Chasing down a miss. Want to avoid a shock

[Ernzo]

Ok, pull each plug, while running, to check for a possible miss.

Techniques? I have done this, and received a big shock. Now, due to my recent heart trouble, I am hesitant to risk it.

I used rubber handled pliers etc. This always seems silly, but I do think the technique is solid.

So, make sure I am standing in water first? hehehe..

Seriously, what do you think?

Louise will appreciate it.

[Lindel]

In all seriousness, rubber gloves and insulated hose pliers. They're like extra long needle nose with the ends bent into a hose shape.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/SUN-3705.html

I found the set I've got at Harbor Freight for about $12

[BarryL]

One way to make this easier, pull the plug wire before cranking the engine. Then while holding the wire with insulated pliers, move it to the plug. As soon as it gets close to the plug it'll start jumping that gap and if it's good you should here the immediate change. Might be easier than trying to pull it while running. (have to admit, never done it this way myself)

[Chevelleguy]

Pull the wire from the cap, not the spark plug. When you pull the wire from the cap, you are now holding a dead wire. When you pull it off the plug, you are now holding a live wire looking for a ground!

[FSJ Guy]

Pull the wire from the cap, not the spark plug. When you pull the wire from the cap, you are now holding a dead wire. When you pull it off the plug, you are now holding a live wire looking for a ground!

Pretty smart for a Chevelle Guy!

Good idea.

[Chevelleguy]

Thanks, you learn a thing or two after 22 years of wrenching. Like don't get hit by an MSD ignition.

[mdill]

spend the $20.00 and pick up an old school tune up meter, with cyl shorting capability.


Mike D.

[tazdog]

I put a long wire with a clip on one end and attached the other end to an ice pick, then I can slid the ice pick between the boot and the wire to kill each plug.

[firecaptain13]

I've used my inductive timing light. Hook it up to each plug wire as close to the plug as possible, then pull the trigger on the light. IShine the light on a dark surface and see how regular it is. If there is spark, it will set off the light. If it is a good regular spark, the light will reflect that. Plus, timing lights come in handy for setting the timing

[Lindel]

And they make a real neat strobe!! LOL!

[Ernzo]

Thanks, great tips. I will look for the hose pliers (I did not know about them!), and hook up the vacuum guage and check this out.

I am looking for an "old school" tune up meter, but no luck! I love "old school" tools! Ebay as some heathkit meters, but I do not believe they offer that feature.

I recently got a perfect condition Sun Timing light / dwell meter combo for a buck at a garage sale! Before I could use it, some reprobate stole my tools, including the light...!

[Jayrodoh]

Run it in the dark with the hood open (disable hood light if it works) and you can look for arcing wires where the spark jumps from the wire etc. Had a miss on my chevy, looked liked a disco party at night under the hood

[Ernzo]

I have done that in the past, will try again. I searched on Ebay for a "cylinder shorting" engine analyzer, and while there are plenty of units listed, I am not familiar with them. Anybody have one they like?

[amc75matador]

Pull the wire from the cap, not the spark plug. When you pull the wire from the cap, you are now holding a dead wire. When you pull it off the plug, you are now holding a live wire looking for a ground!

This is the most shock-proof technique, the only drawback is it bypasses the wire, so you are not testing for a bad wire, you would have to ohm it. If you pull the wire off at the plug, to avoid getting shocked, keep your other hand off the truck, and don't lean on the fender. In order to carry current you need to complete the circuit. If you only touch the wire, the current will not travel up your arm.

[mdill]

Try Cylinder balance analyzer

The one I have is a MAC ET985

Mike D.

Here is an old auction http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mac-T...mZ250209696109