Catalina - Capri - 25s International Assocaition Logo(2006)  
Assn Members Area · Join
h.jpg Home.
a.jpg Association Forum
s.jpg Ships Store
c.jpg Cruising
r.jpg Racing
t.jpg Technical Tips
g.jpg Photo Gallery - New
o.jpg Boat Search - Updated
m.jpg Manuals & Brochures
3rdrpt.jpg Swap Meet
l.jpg Links
f.jpg Officer Flag Line & Staff
b.jpg Bylaws & Constitution
 
1.jpg Members Area
1.jpg Join the Association
 
Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
 
Association Forum
Association Forum
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Forum Users | Search | FAQ
Username:
 Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

 All Forums
 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 General Sailing Forum
 Motor - Spark Plug Tester		  New Topic  Topic Locked
 Printer Friendly
Author Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  

danandlu
Navigator

Member Avatar

USA
174 Posts
Initially Posted - 02/28/2009 :  19:08:53  Show Profile  Visit danandlu's Homepage
Many times I've tried testing for spark when an engine won't start. One way I tried was to remove a spark plug, reattach its wire, hold the plug base to ground then crank the engine. It didn't always work - hard to do with only two hands. I've also tried inserting a screwdriver into the plug wire end and hold the shaft of the screwdriver near a grounding point. Again hard to do with only 2 hands and sometimes quite painful when indeed there is spark - zap!

I came across this handy item at NAPA, it was about $16.



If your motor won't start and you can confirm you have spark then you know it's a fuel issue (assuming you have compression, good plugs and the ignition is properly timed).
Dan Henderson
1982 FK/TR #3328
"Chesapeake"
Missoula, Flathead Lake, Montana
Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

Members Avatar

USA
3758 Posts
Response Posted - 03/01/2009 :  13:18:47  Show Profile
I have an inductive timing light from the old days of engine tuning, and something like that or this product will give you a quick and definitive answer that can save a lot of time.
Edited by - on
Go to Top of Page

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
5361 Posts
Response Posted - 03/01/2009 :  15:09:50  Show Profile
I have an old spark plug with a wire wrapped around the body and an alligator clip to connect it to ground. It's not ideal, but generally can be made to work. I like the NAPA gizmo
Edited by - on
Go to Top of Page

Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1181 Posts
Response Posted - 03/02/2009 :  11:27:56  Show Profile
[url="http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=1009&campaign=RetailA&page=coupon2.html&single=true&r=4256_199118&cust=77996830497&keycode=0000"]Follow this link to the actual coupon[/url]
Edited by - on
Go to Top of Page
  Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  
 New Topic  Topic Locked
 Printer Friendly
Jump To:
Association Forum © since 1999 Catalina Capri 25s International Association Go To Top Of Page
Powered By: Snitz Forums 2000 Version 3.4.06
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.