Testing ignition coils when there is no spark

[Sawdusty]

You pull the cord, it coughs once, and then it’s dead silent. We’ve all been there, staring at our saws as if they’re teasing us.
Before you start swapping out parts, let’s go over some quick coil tests, handy backyard tricks,
and simple checks to help you pinpoint the real reason behind that no-spark issue.

 

[Kickbackking]

Had a similar issue with my old 362 it was just a matter of pulling the cord, hearing a lone cough and then nothing. A quick continuity check on the coil ended up saving me from shelling out for a new ignition. Amazing how backyard troubleshooting can really come in handy

 

[Proxima]

I remember staring at mine for a solid five minutes once, convinced it had it out for me.
But in the end, it was just a loose wire on the coil causing all the trouble.
A few quick backyard fixes and a multimeter can save you a whole lot of hassle and cash.

 

[Cuttingranger]

I get a kick out of how the saw seems to tease you when it gives up like that. Before you start taking apart the carb or fuel lines, a simple spark test along with a visual inspection of the coil usually gives you a good idea of what's going on.