...I whole-heartidly agree that Foggy's fix is pure genius.....I def am one of the exceptions....Which I believ is "something" in the ignition system.......Im just getting a sore arm pulling this thing 100's of times......
I know what you mean. I just repaired a clone ms381, built an 038 magnum, two 056 magnums and this 045 super. My elbow joints hurt and I also pulled a muscle in my back with this 045.
Before you give up you could try the fix I did on my 045 using the Nova II module. It still starts hard when cold but I'm waiting on a carb rebuild kit to see if that helps, although it started fine with a different ignition. With this fix you know the timing needs to be advanced. Right now there are used Stihl modules on ebay for around $20. They might work better than the Nova module. Part number is 1118 400 1001.
The foggysail fixes I did that were successful were excellent but it didn't work for this ignition on my 045. Now it at least will start and run. I still have to rebuild the carb, put in new clutch springs and put it to work to see how it holds up.
If all else fails I'm considering buying one of those aftermarket ignitions from Germany. I hear they work good and are compatible with these flywheels. Maybe not a bad option for $115.