Tool for checking sparks....
- Rockburner
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Tool for checking sparks....
Ok, bear with me on this, or call me crazy, i don't care.
Has anyone ever seen/heard of a tool/device for the following situation.
You own a classic bike,
You would like to check the sparks are working.
You remove the plug from the head, reattach the HT lead, then attempt to hold the threaded portion of the plug against the head, while at the same time trying to kick the bike over hard enough to get the magneto spinning fast enough.
Wouldn't it be far easier to have some sort of metal "double-ended-crocodile-clamp" that would hold the plug, and clamp to a fin so that the plug was held firmly off to one side, easily visible, well-distanced from the plug hole (thus reducing the chances of accidentally igniting any fuel/air mix), and with a guaranteed earth connection?
Does this exist?
Has anyone ever seen/heard of a tool/device for the following situation.
You own a classic bike,
You would like to check the sparks are working.
You remove the plug from the head, reattach the HT lead, then attempt to hold the threaded portion of the plug against the head, while at the same time trying to kick the bike over hard enough to get the magneto spinning fast enough.
Wouldn't it be far easier to have some sort of metal "double-ended-crocodile-clamp" that would hold the plug, and clamp to a fin so that the plug was held firmly off to one side, easily visible, well-distanced from the plug hole (thus reducing the chances of accidentally igniting any fuel/air mix), and with a guaranteed earth connection?
Does this exist?
non quod, sed quomodo
- ChrisW
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Re: Tool for checking sparks....
Would an in-line spark checker not work for you, or do you actually want to see the spark from the end of the plug?
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Re: Tool for checking sparks....
Anything which can clamp, can clamp the plug in place? The only requirement is that it doesn't damage something and can fit around things?
Big bulldog clip? Jump lead clamp (don't hold the other end )?
Random thought - can you do it with a cunningly twisted bit of 230V solid core wire stripped and wrapped around the plug?
Big bulldog clip? Jump lead clamp (don't hold the other end )?
Random thought - can you do it with a cunningly twisted bit of 230V solid core wire stripped and wrapped around the plug?
Last edited by Mr. Dazzle on Tue May 07, 2024 7:47 pm, edited 2 times in total.
- Rockburner
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- Rockburner
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Re: Tool for checking sparks....
Well, yes, but that doesn't bring the plug away from the head to be easier to see.Mr. Dazzle wrote: ↑Tue May 07, 2024 7:45 pm Anything which can clamp, can clamp the plug in place? The only requirement is that it doesn't damage something and can fit around things?
Big bulldog clip? Jump lead clamp (don't hold the other end )?
non quod, sed quomodo
- Rockburner
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Re: Tool for checking sparks....
That's nearly what I was looking for! Thanks!
Looks like that replaces the plug, but ideally I'm looking for something that holds the plug you've got.
Last edited by Rockburner on Tue May 07, 2024 7:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Tool for checking sparks....
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Re: Tool for checking sparks....
Carpeted garage is nice, not sure I'd have gone floral myself though.
- Horse
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Re: Tool for checking sparks....
Is the HT lead long enough to reach the petrol cap? You'd get both audible and visual indication if it sparked
Even bland can be a type of character
- Rockburner
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Re: Tool for checking sparks....
That is exactly what I had in mind. Got any more?
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- MrLongbeard
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Re: Tool for checking sparks....
Not got an unloved set of old jump leads you can cut the clamps off?
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Re: Tool for checking sparks....
Couldn't find anything about the old R&R spark plug caps, but the internet provided me with........
https://speed-line.com/spark-plug-caps/ ... light-blue
I know it's not what you want, but I can't believe they still make this shit!
https://speed-line.com/spark-plug-caps/ ... light-blue
I know it's not what you want, but I can't believe they still make this shit!
- Rockburner
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Re: Tool for checking sparks....
no - but just found the bits I need so will be making myself one of these when they turn up.MrLongbeard wrote: ↑Wed May 08, 2024 11:21 am Not got an unloved set of old jump leads you can cut the clamps off?
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Re: Tool for checking sparks....
They still make color* tunes!Sadlonelygit wrote: ↑Wed May 08, 2024 11:51 am I know it's not what you want, but I can't believe they still make this shit!
https://www.gunson.co.uk/products/Colortune
*that's right, no 'u'
Re: Tool for checking sparks....
I just made it out of a couple of crocodile clips I had in my extensive scrap bin(s)....
As for carpet, it was there when we bought the house. The previous owner kept a couple of old Austin 7s in there. I ditched it when I realised that, kind to my knees as it was, it was impossible to find dropped screws etc....