What’s the Distance Between the Ignition Coils for your Homelite XL-76?

When you have an aged classic chain saw like the Homelite XL-76 model, then odds are you’re going to have to perform maintenance and repairs on it from time to time to keep it up and running. When you have replaced the old ignition coil with a new one, it’s vital that you set the ignition coil gap space right so as to ensure the machine will fire up and run as it should.

Ignition Coil Basics

Each time you pull the starter cord of your Homelite XL-76, the flywheel turns quickly in response. The spinning flywheel contains a magnet that aligns with the ignition coil and creates a spark that connects the spark plug and ignites the fuel and air mixture from the chain saw. When the gap between the spark plug and the ignition coil, also known as an air gap or spiral gap, is too broad or too little, the chain saw will probably refuse to start.

Proper Distance

When you have an older chain saw like the Homelite XL-76, it’s possible your operator’s manual might have become lost or damaged somewhere throughout time, preventing you from consulting it to find out the figure for the right gap. Homelite advises the difference between the ignition coil and the flywheel has to be set anywhere from .0012 into .0013 inch for successful motor startup. If you have not replaced the ignition coil recently and your machine wo not fire up, it can be possible that you simply need to inspect the gap and reset it if necessary.

Safety Precautions

Before putting the air gap on your own Homelite XL-76, take steps to stop accidents from happening. Disconnect the boot that’s connected to the spark cable from the end of the spark plug. This will prevent accidental starting of the machine. Empty the gas from the tank into a plastic container to prevent spillage or leaks during the mend. Always permit the machine’s motor to cool completely if you were using it prior to making the mend.

Ignition Gap Tips

Since an accurate air gap is really vital, the ideal thing to do is measure the gap with a feeler gauge. Feeler gauges can be obtained in most automotive parts stores. Feeler gauges typically come in sets of 12 to 32 blades connected together at one end, each one a different thickness. Pick the gauge that’s .0012- or .0013-inch thick and insert it between the ignition coil and the flywheel before tightening the screws that hold the ignition module to place.