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is this spark ok?

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Old Nov 30, 2023 | 09:20 PM
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Default is this spark ok?

1969 427, TI ignition, R44TS plug
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Old Dec 1, 2023 | 05:30 AM
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The spark looks fine in the atmosphere. Which is all your video is showing.
The plug on the other hand, at least on my small phone screen looking at your less than informative vid.
Looks fouled.
Spark plug insulators should NOT be black!
Light tan is a good thing.
BLACK is a bad thing.
A fouled plug will not fire under the pressure of compression. Thus your video is flawed.
Try new plugs. If they foul straight away. why?
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Old Dec 1, 2023 | 06:29 AM
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To test for available kilovolts you need a spark tester and you will never wonder again. For electronic ignition set it to 20k and plug it in. You can't go wrong with a

OriGlam Spark Plug Tester

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Old Dec 1, 2023 | 06:51 AM
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The things you learn here!
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Old Dec 1, 2023 | 06:58 AM
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Somehow I have managed to make it as a professional mechanic for 50 years without this spark tester.
None the less, a fouled plug is fairly easy to spot.
And a inductive pick-up timing light will quickly tell you if a plug is firing or not. Without the need to purchase more equipment.
And you simply can not get by without a timing light.
Just my 2 cents.
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Old Dec 1, 2023 | 08:32 AM
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Originally Posted by 4-vettes
Somehow I have managed to make it as a professional mechanic for 50 years without this spark tester.
None the less, a fouled plug is fairly easy to spot.
And a inductive pick-up timing light will quickly tell you if a plug is firing or not. Without the need to purchase more equipment.
And you simply can not get by without a timing light.
Just my 2 cents.
You have figured it out over time what works for you for sure. For me I started out (1981) with hanging a plug wire, then a test light then a spark tester so I could see into the engine bay while cranking for consistency. Back in the ninety's I bought a Snap-on Counselor 2 when I got heavy into driveabily then a Bear Pace 400. Now a days I use Pico O-scopes with pressure transducers and all the other accessories. For people who haven't been thru the experience of "trial and error" tools like the spark tester are invaluable.
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Old Dec 1, 2023 | 08:56 AM
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Still my goto......it doesn't care if the plug is fouled......gives a visual indicator of spark potency....
20610 Inline Spark Tester | Lisle Corporation

Jebby
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Old Dec 1, 2023 | 03:29 PM
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Thanks for the responses.
The main concern was the strength of the spark and the fact it is firing just on the edge of the electrode. Hard to see in video but the spark is a blue color, not bright white. best to watch it on youtube for larger version.
I get a lot of backfiring in the muffler/exhaust and was thinking week spark allowing unburnt fuel passing exhaust valves.
I do have timing light but sure it doesn't indicate strength of spark; I think it flashes the same brightness regardless of voltage to the plug.
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Old Dec 2, 2023 | 05:14 PM
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Originally Posted by prestodixo
Thanks for the responses.
The main concern was the strength of the spark and the fact it is firing just on the edge of the electrode. Hard to see in video but the spark is a blue color, not bright white. best to watch it on youtube for larger version.
I get a lot of backfiring in the muffler/exhaust and was thinking week spark allowing unburnt fuel passing exhaust valves.
I do have timing light but sure it doesn't indicate strength of spark; I think it flashes the same brightness regardless of voltage to the plug.
Have you tested the resistance of the plug and coil wires?
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