Spark tester?
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
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Spark tester?
Does anyone know of a good spark tester to use or if they're a worthwhile diagnostic tool?
I'd like to check the ignition coil pack on my 2002 XLS 2.0L 4-cyl.
The Chilton manual mentions a spark tester, but there aren't any at the auto parts stores.
They're readily available on-line, but I have no idea if it matters which one to get.
Some are adjustable - not sure what that means? Pricing on some of them seems absurdly low. Thanks.
I'd like to check the ignition coil pack on my 2002 XLS 2.0L 4-cyl.
The Chilton manual mentions a spark tester, but there aren't any at the auto parts stores.
They're readily available on-line, but I have no idea if it matters which one to get.
Some are adjustable - not sure what that means? Pricing on some of them seems absurdly low. Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 15
I've never looked for a commercially made spark tester.
I think the best tester is a proper spark plug for the engine under test, gapped properly, then the steel shell gets clamped to engine block or bracket with whatever clamp will work for the situation presented. Sometimes a C-clamp will work, sometimes a big alligator clamp like one salvaged from a defunct jumper cable set. Even a stripped piece of #14 or so house wire wrapped around the plugs threads then the wire clamped to a good ground. Getting access to a good ground is half the battle.
The "adjustable" part of a commercial tester might be to adjust the spark gap to the specific engine/era under test.
I think the best tester is a proper spark plug for the engine under test, gapped properly, then the steel shell gets clamped to engine block or bracket with whatever clamp will work for the situation presented. Sometimes a C-clamp will work, sometimes a big alligator clamp like one salvaged from a defunct jumper cable set. Even a stripped piece of #14 or so house wire wrapped around the plugs threads then the wire clamped to a good ground. Getting access to a good ground is half the battle.
The "adjustable" part of a commercial tester might be to adjust the spark gap to the specific engine/era under test.
