Spark checking procedure?

TMitchell · 11-03-2001, 07:26 PM

Can someone outline the procedure for determining if you are getting proper spark at the plug in detail?

TIA

clevy70911T · clevy70911T's Garage

bump

john walker's workshop · 11-06-2001, 07:43 AM

visually, you pull a connector off the plug and stick a pocket screwdriver into it and see if there's a nice looking spark jumping at least 1/2" from the screwdriver shaft to ground when the starter is cranking.

[This message has been edited by john walker's workshop (edited 11-06-2001).]

cab83_750 · 11-06-2001, 11:14 AM

I am unclear about what you are trying to check. With me, (right, wrong or indifferent) I actually pull the spark plugs to determine spark. This tests BOTH the wires and the plugs themselves. My problem turned out to be the plugs!!!!!

check out: http://www.pelicanparts.com/ultimate/Forum3/HTML/014543.html

Again, I am not sure if everyone does what I did.

Good luck!

Superman · 11-06-2001, 11:29 AM

I kinda like to pull the wire, place a good spark plug in it, ground the plug by laying it against a metal ground or better yet, grounding it with a test lead, and run the engine. John's method has the advantage of seeing how far the spark can jump. I swear Tyson showed me his system making a spark jump nearly 3 inches! It was pretty impressive. then he told a story that was pretty funny about some special test equipment (his Johnson, believe it or not) he once used.

I do not take the spark plug out because I actually run the motor (I should learn the 'static' ignition test method) and this way fuel and compression don't fly out the hole. The important thing is that you verify the existence of a fat, snappy blue spark rather than a wimpy yellow one.

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'83 SC