Engine spark indicator Monitor

[zendriver]

I have the basic plug in line spark indicator, But it's hard for me to see, especially if the spark is weak, Plus is cumbersome to use if the engine is running.

I have a twin cylinder outboard motor that's cutting out and I'm having a hard time determining if it's because of spark loss degradation or loss of fuel.

Looking for something that might do more than one cylinder easy to see and maybe affordable under 100 bucks




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[Schurkey]

There's voltage-sensing firing indicators that don't require the plug wire to be removed. Champion and others used to give them away as promos. I never used them, even though I have one or two. The Champion number is CT-436.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-NEW-CHA...504739?hash=item33b8e765e3:g:TvIAAOSwLN5WkPlm

Amazon is getting $24 for what used to be handed-out to techs at after-hours instructional clinics. They're branded as "V-Twin" as if the thing would know it's being used on a Harley. However, that probably accounts for the insanely-high price.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UMEAFJK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Another alternative is an inductive timing light. Clamp it onto the plug wire, and if the light flashes, you've got at least some voltage going thorough the plug wire.

 

[Milton Shaw]

Wet the wires with a spray bottle of water to check the wires. They will probably light up with electrical sparks. It doesn't take much moisture to make wires misfire and high moisture is always around a lake. Look around the coils for signs that voltage is leaking a tracking to the metal parts of the coil housing. Very common on GM cars but can happen on any coil.

 

[Ramblin Man]

Along with what Milton advised, add some ammonia to the water and that will make the water wetter. I use a 50/50 mixture. It helps the water from running off as bad.

A tip I learned from a Bill Fulton Training class.

 

[Ramblin Man]

I don't know about multiple cylinders at once, but I believe I would use a timing light on the wires one at a time. You will see the light and position it closer to you to monitor.

Edit: i'm sorry to repeat what Shurkey said. I didn't see his advice till I had done posted. Long day, too hot(97 degrees), and I didn't pay enough attention.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Wet the wires with a spray bottle of water to check the wires. They will probably light up with electrical sparks. It doesn't take much moisture to make wires misfire and high moisture is always around a lake. Look around the coils for signs that voltage is leaking a tracking to the metal parts of the coil housing. Very common on GM cars but can happen on any coil.

Best to do it at night. Try to block out all extra light.

Buddy had a "classic" 50 hp, 4 cylinder. 2 stoke Mercury. In a very dark area, even without water, he could see the blue arcs coming off the coil. Cheaper than just replacing everything !

 

[bert1913]

I use this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JFHMPC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

easy to see in bright sunlight

 

[Ajwcotton]

I always use a regular incandescent bulb test light. Hook the ground clamp to a ground and then pull the plug wire off the plug while holding the tip of the test light into the boot. The spark will jump to ground through the test light before it will shock you. The light will be plenty bright if you are getting a spark. If no spark, then do the same at the coil tower.