Ignition Spark tester you can make your self! Zip Quick Tip!!

I show manufactured testers and how you can make your own spark tester for little to no out of pocket money.

[@bobdriver6946]

I work on other people's equipment for a living. Fortunately, I've made enough money to be able to afford the $5 + free shipping on Ebay so they don't have to watch me using diagnostic tools that make me look like a cheapass hillbilly while working on their on their $10,000 commercial mower. Image doesn't always equal skill level, but it sure can make people question your abilities if you were drag something like this out your toolbox.

[@ZippoVarga]

I first took offense to the implied demeaning nature of your comment. But then the reality struck me. The spark testers "I" use are actually quite expensive and are coupled with Dwell, tach and multi meters when ever I am setting an old points ignition system. Then, when you get into modern ignition systems, there are Diodes and Solid State Ignition systems to test (which I also have the equipment for...Including Node testing diodes for the newer fuel injected engines). You TOTALLY Missed the point of this video, so please allow me to help here. I post Self Help Videos for the home DIY guy. Tips, Tricks etc. This is a "tip" for someone in a pinch who needs a spark tester NOW. If you're using a $5.00 spark tester as your main source of diagnosing spark, might I suggest a Real spark/ignition tester, dwell meter, multi meter and Tachometer, and, since you're often diagnosing electrical safeties etc. A Power Probe to go along with them so that your diagnosing and adjusting of these $10,000 machines is done on a more professional level? You wrongly assumed that "I" use this as a diagnosing tool. If you were to watch my more in depth repair videos....say my Simplicity Conquest video series, you would have an idea of my level of experience and professionalism in my trade. Never Assume Bob. Know the person not by a single video. That's judging a book by a single line on a page. Cheers! Zip~

[@ZippoVarga]

I pinned this comment to the top of the video. I'd like for all who venture here to see what happens when one assumes when they don't know the individual. I've got customers that bring their equipment to me from three different states because they only want my hands on their equipment. I've helped literally Millions through my KZbin Channel and my Videos over the past 10 years and had you taken a single minute to investigate that, you wouldn't be so quick to judge from just one of over 800 posted videos. So please....I don't want an apology from you Bob...Rather...Take the time to see me in action. Callous comments such as yours always entertain me, because it doesn't prove MY ignorance. Quite the opposite. Zip~

[@bmw-e30]

The internet is full of ignorant individuals looking for attention. I would regard people who are capable of making their own tools as having a real grasp of problem solving.

[@lmalino695]

@Bob Driver Also expressed as, 'If you can't dazzle them with footwork; baffle them with bullshit'. I'm a DIY'r and can't afford lots of fancy equipment and usually when one has an understanding (i.e., KNOWLEDGE) of the functionality of the fancy equipment, it usually isn't an absolute need. Knowledge is usually more impressive than pretty implements.

[@arniechugh]

Hey Zippo! So very well said. I liked your method, I recently replaced the Spark Plug cable on my 1975 Yamaha RD 350. Therefore, I had a spare cable to make something out of it. While searching for a circuit for SP tester using an LED(an improvised one), I came across your video. I believe this is the most easiest and the most reliable thing you can do. Besides, the results are likely to be more accurate, as you are not diverting the current to something else and then to something else, to get to a result. I kind of agree with Bob but nut fully. Unfortunately, there are people out there with their misdemeanor to not to give a chance to those who are not fancy, yet they are highly talented. Therefore, this is a clear case of prejudice.

[@jordanfoshow]

Badass that's exactly what I was looking for thank you brother

[@f.e.1952]

Love home made tools like this. It also shows people how clever you are and not a cheapscate. Brilliant

[@samohtmungam8955]

Gave it a tug and bit came out. Gave it a push and bit locked in place. YMMV.

[@DaleB809]

that is as handy as a pocket on a shirt...well done !!!!

[@buzzsah]

Way better then using a screwdriver lol. thanks.

[@Lucas-vk8fz]

Smart!..this works great..thanks for making the video..on a side note..I have many tools that I've had to make out of necessity and am proud of every single one

[@davidacosta8004]

Love it. Thank you

[@abubakarmdharun226]

TQ,. for sharing d idea ITS' RLLY COOL..

[@ZippoVarga]

Glad you like it!

[@pharaohxgaming]

Nicely done! It's simple and effective. Great video!

[@ZippoVarga]

+PharaohXGaming Thanks XGamer! Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers!! Zip~

[@terry383]

Brilliant ...

[@2011aceace]

Does the key switch wire need to be connected for points to fire?

[@ZippoVarga]

No

[@saleemkader2126]

THANK YOU

[@raystargazer]

Man after my own heart! lol. Great idea, and after a dozen or so videos, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks.

[@ZippoVarga]

Glad it helps Ray! Necessity is the Mother of Invention! I've got a few other tips and tricks posted. I hope you find other videos as helpful. Cheers! Zip~

[@fishbuscharters]

Well done!!

[@greygum4647]

Absolutely brilliant! The ones they sell online with the little bulbs are a cheap con. The tiny induction bulbs blow in no time and cost more to replace than the entire unit. Also the rubber they use to insulate the wires on their testers perishes and cracks within a year or two. I bet your home made ones will last for decades.

[@ZippoVarga]

I still use it nearly every day I'm in the shop! Other than the clear tube yellowing a little it's been a rock star! Cheers Grey! Zip~

[@boneyardgaragesmallenginer188]

Hi zippo Thanks for the video I made myself one. Would you mind if I posted mine on my KZbin channel. Thanks!

[@ZippoVarga]

Not at all Boneyard! Thanks for asking me. If you want to shout out that you got the idea from me that's fine, but not necessary. Be sure to send me a link when the video goes live! Cheers! Zip~

[@boneyardgaragesmallenginer188]

Thanks zippo i’m brand new to KZbin and enjoying your videos! Here is my spark tester. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3fRqJyIe9B6gNU Boneyard Garage

[@ZippoVarga]

Heading there to check it out right now. Cheers Boneyard and best of luck with the new channel! Zip~

[@ZippoVarga]

Very good Boneyard! I'm also envious of your lift! I've got the el cheapo Harbor Freight model I plan to make side skirts for. Is yours Air powered? Looking forward to more content from you. Very well put together video for sure! Cheers! Zip~

[@abdelhaq6666]

GIVE THAT MAN ALL MY RESPECTS.... and a beer too!

[@ZippoVarga]

+Abdelhak Zrak El Ainine Giant thank you Abdelhak!! This is why I post videos. So glad you liked it! Zip~

[@Garwood900]

Gotta appreciate guys like you Zippo that take the time to do self-help videos for the public. Many thanks for this tip!....and have a great day

[@ZippoVarga]

I like to pay it forward and help the do it your self types as best I can. I live by old world values, where a lesson learned is a dollar earned (or saved). Where a hand shake is your contract and you always help your neighbor with no expectations. Thanks for the props on my Channel...it shows I'm doing something right, which is my goal. Cheers D. Miller! Zip~

[@Garwood900]

I try to live my life much as you mentioned above. Old school values. It's too bad we Seem to be a diminishing breed these days. Thanks again, and cheers dude!

[@ZippoVarga]

The only way to keep old world values alive is to practice them, teach them and expect them in every day life. I'm not preaching at all...I'm just saying this is how I live each day. Cheers my new Friend! Zip~

[@SpectreOZ]

Nifty... probably somewhat safer than clamping a spark plug to an earth point and cranking the engine over 👍

[@trishavargo6247]

Great video thanks

[@ZippoVarga]

Glad you enjoyed it! Zip~

[@59chevt]

where have you been, you are like a family member that has gone missing.

[@robertwilliams3983]

How did you put the clear tube on, split it horizontally or remove the spark plug wire's boot on one end?

[@dj5752]

Great Video, Thanks for always taking the time to help. Question. I have the Briggs style you showed in this video. I would like to replace the clip end to a typical spark plug end. The clip is always falling off when you pull the recoil rope. Can you make a video showing how to do this? Thanks.

[@ZippoVarga]

I'm not sure what type of plug end you have, but they can all be crimped to stay on the plug. Zip~

[@carslover3509]

very smart

[@thersten]

Just wrap a coat hanger wire around the spark plug to ground it or balance the spark plug on the engine geez!!! 😭

[@indianatone218]

Excellent m8y

[@gen1canamoutlander705]

What if I don’t have a plug wire, can I use brass wire ?

[@805ROADKING]

Brilliant Zippy!!☺

[@gertfrobelives]

Spark .plugs make good testers.

[@ZippoVarga]

Yes they do! In a pinch, when you don't have a tester available, that's how I test for spark. Cheers!! Zip~

[@getsmart2594]

YEAH BUT YOU NOW HAVE TO KEEP THE SPARK PLUG GROUNDED TO SOMETHING, EITHER BY HOLDING IT WITH INSULATED PLIERS OR WHATEVER.

[@gertfrobelives]

That is awesome! What kind of mower is that? I have a mowit mustang.

[@ZippoVarga]

It's a Simplicity made 1961 Montgomery Wards Garden Mark Squire.....lol...long name for a Garden Tractor, but...it is what it is! It's my main grunt in the collection along with Ugly-Alice. There's videos of her on my channel. Cheers Gert! And again, thanks for coming to my channel and again, I hope you find the content entertaining and enjoyable! Zip~

[@2011aceace]

Does key switch wire need to be connected to have points fire

[@76chyanne]

that is awesome American enginuity

[@geraldmatuszewski2830]

How do you put the battery in the weed eater one ridding lawnmower fits under the seat

[@johnproper2337]

Awesome idea thank you

[@peterhammond7535]

Ingenious sir. Many thanks.

[@osengasimplicity]

Very cool idea you have there. Going to make one up now. I wish my thinker could think of stuff like this.

[@campuscab]

I am too lazy to go to store but have that stuff in garage thanks

[@trollforge]

Bloody genius!!! Thanks Brother!

[@ZippoVarga]

trollforge My pleasure!

[@justpassinthur78]

Thanks zippo!! Iam maken one to day!! Very useful tool

[@JoséRogériocoelho-v5v]

Como fazer pra mim comprar um deste

[@sixtyfiveford]

Slick

[@toddlywaynejohnston8905]

thank you you saved me 4 hours going to town

[@ZippoVarga]

That's awesome! Zip~

[@ZippoVarga]

+Jims Mailtou Your plug may very well be bad if you have a no start situation, but you do have spark with a spark tester. Simply replace the spark plug with a new one to determine if this is the cause of the no start. Zip~

[@ZippoVarga]

lol....I may go on hiatus for a while, but rest assured........I'll come back like a bad penny and you can take that to the bank! lol. It's humbling to be missed, and even more appreciated! I'll try to make my presence known a little more often so long as you promise not to send in the search dogs! lol Cheers!

[@LovemeAquarius]

You are the man :) Thanks !!!

[@jamesdavies7526]

Hats off!!! Good old Yankee enginuity

[@JoséRogériocoelho-v5v]

Tem como mandar um pra mim

[@bodybywill]

Great new tool thanks

[@183RAC]

Love it, thanks!! I've got 3 boats w/outboards so I'm going to make 4~! The 4th one for my home tool box~!! The other 3, 1 each per boat tool box! That way I will never be w/out!!

[@ZippoVarga]

+MARK MITCHELL And usually you can make them with items on hand! That's the beauty in most of my quick tips. Easy, home made and money saving. Glad you enjoyed this tip! Check out some of the others when you've got some down time and enjoy this one! Cheers!! Zip~

[@JoséRogériocoelho-v5v]

Sou do Brasil

[@jimsmailtou2815]

how do you know if the spark in the clear section of the test wire is going through the spark plug , are you testing the coil or the spark plug please give me some input, it could be firing in the clear section but not the plug , the plug could still be bad

[@keeneyeinspection2160]

Wow.. some peoples kids!!! Please have your self spayed or neutered we don't need to keep making the already damaged gene pool worse by you adding into it anymore! If you would listen... you can and may learn something. Play it again and hear what he says! If your running your mouth all the time and don't listen to any thing or any one then your a lost cause. And how about you look at the title of this video!!!! That answered you stupid questions don't it? Yeah if you fallowed along, then you prob would not have posted this dumb crap!, but then again... you may just be one of those types that Jeff fox-worthy says.... Here's your sign!

[@7316bobe]

Simply brilliant

[@ZippoVarga]

Thanks Bobe!

[@jamesdavies7526]

I have always used a spark plug with a large alligator clamp soldered to it... But hey I like your idea! I may need it some day! So I need to file it away!! Fancy "tools" will fail you when you least expect! Don't ask how I know!! I could write a book...One thing I don't like is a mutipurpose tool! Multimeters excepted, I always carry two, one digital, one analog. I use both ! Digital won't always read some types signals. digital are more accurate for others! A friend of mine used to say a mulitpurpose something or another is a no purpose something or another!!

[@ZippoVarga]

This tester allows the engine to run and allows for you to fine tune your points gap to get the hottest spark where as the good ole stand by spark plug with a wire soldered to it will just give you an approximation of the correct points gap settings. But!! I too use that type. Cheers James! Zip~

[@creepycast]

Damn right i hang onto all old parts. In my '64 AND my Ram in a nice bin with original packaging/name/part number. This bin has saved me MANY times. Today I'm troubleshooting my grandpa's riding mower(my very first experience with mower) that had been sitting 2 years. Learned about the dangers of the auto part store dollar bin when I needed to do the old fashioned 'Find the Dead Cylinder' maneuver but couldn't afford REAL spark plug wire pullers. A 64 Impala has a nice kick. I pulled a live boot with those bogus puppets and immediately felt the most wonderful shocking pain that shot at the way up to my shoulder, paying special attention to the thumb/wrist radial nerve, elbow FUNNY bone, and the one that makes your arm scream in pain while hanging limp when you ignore a rotator cuff injury for a few seasons. I jumped up so fast (6ft amazon) that I simultaneously slammed my head up in the hood AND gouged my neck and back on the hinge as I leaped to safety. Those nerves twitched wickedly for hours. I bet it i was in a dark room i wouldve been sparking blue as well ;)~ Can you imagine, then, how many hours I've been brainstorming today for a safe effective way to ground the spark plug securely to the motor without touching it. Thank you so much for this Perfect save! My grandfather taught me to be self sufficient, organized, and most of all safe. Never do anything without proper tool, protective gear, or a full understanding of the project(including thinking of possible mishaps and how I would handle them) from beginning to end so I know what I'm getting into before I start something that can't be completed. I was working on cars with him at 12. #ThisGirlLikesToGetDirty. By 16 I had done a flywheel on a 76 Monte Carlo(loved that one. Got stolen,stripped,set on fire in #SouthCentral). :'( and the camshaft on a Triumph TR6, among other things. How was always inventing tools and wasting nothing. A dying breed. going Glad you are of that old mindset. #IfYouWantSomethingDoneRight #YouGottaDoItYourself ShortcutsAreTheLongestWayAround #DoItRightTheFirstTime

[@ZippoVarga]

Some people can muddle through a story and others embellish it with perfection. You, kind Sir, are a master at it. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and I'm glad you like the home brew solution to an often difficult to diagnose issue without getting lit up by a rogue spark that takes its time journeying through our bodies like a Sunday Stroll. Cheers! And Wrench On! Zip~

[@RicTester]

Great little tutorial. Good old American know-how.

[@ZippoVarga]

+Ric Tester Thanks Ric! There's probably 50-75 improvised tools in my arsenal that I've accumulated over the years. Necessity is the Mother of Invention! Cheers!! Zip~

[@BornRandy62]

thats easier to make than the one I used for years before buying the digital tester. I soldered a aligator clip to big spark plug . clip to a ground and attach spark lead to the plug end. same result.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

Ain’t that slick!

[@matthewa-c7250]

cool !!!

[@clockguy2]

Great idea!

[@pgwadd]

Great tip thanks!!!

[@edwilder9182]

You are good

[@DaleB809]

that is as handy as a pocket on a shirt...well done !!!!

[@ZippoVarga]

+D Lastname Thanks! I was stuck for a way to check spark out in the field and was able to make this on the fly. Thought it would be helpful to share in my experience. Cheers!! Zip~

[@ricktv3514]

great idea man very innovative

[@ZippoVarga]

Thanks Rickeen! I have good ideas once in a while. It's remembering to share them that I tend to forget lol. Cheers! Zip~

[@doogals]

very cool

[@AlwaysHopeful87]

Awesome!

[@thatlookslikeanasteroid1926]

Brilliant

[@kengillis9904]

Great idea! Thanks for posting this.

[@ZippoVarga]

Glad you like it!! Zip~

[@charlesdowns1691]

cant you use one of those 3 inch testers you just run it over the wire

[@charlesdowns1691]

im just curious cause im just learning on spark testing.

[@Goomer]

nice

[@Goregoonswasteofspace]

Pretty decent little spark tester, I might just have to make me one! Thanks

[@RobertoSantiagoRodriguez]

Great video, being thrifty is an art! Thanks so much!

[@ZippoVarga]

Thanks Robert! Not every one is in an ideal place to own or pick up a spark tester. I hope this has helped a few people who otherwise wouldn't have a way to check spark. Cheers! Zip~

[@RobertoSantiagoRodriguez]

I will need some way to crank the engine remotely...don't always have a helper. With the older cars it was easier to hook up a remote starter with wires and a switch to "bump" the engine. Do you know how to hook up a remote starter I can use while under working hood? Car is 2001 Saturn L200. Not sure if a key FOB would do it...

[@Ram2253spd]

This is an awesome tip. And when you do a tuneup you can make 4,6, or 8 of them to keep around!

[@markmckenzie3072]

Aye, aye, well impressed with that. Good stuff.

[@ZippoVarga]

I'm glad you liked it Mark! I enjoy sharing tips and tricks to help people out. There's many others on my channel. Cheers! Zip~

[@mmill6505]

@@ZippoVarga Sometimes the best tools are home made but most times, the best tool in the shop is the one making tools

[@mikedalakis5292]

Great tip. Thanks much.

[@darrylvandale7305]

Really well done cool!!

[@ZippoVarga]

Glad you enjoyed the video Darryl! Zip~

[@apeanutbutterwolf6529]

That's really smart :]

[@ZippoVarga]

Thanks Gama. I have about one good idea every few years lol. Cheers! Zip~

[@ZippoVarga]

Thanks for the idea Gamma, but you're more than welcome to take it on your self. I'm already rich in all the ways that matter to me. ;-) Cheers!! Zip~

[@TufdogsPlace]

Very cool, Thanks man !

[@MikeMayeran]

Great idea man...A+

[@ZippoVarga]

Glad you guys like the idea! I have been stuck on spark issues in the past and this little trick saved many a headaches! Cheers!! Zip~

[@middyband]

great idea, better than the store bought version

[@paulchurch5929]

Great

[@ZippoVarga]

Thanks Paul! Zip~

[@JSQUIROGA]

great video, I will make one today, thanks

[@FrankaDith]

yup im goin to share this ,pretty sharp!

[@VintageOutboardMan]

I know what I'm gonna do tomorrow haha :)

[@gooberrulz]

Resourceful ingenuity at its best. I think I'll make a few for Christmas gifts.Thanks.

[@ZippoVarga]

+gooberrulz Glad you like the idea Rulz!!

[@redneckbryon]

Sweet

[@ringbolt9]

wow great info

[@neilharding8826]

nice one Zip

[@ZippoVarga]

Thanks King Toober!!!!! Loved the Hit Miss.......that thing is a pure work of art!

[@clockguy2]

Just curious...Does anyone know what the angled electrode on the Briggs and Stratton tester is for?

[@ZippoVarga]

I'm told it's to provide resistance to the spark to see how many ohms you can draw from the spark before the engine dies. Apparently, there's a formula you use in conjunction with the results to gain optimum spark output. But...this is from a source that has had conflicting reviews, so take it with a grain of salt. It makes sense to me, but I can't verify. Cheers!! Zip~

[@clockguy2]

Thanks.

[@MAKAROVOWNER]

That's really smart lol. TY! David

[@ZippoVarga]

I live by a code. Necessity is the mother of invention. If you don't have it, make it. With the internet at our fingers, I'm all too happy to spread my tips and tricks to help others out. Glad you liked it! Cheers David! Zip~