testing for spark
 

so I finally get some halp so I can check for spark. I tape a new plug into the end of the coil wire and use "insulated" channel locks to hold it agaist fan housing while wife turns key. Shock made me jump and scream like a girl, but I honestly couldn't tell you what the spark looked like! Does this mean that my coil is operating fine, or does it just confirm what my wife said afterwards (you truly are an idiot!) ?

I see you call yourself a wahoofan yet you live in Ohio. Did you go to UVa or just a fan?
I think your Wife might be right. Pull one plug wire off and put a known good plug into the end of the wire. lay the plug against a good ground WITHOUT HOLDING IT and watch the spark. Since the coil works with the wifes confirmation, if you have no spark at the end of the plug wire you more than likely have a bad rotor or broken button in the cap.
on a lighter note your hair should straighten out in a few days.

Rick,
Thanks for the encouragement! Wahoo refers to Chief Wahoo, the mascot for the Cleveland Indians. What does it mean to a Virginian?

I'm testing spark to troubleshoot a crane optical ignition install. Cap, rotor, and wires are all new, so if I test for spark at a plug wire and don't see any, does that mean I screwed up the Crane install?

well if it's all new and the coil is fireing (tingling sensation in fingers) you should have fire in the holes. If you test at the plug and you have no spark it just isn't making it out of the cap. this can be caused by bad rotor, cap, or timing way off.
I'm going through this right now with a friend who insists on doing his own work and has small ears (doesn't listen) He is chasing what he thinks is a fire problem when in fack his 81 SC backfired hard enough to dislodge the airfilter and top. He refuses to believe the airbox is destroyed


Here in Va a Wahoo is what a University of Virgia Cavilier fan calls oneself.

I too had a huge backfire, but my 72 doesn't have an airbox. Could the backfire have hurt anything else that would make it not start?

This gives new meaning to “Hands on experience.”

“That’s enough Dear, it has spark. Wahoo o oo o o… .. . ”

Best,
Grady

And you hadn't heard about the 33 year old 4-wheeled portable defibrillator called Bosch CDI???

Seriously, that is why I recommend a dedicated test spark plug with ground clip be carried in the tool roll. You can make one or the the KD Tools version below:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1078027297.jpg

Warren,
At least now I know I don't need that msd hv coil! My old one had me vibrating just fine!:)