Customer Destroyed It! How to replace your ignition coil and plug boot on Stihl MS311 

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

My 12 year old Granddaughter now calls herself Chickanic . She has been interested in any thing with a motor . I've asked Her to " test " the lawn mower so I don't have to cut the lawn any more . Thanks ....

Hey Chickanic, thanks for the good video. One thing that can make it easier is to thread your coil wire, without the spring terminal yet attached, through the boot (put some grease on the wire), then attach the spring terminal, then pull it back through (reverse it), being careful to seat the spring properly

If you have not already shown it, showing the correct way to remove the boot would help stop ths damage. This was a very good tutoria, I anjoy watching you work

Thank you for a great video, from an old retired trucker trying to supplement income by repairing small engines in my home shop. You are a great teacher and I look forward to all of your videos. Thanks again from East Texas.

😘 even 3 years later , these are still useful🙂

Cool video and very good advice! Only one thing: I find it easyer first pusging the wire through the boot, then fit the connector on the wire and finally pull the wire with the connector attached back through the boot until the connector fits. I also find it easyer to push the hole into the wire with a thin nail or an (german:Ahle) and then fit that hook from the connector. Before doing so i pierced my fingers several times... Not to bad but also no fun... 😁

Good morning from the 🇬🇧.. just woken up so will watch with my first cup or coffee.. hope you and the family are all well

Awesome 👍! I can use this info for sure! Thanks so much! I use Stihl and Husqvarna equipment and love to do as much as I can on my own. A few months back I had to change out the original spur sprocket on my 2012 455 rancher my dad purchased as bday present back in 2012 to help him on his property in the country. Thankfully my plug cable was not obnoxiously tight and popped off easily. I have also learned the trick of grabbing them in such a manner as to grab the wire inside the boot so as not to pull it all apart. I took some auto tech courses years ago and learned they will rip apart too if pulled incorrectly. A little finesse goes a long way in saving time and money. As to the gas issue my father taught me to always mix my own to avoid any issues and always mix per each tools specs. We also use non ethanol high octane. As you mention not all pre mixes are equal or designed for everything. You can easily burn up a small engine if the mix is not right. I learned this lesson the hard way when doing yardwork for my aunt using her weed trimmer and the gas someone had mixed incorrectly for her and was low on the oil side of things. I hard seized that engine in short order. So yup wrong mix gas can really mess you up quickly.

I was close. I had to repair a pulled ignition wire on a Stihl BR600 a few weeks back. I didn't cut the wire, but I did cut the boot to make it easier to install the wire/coil back in. Will definitely use grease and stretch the boot next time.

Excellent video - inspiring and informative to this 60 yr old woman backyard fixer of mowers people toss! Keep them coming. Thank you

I'm glad that somebody agrees with me about gas. Especially in these pre mix containers. I mix my own every time and it has yet to fail. Great work!

Thank you so damn much! This happened to me yesterday (why do they make the damn coil so tight?!). I was about to strip the wire and try to reconnect just like this person did. I just pierced it back into the wire they way you showed and it started right up! I pulled the wire through the boot before connecting it though, so I didn't have to stuggle to get the coil back through the other end of the boot. We are tryly lucky to live in the era of the RU-vid DIY videos, all thanks to content creators like you!

Really appreciate this video! This woman is very smart a very good mechanic and certainly going places whether she knows it or not!

Your kind advice was just what I needed to replace the ignition coil on my trusty 20 year old SH85 blower. The business card worked great. I also did not mess up the spark plug wire because I was careful as you advised. Thanks so much.

It’s a Stihl from my limited experience they don’t start easy. I bought My 55 husky in the nineties and it’s never had a carb kit just filter and plug. It always starts! Great content!! Keep them coming!

I found that inserting the spark plug wire into the boot first, pulling all the way through then attaching the spring clip into the hole into the wire with pliers then pulling the wire back into place works much easier than trying to shove or push it into place.

Chick, your videos are excellent! I know that I'll see good, wholesome content without the distractions that so many others include into their presentations just to keep the observer's attention. I'm a Marine and I've also been trained for 30 yrs. in counter terrorism tactics. (retired) and just took a job as a small engine repairman of which I've had no formal training. My training comes from "RU-vid U." lol. I'm old school in many ways, school of hard knocks. You, dear lady, have become my class professor at RU-vid U. Your teaching technique and presentation have helped me tremendously. Thank you so much for getting me out of many unknown situations with as little pain, cost and time as possible. Keep up the good work, the good deeds and the good spirit. It was once said of teachers: "A fair teacher instructs; a good teacher informs; and a great teacher inspires!" You have achieved "great-ness!

Thanks for the video, I usually put dielectric on plugs and such makes them come off easier, thanks again, you make it look easy

Thank you Brea for showing this old man that I am not the only dummy who messes up the ignition wire by cutting it to so the end fits securely to the plug tip. I was totally frustrated that the oil wire no longer fit, but now I know... DON'T cut the wire... 🙄. Thanks for your great videos!

You gave me advice in a video to replace stale gas with Stihl pre mixed gas, it fired right up... THANK YOU, GOD BLESS.

A quick tip for you and your audience: I have a Stihl string trimmer attachment, and the spark plug used to shock me in the elbow when I held the trimmer a certain way. I cleaned the boot with carburetor cleaner, then added several layers of tool dip/electrical liquid tape (both are made of butyl rubber dissolved into xylene), and no more shocks. The tool dip is sold at Lowe's as Plasti Dip. It's a LOT cheaper than buying a new ignition module.

After ‘sometime’ spent glaring at my chainsaw I followed your great tutorial, new ignition coil, a good clean-up and the last step to change the fuel (which had been sitting awhile) brought life back to the machine. Thank you.

When it doesn't start and it's suspect that it is flooded then pulling the plug to dry it out can speed things up as well as verify a flooding issue. I use spray silicone on plug wire boots.

Good video. I got rid of all my Stihl saws and switched to that Swedish brand for saws and Echo for trimmers and blowers. My Stihl saws ran great AFTER you got it started. I figured out that Stihl was named that for a reason. While everyone else is cutting wood, you are "Stihl" trying to get yours started. I have a John Deere 21S line trimmer, that was made by Echo that I bought in 1994. I use it every week and it has run reliably all that time.

I have several 2 cycle tools. I seldom ever change the spark plugs. There are no moving parts in the spark plug. If it was running when I shut it off and won start, it's probably something else. You're video just reinforced that to me, thank you.

I've found dielectric grease makes removing plugs and connectors a lot easier as well as it's other benefits (waterproofing, dirt/dust blocker etc) and despite not being conductive it does't interfere with the wire connections.

They make a tool named a "Spark Plug Boot Puller? They hook around the boot near the base of the boot and pulls the boot right off. A labor and damage saver!

Thank you for this. My coil came off on my trimmer and there’s some videos on YT that instruct to trim the wire. Something just didn’t seem right to me so I kept looking for help and your video was that help! I really appreciate this!

When removing the high tension boot from a spark plug, give it a few partial twists back and forth to loosen the rubber's grip on the ceramic.

Thank you! I watched to see how to replace the spark plug boot. Got that done but still wouldn’t start. Poured out the old gas and put new in. Started right up. You are awesome. Save me much money 😀

Neat trick ! Thanks for the shair. This fuel thing is a REAL headache for us all.

I put dielectric grease on the insulator and round tip of the plug, which helps me remove the boot. I also twist the boot and put a screech against the boot and pry it off if it will not twist off. I know exactly what you mean about the bayonet connector coming off the high voltage wire. If it does come off I first try to straighten it back up inside the boot and just pull the wire out of the boot. The connector usually comes with it. I then insert the sharp end of the connector back into its hole in the high voltage wire. With a pair of kitchen pliers I squeeze it back into the high voltage wire. Still holding it down, I insert the round part of the connector back into the boot. Once it is in, I push the wire in until the round connector is back into its normal place in the boot. I then take a small screwdriver and align the round hole so it will go on the plug You can also take a pair if pliers and use them to pull the boot off the plug. You have to be real careful pulling the boot off or on. When I push it on, I want to hear and feel it go back onto the plug. You will hear and feel it go back on as the round coils connect unto the plug.

So it wasn't just me thinking the wire coil has become tighter, thanks! I've had them come several times a week too. And about the grease - I don't use grease for that, but a tiny squirt of WD40, it'll evaporate and let the coil sit tighter in the boot. You can try it some day, when you are out of grease.

I can’t recall if she stated how much the replacement coil cost but, she did say it was a $5 repair that now costs $120. Like the cost of everything else today… the cost of expertise also went up substantially. Looks like a $50-60 repair to me. I really do appreciate these videos. Her knowledge in this area and ability to explain is impressive.

Today is the first time I watched your channel. I watched the "DO NOT BUY this poorly built chainsaw!" video. Then I watched this on since I have a Stihl MS180C that I will do the repair work on and I want to pick up tips on repairs. I totally enjoyed the way you diagnose and perform your repairs and the way you present it. Looking forward to watching more videos

Re. fuel quality , it's an easy test to put a small measured quantity e.g. a few cc or a 1/4 cup in a container alongside the same quantity of known good fuel in an identical container and do a timed evaporation test out in the sun . If dodgy fuel has lost it's light volatiles this test will help show it up , check after a few hours and compare levels . I was once given a Troy Bilt ride-on to fix that was backfiring and coughing and basically just wouldn't run properly at all , I ( finally ) did the above test and found that the fuel tank had been topped off with diesel fuel , it had enough petrol that it smelled not too bad but the evaporation test proved it .

I have worked on small engine equipment for the last 30 yrs as a side job. I don't half-ass anything I do. But it is amazing how alot of people can be. What gets me is them bringing me something that was repaired by the mechanics at the dealership and not fixed rite. I don't like going behind other people's work but that how it goes. I know you have dealt with that too. Enjoy your channel!

You make the process so easy to learn! Thanks again!!!!

Lady you are the best ❤️ I love people who know what they are talking about Just watching your video I have learned so much thankyou

It's so highly unusual for a Chic to be an Mechanic, that's what makes your videos so interesting 🤔 you must've Help your dad when you were a little Girl 👧 and I must say your top-shelf MECHANIC......REVVING VIDEO

Love the fact that she gets right to the point And doesn’t ask to give her a like or to subscribe 👍

Thank you for the very helpful tips and videos! One thing I've learned over the years is that when dealing with rubber components like the spark plug boot that get stiff over time, it is helpful to boil the rubber component in water for several minutes to help soften them up. That and dielectric grease or silicone spray also help for instance when trying to slide the spring inside the boot. Just don't tell your wife that you used a cooking pot to boil a rubber component from your chainsaw.

I've spliced plug wires. Just cut them in a spot where it can't shock and use a thin copper wire (large gauge like -22) and stick it into one end of the wire and then push the two wire back together with the wire going into both ends of the wire. Tape or heat shrink if there's room. Ig it's in the plastic trough it doesn't need to have extra insulation.

Thank you very much for this lesson. Really saved the day for me!

Thanks! Gently warming the boot also aids in reinserting the wire and connector into the boot. Meaning, that in cold weather, warm the boot close to your body before attempting to stretch open the boot.

You are a very good teacher, and you are very thorough in the way you explain things. I guess you are already doing it through RU-vid, but you would be a really successful teacher.

Thank you! I pulled the boot today - used your video to fix. These things are a poor design...

Excellent video!! Especially considering I was headed down the same path as this customer, I was checking the spark plug on my father in laws chainsaw and pulled the boot off just like you described, luckily I stopped there. I never realized the boot was made to come off like that, glad I watched your video!!

Always enjoy and learn from this fine Chick!

I've gotten my fair share of bloodied knuckles pulling off plug boots. I wish those Stihls used the screw on type coils and boot ends. That job would be easier for sure.

Thank you for all the help on fixing your own equipment. Have found you video very helpful. Have fixed my friends equipment and maintained my equipment. Thanks again.

Your video helped me fix my Stihl 170. Thank you very much. God bless you.

I have a Stihl MS 170 chainsaw with the same plug wire design. Oh yeah this happened to me too but was able to reattach it without needing major surgery. The saw is great, just a little disappointed with the design of the plug. Thanks again for this video and wish you continued success with your channel 👍!

Great video! I have always just gone out and bought a new coil when I ruined boot. Hopefully I don't have to do this repair that often. Thanks!

Please make a series of videos on a complete tear down and rebuild on common stihl saws

Great informative video! Just experiennced trying to replace a spark plug. I pulled the skins off and used make shift prying method. I see a comment said there is a tool. Wish you would have covered that. I don't see how any tool can get under boot with the tiny opening with the skin on.

Hi, Bree doesn’t seem to matter where do you make your videos on the weekend or week guys still catch a mall enjoy every one of them. Thank you.

Nice repair to the spark plug boot VERY CLEAR and I have one that needs a repair just like that on my mower THANKS AGAIN !!

Thanks, I have a 311 and hopefully will not have to replace the ignition coil but if I do, I'm ready!

Yep, happened to me too on a FS 70 trimmer. Thank you so much for showing how the spring is attached to the plug wire. This is a very very bad design. The wire is so short and the angle of the plug is such that you just about have to remove the coil prior to removing the spark plug boot just so you can remove the spark plug.

love watching these videos , very helpful and her laid back way of presenting is brilliant , fabulous mechanic down to earth , knowledge and experienve well done

Love your work ! Another simple quick fix. I have had issues with bad fuel here also. 😷

Was on the fence about subscribing until this video. Haven't had a spark plug issue or coil but you gave so much free info, I have subscribed and liked the video.😀

In an emergency you can join the ignition lead to lengthen it or add a bit of wire with a good boot. May not run quite as good though. I bought my FS131 with a joined/repaired wire. Ran it like that for years. Eventually fitted a new coil and was pleasantly surprised how much better it ran

Yes I broke mine on a br600 blower $$$ Its crazy how short they made the cable and how tight the boot fits on love your vid on the change out thanks

I bought a new chain saw two months ago and it had a warning don't use premixed fuel. Use super benzene and good quality two-stroke oil! A lot of friends never use the cheap benzene with plant additives! They don't have fuel issues..Great video.

Cheers for this!!! Just managed to pull the coil wire of the spark plug, and pull the wire off too...thought it was unfixable, but this video has saved me rather a lot of money!! I don't like this design, feels a bit rubbish for a Stihl product......

You are 50 X the teacher that my Jr High shop teacher was. He couldn't explain the difference between a spark lug and a spittoon. I love your videos. I learn so much

It's nice to see you starting the chainsaw properly !!! It really annoys me watching people drop starting their chainsaws. I think they enjoy busting their easy start springs !!!

It's expensive gas mix in a can for people that can't mix there own .it's time to be self reliant great video

Hi from the UK 😃👍 Thank you for a helpful video, love watching you diagnose the issues.

You made fixing that ruined coil look easy. If I ever do mine that way which I never have but if I do I will know how to fix it. Great job fixing the chainsaw.

Thanks for all the informative videos you make, much appreciated! 🔧 💯👋

Same as Mick, I'm enjoying my first cup of coffee and a nice video this morning. :)

Use 'shrink tubing' over the pronged section once poked through coil-wire (and apply heat {obviously!} ) Use WD-40 on boot to slide prong/coil through boot. Heat shrinking keeps prong from pulling out later on.

Ahhh, wheel bearing grease is "non conductive", always use dielectric grease which is a good "conductive" lubricant and corrosion protector, plus it's compatible with all rubber or silicone boots......just experience that's I've been through, still I personally give you 100% credit for your interest and diagnostics in small engines.... Very well done!!

You are a cool mechanic for , lady I will watch you all the time thank you

I been watching your vids, and I have told you, You're Awesome. You do Excellent Close up, descriptive, and Even part Numbers, with High quality resolution. You give such detail, that makes me feel confident I can fix it. I Thought I was Already a sub. Here I Literally had to sub today. 😃

Well now that was a interesting video and very informative. I own a Stihl chainsaw MS 311 just exactly like that one and now I know what to do, but I don't ever try to get that forceful with anything. I learned a long time ago that unless you know it needs a lot of force too much can get you in a lot of trouble.

Another very good Video. You are a very smart Lady. Thank You for sharing your knowledge.

NGK screw on plug boots are a life saver.

I’ve had them come off before I’ve never thought of trying to force the coil through the small hole on the boot the wire will barely fit on most of them I push the wire through the small hole and out where the spark plug goes then connect the wire like you did then just pull the wire back to where the loop goes and put it on the plug sometimes it’s easier to put the loop on the plug then slide the boot over the plug with the wire if the insulation on the spark plug wire is messed up it might be a safer way to do it without doing more damage also if the insulation is messed up after connecting the wire loop you can use some black light glue to reenforce the wire and insulation before sliding the boot over everything 👍

Very good - clear no hype great educational content. Thank you.

Yeah you’re getting to be quite a celebrity. I still enjoy what you do.

Well unlike some of the trolls in the comments I DO NOT KNOW EVERYTHING. Thank you for your time and effort.

Just before you finally got the engine started, it almost sounded like the chain brake was on. Glad to know it was bad gas. Thanks for these videos.

Great video thank you. It is amazing how many problems you are having with bad gas. I guess I’m lucky I have been using stihl fuel with no problems at all.

Thanks for the informative videos. They Help me understand and maintain my saws. 👏

I would have push the wire all the way threw the boot than put the end on it and pull it back in but you did a great job thanks .👍🇺🇸

That pouty face almost had me send flowers!!! Lol My 391 is giving me that same starting problem. It seems like it won’t start if the gas is more than a day old! Then I get the pouty face. So I grab my 30 something year old 044 and get to work!! That old beast isn’t fussy. She starts every time and has more cutting power. I even think it could run on hard cider though I haven’t tried that yet!

A helpful suggestion. After one gently removes the spark plug boot, one can lubricate it with dielectric grease. It won't affect the spark path, nor damage the rubber boot. It will make removing/inserting the boot going forward much easier.

I was working on a MS 271. Saw's toast due to dirt getting past the air filter. It has the twist style & the connector base was dirty. Bear in mind I do know it's had 2 owners so no idea from there. The filter was clean & yes, there's the chance it wasn't tight.

just found your page, looks like ur starting to make more videos, thats great!!!

Great video always fuel first everything else right in behind. Thank you.

It was running when I shut it off last time I used it

The best fuel I have found is Aviation 100ll with good 2cycle oil added. It is ethanol free and has a good shelf life.

Completely right they've made them so tight I need a tool to remove some of mine ( spark plug )

How weird, I just had to do the same fix on my weedeater, two days ago. I was in the middle of my job and the thing stopped dead and the spark plug was pretty loose. Not sure how that happen, but yes trying to get the boot off with a bit too much force pulled it total off, I had to take to the whole thing apart to replace the boot back on it as there wasn't much room to do it together. I may have been able to do it if I watch your channel first lol. Good job on showing us what to do if that happens. Like I said not sure how that plug got lose as I never once looked at it and have been using it for three years straight. My hardest part was figuring out where the spring went for the throttle trigger lol

Listening in January. Love the summer night background.