Spark diagnostic tool

[isham-research.freeserve.co.uk at pop.pol.net.uk]

> The spark tool is no better than just holding the
> wire above a ground point.

Sounds like you've never used one.  The difference is night and day:

a) Even a good spark can be invisible in sunlight from a few feet.  With
   the spark cell, you can see it from across the street.

b) You will NEVER see parasitic sparking with the plug held above a
   ground point.

c) Again, with the spark cell in circuit the engine will run normally.
   With a plug held above a ground point, at least one cylinder is
   getting no spark.  Unless the plug hole is sealed (i.e., you're
   using a spare plug) you won't even have compression in the 'dead'
   cylinder either.

d) Waving plugs around ground points with solid state ignition systems
   is bloody dangerous.  An Audi I5 in good health produces one hell
   of a charge - more than enough to be very dangerous if it takes the
   wrong path through a mechanic.

--
 Phil Payne
 http://www.isham-research.freeserve.co.uk/quattro
 Phone +44 7785 302803   Fax: +44 7785 309674