spark plug tester instruction sheet

[ratface]

Ok, I need to know this in my mind. My spark plug tester states on the
packaging that "Flashing bulb indicates an ignition or fuel delivery problem" I find that counter intuitive, should it not flash as the spark plug fires? I had it on all four plugs with the tractor running and it flashes on all four.

Still chasing a losing power issue with not much left to look at so trying to gain some insight from the tester but how does a flashing bulb indicate a problem? Those of you that use one of these, does yours flash as the plug fires with engine running?

 

[Dean]

Spark plug tester???

I do not know how one cost effectively tests spark plugs with a "tester."

Dean

 

[Gaspump]

Got one of those little red testers myself. Instructions claim a few colored light and/or flashing codes indicating differing results. I just use it as a spark tester and it doe's that job well.

 

[Royse]

The problem I have with the "flashing bulb" type testers is that
they show you only that you have a spark there, not the quality.
It's basically a go/no-go tester to me.

An open air gap tester where you can see the color of the spark
and the distance it will jump is much more informative.
IMHO, an old spark plug is actually more informative.

An adjustable gap tester is not very expensive.
This one wouldn't be my first choice, but it's $10 or so.

 

[ratface]

I get that it doesn't measure gap. I just don't see how it can measure anything other than the plug firing at intervals which would produce a flashing light which they claim is indicative of a problem, Why? To me it is indicative of a correctly working spark plug? Perhaps I shouldn't drink?

 

[ScoutB]

This one works pretty well for $8. The best selling point was that it was right in front of me when I was at Autozone one day for something else.

 

[Royse]

(quoted from post at 22:00:11 06/02/15) I get that it doesn't measure gap. I just don't see how it can measure anything other than the plug firing at intervals which would produce a flashing light which they claim is indicative of a problem, Why? To me it is indicative of a correctly working spark plug? Perhaps I shouldn't drink?

Actually, neither one checks your spark plug.
They only check that you have spark through the wire.
I see your dilemma though. I don't see how a spark indicates a
problem unless you have a different tester than what I have seen.

 

[old]

Spark tester????????? I use a simple way to test spark and the cost is ZERO you pull the plug wire put in an old plug that is gaped as wide as you can up to a 1/4 inch and hold the base of it on the block some place. Blue white spark that jumps that 1/4 inch gap and your good top go

 

[Bhunt]

Still chasing a losing power issue with not much left to look at so trying to gain some insight from the tester


So can you fill us in on the carb wont idle down issue throttle plate returns to correct idle position now fixed? Idle mixture screw still not working?
Is your governor working now?
What do you mean by losing power the governor wont engage can you elaborate in more detail? Is it an audible loss of rpms. or something more subtle;
Did you ever do a compression check on it?
Maybe it will help to answer a few questions at least you'll get it off your chest. Hopefully someone will recognize the symptoms if you can describe it clearly. It may also be helpful if you snap some pics of the carb, governor, linkage, mag, wiring any area you think may be a problem someone may spot something you overlooked. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Put it on another post
Byron

 

[Hobo,NC]

Post the part number are a link to the tool you got...

I will put my guess up again anyone's my guess has been wrong and lead me on a wild goose chase... I trust the adjustable tester not my guess and surly not anyone elses guess...

This is a good one to put the archives to a test as the archives are for the most part useless when it comes to spark issues... Page after page of useless wild goose chases by those that guess and use the posted guess when it all could be avoided if they confirmed spark with a adjustable spark checker...

Why is it so hard to fess up $10 for a tester that eliminates all guesses :shock: Folks can dream up anyway they think they know how to do it its still a guess use a adjustable spark checker and confirm the kill...

A blinking light does have its place if you know how to use it, it can eliminate primary from secondary ignition issues as a quick test and give you some-sort of battle plan to follow...

 

[Caryc]

I think it's Bruce that pictures this one in his recommended tools for checking spark.

I bought one and it does indeed work well.