Ignition Spark Testers

[Wamsutta]

Any particular kind you guys prefer?


Thexton 404

Lisle 20610

Briggs & Stratton 19368

 

[DFB]

I have several including an OEM B&S one

As for the bulb style the #2 photo in fact I just bought a second one from a fellow flea Mkt tool vendor that stops at my market in between car shows he does with his lineup of odds an ends just to have around $5.00 it was. Used it on a line trimmer a couple of weeks ago


I do like the top style one a lot especially for small engine/motorcycle work. Always shows a good clean spark, though the bulb style was what I took with me when I changed out a coil pack/misfire code recently for the big E250 van my gal uses for her concert festival gigs.

IMO bulb light style light is kinda orangey dim but works ok for the application

 

[rooster4321]

I have the first one it works okay but sometimes the clip doesn't hold

Sent from my KYOCERA-E6560 using Tapatalk

 

[L.Cheapo]

I have the B&S one--bought it in the mid 90s when I worked for a B&S dealer. Mine doesn't have the wire, just the clip on the tool like in the top pic. It's never failed me. I'd like an adjustable one like the first pic, though.

 

[L5wolvesf]

I have the Lisle.

Are you able to use it on hemi heads where the plug is deep in the plug hole?

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have the first two. The Lisle works well on COP.

 

[madison069]

You're just testing at the spark plug wire not connecting to the sparkplug itself with the first tester, so that would be ideal for deep sparkplug recess situation cause you can clip to any ground.

 

[Danglerb]

I have the Lisle that looks like a pencil made of aluminum with a curved cutout at one end you hold next to the wire. Works fine for me.

 

[Fedwrench]

Are you able to use it on hemi heads where the plug is deep in the plug hole?

For recessed plugs, you might want to opt for this SG Tool Aid version:

https://www.tooltopia.com/tool-aid-23970.aspx

 

[jkesselr]

I have several. Most are the bulb type, and even have one like Fed posted for those deep holes.

 

[WittHay]

I have a Snap-on screwdriver spark plug tester and have to try it some more on the old V8's with the point distributors. In the bright light it was hard to see. I am thinking about getting the Lisle type.

 

[joel63]

Any particular kind you guys prefer?


Thexton 404

Lisle 20610

Briggs & Stratton 19368

What is the purpose of the third post on the Briggs & Stratton 19368?

 

[ken w.]

I prefer the Lisle one.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have the thexton style, haven't used it in years. Either use a spare plug, or a test light connected to ground.

 

[mfewtrail]

I have the Lisle that looks like a pencil made of aluminum with a curved cutout at one end you hold next to the wire. Works fine for me.

Those will work with some coil-on-plug style coils as well.


I prefer the style similar to the thexton, but with an extension lead + clip for the ground because sometimes it's not that easy to find something to clip the thexton style to close enough to a plug wire.

 

[Aerospace Eng]

What is the purpose of the third post on the Briggs & Stratton 19368?

It's to help the spark start and jump the large gap.

Aircraft magneto testers have them as well.

 

[bczygan]

I'm getting the Briggs and Stratton to work on small engines.

Bill

 

[joel63]

It's to help the spark start and jump the large gap.

Aircraft magneto testers have them as well.

Thanks for the explanation; it never made sense to me.

 

[rmack898]

I have and use this http://www.stevensinstrument.com/spark_checkers.htm
4 wire spark checker every day, it's bullet proof.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I've been using the Thexton and the Briggs style for years now, both work great.

 

[czgunner]

I guess I’m not up on things. I use a test light. If it can jump out of the boot to the probe, it’s got enough spark.