Side-Gapping Saws That Don't Always Like to Start?

[Paul Bunions]

My modded CS-590 and my 562XP are sometimes a little balky when I try to start them. The CS-590 took maybe 20 pulls to get running today at about 75 degrees, and the 562XP can be annoying to start when the engine is hot. I have learned to hold the throttle wide open when it won't cooperate.

Would side-gapping the plugs make these saws any easier to start? I've read it helps.

 

[buzz sawyer]

Try it and see. Worst case is you waste a spark plug. I think it is recommended to reduce the gap by about 0.010" to compensate for the reduction in surface area for the spark.