XL130 Spark loss

[xl130]

Was wondering what might cause a spark loss from a spark plug wire?

Poor grounding from the coil ? I replaced the spark plug wire and boot with an aftermarket when I rebuilt. Put my hand a bit too close while it was running and got a heck of a shock! Starting to think this may have something to do with some of the erratic idling problems I have been chasing...,,

Possibly the wire insulation is not rated for the heat range this saw creates?

I swapped out the coils and wire from my XL-76 and no shocks when you touch the plug boot and it seems to idle better after a quick start up and check. Will have to but a bar on it to fully test though.

Any thoughts on a properly sized and insulated wire and plug boot?

I’d like to put the coil and wire back on the perfectly good saw that I borrowed it from and put the right one on the rebuild....

[edju1958]

Unfortunately some of that aftermarket stuff is nothing but crap.When buying an aftermarket product I look to see where it's been made,if it's made anywhere in Asia I try to stay clear,there are exceptions though,but few & far between.I don't know where you bought the high tension lead & boot,but a good quality one can be purchased at an auto parts store such as NAPA.When buying the high tension lead make sure it's not a carbon core wire.

[onlyhomelites]

Leakage through the insulation indicates faulty insulation or damage. This could very easily cause erratic running and intermittent spark loss.

[fossil]

There are a number of aftermarket plug wires that have a PVC (I think) shiny coating on them. They don't like heat and are basically junk.

If you still have the plug cap and terminal from the old wire, a lot of small engine shops sell wire from bulk rolls. It's pretty cheap.

Just measure the OD and make sure it's copper core.

[sweepleader]

Some manufacturers think that any rubber that is black is OK to copy black rubber stuff they want to sell. MOST black rubber that automotive stuff is made from is conductive, to dissipate static. That would include tires, vacuum hoses, and all similar parts. Ignition parts are obviously in a different class which likely escaped the crook who molded your boot. They used whatever they had on hand for the rubber and you found the result. The wire itself was likely made by a larger manufacturer who knows what they are doing. Boots are other small rubber parts are easily made in a small shop with minimal equipment so they often come out marginal. Buyer beware.