How to Test a Spark Plug In One Minute

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When any of my small engine equipment fails, one of the first things I check is the spark plug. Spark plugs fail way more often than they should because many brands are made with cheap parts. This video shows how to easily test a spark plug before you head out to the store to purchase a new one.

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[TightWadDIY]

Here are some parts discussed in this video!

[richardroddenberry]

Good video, I have been changing sparkplugs in small engines since I was 12 yrs old. I am 79 now. You answered my many questions about the actual condition of those spark plugs. Your explanation of how to test them is the best I've ever heard.
Richard
Thank you!

[pbgavo]

Don't know if you'll get to see this comment. I would like to thank you for your video. I have been flabbergasted trying to get my multi function strimmer going. I always thought I was good with engines. I had a good spark on my coil according to my tester; although my plug didn't seem so good. I reset the flywheel gap, changed the carburetor and just about tried everything but change the plug. I had two plugs which looked in perfect condition, but after doing your test with my own multi meter they both had a zero reading, but a plug from a different machine had a 5+ ~ a bit of a coincedence the two plugs being duds. A lot of people would have given up and put it into a repair shop; who would have charged well over for a repair. I still need to get a plug and try the machine but it seems my problem (fingers crossed) could be solved thanks to you.

[kevinkilloy]

Your video saved me a lot of time. Yamaha Beartracker 250 ran great after carb cleaning and then would not fire 4 days later. I assumed the carb again, cleaned and rebuilt again with new kit. Still not firing. I checked for spark with inline tester and the tester was getting spark. My spark plug was intermittently failing and your video told me how to confirm the plug was shorted. Thank you.

[MrTrekFanDan]

4 yrs later, and still helping people.
Thank you!🖖😎👍

[joeldavidov]

the best explanation and detailed I have ever seen on YouTube

[rajaibrar]

Comprehensive, short, smart, simple briefing, thanks

[brenthymer]

I've never had a spark plug go bad until today. Fantastic video!!! I was able to determine that one spark plug failed.

[JoeRah-qt]

Most informative video I've ever watched on how to test something. Voice tone and cadence make it very easy to digest info. Well done ol chap!

[johnevatt]

Great video. Very informative.
I used to test spark plug wires by grabbing a hold of them. After getting shocked I sure learned my lesson. Always wear a helmet in case you bang your Head on the hood

[andriesviljoen]

Thanks for this very useful info. At the VW workshop, we had a spark plug tester back in the day where we tested ALL spark plugs, weather old or new. Now you gave me another way to test them....thanks a million☝️🙏

[babelonchabalala]

Great video for ruling out the plug itself Although your multimeter leads are insert wrongly Black goes into the COM port But in a resistance or continuity test it doesnt But in a current test it does

[alcamerc]

Here’s something new. I didn’t know people test spark plugs anymore. I haven’t been in an engine compartment in decades let alone know where the spark plugs are, this from a guy who used to be a shade tree mechanic back in the day in Florida. It is good to know that this technology is still available. Good video.

[spencerakashaggy]

I have never known to be able to test a plug, very informative.👍🏼

[octaviojimenez]

appreciate the thorough explaining of the sparkplug.

[drchan]

great video sir, this video is very helpful. My generator would not start it only backfires so i thought the engine has spark if it's backfiring but upon testing the plug as you showed, sure enough, the plug was faulty. you saved me from buying a new Generator. thankyou.

[dt]

thank you finally someone who explain it this good.

[Spitfireseven]

This is the only video I've seen testing spark plugs. It was worth it!!!

[jameschoiwk]

It's a nice video. In my opinion, in order to check whether the spark plug has failed or not, it is necessary to check the insulation resistance between the stud terminal and the shell (ground) in addition to the internal resistance. Insulation resistance is to check whether there are any defects that reduce insulation performance, such as internal cracks or pinholes, and can be measured using a mega-tester. In most cases, carbon deposition in the spark plug firing end is caused by incomplete combustion of fuel injected into the combustion chamber due to misfire caused by various factors other than the spark plug's defects. Please note.

[graemebagnall]

Great video, thanks. Nice and clear. My good old dad taught me a lot about stuff, but not that! And I now know yes, my lawnmower’s spark plug is indeed bust!