The magnetic field in the high-tension lead is inducing voltage, hence a
current
and spark, across the screwdriver. All electric currents do this, in fact,
motors, coils and solenoids depend on it. Too much and you'll get a miss or
possibly cross-firing.
If you don't have a miss I wouldn't worry about it. The only way to prevent it
would be to use some sort of shielding that is grounded to the engine (like
coax
cable has). I think that's also why some ignition systems use 8mm wires
(Healeys' are 7mm, I believe), and 'modern' wires are wire-wound or otherwise
shielded (also to reduce radio noise).
If you grab the lead with your bare hands you'll be able to detect the field as
well ;) (PLEASE DON'T DO THIS)
bs
wpollock@inbox wrote:
> All summer I have had a persistant miss and I finally cured that by putting a
> new wire on #6. At the same time,when I hold a screw driver to touch the
> high tension coil- distributor wire and the end of the screw driver touching
> the engine I get a spark. This was true with the old wire as well as brand
> new wire. Should I get this spark and if not what is the cure? It is a very
> tiny spark with both the old and new wire and can only be see in the dark.
>
> Bill Pollock
**************************************************************
Bob Spidell San Jose, CA bspidell@comcast.net
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