Timing adjustment for Poulan 18'' Wild Thing P4018WT

Remove the starter cover. Visually inspect the flywheel to crankshaft. If the woodruf key is in intact, in place and the keyslots are aligned it is in time.

Igntion testeg and gap follow.
Ignition Coil Test by SmallEng.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7WNBDRG4C4
You may need to use a jumper wire between the threaded part of the plug and the cooling fins. You do not have to bend up the electrode.


Ignition module gap
Place a business or index card between the fly wheel and coil, rotate until the magnetic attraction pulls everything tight together. Tighten the coil screws, rotate the flywheel until the attraction abates and remove the card. Ensure nothing contacts when the flywheel is rotated.

If you have more questions or need additional help please reply below and I will get back to you. HTH & Good Luck.
Lou
Thank You for using FixYa.

Ignition timing is fixed by use of a flywheel 'key' that locks the flywheel to the crankshaft. If the key happens to shear, then the timing will be incorrect. Expose the flywheel and check the ignition module gap to the flywheel magnets by using a thin business card for a gauge. Turn the magnets under the module, insert the card, and loosen the module mounting screws. Allow the module to stick to the magnets, then tighten the screws. Rotate the flywheel to remove the card, then turn it one complete revolution to make sure the gap doesn't close up any further. Remove the spark plug and check for snappy, blue spark when the engine is pulled through. If no spark, remove the ignition switch wire from the ignition module, the retry for spark. If still nothing, replace the ignition module itself. If pulling the wire gives spark, then check the ignition switch and the wire for grounding at some point. Hope this helps!