C engine lacks power- partial redux

[Scott Todd]

Well, I found out part of the problem- it wasn't firing on all cylinders. Had the gap too wide on the points and once that was fixed it started running better, but I'm not entirely through. It ran REAL well for a few minutes, but I shut if off and the problem reappeared in lesser form. I think I may have one plug that's not firing again.

What I'd really like to find, if anyone knows whether they can even be had, is something to clip onto the top of the plugs that will blink when the plug fires. Seen something like that at a Harley Davidson dealer a few years ago but it's nothing that would fit a regular plug. I figure that an a well placed mirror could give me some real-time info on how the engine is running.

 

[Dick L]

Use your thumb and index fingers. Fail safe. You will know instantly if it is miss firing from lack of spark to the plugs.

 

[jccleav]

Any auto parts store should have a spark tester for under $15. The plug wire clips to one end an the other goes to the plug. They are clear so you can see the spark.

 

[BushogPapa]

Hey--I've DONE that...works REALLY Well, too..!!

Be sure to wet your fingers, to get a GOOD Ground..!!

Ron

 

[steve(ill)]

that will tell you the mag is sparking down the wire.. it will not tell you the plug is good. Better idea is to put new plugs in for $8.

 

[Scott Todd]

(quoted from post at 14:01:34 08/27/11) that will tell you the mag is sparking down the wire.. it will not tell you the plug is good. Better idea is to put new plugs in for $8.

The plugs are almost new. I hooked the wire to a spark plug external to the engine and got no spark either. I verified I have continuity from the plug terminal to the post terminal inside the cap. This seems like it should be so simple but it's turning out to be anything but.

Scott

 

[Scott Todd]

Finally found the culprit- I had noticed some fine dust inside the distributor cap and on the chance it might have been conductive I grabbed a can of dust remover from by the computer and blasted the stuff out. Tractor ran like a champ after that.

Scott