Re: Checking Plug Wires

[erict@cta.com (Eric Thorstenson)]

Al said:
----
So the only dependable - and safe - way that I know of to test HEI
systems is with a scope.  RATS!!!!  -- say all us shade-tree types.
----

Well, not entirely. Simply clip your inductive timing
light to each of the plug wires in turn, and look for
the flash. Put the pickup as near to the plug as possible.
If the wire is shorting to ground, or crossfiring, it
will be obvious - i.e., no flash.

Incidentally, this also works well for identifying
fouled or cracked-and-shorting plugs, though I'm not sure
why, since the current still has to pass the pickup to
get there. Go figure.

Checking them by hand?? Can't say I've ever done it on
purpose.... I'd probably start sending "unsubscribe" to 
list....

Eric T.     '86 5kS
erict@ra.cta.com