XL Automatic Oiling

[verebm]

Hi all!

Picked up an XL Automatic Oiling chainsaw yesterday - for free! Previous owner said the pull rope had broken so it hasn't been used lately although they did say they had it running last year. No other information available. It was covered in dirty, oily grime - I'm thinking from the saw being upended at some point although no confirmation on that either.

Anyway, I replaced the pull rope and tried starting it. Nothing... went to look at the spark plug and the cap came right off! But ALL THE WAY OFF!!! Completely separated from the plug on one end and the wire on the other end (see pic).

I'm new to this - never been mechanically minded but figured that since it was free I really didn't have anything to lose. So...

1) I can't find the UT or SN. From what I've read it should be on the plate directly beneath the handle but there's nothing there. Can anyone help me identify what model I have so I can start figuring out what parts I might need?

2) In following the spark plug wire back, I see it's connected to some type of module. Do I need to replace that entire module or is there some way to just replace the spark plug wire/cap?

3) I plan to clean everything since it's an oily mess. Is there anything I should be particularly careful about as I'm pulling everything out?

4) I figure I'll have to replace the fuel that's already in there. Do I replace it with 50:1 or is there some other ration I should use (again, I have no idea what model I have so I can't find any manuals, etc.)

5) I'm guessing I should replace the chain oil, too? Is regular chain oil fine or is there a specific type I should use?

6) If, after replacing the spark plug cap, it still won't start, where should I start looking next?

I belong to a couple of different boards and am constantly amazed at the collective wisdom available out there. I'm sure I'll find the same expertise here. Remember I'm not mechanically inclined so if this is something I should just take to the repair shop, I'm fine with that. The saw needs cleaned out anyway so I figure if nothing else I'll save myself some money just by cleaning everything up beforehand. In the meantime, I just might learn a thing or two.

Thanks in advance...

Mark

[onlyhomelites]

Welcome to HOH Mark!

You've got an XL Automatic, mid to late 80's vintage based on that throttle handle style. The wire on these coils is epoxied in, so unscrewing it might be hard. If there is enough wire left (which it looks like there is), I'd just put the spark pug terminal back on the wire. You've got to work the terminal back until the "tang" can puncture a good part of the wire and then work it all back into the boot. If that fails, these coils are common on Ebay for about $15 and I have a couple for sale as well: www.leonschainsawpartsandrepair.com/apps/search?q=94711. Watch your oil hoses and your throttle rod as you are pulling the engine out. The throttle rod especially likes to hang up and get bent. Fuel ratio discussions generate a wide range of opinions, but generally most can agree that a hgh quality oil at 40:1 or 50:1 is fine for these saws. The chain oil should be fine as long as it doesn't look contaminated with anything.

I'm sure others will chime in too. Keep us updated!

Leon

[undee70ss]

1. Looks to be a mid 1980s model.

2. In the last pic, it shows the coil and spark plug wire boot. Do you have the little coil spring thingy? If so it can be put back together.

3. Just make sure to remember how it goes back together, take pics.

4. Yes, and use 32 to 1.

5. The chain oil i would leave for now. Get it running first, then we can check the oiling.

6. Check for spark, if still no start post back.

[sweepleader]

That "little coil spring thingy" is what people who are familiar with chainsaws refer to as a terminal. :{)

[Supercharged86]

Hi Mark, welcome. Looks to be in really nice condition. Is the starter housing and case, metal or plastic? The early ones were all metal; yours appears to be plastic. I'm sure we can come up with the date of the change-over. Strange how the serial number tag is completely missing. Steve