Testing for Spark with a Remote Start Switch, 1979 Johnson 70HP

[JM9966]

I have a Spark Tester, the inline style with a Light indicator. I remove the plug wire from the Spark Plug and then connect this Spark Tester onto the Spark Plug and then connect the Plug Wire to the other end of the Spark Tester.

I'm using a Remote Start Switch to turn the engine over. None of the 3 Spark Plugs "light the lamp".

I'm wondering if using a Remote Start Switch to turn the engine over is a valid way to test for Spark. Basically, I'm doing what I do to test compression. Or, do I need to use the electric start at the console.

I've never started the engine before and it's out of the water, so that's why I'm using a Remote Start Switch, as I have not inspected or changed the water pump yet.

Let me know your thoughts.


Thanks,
Jon

 

[saltchuckmatt]

If you have a remote you need to turn the key to the on position.

 

[F_R]

And kill switch lanyard attached.

 

[JM9966]

Appreciate the assistance guys!

All 3 Spark Plugs lit the test light, which I was very happy to see.

One word of caution that I learned. I was having a bit of a tough time seeing the spark tester light, so I went to shade the test light so I could see it better and I must have touched that area of the tester a bit, and I got a jolt of electricity. Don't do what I did this way!