Test for Spark

Howdy,

I am looking at buying these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-4-In-lin ... fresh=true

To me it makes sense to be able to test all 4 at the same time and find out what each spark plug is doing.

Has anybody used this setup or have a recommendation for a particular product?

 

Never seen those, but for $16 its not not exactly going to go wrong.

I'm curious as to how much they tell you, though. Like, it's hard to get an idea of what the spark plugs are doing using these beyond the kind of "yes or no" test. If you're having trouble with your coils, maybe it could isolate one.

 

Here is a video of how they work:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... m3qbI#t=94

I am just curious if somebody uses different testing devices besides grounding the spark plug to the engine.

 

yes thinking of getting a set of these, would also come in handy for cars, assuming the plugs ar'nt down deep holes.
around £10 here

stu

 

what da heck is a voltimiter ?

 

I've used them for situations where the ignition is too far from the plugs, but I can still see the plugs while starting the vehicle. I do know that they don't work too well on older ignition systems (secondary voltage is too low to jump the gap in the device). If you get a set that has an adjustable spark gap then you'll have a tool that will be useful for diagnosing everything from magneto systems to HEI.

Oh, since the tool is used to check the viability of the coils, you only will need two for a simultaneous diagnosis on an XJ. Our bikes have a wasted spark ignition system.

 

Thanks Moe, if only 2 are needed and it is better to have one adjustable maybe I should try this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3020-UNIVERSAL- ... 0c&vxp=mtr

 

I just attempted to use a tool similar to this an found it didn't fit properly. My bike has plugs with a concentrically ringed tip and I couldn't get proper contact. If your bike doesn't have bulb ended plugs you'll probably have to modify the testers somehow.
Chrome

 

Dragon Warrior: Don't waste your money.

 

Duck: Explain your logic

 

Plugs come with the "bulb ends", either loose in the box (for motorcyle applications), or installed on the plug (automotive applications).

 

I'll take a best guess. Removing the plug and grounding it to the engine is free. See my comment above about being able to reach the starter button while holding the plug to ground.

While I have a spark-gap tester, I've only used it five times over a 20 year period.

Now if you want a light show while going down the road at night.....

 

Thank you.

 

Thanks, dude. You pretty much nailed it; plus they have the wrong type ends for our bikes' plug caps.