Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): stihl 028 wb chain saw, carburetor body, stihl dealer

Question
My dad is having problems with his stihl chain saw, model 028 wb. It would run for 20-30 seconds and cut off before a dealer looked at. He took it to a local dealer who checked it and cleaned it. The dealer told him that the ignition coil was bad and that the part was no longer available. He said now the only option to replace the coil was to purchase a conversion kit to change it from points to electronic which would cost about $180. I have tried to find a used coil with points to no avail. I am wondering what the converion kit the dealer was talking about entails. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Answer
Hello Amanda:

The Conversion is a Simply a Solid State Ign Coil. The Point Set is Left Under the Flywheel and the Old Coil is Replaced with the New Solid State Ign Coil. Is there Another Dealer Close to you. If yes, then Check with them. The $180.00 Sounds Really More Expensive that it Should be. Unfortuniately Stihl Offers No Online Assistance Other than a Dealer Locator and Send Everyone to the Nearest Stihl Dealer for Assistance. A Point Set will Usually Quit Firing the Plug Completely or Run Until the Condensor Heats Up (usually 10 to 15 minutes) and then Stop Firing the Plug. Usually the Problem you Described is Not the Coil or Point Set, but Either a Clogged Exhaust Port or Muffler, the Carburetor or Fuel Filter in the Tank. The Exhaust Port Should be Checked First. Now the Fuel Filter in the Tank Should be Replaced and then the Carburetor should be Removed, Disassembled and Soaked Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float (if Applicable)  and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John