Best Way to Test for Spark

[pryord]

Should I buy a spark tester to check for spark or is it safe to touch the spark plug to the engine case? I'm a newbie at this, so what else do I need to know?

[Kurt B]

I got an old spark plug and used a clip to ground the threads to the car, and then pulled a wire (off no1 cylinder), then cranked the car to see if it was giving a nice big blue spark. It wasn't. It was yello and weak. Changed the coil, and I was back in business.

[justesen]

Get your wife or one of your cildren that you really don't care for and hand them the spark plug wire. To instill confidence in them, tell them to hold the wire away from the spark plug so they "don't get a shock." Be sure they are standing in a puddle of water. Crank the engine and if they seem to be doing the old dance, "The Chicken", then you've got spark.

REgards,

Jay

[Carl83911]

take a wire w/alligator clips on both ends. connect on end on the sparkplug and the other on any part of you body you like. then crank the motor. heheheh....couldn't resist that one.

[Bill Verburg]

I've found that these work well ~$15


Great for all sorts of other things as well

[Lukesportsman]

You can pickup a visual tester at an AutoZone or such for very cheap. They are nice because they come with an insulator, inexpensive, safe, and allows the car to run when connected.

I really like these when trying to diagnosis a starting issue because you can leave it in place when trying things and have a visual that its NOT the coil or ignition as you chase down other issues.

For a one time event, just stick the wire onto a spare plug and lie it on a grounded surface and watch. Or you could hold onto the car and hold the other end to your tongue. Then have wife turn the key.

[911pcars]

Bill,
Will these AC "tick tracers" chirp when it senses high DC voltage or does it just light up? I have an older Greenlee that only chirps, but I haven't tried it on a car yet.

Sherwood