How do I check for spark SAFELY?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
How do I check for spark SAFELY?
#8 cylinder seems to not be firing. Engine runs kinda rough and I used a temp gun and the exhaust is much colder there.
I changed the wire, no different. I changed the plug, no different.
I want to see if spark is coming down the wire without zapping myself or hurting anything on the engine.
What the best way?
Thanks!
I changed the wire, no different. I changed the plug, no different.
I want to see if spark is coming down the wire without zapping myself or hurting anything on the engine.
What the best way?
Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 201
From: Willoughby Ohio
I have a diagnostic tool that is a plug wire with a light in it.You plug tool onto the spark plug and the wire onto the tool.It is available at all the major automotive tool companies,Matco,Snap on etc... Some part stores may also carry this tool.Harbor Freight has it also,it is called an inline spark checker.
Last edited by 76strokervette; Apr 12, 2014 at 12:34 PM. Reason: added content
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
pull the wire loose from the plug and put the end of a phillips screwdriver into the wire boot then hold the metal part of the screwdriver about an eighth inch from the exhaust manifold or header while someone starts the engine for you. Be sure to hold the screwdriver by the handle, plenty safe and nothing to buy.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10,332
Likes: 63
From: PARADISE
St. Jude Donor '09-'11-'12-'13-'14
pull the wire loose from the plug and put the end of a phillips screwdriver into the wire boot then hold the metal part of the screwdriver about an eighth inch from the exhaust manifold or header while someone starts the engine for you. Be sure to hold the screwdriver by the handle, plenty safe and nothing to buy.
I've been doing it that way for 50 years. The other way I do it is with my finger.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Lol - thanks guys - problem solved 
Was getting no spark down the wire, no spark at the distributor lug either.
Put my old rotor back on and all is well
Brand new cap and rotor - bad rotor.....go figure!
Burning on all 8 again!
Was getting no spark down the wire, no spark at the distributor lug either.
Put my old rotor back on and all is well
Brand new cap and rotor - bad rotor.....go figure!
Burning on all 8 again!
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 222
Likes: 4
From: Cameron Park California
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
It was about getting the stinkin' boots over the wire
My wires worked perfect. The ROTOR turned out to be bad.
I don't make the parts.........and I'm not a professional mechanic.
I'm a programmer
Looks pretty good for an amateur.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Easy tiger, i commend u for cutting your own wires and your whole engine swap was exceptional. Looks great too, enough to make me jealous. I was just sharing a laugh at ebay products and how easy it is to become deceived by pricing - something we all need to stay aware of.
Thx for sharing your experience,
cardo0
Thx for sharing your experience,
cardo0
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Scott
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 121
From: Kernersville NC
While normally leery of ebay parts I have bought a couple with no issues. I just put on a new MSD distributor (Summit Racing)and after running it about 30 minutes it got a skip. #8 plug was black but not wet. Bought a new cap and rotor and problem solved. Not sure which part was bad but one of them was. Glad you found the problem.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Not Ebay.....Amazon.
All brand name, but come to find out that lots of problems with Accel these days.....used to be good stuff. And I don't know HOW a rotor can be bad....but swapped it out and problem solved
All brand name, but come to find out that lots of problems with Accel these days.....used to be good stuff. And I don't know HOW a rotor can be bad....but swapped it out and problem solved