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Posted by: billh1963 Jun 28 2013, 06:12 PM

I don't have any helpers this weekend and want to check for spark at the spark plugs (or at least spark from the coil). I don't have a remote starter so what options do I have for testing (seeing) the spark?

Probably a simple problem but I'm at a loss.....

UPDATE 7-26: The cause of my problem was a shorted out tachometer! Once the tachometer was unplugged, I had ignition. A replacement tach was put in and the car runs fine. I would have never thought of that.....

Posted by: 914_teener Jun 28 2013, 06:29 PM

Screwdriver with an insulated handle....and size to fit inside the spark plug cap.... and then find a good ground somewhere SAFE...... not on the fuel rail!

Look for a strong spark.

Posted by: r_towle Jun 28 2013, 06:33 PM

Distributor cover off
Rotor off
Key on in ignition to run position

Take a screw driver and open and close the points...you should see a spark.

If you want to do the plug wires , use an ohm meter

Posted by: billh1963 Jun 28 2013, 06:36 PM

So....maybe run a wire from the screwdriver to the door latch or some other exposed metal that I can see while turning over the engine?

No points...electronic ignition

Posted by: stugray Jun 28 2013, 06:41 PM

you can also:

pull plug wire, hook to extra spark plug & lay plug on engine case.
insert small piece of paper in the plug gap.
crank engine.

if you can find a hole in the paper, then you have confirmation of spark.
if you do not see one, that is NOT definitive evidence of NO-spark.

(positive test only).

DISCLAIMER: dont try this with fuel leaks..... (or any open spark tests for that matter ;-)

Stu

Posted by: malcolm2 Jun 28 2013, 07:21 PM

I just bought a cool tool from harbor freight. $4.99 at my store, $3.99 7/1. It does not fit our spark plugs or the plug connector. But I found a place lie it down and mock it up where all the connections were touching and it worked. It is called a spark tester.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=spark+tester

You put it between the installed plug and the plug wire. Look thru the back window and see the blinky light as you crank. All my trunk lids are off, so it makes it easier to see, but I bet you can work it out.

Posted by: brant Jun 28 2013, 07:45 PM

A remote starter switch is 10 or so dollars at the flaps and could be built for less

Posted by: worn Jun 28 2013, 09:54 PM

I set it up and look through the back window. Buti also slotted the engine cover hinge tabs so I can pull the cover intwo minuteson my own. A mirror can help.

Posted by: Dave_Darling Jun 28 2013, 10:02 PM

Brant's got the best answer--remote starter switch. Just a push-button and some wires is all it takes.

--DD

Posted by: The Cabinetmaker Jun 29 2013, 04:03 PM

Another here for a remote switch. Its just a momentary switch,like a starter switch on a boat, or old tractor

Posted by: McMark Jun 29 2013, 04:37 PM

Timing light. If it flashes, it sparked.

Posted by: billh1963 Jul 26 2013, 02:10 PM

Problem solved...see update in first post

Posted by: Bartlett 914 Jul 26 2013, 04:20 PM

Shorted Tach? Wow I wouldn't have gone there first that's for sure. There is probably an electrolytic cap at the input that went bad. It would act like a shorted condensor which is also a capacitor. Electrolytic caps have a limited life span.