I'm trying to start my 73Z up after 1 year in storage. All the fluids are changed and theres fresh gas. It turns over fine, but won't start. What's the best way to find out if there is even a spark. Thanks in advance for any help

Hold the business end of a spark plug wire near a piece of the chassis (like a bolt/nut/or other bare metal) look for the spark to jump the gap to the metal. Best viewed in a semi dark area (i.e. NOT in bright sunlight)

Better still, remove the sparkplug, connect it to its lead and earth it on the head/block while the engine is being cranked. ...better to know if the plug itself is sparking rather than just the lead.

Originally posted by halz

Better still, remove the sparkplug, connect it to its lead and earth it on the head/block while the engine is being cranked. ...better to know if the plug itself is sparking rather than just the lead.

If your gonna do that, you'all better make sure you ain't holding the plug when the ignition is cranked, or you'll get knocked across the street!

You're right... I should add "don't hold the plug, hold the lead"

NAW HOLD THE PLUG ! FOR AS LONG AS YOU CAN , about 1/10,000 th of a secound. ROFL

That reminds me of the mean trick my brother and I pulled on our little brother... We asked him to hold the metal end of the lawnmower plug lead and said that it was important to hold it tight... We then gave the starter cord a tremendous heave. I feel guilty at the memory now that I have young children of my own..but I can still see his little arm pumping with the shocks he recieved! Of course he ran bawling to Mum and we copped a right pasting over that....ahhh memories :devious:

I didn't need that trick played on me got stuck by the mower , car and house , thank god I am not an electrician by tradeLOL

Most auto parts stores have a plug gap tester, cost is about 5-8 bucks. Plug it into your plug boot, then attach it to your plug. Works great for its price.