Lisle Spark Indicator

[GTRS Fiero]

Today, I tested this device.  There is no apparent filament.  I tested the device in both directions, with the engine running.  No light, either way.  I tested at various angles, in different places on the plug wire.  Nothing.

Despite what I had posted, earlier, the spark cannot jump that gap.  That voltage is not passing through the tester; rather, it is capacitive voltage (I believe).  In my mind, I think of it as sympathetic voltage.

Then the light went on.  It's an idiot tester.

[Slyp]

Did you test it in series or parallel??? I may make a difference

[GTRS Fiero]

I would guess in parallel.  According to the instructions, nothing gets unplugged or punctured.  Supposedly, the tester is just placed against the wire.

[GTRS Fiero]

In case I'm not communicating this correctly, here are the instructions from Lisle.

[Slyp]

Sorry didnt know how it worked.  But would be worried about the precautions........

[GTRS Fiero]

If that warning worries you, you won't be buying much of anything.  That warning is on everything but water and most produce.  Basically, if plastic, metal, composites, or anything that isnxt entirely natural is involved, it is required to have that warning.

[Wreck It Ralph]

May have a defective one. They are drop sensitive.

[GTRS Fiero]

Apparently, Fierofool also has 2 that are similarly defective.

[Wreck It Ralph]

I have one that’s 15 years old and still working.

[GTRS Fiero]

As best as I can tell, this product works best by following these instructions:
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire
2. Grab exposed bare metal
3. Hold the Lisle Spark Indicator upright in the other hand
4. Have helper crank engine
5. If the indicator drops, you have adequate spark

This method works better, if you yell, "Yee-Haw" while the tester cranks the engine.

Follow the instructions above at your own risk.  People who are pregnant, have heart problems, or those with electronic health aids should not attempt this.  Following the instructions above could result in heart palpitations, temporary stutter, infertility, a shocking personality, and--in rare cases--death.

[GTRS Fiero]

I have one that’s 15 years old and still working.

Made in the USA?

[Fierofool]

As best as I can tell, this product works best by following these instructions:
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire
2. Grab exposed bare metal
3. Hold the Lisle Spark Indicator upright in the other hand
4. Have helper crank engine
5. If the indicator drops, you have adequate spark

This method works better, if you yell, "Yee-Haw" while the tester cranks the engine.

Follow the instructions above at your own risk.  People who are pregnant, have heart problems, or those with electronic health aids should not attempt this.  Following the instructions above could result in heart palpitations, temporary stutter, infertility, a shocking personality, and--in rare cases--death.

When using according to the above method, add to the list
6.  One should not have a weak bladder.
7.  One should not have weak sphincter muscles.
8.  One should not use in the presence of a person of the cloth. 

[GTRS Fiero]

In my experience, persons of the cloth have used more words than the rest of us.  A "person of the cloth" went off on me for at least 20 minutes, and only used those sorts of words.  He later bragged that he never used the same word twice.  He never used a coherent thought, at all, so no prizes.  I thought maybe it was special for me, but there were several other "people of the cloth" who were riding in a car, when the tire went flat.  They all got out and started using that sort of language.  I had stopped to help, but ended up leaving, rather than be subjected to their verbal use.  Several hours later, when I came back by, they were still there, and still running their mouths.  Being a friendly guy, I honked and waved.

Being that they were "persons of the cloth", maybe it eventually worked.  Some months later, I passed that way.  Both those "persons of the cloth" and their car were gone.

[GTRS Fiero]

May have a defective one. They are drop sensitive.

Sounds too fragile to be in a toolbox.

[GTRS Fiero]

After watching some youtube videos on this product, I saw how faint the light was, so determined to test in the dark.

I did so.  Behold, there is a faint light.  Sometimes, it's brighter, but mostly dim.  It does matter where the indicator is placed on the plug.  The idea is good, but the implementation needs some work.