If you have a SEM GE ignition that doesn't work and want to convert it I have the whole process down to a cheap, simple and easy task. All you need is a good coil, a Nova II ignition module, and a propane torch. And a timing light that uses a 12v battery.
I won't deal with a step by step process of getting the fan and flywheel off, that's up to you. Once you have the flywheel and module off, flip the module over and see if it is stamped SEM GE. That unit is not repairable at this date. Cut the wire that goes from the module to the coil and tape it off.
Put the module and coil back in the saw. Get the Nova II and splice with connectors to the wire that goes to your kill switch. Add a ground wire to the body of the Nova II.
Now get your flywheel and look at the 4 magnets. They are spaced close together, two on one side and two on the other. Get the propane torch and heat the flywheel on the outside of one magnet and try to unscrew the brass screw and get it hot enough to pull the magnet off. Then do the same thing on the magnet 180 degrees apart on the other side. Two magnets off, one will be magnetic and the other non-magnetic. Reinstall the magnets switching one to the other side. Now you have a north magnet 180 degrees from the south magnet, and two non-magnets which are for balance only.
Put the flywheel back on, pull the spark plug off and find top dead center. Mark the flywheel at TDC, hook up your timing light, and use your hand to turn the flywheel CC or the direction the pull start goes. 26 degrees is where you want the light to flash, which is around an inch BTDC.
You may have to remove the flywheel and key and reposition the flywheel without the key to get it at 26 degrees. Play around with it, and if you are not getting a flash recheck the switch is in the run position (down).
And if you still don't get a flash it could be a bad spark plug or coil.
If you can't move the magnets get a Bosch flywheel.
I won't deal with a step by step process of getting the fan and flywheel off, that's up to you. Once you have the flywheel and module off, flip the module over and see if it is stamped SEM GE. That unit is not repairable at this date. Cut the wire that goes from the module to the coil and tape it off.
Put the module and coil back in the saw. Get the Nova II and splice with connectors to the wire that goes to your kill switch. Add a ground wire to the body of the Nova II.
Now get your flywheel and look at the 4 magnets. They are spaced close together, two on one side and two on the other. Get the propane torch and heat the flywheel on the outside of one magnet and try to unscrew the brass screw and get it hot enough to pull the magnet off. Then do the same thing on the magnet 180 degrees apart on the other side. Two magnets off, one will be magnetic and the other non-magnetic. Reinstall the magnets switching one to the other side. Now you have a north magnet 180 degrees from the south magnet, and two non-magnets which are for balance only.
Put the flywheel back on, pull the spark plug off and find top dead center. Mark the flywheel at TDC, hook up your timing light, and use your hand to turn the flywheel CC or the direction the pull start goes. 26 degrees is where you want the light to flash, which is around an inch BTDC.
You may have to remove the flywheel and key and reposition the flywheel without the key to get it at 26 degrees. Play around with it, and if you are not getting a flash recheck the switch is in the run position (down).
And if you still don't get a flash it could be a bad spark plug or coil.
If you can't move the magnets get a Bosch flywheel.
