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spark tester proceedure

D

dahermit

Member
1948 8N, front mount distributor.
I have attempted to see if I have spark to the
plugs by pulling one of the wires, inserting a
plug in it and grounding it as I turn the engine
over...no spark visible. Someone here suggested a
"real" spark tester was the only way to go. So, I
purchase one that has an adjustable gap. The
instructions say to adjust the gap the same as
that which is normal for the plugs in the engine. Is that the
correct procedure for use with my 6 volt system
(it came from an auto parts store so its for 12
volts, I would assume), or should the gap on the
device be set to something else?
 
A spark tester is not 6 or 12 volts. The spark for the ignition system is in the 2500 volts plus range so 6 or 12 volts do not matter. That said likely your points need cleaned and or replaced. One way to check is this. Take the coil wire loss and then turn on the key. Touch the wire back on the coil and off again. You should see a spark when you do if the points are closed. If no spark then the points are dirty or the coil is bad
 
Old is right. An old spark plug laid on the manifold is just as good an indicator as a spark tester. 6 volt or 12 volts makes no difference. Put the charger on your battery and charge it up while you are removing the distributor and changing the points!
 
Just bought one of the in line testers--I was cheap and did not get the adjustable one-hadn't even tried it yet..I'm quite sure some will say its not worth having and it may not be--O well if it isn't, I have made it 61 yrs by gapping a plug and grounding it to the head to check for fire so I bet I can make it what few more times I will need one...and I might even break down and get the better one-who knows..
 
I saw a post here once where the plug used for testing was supposed to have the gap opened very wide. What was that all about?
 
(quoted from post at 23:53:02 10/12/14) I saw a post here once where the plug used for testing was supposed to have the gap opened very wide. What was that all about?
Click to expand...

Its a way to simulate spark under compression.. Sum'n VERY few folks understand and no one that has posted so far understands.. No wonder a no start issues takes for-ever to figger out here...

Until spark is confirmed with a spark tester set in the correct position its the blind leading the blind... We got lots of that with long winded posted with folks trying to prove how smart they are...

So tell what ya got so I can splain how to use it...
 
What I have is a mechanical device, one end is shaped like the end of a spark plug. The other end is an alligator clip that is intended to be clipped onto a ground. The part that is shaped like a spark plug can be screwed in or out to adjust the gap.
 



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