Spark checking device?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 0
From: Spanish Fork Utah
Spark checking device?
Gentlemen,
I heard that there are some devices you can buy from Jegs or Summit that will help you check for spark to each of your cylindars one at a time. Do you know if such a thing exists?
I'm asking because I'm missing somewhere. I replaced all of the spark plugs and cables and I'm still missing, but I can't tell where. Any advice?
Thanks!
Shayne
I heard that there are some devices you can buy from Jegs or Summit that will help you check for spark to each of your cylindars one at a time. Do you know if such a thing exists?
I'm asking because I'm missing somewhere. I replaced all of the spark plugs and cables and I'm still missing, but I can't tell where. Any advice?
Thanks!
Shayne
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
Re: Spark checking device? (sspackman)
I heard that there are some devices you can buy from Jegs or Summit that will help you check for spark to each of your cylindars one at a time. Do you know if such a thing exists?
:)
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 0
From: Spanish Fork Utah
Re: Spark checking device? (tobijohn)
... by having me hold the wire connector. That technique only worked a couple times though ...
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
Re: Spark checking device? (sspackman)
OUCH that SUCKS!!!! You're kidding right? ;)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Spark checking device? (sspackman)
haven't heard of one,,, you can use the old, remove boot and hold screw driver and see if you get a spart.... :thumbs:
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: Spark checking device? (vinnies87)
Pull the wire and unscrew the spark plug, then hook it back up, ground the plug against something, like the head, disconnect the fuel pump fuse and have someone crank the engine over (just crank, it shouldn't start). It helps if its a little dark in there, easier to see the spark.
The other way, is to get a timing light. These cost $40-$80 thereabouts. Hook it up to the battery, stick the inductive clamp on the plug wire in question, and start the engine, the timing light should flash everytime the spark plug on that wire, well, sparks. This is the easy way to do it... and the timing light is a a basic necessity for the car DIY'er. You'll need one eventually anyways, so it's worth the purchase.
The other way, is to get a timing light. These cost $40-$80 thereabouts. Hook it up to the battery, stick the inductive clamp on the plug wire in question, and start the engine, the timing light should flash everytime the spark plug on that wire, well, sparks. This is the easy way to do it... and the timing light is a a basic necessity for the car DIY'er. You'll need one eventually anyways, so it's worth the purchase.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Spark checking device? (sspackman)
I've got a little inductive indicator that was a promotional Champion item that I've had for at least 25 years. Looks like a pen, just lay the tip on the wire. Surely something like that is still made.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Lenexa KS
Re: Spark checking device? (Corvette Kid NC)
Most auto parts stores sell a spark checking device that has an adjustable gap that will not only tell you if you're getting spark but you can adjust the gap until it just stops sparking and a calibrated scale on the checker actually measures the spark voltage. This is much better than just checking for spark on a removed plug. With a weak spark, the plug may spark in ambient air but may not in the more sever envrionment of the combustion chamber.
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