theman4444

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.

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

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.

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.

C. Ludwig

iTrader: (27)

Is your ignition breaking up? Why do you think you have a problem. You really need a tester to find what you're looking for. Best you're going to get with your method is questionable results and a sore finger or two.

theman4444

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?

JamesBong

I hate to ask the obvious (actually I don't), but have you replaced your vacuum hoses? They're a likely cause of crappy idle.

Travelintrevor

never mind wrong thread

theman4444

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.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

If you have spare coils availible, change them out and test.

theman4444

sorry no spare coils laying around. any other way, or do i just assume that the coil is bad.

C. Ludwig

iTrader: (27)

First place to start is the vacuum mess. The chances of a vacuum leak are greater than one of those coils failing by a factor of about 50.

RETed

That's normal.

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

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

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.

theman4444

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.

shadow69r

does anyone know what would cause no power to my high tension leads???

theman4444

can you make this tester?

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

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).