Spark quality

[stonybrookpictures]

How can you measure the quality of your spark. Just because you see a spark at the plug does not mean that it is the right strength. Is there a procedure that allows one to measure the qaltiy of a spark?<br />I have a good quality volt meter and an induction AMP meter, is there some kind of adaptor or spark measuring? <br /><br />JM

 

[Laddies]

Re: Spark quality

You can't really measure the voltage without a analysiser with a cathode ray tube, the most common way to ck output voltage is with a adjustable spark gap tool--Bob

 

[andy6374]

Re: Spark quality

yeah what Laddies said. You can buy an adjustable spark gap tool at any auto parts store.<br /><br />-andy

 

[timmathis]

Re: Spark quality

You can make one also.

 

[pinkfloyd]

Re: Spark quality

It should jump about 3/4 inch.

 

[stonybrookpictures]

Re: Spark quality

Thanks I will pick up this tool. On a related point, while at the dock trying to figure out why i was missfiring, a local boater suggested that i disconect the plug wire from one plug at a time to determine which plug was not firing. I did not do this because i had heard that with a CD Ignition you should not run the engine with an ungrounded plug wire, is this right? The last thing i want to do is cause more problems.

 

[dakk1]

Re: Spark quality

I agree. I don't like to test ignition systems without everything grounded. Other people do it and get away with it. I don't feel that lucky. <br /><br />Dave..

 

[molsenice]

Re: Spark quality

doing that could (will) cost you a new cdi ($250) - experiance pays - you experiance - you pay.