14 MS 231, MS 231 C, MS 251, MS 251 C
3.5 Ignition System
Condition Cause Remedy
Engine runs roughly, misfires,
temporary loss of power
Spark plug boot is loose Press boot firmly onto spark plug
and fit new spring if necessary
Spark plug sooted, smeared with oil Clean the spark plug or replace if
necessary.
If sooting keeps recurring, check air
filter
Fuel/oil mixture
– too much oil
Use correct mixture of fuel and oil
Incorrect air gap between ignition
module and flywheel
Set air gap correctly
Flywheel cracked or
damaged or pole shoes have
turned blue
Install new flywheel
Ignition timing wrong, flywheel out
of adjustment
– key in flywheel has sheared off
Install new flywheel
Weak magnetization in flywheel Install new flywheel
Irregular spark Check operation of switch shaft/
contact spring and ignition module
Damaged insulation or break in
ignition lead or short circuit.
Check ignition lead/module,
replace ignition module if
necessary.
Check operation of the spark plug,
clean or replace spark plug if
necessary.