How to test for a spark?

[KenC]

I need to see if my plugs are sparking. How can I do this? I know part of the plug has to be grounded and you can't just hold one and look while cranking. I looked in the Bentley, but I couldn't understand what the hell they were talking about.
Thanks

[Jordan]

take a plug out

put it back on the wire

hold the outside of it to the valve cover or a ground strap, any known good ground.

have someone crank while you look for spark

not a bad idea to wear gloves, ive been shocked before and while it didnt hurt, it didnt feel good either.

[brodee]

ive been shocked before

That explains a lot!!

[Dominick]

How would i go about testing to make sure the wires are still in spec?

[grlaneriejr]

Easier way.

Use a timing light, shoot the light onto your hand. If you have spark, the light will flash.

As far as resistance, use a multimeter after you find out the resistance needed in the wire. It will be listed as ohms, just not sure what it should be.

[Jared K]

take a plug out

put it back on the wire

hold the outside of it to the valve cover or a ground strap, any known good ground.

have someone crank while you look for spark

not a bad idea to wear gloves, ive been shocked before and while it didnt hurt, it didnt feel good either.

This method will check for spark if your ignition system is totally dead, but if it's just weak or the plug is fouled it won't work. The reason is the resistance across the spark gap increases with high pressure, like inside the cylinder. A better method is to get another spark plug, plug it into one of the plug wires and then position it so the bottom is against the top of a spark plug that is still in the cylinder. They also sell a special spark tester at auto parts stores with an alligator clip on it to perform this exact test. Don't hold the plug in your hand while you check for spark.

The timing light is a great method too, if you have one.

Jared K