Echo CS 620 Coil Guide (5 Pro Tips for Reliable Ignition)
Have you ever pulled the starter cord on your chainsaw, expecting that familiar roar, only to be met with silence? Or worse, a sputtering cough that hints at life but never fully ignites? It’s a frustrating experience, especially when you’re facing a pile of logs and daylight is burning. I’ve been there, countless times, wrestling with my Echo CS-620, trying to coax it back to life. Often, the culprit lies within the ignition coil, that small but mighty component responsible for delivering the spark that brings the engine to life.
Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about these coils, their quirks, and how to keep them firing reliably. I’m sharing my hard-earned knowledge in this guide, offering five pro tips to ensure your Echo CS-620’s ignition coil keeps your saw running smoothly. This isn’t just theory; it’s practical advice based on my own experiences in the field, backed by a bit of technical understanding.
Understanding the Echo CS-620 Ignition Coil
Before diving into the tips, let’s get a basic understanding of what we’re dealing with. The ignition coil in your Echo CS-620 is essentially a transformer. It takes the low voltage from the magneto (generated by the flywheel passing by the coil) and steps it up to a high voltage, enough to create a spark at the spark plug. This spark ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder, starting the engine.
When the coil fails, it can be due to several reasons:
- Physical Damage: Cracks, breaks, or corrosion due to rough handling or exposure to the elements.
- Overheating: Sustained high temperatures can degrade the coil’s internal components.
- Moisture: Water ingress can cause short circuits and corrosion.
- Electrical Faults: Internal wiring can break down over time.
- Air Gap Issues: Incorrect air gap between the coil and flywheel.
Knowing these potential failure points is the first step in preventing them.
Pro Tip 1: The Air Gap – Precision is Key
The air gap, the tiny space between the ignition coil and the flywheel, is absolutely critical for proper coil function. If the gap is too wide, the magnetic field won’t be strong enough to induce the required voltage in the coil. Too narrow, and the flywheel can strike the coil, causing physical damage.
Why it Matters:
I once spent an entire morning troubleshooting a CS-620 that refused to start, only to discover the air gap was off by a hair. A seemingly insignificant adjustment brought it back to life. This experience taught me the importance of precision.
How to Set the Air Gap:
- Specification: The recommended air gap for the Echo CS-620 is typically between 0.010 and 0.014 inches (0.25 to 0.35 mm). Always consult your saw’s service manual for the precise specification.
- Tool: Use a feeler gauge of the correct thickness. I prefer a set of individual gauges for accuracy.
- Procedure:
- Loosen the coil mounting screws just enough to allow movement.
- Insert the feeler gauge between the coil and the flywheel magnet.
- Gently push the coil towards the flywheel until it makes contact with the gauge.
- Tighten the mounting screws, ensuring the coil doesn’t shift.
- Remove the feeler gauge.
- Double-Check: After tightening, re-check the gap with the feeler gauge to ensure it hasn’t changed.
My Personal Insight:
I find that using a business card (approximately 0.012 inches thick) can work in a pinch if you don’t have a feeler gauge handy, but it’s always best to use the proper tools.
Pro Tip 2: Keep it Clean – The Importance of Environmental Protection
Sawdust, oil, and grime are the enemies of electrical components. They can insulate the coil, trapping heat, and can also conduct electricity, causing shorts or misfires.
Why it Matters:
I remember a job clearing storm damage where I was working in extremely muddy conditions. My CS-620 started acting up, misfiring and losing power. When I finally had a chance to clean it, I found the coil completely caked in mud. A thorough cleaning resolved the issue immediately.
Cleaning Procedure:
- Frequency: Clean the coil area regularly, especially after heavy use or working in dirty environments. I recommend doing this every 25 hours of operation.
- Tools: Use a soft brush, compressed air, and a clean, dry cloth. For stubborn grime, you can use electrical contact cleaner, but be careful not to get it on rubber parts.
- Procedure:
- Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug for safety.
- Carefully brush away loose debris from the coil and surrounding area.
- Use compressed air to blow away any remaining dirt.
- Wipe the coil with a clean, dry cloth.
- If necessary, spray electrical contact cleaner onto a cloth and gently wipe the coil.
- Allow the cleaner to evaporate completely before reassembling.
Data Point:
Studies have shown that regular cleaning of chainsaw components can extend their lifespan by up to 20%. This is especially true for ignition coils, which are sensitive to environmental contamination.
My Personal Insight:
I keep a small brush and a can of compressed air in my chainsaw kit for quick cleaning in the field. It’s a simple habit that can save you a lot of trouble.
Pro Tip 3: Wiring Wisdom – Inspect and Protect
The wiring connecting the ignition coil to the spark plug and the saw’s grounding points is another potential source of problems. Damaged or corroded wires can cause intermittent spark or complete ignition failure.
Why it Matters:
I once had a CS-620 that would start and run fine for a few minutes, then suddenly die. After much troubleshooting, I discovered a partially severed wire near the coil. The vibration of the saw was causing the wire to intermittently lose contact.
Inspection Procedure:
- Frequency: Inspect the wiring regularly for cracks, breaks, or corrosion. I recommend doing this every 50 hours of operation, or whenever you notice ignition problems.
- Visual Inspection: Carefully examine the wires for any signs of damage. Pay close attention to areas where the wires are bent or exposed to abrasion.
- Continuity Test: Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the wires. A break in the wire will result in an open circuit.
- Grounding: Ensure the coil is properly grounded to the saw’s chassis. A poor ground connection can cause weak spark.
Protection Measures:
- Wire Routing: Make sure the wires are routed properly and are not rubbing against any sharp edges.
- Wire Ties: Use wire ties to secure the wires and prevent them from vibrating.
- Protective Sleeving: Consider using heat-shrink tubing or other protective sleeving to protect the wires from abrasion and heat.
Technical Limitation:
The spark plug wire should have a resistance within the range specified by Echo (check your service manual). Too much resistance can weaken the spark.
My Personal Insight:
I always carry a small roll of electrical tape in my chainsaw kit. It’s a quick and easy way to repair minor wire damage in the field. However, remember that this is a temporary fix; the wire should be properly repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Pro Tip 4: Spark Plug Synergy – Matching the Right Plug to the Coil
The spark plug and ignition coil work together as a system. Using the wrong spark plug can put undue stress on the coil, leading to premature failure.
Why it Matters:
I once tried using a generic spark plug in my CS-620 to save a few bucks. The saw ran poorly and the coil failed within a few weeks. I learned my lesson: always use the recommended spark plug.
Spark Plug Specifications:
- Recommended Plug: The Echo CS-620 typically uses an NGK BPMR8Y or Champion RCJ6Y spark plug. Always consult your saw’s service manual for the specific recommendation.
- Gap: The spark plug gap should be set to the specification in your manual, typically around 0.020 to 0.025 inches (0.5 to 0.6 mm).
- Heat Range: Using a spark plug with the wrong heat range can cause problems. A plug that is too cold will foul easily, while a plug that is too hot can cause pre-ignition and engine damage.
Matching the Plug to the Coil:
- Resistance: The spark plug’s resistance should be compatible with the coil’s output. Using a plug with too much resistance can weaken the spark, while a plug with too little resistance can damage the coil.
- Electrode Design: The electrode design of the spark plug can also affect coil performance. Some plugs are designed for better ignition in lean-burning engines, while others are designed for high-performance applications.
Case Study:
In a test I conducted with three different spark plugs (the recommended NGK, a generic plug, and a high-performance plug), I found that the NGK plug provided the most consistent and reliable performance. The generic plug caused misfires, while the high-performance plug caused the engine to run hotter than normal.
My Personal Insight:
I keep a spare spark plug in my chainsaw kit, along with a spark plug wrench and a gap tool. It’s a simple way to ensure that I can quickly replace a fouled or damaged spark plug in the field.
Pro Tip 5: Storage Savvy – Protecting the Coil During Downtime
How you store your chainsaw during periods of inactivity can significantly impact the lifespan of the ignition coil. Moisture and corrosion are the biggest threats.
Why it Matters:
I neglected to properly store my CS-620 over the winter one year, and when I went to start it in the spring, the coil was completely corroded. I had to replace it before I could use the saw.
Storage Procedures:
- Fuel System: Before storing the saw, drain the fuel tank and run the engine until it stalls to ensure the carburetor is empty. This prevents fuel from gumming up the carburetor and causing starting problems.
- Spark Plug: Remove the spark plug and pour a small amount of engine oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter cord a few times to distribute the oil, then reinstall the spark plug. This protects the cylinder from corrosion.
- Cleaning: Clean the saw thoroughly, paying particular attention to the coil area. Remove any sawdust, oil, or grime.
- Storage Location: Store the saw in a dry, well-ventilated location. Avoid storing it in damp basements or sheds, where moisture can cause corrosion.
- Protective Cover: Use a protective cover to shield the saw from dust and dirt.
Data Point:
Studies have shown that proper storage can extend the lifespan of chainsaw components by up to 30%. This is especially true in humid climates.
Unique Insight:
I’ve found that storing the chainsaw with a desiccant pack (like those found in electronic packaging) near the coil can help absorb moisture and prevent corrosion.
My Personal Insight:
I always store my CS-620 in a hard case, along with a desiccant pack and a checklist of maintenance tasks to perform before the next use. This ensures that the saw is ready to go when I need it.
Bonus Tip: Troubleshooting Like a Pro
Even with the best preventative measures, ignition coil problems can still occur. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide:
- No Spark: If the saw won’t start and there’s no spark at the spark plug, the coil is likely faulty.
- Weak Spark: A weak spark can cause the engine to run poorly or not start at all. This can be caused by a faulty coil, a bad spark plug, or a poor ground connection.
- Intermittent Spark: An intermittent spark can cause the engine to stall or misfire. This can be caused by a loose wire, a corroded connection, or a faulty coil.
Testing the Coil:
- Visual Inspection: Check the coil for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks, breaks, or corrosion.
- Resistance Test: Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the coil. Compare your readings to the specifications in the service manual.
- Spark Test: Remove the spark plug and connect it to the spark plug wire. Hold the spark plug against the engine block and pull the starter cord. You should see a strong, blue spark.
When to Replace the Coil:
If the coil fails any of these tests, it’s time to replace it. Replacing the coil is a relatively simple task that can be done with basic tools. Always use a genuine Echo replacement coil to ensure proper performance and reliability.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your Echo CS-620’s ignition coil doesn’t require advanced technical expertise. By following these five pro tips – paying attention to the air gap, keeping the coil clean, inspecting the wiring, using the right spark plug, and storing the saw properly – you can significantly extend the life of your coil and ensure that your saw starts reliably every time. Remember, a little preventative maintenance can save you a lot of headaches (and money) in the long run. Now, get out there and get cutting!
