MS 290 won't start

[Bad Wolf]

Saw is about 15 months old, always worked fine. I used it about 5 weeks ago but when I went to start it last night no-go.
Not getting even a pop out of it. I removed the plug and aired it out a couple of times but still nothing. Put fresh gas in it, same thing.

I tried grounding the plug and looking for a spark but I can't see anything, so its either me or there is no spark.

From here I see:
I have a bad plug (why would it fail all of a sudden?)
Spark is somehow grounding out.
Its not generating a spark at all. (again why all of a sudden?)

I'm going to buy a new plug tonight (can't hurt to have a spare). If a new plug doesn't do the trick I'm going to have to drop it off at the shop.

Any suggestions before I do?

Thanks

 

[smokinj]

I would try the spark test again in the dark just to make sure......

 

[quads]

New plug. Simplest, cheapest, easiest place to start. Plugs do go bad, just like that.

 

[Danno77]

My backup saw (Menard's special) died suddenly and I took the plug out and it was clear that the thing runs a little rich. Took some sandpaper to the gap and that made it run again. Took all of two minutes to fix the problem.

What does your plug look like?

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Yes, get the plug and go from there.

 

[Bad Wolf]

New plug didn't work, left it at the shop. I'll let you know what it was when I get it back.

thanks

 

[smokinj]

New plug didn't work, left it at the shop. I'll let you know what it was when I get it back.

thanks

If you do your spark test in the dark there is no missing it....At this point it will be the coil.

 

[heat seeker]

Agree the coil is suspect, but the kill switch or wiring could be bad.

 

[smokinj]

Agree the coil is suspect, but the kill switch or wiring could be bad.

Mine seems to go bad on the on position...Be a cheap fix though.

 

[Bad Wolf]

OK got the saw back from the Stilh dealer, and he said it was moisture in the carb. Pulled the carb, dried everything out, fresh gas and a new pickup filter. Starts right up. I'm a little embarrassed that I couldn't figure it out.

 

[smokinj]

OK got the saw back from the Stilh dealer, and he said it was moisture in the carb. Pulled the carb, dried everything out, fresh gas and a new pickup filter. Starts right up. I'm a little embarrassed that I couldn't figure it out.

Blow everthing out each time you use it. Had you check the spark in the dark you probally would have seen it. ;-)

 

[DanCorcoran]

"Blow everthing out each time you use it. Had you check the spark in the dark you probally would have seen it."

Huh? Checking to see a spark in the dark helps you see moisture in the carburetor? Color me confused...

 

[smokinj]

"Blow everthing out each time you use it. Had you check the spark in the dark you probally would have seen it."

Huh? Checking to see a spark in the dark helps you see moisture in the carburetor? Color me confused...

You must be, Because then you rule spark out....Then you have an educated guess...GAS, Air! ( He started on spark I do to, so until you rule it out thats where you have to stay) ;-)

Blue spark can be hard to see in the day light! (read post one) (Then post two)

 

[HittinSteel]

I follow you Jay........ tough to find a fuel issue when your chasing spark. I test in the dark as well or have my wife hold the plug while I turn the saw over.

 

[smokinj]

[quote author="HittinSteel" date="1314047616"]I follow you Jay........ tough to find a fuel issue when your chasing spark. I test in the dark as well or have my wife hold the plug while I turn the saw over.[/quote

Crap I knew there had to be a better way.....Here hold this! :cheese:

 

[MasterMech]

I follow you Jay........ tough to find a fuel issue when your chasing spark. I test in the dark as well or have my wife hold the plug while I turn the saw over.

Now that's strength in a marriage!

 

[wannabegreener]

I follow you Jay........ tough to find a fuel issue when your chasing spark. I test in the dark as well or have my wife hold the plug while I turn the saw over.

Now that's strength in a marriage!

One way to test if the spark in the marriage is still there. :lol:

 

[heat seeker]

I follow you Jay........ tough to find a fuel issue when your chasing spark. I test in the dark as well or have my wife hold the plug while I turn the saw over.

Crap I knew there had to be a better way.....Here hold this! :cheese:

And pull my finger!