How to Test a Small Engine for Spark

  Swing by our lawn equipment page to find any small engine parts that you need.   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  

 
[Back to Top]   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!   If you need replacement parts for the Hitachi string trimmer that's featured in the video, you can find them here.    [Back to Top] What We're About