How do you test for spark when working alone?

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markh28

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 12, 2008
Messages
93
Trying to test for proper spark on an Evinrude 1964 60hp v4 (model 60452). I have a spark checker but no one to turn the key for me. I have heard of jumping the starter, but I dont know if I should do this, or how to do it.
 
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bob johnson

Rear Admiral
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Feb 25, 2009
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Re: How do you test for spark when working alone?

markh28 said:
Trying to test for proper spark on an Evinrude 1964 60hp v4 (model 60452). I have a spark checker but no one to turn the key for me. I have heard of jumping the starter, but I dont know if I should do this, or how to do it.
Click to expand...

use the spark tester and test in the dark...you can look back and see the spark from the key location

bob
 
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wilde1j

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: How do you test for spark when working alone?

This is what you want. The other is just for four stroke motors.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-7200-thexton-404.aspx

or you can make one ... search needle gap spark tester ... Joe Reeves describes how to.

Found it:

That engine requires a 7/16" gap for a spark test. Have the spark plugs removed in order to obtain the fastest cranking speed available.

(Spark Tester - Home Made)
(J. Reeves)

A spark tester can be made with a piece of 1x4 or 1x6, drive a few finishing nails through it, then bend the pointed ends at a right angle. You can then adjust the gap by simply twisting the nail(s). Solder a spark plug wire to one which you can connect to the spark plug boots, and a ground wire of some kind to the other to connect to the powerhead somewhere. Use small alligator clips on the other end of the wires to connect to ground and to the spark plug connector that exists inside of the rubber plug boot.

Using the above, one could easily build a spark tester whereas they could connect 2, 4, 6, or 8 cylinders all at one time. The ground nail being straight up, the others being bent, aimed at the ground nail. A typical 4 cylinder tester follows:


..........X1..........X2

.................X..(grd)

..........X3..........X4

Remote starter switch use:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=183904
 
1stgenbird

1stgenbird

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2009
Messages
397
Re: How do you test for spark when working alone?

Get a long piece of wire with alligator clips on both ends. Clip one on the end of the spark plug wire and another on part of your body. As you turn the key, you will tell if there is a spark or not, no question.


Only kidding. Don't try this at home.
 
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F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: How do you test for spark when working alone?

markh28 said:
Trying to test for proper spark on an Evinrude 1964 60hp v4 (model 60452). I have a spark checker but no one to turn the key for me. I have heard of jumping the starter, but I dont know if I should do this, or how to do it.
Click to expand...

Make yourself a handy test wire with an alligator clip on each end. Or go to Radio Shack and buy one. Nice to have for other reasons too.

Clip one end to the + battery terminal. Touch the other end to one of the two small nuts on the starting solenoid. Starter should run and you should have spark IF the key is turned on.

WARNING! If you touch it to the wrong small nut, you will instantly fry the safety switch (beside belt pulley). Best to pull the wire off the safety switch and ground it (the wire). Then if you touch to the wrong small nut, nothing bad will happen except sparks.
 
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Philip_G

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 6, 2010
Messages
634
Re: How do you test for spark when working alone?

I lick my pinky and stick it in the plug boot and give her a rip :D

No I use a tester as mentioned, I think it was less than $5
 
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