Checking Spark?

[KCLOST]

I think this question is better off in this forum...<br />When checking the spark on Outboards... Is a spark indicator sufficient, or is it also necessary to check the spark intensity...<br /><br />I'm wanting to check my switch boxes while I have the time.....

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Checking Spark?

The way I always checked it is to break off the electrode of a known good plug and put it back in the spark plug wire. Hold it 1/2"-7/16" away from the block(Clean Ground) and crank it over to see if it will jump the distance. Make sure your battery is fully charged or you may get false readings. May not be the factory way, but if you have strong spark, it works... Hold the spark plug boot with insulated pliers or equivilent when checking for spark.

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Checking Spark?

Could you do basically the same thing, by just unplugging the wire lead (before starting) but still in close contact with the plug, and then move it 1/2"-7/17" away from the electrode of the plug after the engine has been started? Doing this for each wire...

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Checking Spark?

Yes. The main thing is to make sure you do not let it fire when the plug wire is away from the block. Having no load on the wires or not having them grounded when cranking can cause problems with the electronics. It may be hard to tell doing it your way just how far the spark is really jumping because of the boot, but give it a whirl. There are spark testers that you can adjust to see if it's firing the proper distance.

 

[bubbakat]

Re: Checking Spark?

this will tell you how to make a cheap and affordable spark tester web page