Spark tester

[Russell Dewsnup]

Can I use an inline spark tester like I would use between a spark plug and the plug wire to check for spark, Between the big post on the ignition coil and the wire going to the distributor cap, to check for spark from he coil to distributor?

 

[old]

Yes but it is just as simple and way cheaper to just pull the wire out of the cap and hold it close to the block and spin it over. Not tester needed and you need a good blue/white spark that jumps a 1/4 inch gap or more

 

[Moonlite37]

I made a good one out of a spark plug, a small band of sheet metal and an alligator clip. After II made mine I saw that AC made one that looks the same. I must add set the gap abut a quarter inch. I do not like to get a shock

 

[KenL]

A real good tester is a friend or neighbor. Have them hold the end of the wire. Warning, you will run out of friends.

 

[John T]

About any kind of a gap across which the current arc jumps will suffice for a visual spark indicator. I believe a gap of 3/16 inch in air is close to the same as around a 0.025 gap under low maybe old tractor engine compression. If you simply pull the coil wire out of the cap (coil end left intact) and place that end somewhere around 3/16 to 1/4 inch or so from tractor steel/iron with the ignition on, each time the points break open (by cranking engine or you open them manually) and the coil fires you should see a good visible blue (NOT an faint thin wimpy hard to see yellow) spark. THATS A POOR MANS SPARK TESTER

John T

 

[WGM]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OREGON-42-087-SPARK-TESTER-19051-19368/291977884466?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

[Hobo,NC]

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

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... 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...

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...

This is one issue I will fight anyone over till you stress the ignition and confirmed it with a tester you are just blowing bad information out your arse...



https://www.amazon.com/Thexton-THE404-Spark-Tester/dp/B0002STSBM

 

[Hobo,NC]

 

[T.R.K.]

I don't see why not. I use one all the time checking the coils on small engines. It should work fine on an HEI coil.
You probably won't see it flash unless the engine is turning slow. At 3600 rpm it just glows.

But in my case, at least, it does let one know if it is spark or something else if the engine stops.