spark color from spark wire
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Wichita KANSAS
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
spark color from spark wire
this might be a stupid question but is there a certain color your spark should be coming from the condenser things to the spark plug wires. The condenser things are the two black boxes that are labeled T1 T2 and L1 L2. I was just wondering because I wanted a way to figure out if I needed to replace them.
If I get spark from them at all does that mean that they work or should I look for a certain color. I know you shouldn't take the wire off the end of the condenser thing while it's running but can anyone tell me how to check it.
If I get spark from them at all does that mean that they work or should I look for a certain color. I know you shouldn't take the wire off the end of the condenser thing while it's running but can anyone tell me how to check it.
#2
Engine, Not Motor
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 29,789
Likes: 0
Received 108 Likes
on
91 Posts
Thick and blue. But it sounds like your testing methods are not quite right.
If you are going to check spark, you want to bring a ground close to the output of the coil. About 1/4" is the correct distance. If you are going to check spark at the plugs, then remove one from the engine and lay it on the fender. Clip it's ground to a body ground with a small jumper cable. Or better yet, use a proper spark tester.
If you are going to check spark, you want to bring a ground close to the output of the coil. About 1/4" is the correct distance. If you are going to check spark at the plugs, then remove one from the engine and lay it on the fender. Clip it's ground to a body ground with a small jumper cable. Or better yet, use a proper spark tester.
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Wichita KANSAS
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My engine idle is a little rough sputtering. So I suspected misfires, and I replaced my wires with jacobs 8.5's. I replaced my plugs just a week ago. So I figure the problem is futher up the system in my coils.
What kind of tester do i need for this kind of work. A multimeter?
What kind of tester do i need for this kind of work. A multimeter?
#7
never mind wrong thread
Originally Posted by theman4444
So if i'm getting a thin orange spark from the output of the coil with a ground then the coil is going bad? Or where should I look from there.
Trending Topics
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Wichita KANSAS
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
well, I might look for a leak later, and replace all those old hoses, but right now i'm just trying to find my perfect spark so I know that's not the problem. Once I know I have great spark or at least decent spark then I'll go to vacuum leaks.
#12
Lives on the Forum
Originally Posted by theman4444
So if i'm getting a thin orange spark from the output of the coil with a ground then the coil is going bad?
I dunno where "thick and blue" came from.
Unless you're running some kinda race CDI, it's not going to be "thick and blue".
-Ted
#13
Engine, Not Motor
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 29,789
Likes: 0
Received 108 Likes
on
91 Posts
At about 1/4", the spark should be thick and blue. I would worry if it was thin and orange at that gap. At least, every FC I have tested for spark showed a nice thick arc at that distance. 1st gens tend to have a much weaker spark.
To the original poster, the only way to test properly is with a spark tester. Not a timing light, not a jumper cable, etc. A spark tester is basically a spark plug with a slightly wider gap and an alligator clip connected to the ground. You clip the plug to the engine, connect the coil, and then start. You can now directly observe the spak. Thick and blue, with a defined "snapping" sound.
To the original poster, the only way to test properly is with a spark tester. Not a timing light, not a jumper cable, etc. A spark tester is basically a spark plug with a slightly wider gap and an alligator clip connected to the ground. You clip the plug to the engine, connect the coil, and then start. You can now directly observe the spak. Thick and blue, with a defined "snapping" sound.
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Wichita KANSAS
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
so i can just make my own from an old spark plug or is this just a rundown of what one looks like. If I can make my own is there a link I can get to see what exactly i need.
Also do I have to use an Rx-7 plug in the tester or can I use one from another vehicle, because the four sided rx-7 plug would be a little hard to increase the gap. HEHE
Thankyou guys so much.
Also do I have to use an Rx-7 plug in the tester or can I use one from another vehicle, because the four sided rx-7 plug would be a little hard to increase the gap. HEHE
Thankyou guys so much.
Last edited by theman4444; 04-09-05 at 12:03 PM.
#17
Engine, Not Motor
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 29,789
Likes: 0
Received 108 Likes
on
91 Posts
Yes, you can easily make this tester. Just set up a spare plug as I described...
Now, if you really have no spark, there are many causes. Test your CAS, and make sure you are getting 12V at the coils (check Factory Service/Haynbes manual).
Now, if you really have no spark, there are many causes. Test your CAS, and make sure you are getting 12V at the coils (check Factory Service/Haynbes manual).
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rx8volks
Canadian Forum
0
09-01-15 10:46 PM