best tool for spark testing?

[bert.]

whats your go to tool for a quick check to see if a car is sparking when it wont go? i'm looking for a tool to check now i've changed jobs and there is none in the workshop the old shop used one that looked like a sparkplug with a earth clamp on it simple quick and easy.
what are you guys using?

 

[Stick]

KD Tools 2756 also known as AC Delco ST-125.

 

[RECox286]

An old spark plug that has been modified by attaching a big

clamp to the threaded part of the plug works well, and costs

nearly zip.

Uncle Bob

 

[Givl Reggin]

I like this style because you don't have to take the plug wire off...

Lisle 19380 Spark Tester -
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002STS3U/awh

 

[zakmartin]

You're best off getting an inductive tester, since the required tool can vary depending on if the engine is coil-on-plug or uses a distributor set-up. Also, you can never go wrong with an automotive scope, but those can be a bit expensive. In a lot of newer cars, you can't even get to the rear bank of spark plugs without removing the intake, throttle and/or plenum, so checking for spark requires a bit of probing. A good scope makes that a lot easier.

 

[george4]

KD Tools 2756 also known as AC Delco ST-125.

Will these also work on small engines such as a lawnmower or chain saw by pulling on the starter cord?

 

[Michael Bryce Winnick]

I find that physically grabbing a spark plug wire will let me know that the wire is bad. The best way to do it with out shock or pain is to ask someone else to do it for you.

 

[FiendFX]

I'm using this one. Best IMO. You can adjust the gap to see if the coil is weak.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002STSBM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[zakmartin]

I'm using this one. Best IMO. You can adjust the gap to see if the coil is weak.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002STSBM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've got one of those in my box and will vouch for it. Works great and lets you know what kind of gap the spark is capable of making an arc across. The only problem is they're not useful for COP applications. Other than that, a thumbs-up.

 

[joecon]

I use a screwdriver if i can ,stick the end in the wire boot and hold the
plastic handle. If I have to crank the car myself I have a matco set with
a tester and a bunch of adapters that let you put it were you can see it.

 

[fordbroncodave]

TOOLAIDE makes a spark test kit with adapters for about $15. Best set to have

 

[torqueman2002]

KD Tools 2756 also known as AC Delco ST-125.

I use 2 on waste-spark set ups.

 

[not-required]

I use a screwdriver if i can ,stick the end in the wire boot and hold the
plastic handle. If I have to crank the car myself I have a matco set with
a tester and a bunch of adapters that let you put it were you can see it.

I did this in school once and mis-diagnosed the car. It had enough to juice to jump using the screwdiver but not the actual plug. I have used a spark tester from then on and never had a problem.

 

[willett]

Timing light works just fine, if it doesnt light up, plug isnt firing

 

[FiendFX]

Timing light works just fine, if it doesnt light up, plug isnt firing

never tried that but that's interesting.

 

[vga]

I use a spark tester . Quick and easy. As others have posted above a spark plug will also work if done correctly.

 

[mncountrydoc]

I have the Snap on inline testers and also a spark board that I can do up to 8 cylinders at A time

 

[Gary S]

Timing light works just fine, if it doesnt light up, plug isnt firing

Same here. It is the only method I've ever used.

 

[vssjim]

I use 2 on waste-spark set ups.

These testers really load up the coil and make it work, this is the real load test for cars I work on. If it will spark this it is good if not it is not good period.

 

[uniballer]

I like this style because you don't have to take the plug wire off...

Lisle 19380 Spark Tester -
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002STS3U/awh

I have one of those but its by SO.

 

[torqueman2002]

These testers really load up the coil and make it work, this is the real load test for cars I work on. If it will spark this it is good if not it is not good period.

Yes, they are a dealer required tool for testing GM ignition systems.

Cheap and simple to use, with clear results. You may need to get clever on some coil on plug applications.

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

Best is a non-technical friend or dumb apprentice..."Here, Chuck, hold this wire up so it doesn't gey oil on it while I go..."
"AAAAAIIIIEEEEEEE"
Adding the audio alert is very convenient, and you can gauge spark intensity by the length of the response.

 

[JASTECH]

I have a Snappy spark tester, plugs and coils testing made easy, also allows you too check spark strength too. I do still use screwdrivers too but you need to create resistance via the gap and look at colour of spark.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

TOOLAIDE makes a spark test kit with adapters for about $15. Best set to have

You're probably talking about the Tooaide In-line Spark Checker kit for recessed plugs, item * 23970.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OCKJDW/?tag=atomicindus08-20



I use that as my primary tester and it is very well made....

 

[cammok5]

this is a cool tester for C O P just set it on the coil. not worth the money imho though.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/COP963/ADJUSTABLE-COIL-ON-PLUG-PROBE/

 

[dsmnickk90]

this is a cool tester for C O P just set it on the coil. not worth the money imho though.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/COP963/ADJUSTABLE-COIL-ON-PLUG-PROBE/

http://www.tooltopia.com/waekon-76562.aspx
here the same thing but a $50 bucks cheaper.

 

[torqueman2002]

this is a cool tester for C O P just set it on the coil. not worth the money imho though.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/COP963/ADJUSTABLE-COIL-ON-PLUG-PROBE/

We tested Waekon proto-types, as a possible required GM tool, too many false passes/fails.

We passed.

 

[bert.]

humm i work for a "gm" dealer holden in australia i'll have to see if they can sorce the st-125

 

[Stick]

Timing light works just fine, if it doesnt light up, plug isnt firing

It'll tell you that the coil is working, not that the plug is firing. You won't be able to tell if the plug is firing outside the cylinder, nor will it tell you if you have sufficient spark to reliably fire the air/fuel mixture. Not really an ideal solution, though it does work in many cases.

These testers really load up the coil and make it work, this is the real load test for cars I work on. If it will spark this it is good if not it is not good period.

Yep, there's a reason most shops will know what you're talking about if you say ST-125. It's pretty much the gold standard for testing everything but HEI systems (though there is a similar tester with a recessed electrode for those.

 

[vssjim]

It'll tell you that the coil is working, not that the plug is firing. You won't be able to tell if the plug is firing outside the cylinder, nor will it tell you if you have sufficient spark to reliably fire the air/fuel mixture. Not really an ideal solution, though it does work in many cases.


Yep, there's a reason most shops will know what you're talking about if you say ST-125. It's pretty much the gold standard for testing everything but HEI systems (though there is a similar tester with a recessed electrode for those.

The ST 125 is the tester for HEI as it does have the recessed electrode, GM never sold the tester with just the side electrode missing, the recessed electrode spark tester is the one to get. real easy pass or fail tester.

 

[dsmnickk90]

We tested Waekon proto-types, as a possible required GM tool, too many false passes/fails.

We passed.

I always wondered how well they worked.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Timing light works just fine, if it doesnt light up, plug isnt firing

This is what I do. It's quick and easy, and I already have the timing light so I don't need another tool.

 

[bert.]

just orderd it100 and ithe100 off the snappy truck today as i'm having a bit of trouble trying to find the ac delco st 125 i'll have the snappy tools in 2 weeks and let you guys know how they go

 

[thightower]

This is what I use. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RT9BH2/?tag=atomicindus08-20