MS280 - no spark

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Knots

Knots

Minister of Fire
Mar 13, 2013
1,173
Alfred, Maine
I bought the saw new in 2002. It's been great. Never failed to start. Sawed a LOT of trees with it over the years.

The past year it was having difficulty starting, so I replaced the spark plug. That woke it back up - it was probably long overdue.

A few tanks of gas later it wouldn't start. I replaced the fuel filter and air filter (it was probably ready for both of those anyway) but that didn't do the trick.

I pulled the plug and held it next to the head while I pulled the rope. No spark that I could see.

Any recommendations?
 
How mechanically adept are you? Troubleshooting/replacing a faulty ignition coil isn't hard. But because it is so simple, a dealer service dept could do it for hardly more than the cost of the part.

If you're adventurous, pull the starter assembly and remove the small black lead from the coil. Re-install the starter and check for spark. If you now have spark, the problem lies in the wiring/switch. If not, replace the ignition module.
 
I'm better mechanically than electrically, but I can use a meter and follow instructions. I've got a pretty good set of tools.

Is the lead that blocky, hard plastic thing that plugs in the top?
 
Gonna have to get me a picture to be sure. Ignition kill lead should be a slender terminal that is attached to a wire coming directly from the switch. You could have a later model MS280 as well with the electronically adjusted carb. In that case, I can't cite exactly what you should pull apart with a pic. There would be a couple extra wires with that system for sure.
 
Thanks for your help. Here's a pic:

DSC01797.JPG
 
That is indeed the kill lead.
 

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Well - I've been too busy to play with this - or so I thought.

I dropped it off at the local dealer and they confirmed that it is the ignition module. They said that the part, installation, and a tuning would be about $200.00. Heck, for a $150.00 more I can get a brand new MS290.

I hate to give up on a saw that ran so good otherwise, so I'll have to either buy the part new (not sure how much it is) or look for a used one. Does anyone know if the module is specific to that model or if they used the same module on other saws?
 
Knots, This module has been used for years.Not only on this model but several others. I would go to a small engine repair place and see if they have any on scrap saws laying about.I suspect they will sell it to you for under $20.Nothing wrong with a new MS 290! Ken
 
kenskip1 said:
Knots, This module has been used for years.Not only on this model but several others. I would go to a small engine repair place and see if they have any on scrap saws laying about.I suspect they will sell it to you for under $20.Nothing wrong with a new MS 290! Ken
Click to expand...

Thanks! That's good to know about the modules.

I bought a new MS290 a few months ago when this one finally started to have issues. I like having at least two saws so maybe I should grab another 290 before that party is over...
 
I had to replace the spark module on my 280 last spring. Nowhere near that cost (but I can't remember how much). I bought the part and did it myself. Easy to do. Just use a business card to set the gap.

Josh
 
Thanks for all the info folks. The MS280 will live again!
 
I was told Stihl guarantees all electrical components on their saws for life. Some years ago I had a 5-6 year old 066 that had no spark. I took it to the dealer where it was purchased. He had it a few days then called to tell me it was ready. When I went to pick it up I asked him how much. He said "nothing." Stihl covered it. I looked at him quizzically and he told me electronics are covered for life to the original owner. Didn't cost me anything.
 
I was going to stay the same as Uncle Joe. My dealer told me that if I bought a replacement coil from him for a saw, it was good for life. Of course, for his price I could buy three or four of them off of eBay....
 
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Well, I went to two Stihl dealers yesterday and read my old warranty, and it doesn't look they cover the module on my saw. Their price was $74.00 for the 1133-400-1350 module. A quick search online found it for $58.88. That's certainly a lot better than forking over 200 clams.
 
I wonder if they have different warranties for their "Pro" saws vs. the others?

Glad to could find a better price. Like I said before use a business card to gap the new module and it should work just fine.

Josh
 
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