How to verify ignition timing on older saws

[Alan]

When you fire up an older saw and it just doesn’t feel quite right, what’s the best way to check the ignition timing without diving into a full teardown? Share your go-to methods, tools, and any classic tricks that still do the job!

 

[Pascal]

Fired up a friend’s older saw that sounded pretty sad.
My go-to move is to spin it slowly, check the marks, and use a timing light if necessary.
It’s surprising how often just a quick look at the flywheel key or stator alignment can fix the problem without needing to dig into the engine.

 

[choppychuckle]

There was this dusty old 346XP I picked up, thinking, 'How bad could it be?' Well running a simple test light across the plug while slowly turning the engine showed me more than I was expecting. Those strobe timing tools are lifesavers and sometimes just cleaning the points gives you that immediate 'ah that’s better' feeling.

 

[Pinnacle]

Had this old 362XP that really struggled in the snow. What I usually do is pull the plug, turn it by hand, and keep an eye on the timing marks. Having a good strobe light makes things a lot easier, and just taking a quick look at the flywheel key can save you from a major teardown headache.

 

[Ralf1e]

If you get problems with an older engine misfires and lack of power your points and capacitor can often be the culprits rather than the timing.
Pitted points = stone them off clean. If they pit again soon the capacitor is often the culprit.
A distinctly blue spark is usually a sign of a faulty capacitor.
A capacitor of another make will still do the job.
Example a Bosch capacitor on a twin cylinder Laverda 750 bike in the 70's cost about £18 each a Lucas capacitor that fit a morris car cost about £0.50 at that time and worked perfectly.

 

[Alan]

Great tip. It's so easy to miss those points and caps, and that blue spark trick is incredibly useful.

 

[STIHLTECH]

I wonder how many people have ever set the points correctly on an old saw? Used a dial indicator and powered test light to set the points and timing?
Still have the tools. Not much need for them now.

 

[Ralf1e]

I wonder how many people have ever set the points correctly on an old saw? Used a dial indicator and powered test light to set the points and timing?
Still have the tools. Not much need for them now.

Buy some old saws

 

[Alan]

Ha! Those skills deserve to stay in use.

 

[STIHLTECH]

Buy some old saws

Nope, I like the newer technology. Maybe it is because I did so many points and condensers. If you had to do them daily, you welcome electronics.

 

[Ralf1e]

I agree. I welcomed the technology as well but at 72 years young I still like the odd antique to play with occasionally.

 

[Pinnacle]

Well, I'd like to enjoy the best of both worlds

 

[STIHLTECH]

Well, I just resurrected a Stihl S10. So I did not follow my own advice.

 

[Alan]

Ha, bringing that S10 back to life is what really matters.