Non starting Stihl 017

[a. palmer jr.]

Been working on a Stihl 017 which I acquired as a parts saw, got it all back together and it won't start. I checked the spark, had plenty, flywheel key okay. Put a small amount of fuel mix in the spark plug hole and it still wouldn't hit. Checked compression @ 130 which I thought might be enough. I even changed engines to one with a new p/c but sadly no better compression, not broken in I'm sure. But the thing still had no fire. Checked the spark again, still good. The fuel mix worked in other things like my Lawn Boy so it should be okay for this saw I would think.. Kinda baffled at what to check next..

 

[HarleyT]

Real old 017 saws had a different ignition/etc. If it is a Frankensaw, that may be the problem.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

The serial number shows me that it's not the oldest, 252328833. It does have the later ign. module but I don't know about other components like the flywheel. I assume there's a part number on it somewhere..
I bought this saw motor complete, I just installed the handle and the clutch side components plus bar and chain. The carb was missing also but don't think that would make it not pop when I squirted some fuel into the combustion chamber. The carb I'm using is the older one but I may change it.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

I read the Stihl bulletin on the ign. changes but it kinda sounded like the parts were interchangeable..Forgot to mention I tried several different spark plugs also..
I guess the earlier coil won't fit the later model unless you change the cylinder and vise versa.. I don't know what parts were changed before I got the saw...it was in a repair shop.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

I may have found a discrepancy. I took the flywheel and coil off the machine and found the flywheel had part number 11234001203 which isn't the part number it's supposed to have, that one is for an 021, 023, and 025 saw. The correct one for mine is 1130 400 1201 I think. The module doesn't have anything on it but Stihl IIDA, whatever that means. On the back it has a big B on it. I feel like the coil is right since it fits the late model cylinder and the early one does not.
Yep, the frankensaw has the wrong flywheel on it, it's for an 025 and the keyway is in the wrong place..

 

[Bob_w]

Yes, you have to have the flywheel that goes with the ignition module, that goes with the saw, or the timing will be off.

The flywheel is made with the magnets installed at some angle from the keyway. When the last part of the magnet goes by the module, breaking the magnetic circuit, the plug will fire. So the best plan is to get the OEM flywheel, The OEM module. and your timing will be correct. On one of my saws I applied a marker to show the keyway location on the crankcase and a mark on the flywheel to show the key, in case the flywheel slipped during torqueing. (Not enough torque can break the key. You can line it up anyway.) I used to work for RE Phelon who makes these modules.

I got one of these saws at an estate sale. Well worth fixing.

 

[Abbeville TSI]

Hopefully you will get the 017 straightened out!
They are more saw than they get credit for sometimes.