On Thu, 03 Nov 2005 03:44:42 -0000, (Chris
Lewis) wrote:

According to mm :
Have you tried using a spark plug as a tester? Unscrew it from the
negine, connect it back to the wire, and have someone hold the metal
threaded part against the block, or use a wire with aligator clips on
each end.

This is a reasonably reliable (and easy) test. However, it still may
not be enough spark.

The proper way is to see if the spark will jump a full 1/4". Our

I was never sure a lawnmower should have such a good spark (compared
to a car). I'm happy to hear that it does.

Is this also true with the points and capacitor ignition on a lawn
mower (and not just the electronic ignition)?

small engines instructor has a tester made in the following way:

Take a spark plug and saw off the threaded portion, leaving central
insulator and spark gap center pin intact. He then fastened a small bracket
with a screw in it, so he could adjust the gap between the screw and the
spark gap center pin. A grounding strap with alligator clip is then
fastened to the body. Attach the clip to the motor frame, the spark
wire to the top of the modified plug, and see if you can pull a spark
across the 1/4".


Remove NOPSAM to email me. Please let
me know if you have posted also.