?? replacing plug wire

[blazer296]

Getting ready to do a bit of maintenance on an old C71 and noticed the plug wire is pretty ratty looking. How hard is it to replace? My main concern would be getting the connection to the coil right, are these soldered or screw terminals?
I also wondered if it would cause a problem if I used an automotive plug wire, as they are a lot easier to get, and already have ends on. I know I would be cutting the end that goes to the coil, but trust my soldering skills more than putting a new end on one. (never put ends on a plug wire before)

Thanks for any info,
Jim

[MCS]

No solder required. The plug wire is just screwed onto a stud. You have to use plug wire with a stranded wire core - no resistor wire. On the boot end, there is a coil that should just pull out the end. It should come out without any damage so just stick it into the new wire and push it back in.

[blazer296]

Sounds simple enough, just have to find a wire.
Thanks

[polardoo]

I got solid core wire from Napa auto parts for $.40 a foot. Does anyone have a glue they like at the coil connection?

[lesorubcheek]

The C saws that I've seen (say that 5 times fast ;D) have a pretty thin diameter plug wire. Don't have any in front of me to measure, but I'm guessing its no larger than 3 or maybe 4 mm. Any case its definitely smaller than what's used on all the other Homelites I have sitting around. Kyle or Calvin may have some proper wire for these saws.

One thing that's bugged me is fitting the spark plug clip onto the plug wire and getting it into the plug cap. The hole in the rubber cap used on the C saws is small just like the plug wire, and the connector for the spark plug is a good bit larger than the hole it needs to slide in. Anybody got a trick for connecting the wire to the clip and getting it into the cap? I've done it, but haven't come up with an easy method.

Dan

[lesorubcheek]

I measured the wire on a C-91 and it was ~ 4.8 mm, so actually just a little shy of 5mm, so I was off a bit. Any case, these wires are smaller in diameter than newer Homelites.

Dan

[Urbanchainsawer]

I know what you mean by battling with the spark plug clip and wire to get it inside the boot. I usually lube it up with grease or vaseline and do alot of cussing. I've tried everything to make it easier, with very little success.

[blazer296]

I have never put a new end on one, so this may be a stupid ?? Couldn't you use an old plug to help "push" the clip into the boot as you pull the slack out the other end? Easier said than done, I'm sure, (now what did I do with my 4th + 5th hand??). If nothing else it would keep the clip oriented right, I hate when they get sideways in the boot.

[lesorubcheek]

Glad to know I'm not alone jpw. Blazer, that sound like a pretty good idea! I've tried using small pliers to hold it and pull it back in from the plug side, but you have to almost straighten out the boot, and if its old, its almost impossible to do it this way without tearing it up. With a new boot, it'd probably be easier than trying to shove it in the small hole where the wire enters.

Dan

[Urbanchainsawer]

May 20, 2009 6:51:50 GMT -5 blazer296 said:

I have never put a new end on one, so this may be a stupid ?? Couldn't you use an old plug to help "push" the clip into the boot as you pull the slack out the other end? Easier said than done, I'm sure, (now what did I do with my 4th + 5th hand??). If nothing else it would keep the clip oriented right, I hate when they get sideways in the boot.

I'll be darned. I'm usually pretty creative when it comes to this kind of stuff, but this sounds like it could make it easier! I always try to shove the clip in from the wire side. Along with some lubricant, I will be doing it like this next time. Thanks Blazer!