Screwdriver Spark Test?
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: USA
Screwdriver Spark Test?
Can anyone tell me how to do the screwdriver spark test without getting zapped? I've seen this done before, but can't remember exactly how its done. I started my '78 up this morning and drove it about 50 ft before it died. I havent been able to get it started since. I know there is gas in the tank, gas in the carb doesnt work, starting fluid doesn't work. It doesn't seem like its flooded, I let it sit for about 20 minutes before trying to restart at one point. I am getting puffs of smoke out of the carb at some point. I thought maybe I should check for spark? Any other ideas are appreciated.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: clementsport canada
Screwdriver Spark Test?
just put the screwdriver in the end of the wire and hold it 1/8" clear of a good ground.... keep your hand on the insulated grip, and try and keep your bare arm/hand off any metal. you can also pull one plug and let it sit on the exaust manifold, then crank her over, and that should show if your gettin fire.
at night time, i've simply pulled the wire off and let it rest on the exaust,,, the spark jumped out of the boot to ground.
at night time, i've simply pulled the wire off and let it rest on the exaust,,, the spark jumped out of the boot to ground.
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Shirley USA
Screwdriver Spark Test?
Did the problem show up after mashing the gas peddal? might be you jumped a tooth or two on your timing chain. its a pretty easy fix on that motor but check your valvetrain too, mine bent one of my pushrods when the timing chain slipped
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Screwdriver Spark Test?
No, The problem started when he left a live 12v wire connected to the coil overnight because he didn't have a key for the ignition,so he by-passed it.
Dennis
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 154
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From: USA
Screwdriver Spark Test?
>No, The problem started when he left a live 12v wire
>connected to the coil overnight because he didn't have a key
>for the ignition,so he by-passed it.
>
>
>Dennis
>
No, I didn't hot-wire the truck. I changed out the whole ignition so I would have a set of keys. The truck did have spark, and it eventually started up. I think it may have just been flooded.
>connected to the coil overnight because he didn't have a key
>for the ignition,so he by-passed it.
>
>
>Dennis
>
No, I didn't hot-wire the truck. I changed out the whole ignition so I would have a set of keys. The truck did have spark, and it eventually started up. I think it may have just been flooded.
