Any auto parts store will have one for about $6 or so...the one I have just looks like a screw, plastic tube, and a ground clip. You basically set it up to a specific gap (1" for example, and connect it between the spark plug wire and ground. If the coil is strong enough, a visible spark will jump the gap. It's much more telling than just arcing a wire to ground. We ruled out the coil the same way you did, then did tons more troubleshooting, only to find out many hours later it was the coil all along.

 

ok well Ill go pick up a spark tester, hopefully they will know what im talking about, hell I could just hook up teh coil from my spare motor in the garage if that works, it sat outside for a long time though. DAAAAAMN I like your car man and thanks for the advice again

 

It'd be worth tossing the spare in just to see if anything different happens.

Thanks, I need to update a bunch of photos on my site, alot has changed since then...I'm just too lazy!

 

I swapped in the spare coil and nothing different happened... I know the motor it came off of was running before it was pulled, but never the less I will still test it. Could it be bad grounds? My battery just started clicking now I guess since ive been cranking it a little bit.... OH and I pulled a plug and it was soaked in gas so maybe its a stuck fuel pressure regulator or something???

EDIT: I just pulled a plug and put a wire on it and it sparks, how bright is it supposed to spark anyways its not blinding in the dark but very noticable at present. Also what is an ignition control module and could it have anything to do with my troubles?

 

Are there any relays that could be bad that are causing this, again waht abotu the fuel pressure regulator, I just dont know how else it could have jsut died so suddenly after running perfectly fine before.....?

 

Anymore opinions?

 

I'll bet it is that lame cap and rotor! This has happened to me twice!


Matt
gpp7673
aiearidge@yahoo.com

 

nah I mean the cylinders are getting spark atleast on the entire drivers side bank...Ill try to get a vid of how it "idles" its more of a buh....buh...buh.......buh...Bong...blurgh and dies with about half a sec or so in between the fires. I really need some good ideas here, its gotta be simple, could it have jumped timing from slack in the chain???? What about the blown cats could they have plugged something up THAT bad at the same time (it has duals with cats)? What else COULD it be??????

BTW throttle position has no effect on the fires when I try and start it... could it be the pcm? I have a spare from another 94 6 speed...?

 

Check to see if the pass bank does as well. I have heard of the opti not delivering spark to certain cylinders or an entire bank. Sounds like the timing is off somehow. Like the high and low resolution pulses are there but not in sequence if thats possible. I really dont see how the timing chain could have jumped a tooth though if you are worried about that.

 

Ill check em all when I get a chance tomorrow.... I mean it just started idling like I ran out of gas and then just died as I slowed to a stop at the stop sign except it had gas and the plugs are soaked in gas after I crank on it so it must be getting some fuel....

 

Are you 100% sure you have gas. I was gonna ask before but its kinda insulting to F-body owners however I know a couple ppl who have run out and didnt know it.

 

positive I even put in a couple extra to make sure...