does not adjust, I wonder what is the problem with this saw.

[@donyboy73]

check spark arrester screen

[@yogilours722]

Thank you, it was completely plugged

[@gjames57]

My saw won't start had no fire I put a coil on it and the fire looks weak. I give it a shot of starting fluid and get nothing for the sound of firing

[@63256325N]

Thanks for the videos.

[@irenemackenzie3232]

Great video Tony, very informative and super easy to follow.

[@douglapointe6810]

Excellent video. Step by step and very clear with great tips.

[@cncbuss1]

Hi Dony. I am just wondering what your opinion is of using spark plug number CJ7Y instead of RCJ7Y. All my local hardware stores only carry the CJ7Y Champion spark plug and not the RCJ7Y. The original part which was on my HusqVarna model 136 was an RCJ7Y. Through research, I know that the R stands for a built in resistor but is it absolutely required in my chainsaw?

[@donyboy73]

it won't make any difference

[@johngeurin241]

Claude Bussieres was p

[@Oni64]

I bought one brand new recently (MS180) and turned it on when I brought it home. the next day it would not spark. I unflooded the saw, but still no spark. I went to the dealer warehouse and they did some mumbo jumbo hack they couldn't tell me and it worked again. not sure how long its going to last, but im thinking of going electric.

[@donyboy73]

cordless is the way to go for most homeowners now

[@doorguru168888]

I just rebuilt my MS271 replacing the cylinder and piston, the piston was badly scored and the cylinder questionable. I found an excellent OEM cylinder and piston on ebay. Once I got it back together, it had great compression, but it would not start.. I figured the cylinder had oil in it from when I assembled it.. I must of pulled it 100 times, removing the spark plug from time to time to find it was flooded.. Finally it fired and started up, running normal.. once I shut it off, it would not restart.. I noticed that when I grounded out the plug on the cylinder head and pulled the cord, I could not get a spark unless I pulled it real fast.. when I pulled it fairly fast, no spark. Could this be a weak ignition module?

[@KOPidanCHeese]

Good info for me..follow your channel. Hello from 🇲🇾

[@jamesvines3523]

You hurt my feelings a bit. I've been farming, cattle, for @ 45 years. I use a lot of chainsaws. Stihl seems to be the best. Lately, I've had a really hard time in starting my big boy, 066. I find myself going to the smaller units instead.. Finally, I have some really big walnuts to cut down for cutting into boards, and I have to use the 30 inch 066. I finally took it into a repair person, ( fix all my mechanical stuff_, He stated the obvious stuff, cab gaskets, bad gas, all else OK. I asked him to start it. It wore him out. Finally it did start but it was hard for young guy. I asked about a compression release. He said my older 066 did have it and no way to modify it. I purchased a new big bore jug, new piston, etc. (very inexpensive), and it comes with a compressor release. I purchased and replaced. I found, my old 066 jug, did have compression release plug. I could have installed only the release but I went the total replacement. The compression release is no piece of cake. It pops back out on the second or third compression stroke and you can flip your saw or your arm out of socket. Finally, I just pushed down the compression tab, not letting it up, and got the saw hitting and then released the button. This saw is even a bigger-horse-of-saw now! Oh yeah, my feelings were destroyed when you started your big saw and said the older owners are having trouble with the big ones. I guess I will have to run faster to keep ahead of old age. I ain't giving up, I'm only a young 75. Still kicking ASS.... Your three compression soft pulls was very helpful along with the flooding caution! Thanks much. Jim (Sorry for writing a book, I've never talked a woman this way before).

[@ianparsons1257]

Do you not get a shock when holding the spark plug cap & pulling the cord ?

[@zipper8089]

I found ( after 3 coils and many hrs) the best thing to use to set coil gap is printer paper