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Small Engines

What a Spark Test is, and Which Spark Tester to Use

/ , , , , / Diagnostics, Spark Ignition, Technical Articles, Testing, Tools

‘Spark testing’ can involve anything from checking whether a spark plug works, to full-system tests of the whole ignition system under load. As is common with many other engine tests, the method you use depends on the tool(s) you have, and there are a variety of options. Each of the tools (and specific tests) can help find different issues, with some being much more useful than others. That said, you should know that not all tools work equally well for all applications, so it’s important to understand what the different tools do, and how they work before deciding on which to use.

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What’s New in the GTC505 Engine Ignition Analyzer?

/ , , , , / Diagnostics, Spark Ignition, Technical Articles, Testing, Tools

This year, we’ve released a new version of our GTC505, with a number of new features to improve performance, reliability, and ease-of-use. This redesign and redevelopment was triggered by supply issues with the NXP Kinetis K60 processor we had been using. We took advantage of this opportunity, and completely reworked the tool’s electronic hardware and

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The Different Types of Ignition Systems

/ , , / General Interest, Spark Ignition

Gasoline-fueled piston engines require an ignition source to set off the explosion that converts the chemical potential energy of the air-fuel mixture into thermal energy which the engine can convert into mechanical energy. Each type of ignition source has advantages and disadvantages (which we’ll get to soon), but all have the same basic objective, which is to efficiently set off a quick explosion that burns all the fuel in the cylinder. There are four ignition systems commonly used in 4-stroke, 2-stroke, and rotary engines, along with an oddball only used in small 2-strokes.

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Engine Compression Diagnostics Article Roundup

/ , , , , / Diagnostics, Engine Compression, Testing

How to Do An Engine Compression Test by Staff Writer A brief comparison of dry compression, wet compression, and leak-down tests. Read Article at Autozone Dynamic Duo by Mark Warren How to use a current clamp and oscilloscope combination to check cranking compression and the starter motor. Read Article at Motor Magazine Lab Scopes and

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Spark Ignition Diagnostics Article Roundup

/ , , / Diagnostics, Spark Ignition, Testing

Secondary Ignition: The Art Of Spark by Scott Weaver This article describes the components of a conventional distributor ignition system, and how they produce a spark. Scott also shows what a (secondary coil) ignition waveform looks like, and describes its different parts. Read Article at Tomorrow’s Technician Maintaining Engine Spark by Mac Vandenbrink An explanation

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How to Use a Battery Tester

/ , , / Batteries, Testing, Tools

Most battery testers have two clips (or test leads), you first attach these to the battery’s terminals (connectors), then you press a button (or switch), and a few seconds later, the tester displays or prints a result indicating the battery’s condition. The details of how you use a battery tester depends on what kind of battery you have, the electrical system it is connected to, and which tester you plan to use. Some battery testers require disconnecting the battery from the vehicle, while others have different limitations. Most battery testers only work on one, or a few different types of batteries. We describe how to use five different battery testers below:

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