Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): poulan pro 295 superclean chainsaw, poulan pro 295, log splitters

Question
I was using a virtually brand new poulan pro 295 20"   chainsaw to cut and remove some small trees. it ran great for a bit then died!! I couldnt get it restarted. I checked the gas, the switch,the air filter,etc. Took it to the house changed the plug and checked all of the above mentioned again..  NO SPARK!!! Does the chain brake have an ignition or engine killing capability? Why is a resistor style plug recommended for this saw and is it absolutely necassary for this ignition system to spark?  My next step is to replace the ignition module which I have to order. I read somewhere that some saw ignitions have intermittent switchs which open or close when the saw gets hot?  Basically I need to know it is definitely the ignition module before i order it.. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.. Thank you

Answer
Hello Mark:

1- Make Sure the Plug you are Using is Firing. Even a New Plug can be Bad. Never Assume it is Firing. Watch it Fire Using Another Power Sourse, such as you Vehicle. If you are Sure the Plug is Firing, then 2- Remove the Spark Plug and Wrap the Threaded Section of the Plug with Wire, then Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block. Now, Remove the Coil Shut Off Wire at the Shut Off Switch. Check for Fire. If No Fire, then Remove the Cut Off Wire from the Coil (removal of the blower housing is Usually required) and Check for Fire.  Turning the Engine By Hand (giving a Quick Twist with the Wrist) is Enough to Make the Coil Fire the Plug. If Still No Fire, then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. The Intermittent Switch you Mentioned is a First for Me. With Well Over 30 Years of Performing Maintenance on Small Equipment ( Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws, Log Splitters, ATVs and ect.) I have Never Heard of this Switch. I Do Know that a Bad Coil/Magneto/Ignition Module Will Stop Firing when they Heat Up and have to be Replaced. If you Continue to Use a Coil/Magneto/Ign Module that is Opening Up when it Heats Up, the Coil will Usually Stop Firing in a Couple of Months and have to be Replaced Anyway. Always Disconnect the Switch First. The Switch is the Weak Link in the Shut Off. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram... and Select the Catalog Poulan/Weed Eater. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John