This beast that belongs to a family friend has – lost it’s bite.

This looks tricky – lots of screws and even springs (OMG) with a layered build.

Remove the chain saw cover.

Start dismantling… take photos to back-up memory loss.

Where to start looking for the fault?

Start at the power input end – the power cable.

The wires feel a bit loose in the terminal block?
And the cable sheath is very hard – a bit sus.

The terminal screws were not fully screwed down!?

Test the Active & Neutral wires for continuity.

Something not right…

Both Active & Neutral wires from plug pin to the other end – are open!

Next we need to check the other side (the guts) for continuity so let’s clamp the handle microswitches.

That’s a good result, the AC motor circuit is reading about 20 ohms. Back to the power cable.

I cut the end off and stripped the wires for another continuity check and both wires are still open circuit!

Then I noticed this, the cable has been punctured!
I cut the cable about 20cm back from that and terminated the wires into the terminal block. Checked for continuity all OK so let’s power it up – fingers crossed.

With everything back together let’s do a power check

All good the Gator has got it’s bite back

See the next video clip