checking spark on side mount 8n

[pixer]

they sell a spark indicator that you put between plug and the wire from distributor. Does this work on 6 volt systems?, will it show differences between weak spark and strong spark? it may be a silly question. also there a color code for telling wire gauges, does someone have that info. for instance yellow is 16 gauge etc. i have rolls of wire not sure the gauges. thanks

 

[souNdguy]

6v vs 12v input to primary makes little difference to the secondary on a correct kettering system. Ultimate voltage needed to jump the spark gap will be determined by the spark gap distance and physical characteristics of the atmosphere around the gap

 

[Royse]

Yes it will work on both 6V and 12V.
No, it will not accurately show good or weak spark.
Though sometimes you may be able to see a difference.

On the color codes, I believe you are thinking of the colors
of the crimp on connectors. Wire of the same gauge comes
in many different colors. No color code for the size.
Only way to know is to measure the conductor.
Not the insulation. That comes in different thickness also.

 

[Hobo,NC]

Dunno whut kind of Check'er you got... For the record they dunno 6 from 12V's... Spark will bet the best use a checker it don't lie....



http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/viewtopic.php?t=1170719&highlight=spark

will it show differences between weak spark and strong spark?

If it will pop 20KV spark is notcher problem... If it don't yes you can dial it back if it pops on the checker that's a start to diagnose why its weak.... It will eliminate some of the wild guess you see posted here...

 

[greywolf224]

Picked up one of these checkers.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281469753427?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[Royse]

That's similar to the one I use greywolf. They work well.
I also have one like the OP was talking about.
Plugs inline with the spark plug and basically flashes a
light to let you know there is spark. It's quick and easy,
no need to find a clean ground, just the spark plug.
Works well for me to see spark/no spark.
But if I want to know how hot it is, I get this one out.

 

[greywolf224]

Royse I have a bunch of inline checkers that I collected over the years. I always keep one handy so that I know which end of the engine to begin looking at.

This site is really the first time that I have heard about checking spark intensity and its importance and so figured let me add another checker to the tool box.

 

[Hobo,NC]

(quoted from post at 07:01:36 12/15/14)
Royse I have a bunch of inline checkers that I collected over the years. I always keep one handy so that I know which end of the engine to begin looking at.

This site is really the first time that I have heard about checking spark intensity and its importance and so figured let me add another checker to the tool box.

I coached little leagers for 15 years it became the norm to have to explain at least 10 times on how to do sum'n correctly... With grown men its a total different story... It takes years....
Grown men are looking for a silver bullet most will not see it if you put it on top of there nose...

 

[greywolf224]

(quoted from post at 23:19:02 12/14/14)

(quoted from post at 07:01:36 12/15/14)
Royse I have a bunch of inline checkers that I collected over the years. I always keep one handy so that I know which end of the engine to begin looking at.

This site is really the first time that I have heard about checking spark intensity and its importance and so figured let me add another checker to the tool box.

I coached little leagers for 15 years it became the norm to have to explain at least 10 times on how to do sum'n correctly... With grown men its a total different story... It takes years....
Grown men are looking for a silver bullet most will not see it if you put it on top of there nose...

Hobo you remind me of one of those crossword puzzles that I can never figure out.

I don't know if you are telling me I "done good" or asking "where the hell have I been?" :?

 

[Hobo,NC]

(quoted from post at 07:23:44 12/15/14)

(quoted from post at 23:19:02 12/14/14)

(quoted from post at 07:01:36 12/15/14)
Royse I have a bunch of inline checkers that I collected over the years. I always keep one handy so that I know which end of the engine to begin looking at.

This site is really the first time that I have heard about checking spark intensity and its importance and so figured let me add another checker to the tool box.

I coached little leagers for 15 years it became the norm to have to explain at least 10 times on how to do sum'n correctly... With grown men its a total different story... It takes years....
Grown men are looking for a silver bullet most will not see it if you put it on top of there nose...

Hobo you remind me of one of those crossword puzzles that I can never figure out.

I don't know if you are telling me I "done good" or asking "where the hell have I been?" :?

Anytime you can rule out a guess you done good... To put this tool in a better light think of it as a adjustable spark pressure gauge...

Weak spark has beat a many good mechanic with better understanding and judgment than most will ever achieve... I started seeing spark checkers recommended when GM came out with HEI in the 70's then I seen the value of these tools... It took quite awhile for it to catch on for checking standard ignition.. I get one are so a year that will pass my best guess but fail a spark checker test... A spark checker sure beats hours of chasing my tail...Using it is a confirmed kill I hope you and others got instructions with the tool if not they are posted in my link...

The checkers with a blinking light are useless in my opinion I would trust my guess over them... :wink:

 

[Russ from MN]

I have a couple of wire strippers that have different size notches for different gauges, that would give you an idea what you have. You could Google wire gauge and find out what the actual diameter is.

 

[greywolf224]

(quoted from post at 09:15:17 12/15/14)

(quoted from post at 07:23:44 12/15/14)

(quoted from post at 23:19:02 12/14/14)

(quoted from post at 07:01:36 12/15/14)
Royse I have a bunch of inline checkers that I collected over the years. I always keep one handy so that I know which end of the engine to begin looking at.

This site is really the first time that I have heard about checking spark intensity and its importance and so figured let me add another checker to the tool box.

I coached little leagers for 15 years it became the norm to have to explain at least 10 times on how to do sum'n correctly... With grown men its a total different story... It takes years....
Grown men are looking for a silver bullet most will not see it if you put it on top of there nose...

Hobo you remind me of one of those crossword puzzles that I can never figure out.

I don't know if you are telling me I "done good" or asking "where the hell have I been?" :?

Anytime you can rule out a guess you done good... To put this tool in a better light think of it as a adjustable spark pressure gauge...

Weak spark has beat a many good mechanic with better understanding and judgment than most will ever achieve... I started seeing spark checkers recommended when GM came out with HEI in the 70's then I seen the value of these tools... It took quite awhile for it to catch on for checking standard ignition.. I get one are so a year that will pass my best guess but fail a spark checker test... A spark checker sure beats hours of chasing my tail...Using it is a confirmed kill I hope you and others got instructions with the tool if not they are posted in my link...

The checkers with a blinking light are useless in my opinion I would trust my guess over them... :wink:

Finally got it in the mail today. Adjustable spark tester that is.
Feel like I just graduated to the next level of sparkie apprenticeship.
Gonna test everything in the garage and the barn that has a spark plug.

:wink: :wink: :wink: When you gonna come over and teach me the tricks of your trade? :wink: :wink: :wink: