Checking spark

Ok, this might be a dummy question, but with reguards to checking spark, what are the differant ways to do this? I've always pulled the plug, held it with insulated pliers and looked for a spark.

Art

Re: Checking spark

Proper way is to get an open air gap tester available at auto parts stores. They are cheap and adjustable.

Re: Checking spark

You can also use an inductive timing light

Re: Checking spark

An inductive timing light will tell you if you have spark, an air gap tester set to the right gap will tell you if the coils are producing the proper spark voltage, nice blue color.

Re: Checking spark

Great, thx for the info.

Art

Re: Checking spark

Here is my process - for a 4 cylinder 85 HP
1.I made 3 wires with large "alligator clips on each end - I used 14 gauge electric wire for these wires (each wire is about 12 inches long)
2. Remove all 4 plugs (no compression allows the engine to turn over quicker)
3. Set the open air gap spark tester with a gap of 7/16 inch
3. Attach the open air gap spark tester to the 1st spark plug boot, attach other end of the spark plug tester to the block to get good grounding (mine came with an attached alligator clip)
4. Insert each additional plug back into the appropriate spark plug wire boot (keep track of which plug goes with each wire/cylinder)...attach the bottom of the spark plug to one of the large alligator clips from the wires made in step 1...attach the other end of the wire to a place on the block to get good grounding
5. Turn the engine over and watch for the spark jump...should be a strong spark over the 7/16 inch gap

Repeat steps 3 - 5 for each plug