How do you check spark on a 1 cyl. outboard?

[mobyjaws]

Lacking a third arm, I am having a hard time holding the tiller, starter rope and plug at the same time. Any suggestions on checking spark all by my lonesome? Thanks, MJ.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: How do you check spark on a 1 cyl. outboard?

I just go get my next door neighbor. He comes over, and I have him stick his finger in the spark plug boot and hold onto the cylinder with the other hand. If he yells real loud when I pull the rope, it's got spark. He's helped me out that way three times now. I don't know what I'm going to do when he figures it out.

I don't have a good answer for you. I've always had to get someone to watch for the spark or pull the rope.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: How do you check spark on a 1 cyl. outboard?

Tape the plug to the head or block then pull gently in a dark place.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: How do you check spark on a 1 cyl. outboard?

Go to your local auto parts store and get one of those little cheap spark testers.

 

[mobyjaws]

Re: How do you check spark on a 1 cyl. outboard?

I just go get my next door neighbor. He comes over, and I have him stick his finger in the spark plug boot and hold onto the cylinder with the other hand. If he yells real loud when I pull the rope, it's got spark. He's helped me out that way three times now. I don't know what I'm going to do when he figures it out.

I don't have a good answer for you. I've always had to get someone to watch for the spark or pull the rope.

My neighbor is smarter than yours. He moved!

 

[mobyjaws]

Re: How do you check spark on a 1 cyl. outboard?

Go to your local auto parts store and get one of those little cheap spark testers.

Those yahoos get confused when I ask where the restroom is. What do you mean by a spark tester? I'm a yahoo too. Thanks , MJ.

 

[saumon]

Re: How do you check spark on a 1 cyl. outboard?

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/sjdiscounttools_1955_5661601

less than 10$

 

[mobyjaws]

Re: How do you check spark on a 1 cyl. outboard?

Thanks saumon. That's just what the doctor ordered. I enjoy zapping friends and relatives as much as the next guy but no one seems to be around when I'm working on stuff anymore. Go figure. MJ

 

[Scaaty]

Re: How do you check spark on a 1 cyl. outboard?

I simply made one with a length of wire, and 2 clips. One large one that will go around the plug body, other to ground. Just let it hang where ya can see the plug (in boot of course)...give it a yank..

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: How do you check spark on a 1 cyl. outboard?

I simply made one with a length of wire, and 2 clips. One large one that will go around the plug body, other to ground. Just let it hang where ya can see the plug (in boot of course)...give it a yank..

Best one yet and a big saving on the duct tape I use !!! LOL

 

[mobyjaws]

Re: How do you check spark on a 1 cyl. outboard?

I simply made one with a length of wire, and 2 clips. One large one that will go around the plug body, other to ground. Just let it hang where ya can see the plug (in boot of course)...give it a yank..

Very clever. Cheap too. Thanks for the tip. MJ

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: How do you check spark on a 1 cyl. outboard?

find a friend who also has arms