How to Test a Small Engine for Spark
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If you've had your small engine long enough, it's bound to have some issues. However, these issues can be promptly negated if you perform routine maintenance. This article address the steps to test the spark of a small engine. This can and should be part of the regular maintenance you perform on your small engine, so keep this article handy for future repairs.
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Testing the Spark
1. Remove the spark plug boot
This will just pull off of the engine shroud with a little bit of force.
2. Attach the tester to the boot and spark plug
Press the metal end of the spark tester into the boot-- then place the rubber female end over the spark plug.
3. Pull the start rope to test spark
You wont need to start the engine completely. A few pulls to get the engine turned over is all you need to see the spark in the spark tester window.
4. Examine the condition of the spark plug
The spark tester cannot detect if a spark plug is damaged. You'll need to pull out the spark plug and manually inspect it.
5. Remove the tester and replace the boot.
Once you're done testing the spark, simply pull the tester off of the engine and replace the rubber boot
Conclusion
And that's how easy it is to make sure that you're small engine is still getting a spark. And if you found out that the spark was working correctly but your small engine still won't start, watch or read our articles addressing engine maintenance. Now get back out there and put that engine to work!
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