TROUBLESHOOTING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Test Procedures
2005 FE350 Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance and Service Supplement
Page 11-27
11
TEST PROCEDURE 14 – IGNITION SPARK
See General Warning, Section 10, Page 10-1.
NOTE:
Keep the battery connected while performing this test procedure.
1. Place the neutral lockout cam in the SERVICE (MAINTENANCE) position, put the Forward/Reverse han-
dle in the NEUTRAL position, and chock the wheels.
2. Remove the plug wire from the spark plug. Using an ignition spark gap test tool (Thexton 404
®
or equiv-
alent), check for correct spark
(Figure 11-23, Page 11-27)
.
2.1. Adjust the tester probes to approximately to 18,000 volts (18 Kv) setting (SE –
Small Engine Setting
on the Thexton 404 tool). Connect the tester to the spark plug wire, and connect the alligator clip
to a solid engine ground.
2.2. Start the engine. There should be a strong blue spark between the probes of the spark gap tester.
If there is no spark, or if the spark is a faint yellow or red color, test components of the ignition circuit.
See Test Procedure 16 – Ignition Coil on page 11-28.
3. If the spark gap tester tool indicates a strong blue spark, it is possible the spark plug has failed internally.
Check the spark plug gap. The gap should be set at 0.027 to 0.031 of an inch (0.69 to 0.79 mm). If the
gap is correct, replace the spark plug with a new part and test the engine for proper operation.
Figure 11-23 Ignition Spark Test
Figure 11-24 White/Black Engine Kill Wire
IGNITION GAP
TEST TOOL
SPARK PLUG
WIRE
SPARK PLUG
FRAME
Disconnect
white/black
engine
kill wire
RPM
LIMITER