CK5
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Spark tester
- Thread starter Mastiff
- Start date
This the 1 I use. Clips to ground and plug wire, hands free.
If you get spark with this you have a strong spark
If you get spark with this you have a strong spark
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2000
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In-Line Spark Checker
Amazing deals on this Inline Spark Checker at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
I use one like this.
I was looking at that, but not having to remove the boot from the plug and all that could be pretty convenient.In-Line Spark Checker
Amazing deals on this Inline Spark Checker at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.www.harborfreight.com
I use one like this.
This is the one I use, best system I believeIn-Line Spark Checker
Amazing deals on this Inline Spark Checker at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
I use one like this.
And possibly get shocked
I have one like that, and also one like in Post #3 with all of my VW tools... and I have never used either of them.
recent issues with the TBI 350 made me realize they are probably not the best diagnostic tool for HEI systems. so I bought one similar to what was linked there in Post #2, and it was advertised as being specific for HEI systems... and is supposed to have higher resistance than the spark plug, so if your HEI system has a weak spark for some reason, it is more likely to fail and not produce a spark with this style. I like it. I may order another for the desert tool sets.
I have used my timing light to check for spark in a similar way. If the light flashes, there is current in the plug wire. Although if you're working on a small engine without a battery you need another source of 12V power.
I have found this is a poor way to check spark. If the plug is bad, you get no pulse. I spent hours chasing a no spark issue on a van this way when it was 8 bad plugs that were way overdue for replacement (intermittent weak spark didn't trigger the light but would fire partially) and the real issue was the distributor being 180 out.
I prefer something that checks spark with the plug removed. If the old plug gives no spark, install a new one and work up the system from there.
Yeah, but the inline tester doesn't show spark with a bad plug either. If the plug was shorted, either method could work, but typical plug problems are fouling/buildup and cracked insulator (which is similar to broken wire insulation).
