Hi all,
First post and a shade tree DIY'er here so please bear with me. Ran across this site while searching for help on problems relating to the saw starting but would not stay running. I ran across several threads that talked about this type of condition and after eliminating some of the other possible causes, installing an electronic ignition module took care of the problem.
As my saw is 30 years old and has never had the points or condenser changed, I decided a weak spark could be the cause of my problem also and installed a NAPA ignition module #7-01749. Leading up to this I had already replaced the spark plug and did a complete teardown and cleaning of the carburator body and needle valves which did not help. I had been using the saw for several days before having any problems. Last years repairs included installing a carburator kit and replacing the fuel filter and line from the tank to the carburator after which time the saw ran great. It turned out the fuel line had rotted off inside the tank.
Now, after installing the module, the saw did not start until I added fuel thru the carburator. It started and kept running pretty good while I adjusted the carburator L and H idle screws. Ran better than it has in years and started right up after shutting it off. So adding the module to replace the function of the points and condenser definitely worked. However after the saw sat a while, I couldn't get it started. After a small shot of starting fluid in the carburator, it took right off and stayed running. I tweaked the adjustment screws some more and the saw accelerated and ran great. However, each time it cools down, it won't start without first adding fuel of some sort.
I just checked the tank vent hose for a kink or blockage and it was good and the fuel line from the tank is passing fuel freely. Just seems as it can't pull the initial slug of fuel to get started though but after it starts, it's fine.
Suggestion of what to try next in order of the most likely cause would be appreciated.
Thanks for reviewing and for your input.
Gene
First post and a shade tree DIY'er here so please bear with me. Ran across this site while searching for help on problems relating to the saw starting but would not stay running. I ran across several threads that talked about this type of condition and after eliminating some of the other possible causes, installing an electronic ignition module took care of the problem.
As my saw is 30 years old and has never had the points or condenser changed, I decided a weak spark could be the cause of my problem also and installed a NAPA ignition module #7-01749. Leading up to this I had already replaced the spark plug and did a complete teardown and cleaning of the carburator body and needle valves which did not help. I had been using the saw for several days before having any problems. Last years repairs included installing a carburator kit and replacing the fuel filter and line from the tank to the carburator after which time the saw ran great. It turned out the fuel line had rotted off inside the tank.
Now, after installing the module, the saw did not start until I added fuel thru the carburator. It started and kept running pretty good while I adjusted the carburator L and H idle screws. Ran better than it has in years and started right up after shutting it off. So adding the module to replace the function of the points and condenser definitely worked. However after the saw sat a while, I couldn't get it started. After a small shot of starting fluid in the carburator, it took right off and stayed running. I tweaked the adjustment screws some more and the saw accelerated and ran great. However, each time it cools down, it won't start without first adding fuel of some sort.
I just checked the tank vent hose for a kink or blockage and it was good and the fuel line from the tank is passing fuel freely. Just seems as it can't pull the initial slug of fuel to get started though but after it starts, it's fine.
Suggestion of what to try next in order of the most likely cause would be appreciated.
Thanks for reviewing and for your input.
Gene