84 Shovelhead no spark to spark plugs
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 553
From: USA
How are you testing for spark...what is your process? ...and where are you grounding the plug.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,569
Likes: 3,324
From: Cental, MI
Where is not a Matter... long as it is in fact... Grounded.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 553
From: USA
IF it is in fact grounded....where would help determine if it was a good ground source...and you ain't gettin no spark if you ain't got no ground...lol
Heck I just saw a forum member test for spark by touching the spark plug wire (without the plug) on the head so can't assume everyone knows the process and how/where to ground the plug. No disrespect to the OP.
Heck I just saw a forum member test for spark by touching the spark plug wire (without the plug) on the head so can't assume everyone knows the process and how/where to ground the plug. No disrespect to the OP.
Last edited by hscic; May 13, 2019 at 06:10 PM.
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3rd Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: OHIO
I tried to ground it to separate ways I put a wire around the body of the spark plug and attach it to a exposed metal to the frame I also put the spark plug up to a piece of metal and either way did not produce a spark
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,064
Likes: 7,591
From: Poolville
Like joe said, is the status light blinking when turning the motor over? The pink wire is the trigger, it momentarily grounds the coil to complete the circuit of the primary side of the coil which will energize the secondary side of the coil sending 20-30,000v to the plugs.
So pull the plugs and hook them back up to the plug wires and then ground them. With the ignition on and confirmed power to the positive side of the coil, momentarily ground the negative side of the coil. you should see the spark plugs fire..
ONE MORE THING, MAKE SURE WHEN YOU GROUND THE COIL THAT IT'S ONLY MOMENTARY... IF YOU KEEP IT GROUNDED TOO LONG YOU COULD BURN UP THE PRIMARY SIDE OF THE COIL...
So pull the plugs and hook them back up to the plug wires and then ground them. With the ignition on and confirmed power to the positive side of the coil, momentarily ground the negative side of the coil. you should see the spark plugs fire..
ONE MORE THING, MAKE SURE WHEN YOU GROUND THE COIL THAT IT'S ONLY MOMENTARY... IF YOU KEEP IT GROUNDED TOO LONG YOU COULD BURN UP THE PRIMARY SIDE OF THE COIL...
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; May 14, 2019 at 01:37 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 419
Likes: 223
From: Florida
The body [steel part] of the plug must be grounded... the only spark is between the electrodes...
If I am mistaken about what you said... excuse me... You are in good hands... carry on..
In the old days this was a good place for children.... "Here hold this a second"
Prolly child abuse or some crap now days tho...ya gotta hold it yerself!!!!
Finally... you are risking "run-on" if you run the starter without plugs in the engine... Not at all uncommon if the plugs are out... One good place for John Jzjz's dual relay system...
If I am mistaken about what you said... excuse me... You are in good hands... carry on..
In the old days this was a good place for children.... "Here hold this a second"
Prolly child abuse or some crap now days tho...ya gotta hold it yerself!!!!
Finally... you are risking "run-on" if you run the starter without plugs in the engine... Not at all uncommon if the plugs are out... One good place for John Jzjz's dual relay system...
Never heard the term.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,569
Likes: 3,324
From: Cental, MI
You will Know when the Starter Solenoid Sticks Closed...Tho that generally only happens with a Low Battery...But, Not exclusively
