Andrew B. Lundgren wrote:
>
> On Sat, 21 Nov 1998 18:06:16 -0500, Chris Chandler wrote:
>
> >
> >It cranks but doesn't fire. At this point the only thing I can think of
> >is that it isn't getting spark. Could someone explain to me how I would
> >go about checking for spark?
>
> There are at least two ways. You can pick which one you want to use.
>
> One: Pull of a spark plug wire; sick a phillips screw driver about the
> same size as the tip of your plug into the wire contact. Then hold
> onto the metal part of the screw driver with one hand and lean
> (preferably in shorts) against the side of the car. Then have a helper
> turn the ignition over. The person who is turning the engine over will
> be able to tell you if there is a spark if you are not sure. If you
> did get a spark, and are willing to continue more with option one, pull
> a plug out, hold tightly to the metal base, continue leaning against
> the car and have the helper turn the engine over again. As with before
> the helper should be able to tell you if there was a spark if you
> missed it.
>
> Two: Pull of a spark plug wire; sick a phillips screw driver about the
> same size as the tip of your plug into the wire contact. Then hold
> onto the INSULATED part of the screwdriver. Hold the metal part of the
> screw driver close the a ground on the car. (The air rail is pretty
> easy to reach from where you will be if you still have one.) Don't
> ground yourself to the car or anything else. (Unless you want to try to
> make things a little more interesting.) Have a helper turn the engine
> over. If there is spark you will see it jump between the screw driver
> and the ground. If you aren't seeing any move it to a point where it
> is almost touching the ground and keep watching. (It is ok to touch
> the ground accidentally in my experience.) If you do get a spark, pull
> the plug out, stick it in the wire; ground the metal base of the plug
> and see if there is a spark when the engine is turned over. (The
> helper won't be able to tell you if there was a spark using this
> method.
>
> If case you are wondering option one really will work, it won't kill
> you. (Unless maybe you already have a bad heart...) And you will
> REALLY know if there is spark, and you probably will go with option
> two, unless you liked it...
You will also get a cool new nick name, right "Sparky"?
Mark "Sparky" Snowdon, I got mine when trying to pull the spark plug
wire off a running engine. Same effect, not recommended.
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