Re: Testing for spark
Here's what I do....I'm sure others have their own method and will chime in.<br /><br />First, yes...there is a good chance that if you grab the plug wire with your bare hand while the motor is cranking, it will "shock the crap out of you". If you need grab the wire, use insulated pliers.<br /><br />Second, I would buy a spark checker from any auto parts store. Typically cost about $5. You can build your own (do a search here...been described several times on the forum), but for $5, I'd go the other route.<br /><br />Remove all spark plugs (won't crank fast enough for a good check if you don't). Attach the spark checker to one of the plug wires, and use a test lead to ground the spark checker to the engine block. Ground all the other plug wires to the engine block with test leads.<br /><br />Have someone turn the engine over while you observe the spark checker. Spark should jump about a 1/2 inch gap and be bright blue. <br /><br />Note that you don't want the spark checker immediately behind one of the spark plug holes. Fuel vapour will be exiting the spark plug holes as you turn over the engine...you don't want a spark to ignite it. That is also why you ground the other plug wires. <br /><br />Some spark checkers allow you to check more than one wire at a time.<br /><br />Good luck.
