Universal trans. ignition module and 020 Stihl

[asharrow]

I recently got a Stihl 020 AVP from the local dump. I had to patch up the pulse tube from the crankcase to the carb, after which it ran perfectly. Started second pull on choke, then first pull when warm.

I used it a little, then it quit and had no spark. Tested plug, plug wire, coil and all were OK, so I investigated the ignition module. Seemed the logical problem. But my Stihl dealers said the part is no longer available, and I didn't like to think of the price if I could find one.

So... I bought a Nova Universal transistorized ignition module that is supposed to work on virtually any single cylinder engine.

Trouble is, the installation instructions give no clue as to how to mount the thing at the right place to be timed right.

Any clues?

Jim

 

[asharrow]

Just talked to the dealer and they say only consideration for location of module is a cool spot in the airflow. The coil triggers the unit. We'll see!

Jim

 

[asharrow]

Update: In getting ready to install new ignition module, I found the wire to the kill switch had a bare spot. Replaced it and got great fat blue spark with the module that was in the saw when I got it. Live and learn. (Translation: Get really, really suspicious!)

Jim

 

[TonyM]

Glad to hear you figured it out. Sounds like you picked a good day to go to the dump!

 

[asharrow]

Yes, this is the second working saw I've brought home from the dump. The other was a Homelite XL. Brought home a Super XL for the parts. It's probably restorable, but I won't bother unless I come into another Super.

Jim

 

[jimbo1490]

For the record, the Nova module does not care a hoot where you mount it. The rise and fall of the low tension voltage is what triggers it which is in turn controlled by when the magnet passes the pickup coil. I have installed one on an old Stihl and an old Jonsereds. You don't even have to remove the flywheel! Just make sure you put it somewhere that it does not overheat. The bigger problem on Stihl saws is finding space; there just ain't a lot of spare room, even for that little module.

Jimbo

 

[asharrow]

Thanks TonyM and Jimbo,

Seems like I've been talking to myself quite a bit here. Now it seems what I have with the 020 is an intermittant spark problem. It runs perfectly for a few minutes, then quits and has no spark until things cool down. When there is spark, it will jump a .050 gap. That spark is blue-white, but isn't what I would call fat.

Does this sound like a questionable coil? (hope not, haven't got one)

Jim in Maine

 

[jimbo1490]

This is a common way for coils to fail; they work fine cold but short out once warmed up. The Nova will also do this if you mount it in a place where it gets too hot. I mounted mine above the carb box on a Stihl 031. I know that place stays cool. There are plenty of used coils yet for these old Stihl saws. Check ebay. There is one seller in particular who specializes in Stihl parts. His user name is appropriately, Cheapstihlparts.

Jimbo

 

[asharrow]

Thanks. Looks like that's the direction I need to go. Wouldn't bother, but the last time I had it going I got the carb adjusted and it seemed to have a lot of power in the cut for a little saw.

Jim in Miane

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

This is a common way for coils to fail; they work fine cold but short out once warmed up. The Nova will also do this if you mount it in a place where it gets too hot. I mounted mine above the carb box on a Stihl 031. I know that place stays cool. There are plenty of used coils yet for these old Stihl saws. Check ebay. There is one seller in particular who specializes in Stihl parts. His user name is appropriately, Cheapstihlparts.

Jimbo

Jimbo is right on track here. I've found 95% of my parts on Ebay, and most of those were from Bryce, the guy behind cheapstihlparts. He's top notch all the way, and has alot of parts that he doesn't have listed on Ebay. He's just across the Sound from me, and he's very easy to deal with.

Take care all,
Jeff

 

[asharrow]

Got a coil from Larry Weber. Put it in the saw and all seems good now. Ran it for a couple of minutes, let it idle down real slow, revved it up, kept it running fast for a while, idled it again. Kept on running. Got to give it a work out to make sure.

Jim in Maine

 

[asharrow]

Saw acts the same, so I guess I'll put that Nova module in it. Hope the existing module is the problem, because the saw starts so easily and runs and idles beautifully until it warms up, then quits dead.

Jim in Maine

 

[sedanman]

If the saw has an existing module you may be out of luck. If the module in there now was to replace a set of points your Nova or Atom will work, if the module in the saw is original and the saw NEVER had points, I doubt that either replacement module will work as both are meant to repalce points.

 

[asharrow]

Sedanman,

The casting is made to accommodate points and there is a cam ground into the crank. The module that is in the saw is mounted where the points would normally be. Since I already have a Nova unit, seems I might as well try it.

Jim in Maine

 

[sedanman]

Give 'er a go and let us know!

 

[asharrow]

Success! Took out the module that was in the saw and wired in the Nova module. Took the saw out and mades several good cuts to warm the saw up and it just kept on running. Didn't need the coil apparently. Still, I've got less than $40 in the saw and it seems to be perfect now. I'm content.

Jim in Maine