For many people repairing and replacing an ignition coil is a straightforward repair done at home, given that you have the essential tools.
A chainsaw won’t be able to run properly without a functional ignition coil. All required are a few essential tools, the knowledge to use them, and you will start the repair. A vital tool kit and new ignition coils are the critical items required to fix and repair the ignition coil.
Let’s go through the process to learn how to replace a chainsaw ignition coil.
Replacing the chainsaw ignition coil
Instead of taking the chainsaw to a service provider for fixing, save yourself some time and money by getting the work done at home.
Taking the oil coil out
Begin by removing the top cover of the chainsaw. The next step is to remove the starter assembly. Remove the ignition wire from the spark plug. You should also remove the primary wire from the ignition coil. Remove the metal clip that secures the ignition wire to the side of the chainsaw. Unscrew the ignition model and then remove it from the chainsaw. You can move the ignition wire forward to get access to the front screw and then detach it.
Replacing old coil with the new one
Once you have successfully removed the old ignition coil, install the new one in its place. As you’re installing the new ignition coil, take the existing wires and place them together near the brake handle. It will save the cables from getting under the ignition coil. Lay down the ignition coil wire on the assembled wires. Secure the ignition coil to the saw and make sure that you maintain a specific gap between the magnets of the flywheel and the feet of the coil. Rotate the magnets and make sure they line up with the feet on the ignition coil. Put the central screw through the ground wire and then tighten it on the ignition coil.
Make sure that that necessary gap is maintained while screwing the new coil. Next, attach the last part of the wiring to the tab of the ignition coil. You can use a spacer like a business card between the ignition coil and flywheel to ensure that you maintain the required amount of distance between the two. Pull the wires towards the rear end of the saw. It will allow you to keep excess wires at the back. Ideally, it would help if you did the same with the spark plug wire.
Use a metal clip to secure heat shielding alongside the spark plug against the cylinder. Reinstall the starter assembly and screw it firmly in place.
Lastly, place the spark plug boot back on the spark plug. Finally, replace the chainsaw’s top cover, screw it in, and replace the ignition coil in the chainsaw.
Symptoms that a chainsaw ignition coil is not working
There are a couple of symptoms that can indicate problems with the chainsaw ignition coil. The number one symptom that is common among most chainsaws with malfunctioning ignition coil is weak spark plugs. With bad ignition coils, the spark in the chainsaw will become ineffective when the saw is hot. If you have to continuously wait to cool down the saw to make it work, there might be a problem with the ignition coil.
How do you check the ignition coil in a chainsaw?
The process of testing is relatively simple. Start by pulling the rope on the chainsaw and keep an eye on the end of the plug. A plug with a noticeable spark jumping between the gaps indicates that the ignition coil is fine and working. However, an absence of spark means that there is a need to replace the chainsaw ignition coil.
There’s another reason that can indicate the faultiness of the ignition coil. A chainsaw spark that gets weak when the saw gets hot is a reminder that the ignition coil is not working at an optimal level. If the chainsaw isn’t working even after refueling the oil and cooling it down, the chances are that the ignition coil has gone wrong.
What is the working procedure of a chainsaw ignition coil?
The ignition coil works by having an electric current running through it. Through these currents, the coil then transmits the electricity to the spark plug. A spark plug produces a spark with the help of electricity. And that flares up the fuel in the engine, which essentially puts the chainsaw into working mode.
What gap is required between the flywheel and ignition coil?
An ignition coil must be placed at a specified distance from a flywheel. This distance ensures that there is the right amount of space for the sparks to transfer to the spark plug. Use the engine repair manual to gather instructions about the distance between a flywheel and ignition coil. However, ideally, you can use a business card to adjust the air gap between ignition coils and flywheel magnets.
What are the possible reasons when a chainsaw is not starting?
There can be a couple of reasons that can hinder the performance of a chainsaw. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Lack of fuel
A chainsaw without any fuel won’t be able to start and work. Hence, check fuel on a priority basis to make sure that the chainsaw keeps working.
A clogged carburetor
Leaving old fuel for a long time in the engine can block or clog the carburetor. Fuel can turn sticky over time and will clog the carburetor. In effect, it will prevent the engine from starting and functioning correctly.
Problems with spark plug
A spark plug that is either old, dirty, damaged, or not attached can also prove to hinder the working of a chainsaw. Additionally, keep an eye on the carbon build-up as well. Dirty spark plugs can easily be cleaned and in case of an out-of-order spark plug, replace it with a new one.