How To Test A Chainsaw Coil With A Multimeter – The Ultimate Guideline

Chainsaws are an essential tool for many homeowners and professionals, providing a powerful and efficient way to cut through various types of wood.

A malfunctioning coil can lead to a chainsaw that won’t start, runs poorly, or even stalls during operation. Fortunately, testing the coil with a multimeter is a simple steps and effective way to diagnose any potential issues and determine if a replacement is necessary.

Here we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to test a chainsaw coil with a multimeter, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to troubleshoot and maintain your chainsaw. By understanding how to properly test the coil, you can save time and money by avoiding unnecessary repairs or replacements. So, grab your multimeter and let’s get started on making sure your chainsaw is in top working condition.

About Chainsaw Coil

A chainsaw chain is made up of several individual links that are connected by a coil. You must test a chainsaw coil periodically to ensure it is functioning properly and preventing damage to the saw. To test a chainsaw coil, use a multimeter to measure voltage and current flow.

If the chain is worn or broken, replace the chain with a new one. Always wear safety glasses while testing a chainsaw coil. Chainsaw coils are one of the most important parts of a chainsaw and play a major role in its operation. Chainsaw coils have a lot of dirt, dust, and other debris stuck inside them, making the chainsaw difficult to operate, electric shock and potentially dangerous.

The average chainsaw chain will last around 50 hours before it needs to be replaced, but it may last up to 100 hours, depending on how often it’s used.

Sign Of A Faulty Ignition Coil

Knowing the signs of a faulty ignition coil is crucial for vehicle owners and enthusiasts alike. Ignition coils play a vital role in the functioning of the ignition system, which is responsible for starting the engine and ensuring its smooth operation. By understanding the signs of a faulty coil for spark, individuals can identify and address the issue promptly, thereby preventing further damage to the vehicle and ensuring its optimal performance. Here are the signs:

• Engine misfires or runs rough
• Decreased fuel efficiency
• Difficulty starting the engine
• Reduced power and acceleration
• Engine stalling
• Increased emissions
• Problems with spark plug gap

Tools And Materials Required

• Multimeter
• Chainsaw coil
• Test leads with alligator clips
• Safety goggles
• Protective gloves
• Screwdriver (if necessary for coil removal)
• Cleaning cloth (for cleaning the coil if needed)
• Instruction manual for the chainsaw (to locate the coil and understand the testing procedure)
• Workspace with adequate lighting and ventilation

How To Test A Chainsaw Coil With A Multimeter

A chainsaw coil should have a resistance of around 20 to 30 ohms. This indicates the coil is functioning properly. If the coil has shorting links, it won’t spark or cut the object you want to cut precisely. You can test for continuity by plugging your multimeter into the spark plug terminal  to test a chainsaw coil with a multimeter, follow these steps:

1. Set your multimeter to the ohms setting.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
3. Locate the two wires coming from the ignition coil and connect the multimeter probes to them.
4. Check the resistance reading on the multimeter. It should be within the specified range provided by the manufacturer.
5. If the resistance reading is outside of the specified range, it indicates that there may be a problem with the ignition coil and it may need to be replaced.

Below are detailed guidelines on how to test a chainsaw coil with a multimeter.

Steps1: Remove The Coil

To test a chainsaw coil, you first need to remove the coil. You can do this by unscrewing the bolts that hold the chain cover. Once the cover is off, you can remove the coil. If the coil is bad, your multimeter will show low resistance and high continuity readings.

This means the coil is not working properly, and faulty electrical contacts current may pass through it. In such cases, you must replace the coil immediately to prevent damage to the engine and other components of the chainsaw. You can use a multimeter to measure resistance and continuity to test a chainsaw coil.

This device allows you to test different wire materials for their electrical connections resistance and determine whether they work properly. Using a multimeter, you can quickly and easily test your coil to see if it is working properly or needs replacing.

Steps2: Checking The Primary Ignition Circuit Of The Coil

In the case of a chainsaw coil failure, the primary coil terminal winding circuit may be faulty. This can lead to the chain not running efficiently, which in turn causes the coil to overheat and fail. To test the primary resistance ignition circuit of a chainsaw coil, use a multimeter to check the resistance and continuity of the coil’s primary ignition circuit.

A low resistance reading indicates that the ignition is weak or faulty, while a high resistance reading suggests that the ignition is strong and working properly. It is also important to test the secondary resistance circuit of a chainsaw coil. This can help troubleshoot other types of coil problems.

Steps3: Checking The Secondary Ignition Circuit Of The Coil

A chainsaw coil can fail due to faulty ignition circuits. When this happens, the chain may overheat, damaging the chain and the saw. To test the ignition circuit of a chainsaw coil, use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the primary and secondary winding circuits.

If the resistance is significantly higher than expected, there may be a problem with the ignition circuit of the coil. To ensure safe operation, it’s important to regularly inspect your chainsaw’s coil for wear, damage, or other issues. This will help ensure you get the most out of your equipment while staying safe and comfortable outdoors.

Steps4: Resistance Of Ignition Coil Testing

There are several ways to test a chainsaw chain’s resistance with a multimeter. One of the most common is measuring the chain’s resistance when it is in operation. This method is often used to troubleshoot ignition problems. Another way to test the chain’s resistance is by measuring the voltage across the coil.

This method is used to test the chain’s insulation and coil wire. Lastly, a multimeter can also measure the current flow through the coil. By measuring these various resistance values, you can quickly and easily troubleshoot ignition issues with your chainsaw.

Steps5: Check The Coil’s Primary Ignition Circuit

You’ll need to use a multimeter to test a chainsaw chain’s coil. The primary ignition circuit of the chain’s electrical system is the most important part of the circuit. If the coil has a broken or faulty coil, it will cause the chain to sputter and eventually stop working. Therefore, testing your chain’s coil before using it is important. To test your chain’s coil, determine whether the engine is running. Next, connect the multimeter to the spark plug and ground wire on the chainsaw. Turn on the chainsaw and hold down the trigger until the engine starts.

Steps6: Test The Secondary Circuit Of The Coil

Chain saws use a secondary circuit to convert the energy from the engine into electrical power. If the coil is not functioning properly, the secondary circuit will not work, and the chain will fail to move. To test the secondary coil circuit, check the continuity of the coil by measuring the resistance between its terminals. If the coil has a problem, replace it with a new one. This will ensure that your chainsaw is running at top performance and safety.

Tips For Maintaining And Prolonging The Lifespan Of Your Chainsaw Coil

Maintaining and prolonging the lifespan of your chainsaw coil is essential for keeping your chainsaw running smoothly. Here are some tips to help you achieve this. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your chainsaw coil stays in good condition and prolong its lifespan, ultimately saving you time and money in the long run.

• Regularly clean and inspect your chainsaw coil. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the coil, which can affect its performance. Use a brush or compressed air to remove any buildup, and visually inspect the coil for any signs of damage or wear.
• Check the connections. Ensure that the wires connecting the standard coil to the ignition module are secure and free from corrosion. If you notice any loose or damaged connections, they should be repaired or replaced.
• Test the coil with a multimeter. Using a multimeter, you can check if the coil is functioning properly. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and place one probe on each of the spark plug wire terminals. A healthy coil should have a reading within a specified range, as indicated by your chainsaw’s manual. If the reading is outside this range, it may be a sign that the coil needs to be replaced.
• Replace worn-out parts promptly. If you notice any signs of wear or damage on your chainsaw coil, such as cracks or frayed wires, it is important to replace it as soon as possible. Continuing to use a faulty coil can lead to further damage and potentially cause your chainsaw to malfunction.

When To Consider Replacing Or Repairing The Chainsaw Coil

Determining when to replace or repair a chainsaw coil can be done by testing it with a multimeter. If you are experiencing issues with your chainsaw, such as difficulty starting or weak performance, it may be a sign that the coil is faulty.

A healthy coil will typically have a resistance reading between 2,500 and 5,000 ohms. If your reading falls outside of this range or shows an open circuit, it is likely that your chainsaw coil needs to be replaced or repaired. It is recommended to consult a professional if you are unsure or uncomfortable performing this test yourself.

Safety Precautions

Knowing and understanding safety precautions when testing a chainsaw coil with a multimeter is of utmost importance. Chainsaws are powerful and potentially dangerous tools, and mishandling or neglecting safety measures during testing can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. Using a multimeter to test a chainsaw coil involves working with electrical components and circuits.

• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection.
• Ensure that the chainsaw is turned off and the spark plug wire is disconnected before attempting to test the coil.
• Keep the chainsaw on a stable and flat surface to prevent any accidents.
• Make sure that the multimeter is in good working condition and properly calibrated.
• Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for testing the chainsaw coil.
• Avoid touching any exposed metal parts of the chainsaw or the multimeter probes while conducting the test.
• Use insulated multimeter probes to minimize the risk of electric shock.
• Be cautious of any hot surfaces on the chainsaw, such as the engine or exhaust, as they can cause burns.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of any unexpected electrical sparks or fires.
• If you are unsure or uncomfortable with performing the test, it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional technician.

How Do You Check A Chainsaw Ignition Coil?

Knowing how to check a chainsaw ignition coil is essential for any professional or hobbyist who works with chainsaws. The ignition coil is a critical component of the chainsaw’s ignition system, responsible for generating the high voltage necessary to ignite the fuel mixture and power the engine.

Without a functioning ignition coil, the chainsaw will fail to start or run inefficiently, leading to frustrating delays or even potential safety hazards. To test a chainsaw ignition coil, use a multimeter.

• Connect the multimeter to the chainsaw’s spark plug wire and the chainsaw’s terminal.
• Turn on the chainsaw and wait for the chain to start spinning.
• Hold the multimeter in your hand and watch the voltage readings increase as the chain starts spinning.
• When the chain has reached its full speed, release the multimeter.
• The voltage reading should be around 12 volts. If it is not, the ignition coil may need to be replaced.

How Do You Test A Two-Stroke Coil With A Multimeter?

To test a chainsaw coil, wire the multimeter to the spark plug wire and ground. Next, set the ohm meter to the resistance range corresponding to your chainsaw’s number of horsepower (HP). Cycle the engine of your chainsaw to generate enough voltage to measure with the ohm meter. The higher the voltage reading, the stronger the chain is. If you are unsure which number corresponds to your chainsaw’s HP, consult your owner’s manual.

How Do You Test A Small Ignition Coil With A Multimeter?

To test a small ignition coil with a multimeter, disconnect the spark plug wire and faulty connections the multimeter’s red lead to the coil’s negative terminal and the multimeter’s black lead to the coil’s positive terminal. Set the meter to ohms and turn on the power supply. The reading on the multimeter should be around 0.5 ohms. If the reading is not 0.5 ohms, replace the coil.

How Do Coils Increase The Voltage?

Chainsaw chains need good coils for them to operate properly. A chainsaw coil is a wire coil embedded inside the metal chain’s blade that allows current to flow more freely and makes the chain cut through the wood more easily. To test a chainsaw coil, use a multimeter to measure the voltage at different points on the coil. If the voltage at any point is below the manufacturer’s specification, it may be time to replace the coil.

Conclusion

When your chainsaw is having difficulty starting, it’s best to take manual safety precautions and test the spark plug and coil. All chainsaws are different, so it might be difficult to pinpoint the exact issue. But by following the steps on how to test a chainsaw coil with a multimeter, you can ensure that the spark plug or coil has not gone faulty and that the chainsaw is safe for use.

Always keep the engine of your chainsaw switched off when performing any maintenance work on it to avoid accidents. To repair any issues, contact an authorized service center or take the machine to a professional mechanic. If the user manual safety precautions fail to work, you can always call an experienced technician to help with any chainsaw-related issues.

Frequently Asked Questions