Chainsaw Repair

New to the forum, and already have a question.

I have an used 038, and can't get it to start. I took apart, mostly, and cleaned everything. Filter is clean, spark plug is new and gap is at manual spec, new gas mix, but nothing. I pulled the plug to check for spark. I felt current going through boot, later discovered a worn spot on boot, but no spark from plug. Could it be possible that the worn spot on the boot is grounding itself and not allowing the plug to work? If so, would the magneto need to be replaced and is it an easy change out?  Thanks for any help.

Well first welcome .Two things to check for which I've found on several 038's .Sometimes where the kill wire for the coil passes through the plastic it becomes worn and will ground out .Secondly for reasons unknown the top av mount,left side of the saw aft breaks in the rubber which often you can't see .

The torn av mount will allow the saw engine to move within the cradle mount which will stretch and tear the boot on the underside which is nearly impossible to see unless you remove the boot . Lastly because the choke is contained within the air filter assembley sometimes it does not close all the way .If you remove the filter and prime the carb with a little mix that being the problem they will usually putt or at least hiccup .

I had an 026 that actually did have a problem with the plug wire being worn and ****. There was no spark getting to the plug. I discovered that the current was jumping the gap directly to the cylinder by pulling the saw over in a dark room and could see the current jump to the cylinder and not fire the plug.

On an 026 if the plug wire in not routed correctly (which this one wasn't) viabration wears on the wire and you have the problem. When you take the wire loose everything sometimes works. Check/replace the plug wire, then check for spark.

Well go get that copy of the mediacat!!!  You will love it!!!!!

This is what I came up with. I removed carburetor, disassembled and soaked it with carb cleaner. I did remove gaskets to keep from damaging. Replaced after cleaning filter chamber and reassembled. After doing this, I went back to the flywheel and checked the clearance with the magneto. There was a difference from one side to the other. Made minor adjustment. Reassembled, and then went and cleaned out sprocket and housing while I was at it. Cranked on first pull, then died. Did this several times and also was louder, about like it did not have a muffler. Will be going back and recheck clearance on magneto then try again. No adjustments on the carb were made. Does this sound like I am on the right track?