A "Spark Plug Extender/Extension"

[baugh009]

I have an old Craftsman engine analyzer that I want to use on my equally old truck. Had two of the "gizmos" referred to in the title in my toolbox years ago, but they have gone by the way of, "unacceptable losses." I have no clue if either of the names above come close to being accurate.

It's a little metal "do-dad" that slips over the top of number 1 spark plug, and on the top end of it is pushed-on the spark plug wire. This allows for the clamping of a wire from the analyzer to it.

The guy at NAPA said that should, "Join the 21st Century." Apparently, that's difficult for some of us to do.

Does anyone out there 1) know of a source from which to buy this, "gizmo"; 2) have one that would sell me; or, 3) know of something that can be, "jerry-rigged" that might work. (My mechanical ability trails my enjoyment of things mechanical by a significant margin.)

Thanks in advance.

 

[signcrafter]

I have an old Craftsman engine analyzer that I want to use on my equally old truck. Had two of the "gizmos" referred to in the title in my toolbox years ago, but they have gone by the way of, "unacceptable losses." I have no clue if either of the names above come close to being accurate.

It's a little metal "do-dad" that slips over the top of number 1 spark plug, and on the top end of it is pushed-on the spark plug wire. This allows for the clamping of a wire from the analyzer to it.

The guy at NAPA said that should, "Join the 21st Century." Apparently, that's difficult for some of us to do.

Does anyone out there 1) know of a source from which to buy this, "gizmo"; 2) have one that would sell me; or, 3) know of something that can be, "jerry-rigged" that might work. (My mechanical ability trails my enjoyment of things mechanical by a significant margin.)

Thanks in advance.

Can you find a picture of one online? Also what analyzer is it if you can find a similar one online?

 

[metaleltr]

I recall a similar item that was like a spring that went between the plug and the wire for a timing light that did not have an inductive pickup, is that what you are speaking of ?

 

[F124C]

Can you pull back the rubber boot on the plug lead at the spark plug and connect directly to the metal terminal?

Al.

 

[MattVette89]

What about using an inline spark tester and modifying it for your needs?

 

[Richard Cranium]

I can't picture what you are asking for in my head, we need a picture so we know what you are talking about.

 

[metaleltr]

Found picture

 

[gdocktor3]

Not an inline spark tester like this that you can modify

 

[ChevyEFI]

I have a vintage timing light with coil spring meant to fit inline of the plug and pick-up wire. My neighbor gave it to me before he moved.

Your NAPA guy is right.

Having used the light a couple times, I positively encourage you to pick up a light with inductive pick-up. It's a most satisfying purchase, and involves the 20th Century, rather than the 21st.

 

[baugh009]

Was genau meinst du damit?
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A "field expedient" item, either one piece, or multiple pieces, that will function as the original.

PS: Yo recibo un "D" en el germain a la universidad de George Washington. Y, yo soy 50% germain.:

 

[baugh009]

Can you find a picture of one online? Also what analyzer is it if you can find a similar one online?

I have tried, and will continue to do so.

 

[baugh009]

What about using an inline spark tester and modifying it for your needs?

Possibly. I'll have to cogitate on it awhile.

 

[baugh009]

I have a vintage timing light with coil spring meant to fit inline of the plug and pick-up wire. My neighbor gave it to me before he moved.

That is it!!!! I have an inductive light, and undoubtedly that's from where it came. Now, I guess I have to buy a third timing light to get what I need.

 

[baugh009]

Metaleltr described it better than I did:

"I recall a similar item that was like a spring that went between the plug and the wire for a timing light that did not have an inductive pickup, is that what you are speaking of ?"
__________________

 

[PJNJ]

Here's a non-working timing light with the spring "doo-dad". Make him a cheap offer -
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALL-PRO-TIM...:g:j0QAAOSwECZUnD7s&item=322068145620&vxp=mtr

And another -
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALL-PRO-TIM...:g:ZbQAAOSwBLlVM-CA&item=321730503796&vxp=mtr

Here's an adapter someone made. It appears to use a spark plug tip and spark plug wire terminal. Edit - the more I look at it, it appears to be a bolt with the head cut off one end and the other end ground into the shape of a spark plug end stud.

 

[vssjim]

Most of the companies that made those timing lights stopped selling those adapters along time ago or went out of business. Probably just make one as best you can.

 

[619DioFan]

Just pick up a spring from any hardware store that fits tight on the spark plug. since various lengths are available should be a cheap and easy solution.

 

[MattVette89]

Not an inline spark tester like this that you can modify

I'm not sure if it would work or not. He asked for a piece to fit over the spark plug and into the spark plug boot. That's exactly what an inline spark tester does. Then he needs a place to clamp on to, which could be accomplished by cutting the insulation.

It's a piece that's easily available at the parts store for $5.

 

[MattVette89]

Here's an adapter someone made. It appears to use a spark plug tip and spark plug wire terminal. Edit - the more I look at it, it appears to be a bolt with the head cut off one end and the other end ground into the shape of a spark plug end stud.

Based on that photo, he could make one out of an HEI spark checker, it looks similar:

 

[theoldwizard1]

Original



I seem to recall a guy I used to work back (way back when) made one out of a piece of annealed copper tubing with some strategic crimps. He might have solder a screw on plug cap/terminal/top to the one end.

 

[MShaw]

This is what I had with my first timing light that I bought in 1960. It is a snap on MT-16 and has a 1958 date code.

 

[baugh009]

Got two springs from ACE to modify in some fashion as PJNJ and MATTVETT89 show in their attached photos. Will try and remember to post how it comes out. Thanks for all that responded.

 

[Ramblin Man]

Got two springs from ACE to modify in some fashion as PJNJ and MATTVETT89 show in their attached photos. Will try and remember to post how it comes out. Thanks for all that responded.

If those do not work satisfactorily, the springs out of a coil on plug boot might work, maybe. Think Ford 4.6, 5.4L type. They will fit the top of your plugs, and fit in your plug wire boots.

I hope something works out for you.

 

[baugh009]

Thanks Ramblin Man.

 

[gungatim]

I just use a spring, which is all a lot of them had to begin with...