stihl 017 won't start

[a. palmer jr.]

Bought a 017 parts saw and decided to try to get it to run. I put it all together and can't get it to start. It has approx. 130 psi compression and decent spark but won't even hit when I squirt a bit of fuel mix into the spark plug hole. I've tried different spark plugs and even tried a different engine but still no pop. The coil is the later model and so is the saw, serial number starts with 252 so it's after the ignition was upgraded. I'm not sure about the flywheel but will check it in a day or so..don't know what else to try..I forgot to mention I also checked the flywheel key and it was ok..

 

[Stump Shot]

Will the spark jump a 5/16" or so gap and still be bright blue? If not your coil is in need of replacement. A white/orange spark won't fire under compression and speaking of, 130 psi is plenty for the saw to still run.

 

[Bilge Rat]

I have an 017 laying on the floor somewhere.
Has 105lbs compression and runs sometimes.
It was used for years with no air filter so the insides are polished, ground, sanded.

The running issue is intermittant/ weak spark.
The saw was dying and the ignition killed it.

I like to hear a nice strong crack when the spark jumps the gap.

 

[Wood Doctor]

Have you checked to see if a spark even exists? I am sure you know how to do that with a jumper wire. That won't work on an M-Tronic but it will work on an 017.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

Yes, I've checked the spark and it has more than many of my saws. I checked the flywheel to make sure the key hasn't sheared and it hasn't. I believe the coil is the correct one for this saw (they made two versions on these) but I'm gonna check the flywheel to see if it's the right one. The saw currently has a new piston and cylinder so it's probably not broken in but it does have decent compression. I got this saw just recently so I don't know what parts in the ignition has been changed. I'll look around and see if I have an extra module to try on it in case this one doesn't spark at the right time..