Spark Plug/Ground issue

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Jan 19, 2009 | 10:09 PM

rrb9

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Spark Plug/Ground issue

After a few small projects this winter my plugs seem to not be getting any spark. After doing a quick wire check and plug replacement, I checked for a spark. I did this by holding the spark plug threads on the engine block with a screw driver. The engine started turning over and still no spark when I let my index finger slip down on the shaft of the screw driver (not the first time i have done this. I am a slow learner.). Well, needless to say, I was shocked, but I also noticed the spark plug received a spark.

My question is... Would this be a ground issue? Did I just act as the ground and complete the circuit? Thanks for any help. I am not very knowledgeable about electrical.

Jan 20, 2009 | 01:03 AM

jdvorchak

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From: East Alton, IL

What happens when you screw the plugs in the holes? Does it run? If not could be you have the plug wires reversed? You didn't mention removing the wires from the coil so that's probably not it. The plugs ground through the threads into the head so perhaps you had the plugs touching a painted surface. The fact that you got shocked tells us you have spark.

Jan 20, 2009 | 08:20 AM

rrb9

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No the bike will not fire. I have not removed any wires from the coil or the module.

Since the plugs ground to the heads. Does this mean my engine is not grounded? I thought the engine grounded through the mounts. Could the Module or coil not be grounded?

Jan 20, 2009 | 09:27 AM

cHarley

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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

The negative battery lead bolts to the engine case, that is the system ground point, not the mounts.

It also would be helpful if you listed the year and model of your bike when asking for technical help.

Jan 20, 2009 | 03:25 PM

midnight2005

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From: Fairmont, Wv

try putting a phillips screw driver into the hole where you inserted the spark plug. Then holding the screw driver about an 8th of an inch from a good ground. Make sure you have dim light and try to crank it. You should get spark if the ground is good. If there is a good blue spark then replace the plugs. If not you need to look closer at your plug wires and possibly the coil.

Jan 20, 2009 | 05:48 PM

quig

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From: central WI

Are you sure you are getting fuel?

Jan 21, 2009 | 08:15 AM

rrb9

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Got it. Thanks for the help everyone. It ended up being a connector to the side of the battery holder. I am still unsure what that is, but I assume it was a ground. I am relieved that it was not the module or coil. And the best part is i finally got to hear my new pipes and they sound great.