Got a new saw, having problems...

hamradio · Sep 30, 2006

Hi,
Today I picked up a free Homelite Super Wiz 66. 24" bar. Wow, that thing is heavy. Anyway, the guy said he had it running and cutting about 5 years ago, but he said it is just too big for him. I want to use it to try to do some milling. Anyway, I've got 2 problems-
The recoil won't engage. I'm beginning to hate the design of it. It doesn't seem worn out. Any suggestions? I'm to the point of wrapping a rope around it.

Second, I have no spark. Any suggestions there? (and yes, it is switched to "on")

But, that thing sure has some compression!

omegajim · Sep 30, 2006

a bit out of my field, but why stop now

The recoil won't ENGAGE? Ordinarily, in a recoil system, there is a spring involved in the recoil system. The spring keeps the starting system out of the way when the engine runs. A worn spring will eventually wreck the recoil system because parts will get ground down (and rounded off) if not out of the way of an engine cooking along at 4 - 6 thousand rev's per minute.

A recoil that doesn't engage is worn. The replacement recoil (should you decide to accept this mission) should be available, but it comes down to: is it worth it? Was it your father's, uncle's saw?

More importantly, no spark. No spark the simple solution (and unlikely) the magneto is not at the proper distance from the flywheel. I am assuming that the magneto is external the flywheel and somehow has shook loose (over many years) from the provided 0.025 thousandths (or ballpark) from the flywheel and the magneto is out of whack. Also, is the plug new and gapped properly? Have had more than a couple motors not run properly ( or failed to start) because the plug was gapped too wide.

But I'm sure there's a lot I haven't covered, as each make and model have their own "quirks" which we here call "character."

cbfarmall · Oct 1, 2006

Most of those old saws have friction type recoils that are very sensitive to oil. I thought I was doing an old Poulan a favor by cleaning and lightly oiling the dawg mechanism. It became nearly impossible to get it to engage the flywheel.

As far as spark, check the points. THAT is the usual culprit on chainsaws and tractors alike. Heck, an engine doesn't have to sit that long for the points to corrode.

I think a Super Wiz would a neat saw to have but I would never try to mill with it. In my mind, you want to mill with a saw that you can easily get parts for. Nevertheless, the Super 66s seem to have a good reputation for a old saw.

Chris B.