Stihl hs 74 wont start

Bootsy

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Hi all, i have a Stihl hs 74 hedge cutter and the starter spring went, i got a new spring fitted it but that went also so i purchased the whole starter unit and that is fine now but it wont start, does not even try, there is a spark and after trying to start it if i remove the plug it is wet with petrol. I have put a new plug, air filter and fuel filter on it still no luck though. It has good compression. Any ideas?
 

Bootsy

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Hi EngineMan, thanks for the reply, how do i `test` the coil please?
 

EngineMan

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A quick test with the multimeter will show that if there is continuity between the low tension terminal (which is used to switch off the engine) and earth, its gone and should be replace.

You may like to just remove that wire (switch wire) to see if it will start before you replace.
 

Bootsy

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Thanks very much EngineMan, i will give that a try, if that has gone would it still spark ok?
 

EngineMan

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Thanks very much EngineMan, i will give that a try, if that has gone would it still spark ok?

You maybe able to see a spark, but its a "Stihl" so test it, if its gone, its gone...!
 

Bootsy

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Hi, there are two wires that conect to the coil, both go to the on/off switch, both terminals on the coil show a short to ground. I have removed both conections and will put it back together and see if it works, will post results later. I expect that this means the coil needs replacing? Thanks for the help Mr EngineMan.
 

Ric

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Hi all, i have a Stihl hs 74 hedge cutter and the starter spring went, i got a new spring fitted it but that went also so i purchased the whole starter unit and that is fine now but it wont start, does not even try, there is a spark and after trying to start it if i remove the plug it is wet with petrol. I have put a new plug, air filter and fuel filter on it still no luck though. It has good compression. Any ideas?

Yeah remove the shroud and look at the muffler, should be a small plate that you can remove. Under the plate is the spark arresting screen remove it and clean and see if that helps, if that thing is plugged you'll have a wicked time trying to start the machine.
 

Bootsy

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Thanks for the reply Ric, i checked that and it was a bit dirty but even if i left it out it does not even try to go, very strange as its been a very good machine working fine then nothing. Think i will have to put it in a repair place.
 
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