check firing?

[noah4009]

What is the easiest, safest way to check if a cylinder, coil or plug is firing?

 

[slasmith1]

Re: check firing?

pull the plugs, connect the plug to the plug wire and ground the other end to the block, turn over motor, watch for spark

 

[noah4009]

Re: check firing?

Now I touched a plug wire to a car while running and, yep I got lite up. Will I get shocked if I hold the wire? You said the end of the block. Meaning the part under the head?

 

[slasmith1]

Re: check firing?

anywhere on the block just needs to make contact with ground

 

[noah4009]

Re: check firing?

Safest way? How do I hold wire or what do I hold it with? Without getting zapped

 

[fishrdan]

Re: check firing?

Will I get shocked if I hold the wire?

YES, just ask my buddy who held up the disconnected coil wire and asked "is this important" right when I was cranking over the engine. Yes, I could have not cranked over then engine, but I couldn't help myself....

When you remove a plug wire 2 things will happen,

-the engine will run different if it's firing
-the engine will run the same if it's not firing

Oh forgot the 3rd, if you are the best path to ground, you will now be the spark plug...

 

[fishrdan]

Re: check firing?

Safest way? How do I hold wire or what do I hold it with? Without getting zapped

leather gloves work for me

 

[noah4009]

Re: check firing?

Did as you guys said. I just used a piece of cardboard to hold. Both plugs are firing. Plenty of spark.
Thanks for the help