Stihl 031AV won't start

[davidgpo]

Hello,

Let me start off by saying that I'm new here. I've lurked around before when I was shopping for a third leaf blower. I wound up with a Stihl hand held bloer/vac that I like a lot.

I live in the Seattle area and was without power for four days due to a wind storm. I didn't have any trees knocked down on my street but I like to keep my chainsaw handy. I haven't started it in about 10 years.

It won't start and I removed the spark plug to check for spark. There is no spark.

I suppose the next step is to take out the ignition module and test that?
Can it be tested without fancy equipment?
Is there a website that shows how to trouble shoot this model?

David

 

[Lakeside53]

10 years? Carb will either be gummy (if stored with gas) or really dry if not...

Spark - is you saw "electronic"? If so, the trigger module is almost aways faulty. But first, make sure you on -off switch is actually "on" - they can be mounted upside down

 

[stihltech]

031av

Unless there is an E after the 031AV, we have to assume that this saw is not electronic. Then the points and condenser are suspect, followed by the coil. Always check the wiring first.

 

[Scooterbum]

Also check the magnetic spots on your flywheel and make sure they are not rusty.Also the contact points on the magneto.

 

[davidgpo]

Before I put the saw in storage I ran all of the fuel out of it. Therefore I want to correct the "no spark" problem first.

I assumed the saw was electronic because the nameplate says:

Stihl 031AV
electronic
quickstop

Lakeside: good tip, I just checked the switch and there is no spark in both positions.


David

 

[Lakeside53]

The genuine module is about $30. I can arrange one if you need it. PM me.

 

[davidgpo]

I just took the flywheel cover off. There are no points. There is a black cylindrical device that I assume is the coil. I'll replace that and see what happens.

Also, I noticed that Stihl changed the oil/fuel mixture. My old oil bottle says 40:1 mixture and my new oil bottle for the leaf blower says 50:1 mixture.

What's the shelf life of this oil?
Can I use the new 50:1 oil on this chain saw without damaging the engine?

Thank you all for your help.

David

 

[Lakeside53]

Yes, 50:1 is fine.

The black cylinderical device is your trigger unit, is no longer available, and almost ever one of these I see is bad. A new trigger usually mounts external to the flywheel cavity, but you can put it inside as you already have the flywheel off.

Be sure to degrease the crank stub/flywheel center, then torque your flywheel down correctly when you put it back togther.

 

[davidgpo]

Lakeside,

You must have misunderstood me. I did not remove the flywheel. I just removed the flywheel cover. The black cylinder is situated adjacent to the flywheel. If that part is not available, how can I replace it?

If this is a pointless ignition is there anything to check underneath the flywheel?

David

 

[Lakeside53]

I didn't missunderstand - just didn't read you post properly!!!! No power adds to the stress around here and I may have confused you with another thread...


Nope, there is nothing to check if it really isn't a points model... check out the the thread

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=41026

 

[davidgpo]

Lakeside,

Sorry to hear about your power. My power came on Monday. The temp in the house was 48 degrees!

Thank you for your information. It looks like I won't have to trash this saw afterall! Please forgive me if I ask dumb questions, I'm a printer who does some auto repairs on the side for my family.

I'm sure I'll have more questions after I pull the flywheel.

David

 

[davidgpo]

Well I did it to myself. My gear puller cracked the flywheel. What next?

Does anyone know where I can get a used flywheel? Is there a special tool for removing the flywheel?

David

 

[Lakeside53]

I replied to your email.. we'll get it fixed for you..... Yes, the flywheel tool is simple but "special".