How to Set Ignition on a Chainsaw

In this review, we will try to solve the problem that many owners of chainsaws present to your attention. In the process of using such a tool, the consumer may encounter a situation in which it is necessary to correct the ignition timing. Over time, the breaker can fail, the coil is also not eternal, although it serves much more and it is quite difficult to disable it. So let’s figure out how to set the ignition on a chainsaw.

how to set the ignition on a chainsaw

Structural components

All engines, whether automotive or other tools using an internal combustion engine, have similar operating principles.

Not an exception there are such eminent chainsaws and are used with pleasure by consumers like Goodluck, Stihl or Husqvarna.

The drive to them is a familiar internal combustion engine, respectively, a fuel tank, an engine and a working body that produces direct work, as well as other mounted organs that help in managing.

Sometimes during operation some problems may arise, in this rather reliable tool like a chainsaw.

The question is, what then to do?

Here are some common cases:

  1. A chainsaw will not start;
  2. If it starts, it works intermittently;
  3. Not enough power for proper operation.

Ignition

The main problem in this group of problems is the engine.

Ignition is one of the main elements affecting the tool uptime. Therefore, the first to consider this particular block.

The time has passed when the ignition switch was engaged in a fuse with cams and a moving contact, which supplied a spark to the candle.

This was not a very reliable system due to the many elements that influenced the operation of the engine. A chainsaw with invisible malfunctions could simply stop starting up. And we could observe a picture of constant tugging at the lace of the factory. To date, manufacturers have switched to contactless ignition systems.

Video: How to Set Ignition on a Chainsaw


They have fewer moving parts and no contacts that need to be periodically exposed, often failing. The coil used on a modern chainsaw will work until the end of the service of your tool. A chainsaw has become much more reliable and easier to maintain.

Possible malfunctions

If the saw does not start, the first thing to check is a spark giving a spark that ignites the fuel in the cylinder. Start by removing the high voltage wire to which the candle is connected. Then unscrew the candle itself from the cylinder cover and inspect its condition. A candle should work dry and light deposits on light-colored ceramics:

  • If the candle is wet, then there are problems with the carburetor. It is necessary to adjust and set the fuel level in it;
  • The soot on the walls of the candle is dark or black, means a malfunction in the piston group.

If you have not found any visible causes of the malfunction, the candle is dry, light carbon deposits continue to go from the opposite. Since this is the final point of ignition of the working mixture. Now check to see if the spark comes to the candle. This is the ignition system unit.

Check whether there is a spark will not be a particular problem, for this it is enough to take the high-voltage cable to which the candle is connected, bring it to the cylinder block by setting a small gap between them, so that you can notice a spark jumping between them. Then we pull the starter’s starter cord and see if there is a spark and what color it is. A working, working candle should give a spark similar to lightning. What it looks like, look at the photo offered to your attention, everything is clearly visible on it.

If no spark is observed, check with a control light; if there is no probe, the high-voltage cable. A cliff is possible in the place where it was bent most often. If the wire is in order, it is possible that the problem is in the incorrectly set ignition angle. It may be too early or too late in both cases, the chainsaw starts well and will not work.

Now let’s try to set the correct gap between the movable and fixed contact. Ideally, it should be 0.2 mm. You can check with a probe, since it is not a deficit.

This was a description of the malfunctions of the older generation of chainsaws. The new generation includes modern chainsaws Goodluck, Stihl and Husqvarna.

Modern systems

Modern systems are equipped with chips that regulate all of the above problems. A method for independently setting the ignition timing depending on the engine speed and the power transmitted to the cutting element. At the same time, fuel is saved significantly without sacrificing power. Starting the saw is also much easier regardless of weather conditions.

The chainsaw itself has become simpler and more efficient and does not require expensive repairs. Ignition coils made using modern technology and using new materials have literally become eternal.

In addition to everything read, a video is offered here for a complete familiarization with the material provided.

2 comments on the record “How to set the ignition on a chainsaw”

I bought a Stihl chainsaw, it practically did not work. just repairing. I can’t start it.