Stihl 041 AV Super Electronic - Points ignition system

mrussler

I am writing for advice on a 041 AV Super Electronic for my dad. This saw is somewhere around 35 years old and has been around the whole time I grew up and we cut wood as a primary source of heat.

Now the saw has only been used occasionally for a while, and has been diagnosed with a points issue. The local dealer is willing to replace the points, but indicated they don't have the adjustment system any more to set them. From what I hear this is common, and was told that tool hasn't been available in years. I called all the ole time dealers in the DFW area I could find.

I understand Stihl's solution is to replace the ignition system. I understand that to be anywhere from $120 - $400 depending on who I listen to.

I am not saying that ignition technology hasn't advanced. However, this saw ran for 30 years, and my dad keeps saying "I bought this saw so I'd never have to buy another one." The dealers have been nice, but are giving me the official answer.

Searching, I saw another thread where Bruce weighed in on adjusting with a Feller gauge. I was going to PM him, but as a new member, I can't yet.

So, I'd love to hear everyone's opinions. This is a marvelous saw, and they don't make em like this anymore.....obviously.

Thanks.

ScottyAFoster

Use a crisp dollar bill to set the gap

rogue60

hi a doller bill i think would be to thin,i use a spark plug packet on my saws with points when i cant find what to set the gap at with a Feller gauge... works for me

mrussler

In another thread here:
stihl 028 chainsaw point setting

Bruce said (regarding an 028:

All you need is a feller gauge set. Turn the crank shaft till you see the gap of the points open up, place a 0.014" to 0.016" feeler blade into the gap, loosen the points, and adjust the points to that gap of the feeler gauge blade.
When you put the flywheel back on, the gap between the magneto coil, and the magnets of the flywheel, should be between 0.008" to 0.012" Point to remember though, the blade of the feeler gage must cover both posts of the coil, and then adjust the coil so that the two points are tight against the flywheel, with the blade of the feeler gauge between the both, and tighten the hold down bolts for the coil, turn the flywheel, so you will be able to put the blade of the feller gauge out, without the magnets holding everything tight.
If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask. Bruce.

For whatever reason I don't have permissions to PM as a new member. So, I am asking y'all about his advice. I am not a small engine mechanic of much experience, so does the above logic and measurements apply to a Stihl 041AV?

If so then I should be able to find a good mechanic and use the above specifications. On the other hand, it sounds like the veterans are saying, it isn't THAT big a deal to adjust points.

Yet another dealer told me today, that if it isn't this, it will be something else...there is a lot you can't get for the saw anymore. I plan to try anyway. But I lament again...what happened to the logic of buying a tool that never had to be replaced?

rogue60

Bruce is right do as he has said to set the points and coil..it will work for a 41 and 28 most stihls are the same with points thay use the same plug in all saws...just when you set the points there is a little cam thay run off Turn the crank shaft till your points are at the top of the cam, thats full open for the points set them there... And yes most dealers dont want to help you fix an old saw to them your a sale for a new saw, if thay help you get your old saw going there goes there sale sad but true... ive got heaps of saws going for people that the stihl or husky dealers have said nop we cant fix it buy a new saw