Subject: how do you test for spark?

[Ben Swann]

I usually take a spare plug and pull the no. 1 wire ( or coil wire if need be).  Attache the no. 1 wire to the plug and ground the end - I do this so often that I have a large alligator clip to attah to the plug and ground the other end to a ground point on the head.  If you don't have alli. clips, you can just lay the plug end between the lift strap for grouding.  Crank the engine and you should see a good succession of blue/yellow sparks.  If not, double check grounding and continue to rule spark in/out to further narrow down the problem.

As always engine problems are due to 1) spark 2) fuel 3) compression - all of the right amount at the right time.

Ben

[Date: Fri, 04 Feb 2005 14:02:34 -0500
From: Kent McLean <kentmclean at mindspring.com>
Subject: how do you test for spark?
To: quattro-list <quattro at audifans.com>, V6-12V list
<v6-12v at audifans.com>
Message-ID: <4203C6CA.7010606 at mindspring.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

What's the best way to test for a spark at the spark plugs?

a) I have one of those little spark testers that let you
    turn a bolt to adjust the gap.  How big a gap?

b) Failing that (if I can't find the little tool), I'm going
    to pull a wire at the plug, insert a spare plug into the
    wire terminal, ground the plug, and then crank it.

Is there another, better way? Patient is my '94 100 V6.

--
Kent McLean
'94 100 S Avant
'89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy" is no more]