Using a Spark Tester

DC20

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Dec 5, 2007
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361
Just got the individual gap tester. I have a 6 cylinder motor. I understand you remove all of the plugs and ground the remaining 5.
What is the best way the ground the other plug wires?
 

mrcj001

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Jul 25, 2008
Messages
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Re: Using a Spark Tester

place them on top of a bolt head that are around the head. If not , just make sure they stay away from the spark plugswhen testing.
 

F_R

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Jul 7, 2006
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28,226
Re: Using a Spark Tester

If you were doing this all the time, you would get a tester that does all 6 at once. Othrwise, the best way is make up some wires with alligator clips on both ends. Clip one end in the boot and the other end to a ground.
 

SeaKaye12

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Jul 3, 2005
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Re: Using a Spark Tester

If you have electronic ignition it's pretty important to be sure they are grounded. You might make up a simple device that has 5 quarter inch bolts sticking out of a piece of wood....all wired together with an alligator clip on the end of a wire.

Push the spark plug boots onto each of the five bolts...and clip the alligator clip onto an engine ground.
 

DC20

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Re: Using a Spark Tester

Yes, electronic ignition. I am making something right now to ground the other 5.
Does it matter if the plugs are in or out?
Thanks guys.
 

DC20

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Dec 5, 2007
Messages
361
Re: Using a Spark Tester

Well I found intermittent spark on the port side, top and bottom, the middle looked ok.
I think this might account for the occasional miss I have.
I have another thread for that, thanks for the help.
 

SeaKaye12

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Re: Using a Spark Tester

Does it matter if the plugs are in or out?
Thanks guys.

You would typically have all the plugs out if only to enable faster spin-over and less strain on the starter and battery.
 
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