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Discussion Topic:
Checking spark at plugs
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juergen |
05-30-2016 @ 8:11 AM
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Member
Posts: 259
Joined: Jan 2010
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And to see if you have enough spark, remove the wire and hold the end about 1/4 inch from a head bolt. You should see a blue spark. If it is only orange, you do not have enough voltage at the spark plug terminal. If you have an external coil, repeat the test there when cranking the engine to see if the problem is at the coil end or in the distributor/rotor/wiring to the spark terminal.
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TomO |
05-30-2016 @ 8:01 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7264
Joined: Oct 2009
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To check if you are getting spark at the plugs with the engine running, just use a screwdriver with an insulated handle placed between the spark plug connector and near a head nut.
Tom
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rogbell |
05-30-2016 @ 7:15 AM
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New Member
Posts: 106
Joined: Dec 2009
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Thanks BT, didn't even think about the timing light being for a 12v system. I'll try your other suggestion.
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BUCKAWHO |
05-30-2016 @ 4:52 AM
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Member
Posts: 96
Joined: Feb 2016
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Hi....Your modern timing light is probably for twelve-volt systems, so if your car is still six volt, you would need to power the light with an additional twelve volt battery, then just trigger the light from your number one plug wire as you would do normally. To see if your plugs are getting spark, remove a plug, attach the plug wire, lay the plug on the head, and turn over the engine while looking at the plug to see if it does spark. BT
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rogbell |
05-29-2016 @ 3:47 PM
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New Member
Posts: 106
Joined: Dec 2009
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Is there an easy way to check if I'm getting spark at the plugs on my '36 V8? Before I take the distributor caps off to check if the wires are properly seated, can I use a modern timing light and where would I connect the negative clamp. I believe the positive clamp would just attach to the chassis.
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