Stihl 028 - No spark

[mike26now]

I picked up two "fixer upper" Stihl 028's from a local guy. One's a WB and the other is an AV. I've done a fair amount of small engine repairs (mostly carbs) but never picked up something with no spark but it appears neither saw has spark so this is a first for me. I've stripped them down and both have points and a condenser.

So far - have cleaned points, cleaned magnets on flywheels, cleaned pickups on coils.

Is there a way to test for a bad condenser or coil? I'm seeinig some part on ebay for about $20 that is supposed to replace the points and condenser. Is it that easy?

Do I need to just do a trial by error, meaning buy a coil and try it out? then buy a condenser or the updated electric ignition module and try it out? On the plus side, it appears these parts are the same for both saws so I can buy one and try it on both saws.

Anything else to check? Or recommended troubleshooting steps?

Thanks
Mike

 

[mike26now]

Meant to also say that I did not try replacing the spark plugs but cleaned them up...

 

[mike26now]

Installed new spark plugs. Swapped all ignition components between both saw to eliminate potential bad parts and now able to get spark on both.

Found -

Saw 1

Points appeared to be adjusted and stayed open entire revolution of flywheel. Adjusted them properly and got spark.

Saw 2

One of the two magnets on flywheel is completely dead. No magnetic pull.
Coil is no good.


I've ordered a used ignition assembly off ebay (flywheel, coil, points and condensor for $35). This should get me setup to have two saws with spark. It does appear the spark is weak. I've also purchased one electronic ignition converter for $20. I'm hoping between these two items I can get two running saws. If not then I'll check spark strength with an inline spark tester. If that's good then I'll check compression though compression feels good. I suspect weak spark.

Anyone else try the electronic ignition conversion kits? Does it help produce stronger spark by eliminating the points and condensor?

Thanks for input.... still working on these cause can't get them to hit even with spark.

 

[jonyyuma]

It does appear the spark is weak. I've also purchased one electronic ignition converter for $20. I'm hoping between these two items I can get two running saws. If not then I'll check spark strength with an inline spark tester. If that's good then I'll check compression though compression feels good. I suspect weak spark.

Anyone else try the electronic ignition conversion kits? Does it help produce stronger spark by eliminating the points and condensor?

Thanks for input.... still working on these cause can't get them to hit even with spark.[/QUOTE]

I have installed an Atom ignition module on the Homelite trimmer i use. it made a miracle for it. installed with two wires and ground the module. tremendous difference. I bought mine from Northern hyd catalogs. I have a 80's 028wb saw, made previous to chain braking. It works great, with one exception, it will pop back and yank the cord from your hand. it sometimes shears the white starting pawl inside the recoil? Cuts like a much bigger saw.

 

[mastermind]

On the 028 all you need is an electronic coil. The flywheel is the same. Forget those points.

 

[mike26now]

Thanks for the input. Installed a new flywheel (well new as in bought use off ebay) and both saws fired up with the points so it was weak flywheel magnets. Seems strange that two saws would have weak flywheel magnets not capable of strong enough spark. I did buy one of the electronic ignitions, came in Saturday but haven't installed yet. May try to install the electronic ignition with the weak magnet flywheel to see if it will work. I'm guessing I'll need to get another flywheel for the other saw.

Actually picked up a 3rd 028...running for $60 but doesn't run quite right. Owner has had 18 years and said two seasons ago stihl replaced points with electronic and it hasn't run right since. At least I'll have a 3rd saw to swap parts in and out of...