intermittent firing of 032AV

Perry · August 02, 2009, 09:14:16 AM

I came across a 032AV which is in good shape except it won't run. It probably doesn't have a hundred hours on it. The problem is it only fires intermittently. I gapped the ignition module to 0.010". I primed it and pulled repeatedly. It fires randomly and burns up the fuel used to prime it and stops. I prime it again and it won't fire. Not even a sputter. Does this sound like a characteristic problem? I know it could be many things, but before I rip it apart to get to the spark plug wire I thought I would get some advice.

Rocky_J · August 02, 2009, 09:55:54 AM

The 032AV still used breaker points ignition, so you might look there. Electronic ignition was just becoming popular when I ran my first chainsaw in the early 80s so I have zero experience with points ignition. Every saw I've ever owned had electronic ignition.

Al_Smith · August 02, 2009, 10:30:00 AM

One of my parts lists shows a seperate solid state trigger device also .Fact is they list several, more compounding the problem .

It becomes kind of a guessing game with Stihl at times because some models were changed just enough to throw you off concerning what fits what .

Al_Smith · August 02, 2009, 10:46:21 AM

Good heavens they list three different coils for that model .

The one used for the points ignition is number 1113-400-1305 .That should narrow it down as to weather it's a points type or not . If that be the case more times than not either the points need burnished and set or the condenser is faulty .

Perry · August 02, 2009, 01:10:14 PM

I just assumed it was solid state. The flywheel is coming off soon. Thanks

Al_Smith · August 02, 2009, 02:24:37 PM

More numbers to confuse you .The solid state modual is listed as # 1113 400 1310.

The one which uses a trigger device is 1113 400 1306 . Some where on the coil,modual whatever they want to call it should be one of those parts numbers .

Now then two trigger devices are listed for that coil 1113 400 1001 and 1118 400 1005 . If I am reading the parts list correctly the later one also uses a trigger plate .Clear as mud . :D

Perry · August 07, 2009, 01:45:22 AM

I got the flywheel off to expose the points and condenser. It has been worked on before because the slots on the screws aren't factory "clean". They have been marred a little. As far as the points they appear to be shiny but I need to look at them in the sunlight. Now the problem is how to set the points. What gap should they be set at? It is not as straightforward as setting the points on a car. Any suggestions or has anyone seen a description of how to do this on the internet?

Al_Smith · August 07, 2009, 05:21:24 AM

The points gap should be 14 to 16 thou .

With points if you set then too close the timing will be retarded and likewise too far it will be advanced . The points should open at some point when the magnets in the flywheel align with the coil laminations .

I can't find the actual amount of advance other than 2.3 MM before top dead center .I would assume that to be 25 to 30 degrees advance .

Perry · August 07, 2009, 02:51:52 PM

In order to gap the points the flywheel has to be off but on the back of the flywheel is a cam that is integral to the functioning of the points. Something has to take the place of this cam when the flywheel is off in odrer to gap the points..... Is there a special tool sold for doing this or do you use feeler guages to take the place of the cam while the flywheel is off?

Al_Smith · August 07, 2009, 04:28:16 PM

Good grief .Only Stihl could come up with an idea like that . :D

I don't have a clue other than perhaps mark the flywheel and attempt to get the points to open at 25-30 degrees ahead . Many Stihls are set to fire at 27 degrees advance so most likely that would work .

GASoline71 · August 08, 2009, 06:42:08 PM

Check the condenser too...

Plus if it's only firing when primed with fuel... its possibly a fuel delivery prob as well. Check fuel filter in tank. Use fresh fuel mix. Plus the carb diaphram might be old and hard.

Gary

Perry · August 11, 2009, 12:28:08 AM

I found out you need a special tool to set the points on the 032. Now I am going to find one.

Rocky_J · August 11, 2009, 07:33:22 AM

Or perhaps buy a saw made in this century. ;)

Al_Smith · August 11, 2009, 08:27:41 AM

Oh that would take all the fun out of it . :D

Seriously you can set the points with an ohm meter if you know how . It isn't that hard to do but impossible over the internet .

Perry · August 12, 2009, 04:58:10 PM

This century.......hmm?.... out of the question

How do you set the points with an ohm meter? What is the procedure. The best solution I have figured out is to get the flywheel off a junk 032 and bust the hub out of it. This hub then could be used to set the points.

Al_Smith · August 12, 2009, 08:14:14 PM

Nooooo-Mark the flywheel for around 27 degrees advance .It might take some revue of basic geometry but you can do it if you put your mind to it .

Take an ohm meter and ground one side then place the other on the kill switch wire .Set the points where you loose continuity at around 27 or so degrees advance .

Contrary to popular belief the coil fires when the points open,not close .Check the link,it explains it better than I can http://www.foxvalleykart.com/timing1.html

sd locke · December 22, 2009, 03:19:18 PM

perry u are right . u have to have a tool or a old flywheel to bust apart for the points cam . it is a pain in the butt .

simonmeridew · December 22, 2009, 07:43:11 PM

I may be missing something, but before I pulled the flywheel and fooled with something like points with an engine that fires with priming but stops when the prime is done, I'd put in a new spark plug; 2 cycle plugs can look great yet not fire for some reason. If still nothing, I'd go directly to a fuel delivery problem. The repair book for my 034 says when you suspect carburator trouble clean and evaluate the fuel tank vent device first. If this isn't venting the tank properly you won't get any fuel to the carb. My 034 has an odd black plastic sticky uppy thing under the back cover with a couple of screws in it; take them out pan head screw first, then the little one inside, and blow it out with compressed air. Then try it again. If still no go, take a look at the carb.
Just my 2 cents
simonmeridew

stihlsawer · December 28, 2009, 07:09:53 PM

Quote from: Perry on August 11, 2009, 12:28:08 AM
I found out you need a special tool to set the points on the 032. Now I am going to find one.

Easiest way is to find the correct flywheel for cheap and press the middle section out. There you have it, a new gap setting tool for the points. You can do what I did and buy a Nova ignition module or Atom or Mega Fire, etc. and you'll have electronic ignition. My 032 runs great now. Hope this helps and have a blessed day.