Testing for spark ina Mac 120

[Diesel JD]

I have this old project saw that belonged to my grandfather...good compression, no start. I have tested for spark on boat motors and truck motors, but never on a chainsaw. I just wonder how you all do it. Obviously pull the plug out so not too much resistance and turn over teh motor, but do you all use a tester or just ground the boot w/plug to something metallic on the saw and observe, or do you use another method. Thanks!
J.D.

 

[PES+]

just ground the boot w/plug to something metallic on the saw and observe

make sure you have a good ground use a ground clip wire if need be

 

[Diesel JD]

Ground clip wire...? Not familiar with that. Thanks for the response though.

 

[vegaome]

Howdy JD,

A kind gentelman on this site once told me to open up that gap on the plug real good. Yes ground it and I would reccomend that you pull the starter cord quikly rather than slow. Good luck.

v/r

Mike

 

[PES+]

A piece of fairly heavy wire with 2 large aligator clips or clamps

 

[Indiana John]

I use an inline neon bulb-type spark tester. It simply plugs into the plug wire on one end, and onto the plug on the other. I keep a couple of these around the shop, and can get them thru my local OPE parts house for about $15. These things really shine when you have a situation where you suspect intermittent spark problems or maybe a coil that's breaking down because you can actually run the engine with these in place and watch how the ignition system is functioning. I love 'em! Well worth having in your toolbox.

 

[Diesel JD]

Actually the first problem is getting the plug outta that beast its being a PITA at the moment. I tried a 5/8" sprakplug socket and it just won't grab...maybe the wrong size...or maybe its rounded off? Anyhow, thanks for the quick replies. I really want to see this saw run again.