Bloody stupid little spark plugs

**Paul in NZ** · 13th May 2007, 17:05

AAArrrgghh

Who invented these daft things?????

Anyone got an adaptor for a compression tester or know where to buy one in wellington?? Need to check an 80's in line 4 with the little plugs and my tester only does ordinary ones...

Mutter grumble moan...

**psyguy** · 13th May 2007, 20:18

i bought mine from supercheap auto
repco has them as well
$30 or so
does the trick
would lend but am in ackl

**Paul in NZ** · 13th May 2007, 20:22

Originally Posted by psyguy

i bought mine from supercheap auto
repco has them as well
$30 or so
does the trick
would lend but am in ackl

Is that the adaptor or the comp tester?

I have a tester - it just won't fit the little holes.. argh..

**Madness** · 13th May 2007, 20:24

Does your tester have a brand on it Paul?

**Paul in NZ** · 13th May 2007, 20:30

Originally Posted by Madness

Does your tester have a brand on it Paul?

Optilux or something - it's a good tester (well thus far) but it only does 'normal' plugs and the bigger ones. Irritating. Still - it looks like I'll be dropping the donk anyway - I'd like to confirm a few things first though so any ideas are welcome.

**Madness** · 13th May 2007, 20:34

Optilux is a brand that was last I knew handled by Hella (NZ) Ltd. They mainly did timing lights but I seem to remember a compression tester in the range. Probably SFA chance of finding an adaptor but find a Hella stockist for a start?

Is this the Str8 bike Paul?

**Paul in NZ** · 13th May 2007, 20:36

Originally Posted by Madness

Optilux is a brand that was last I knew handled by Hella (NZ) Ltd. They mainly did timing lights but I seem to remember a compression tester in the range. Probably SFA chance of finding an adaptor but find a Hella stockist for a start?

Is this the Str8 bike Paul?

Yeah but its a secret OK so don't tell anyone - thus far it's now giving me grief...

**Madness** · 13th May 2007, 20:39

Secret is safe with me Paul, nobody will ever find out.

PM Sparky Bills, he should be able to lay his paws on a suitable tester, lives up your way too.

I know a guy from here called RoadRacingOldFart, he's a Pram boy & sure to be able to help.

**Motu** · 13th May 2007, 20:54

The higher quality comp testers,that real mechanics use,have a connector like an aro coupling.....so you can clip on different extentions.And of course I don't have mine anymore.

Anyway,as low compression is pretty rare these day,I do comparative comp tests - using a scope it takes amp or voltage reading from the starter draw....a low comp will show less starter draw.My scope produces and prints out a bar graph.

**Paul in NZ** · 13th May 2007, 21:51

So hows this going to help me assertain the condition of a half dismantled engine dripping oil in my garage you old coot

Scope? Fark! It's not even got any sparkplugs in it - what kinda mechanic leaves a motor like that with no plugs in it?

Everytime I look at it I see something else busted - looks like the engines leaving the mother ship - and guess what - it IS an exup - I found a poxy little thing in the exhaust hooked up to cables and i assume thats what it is - stupid place for a moving part.

I got a funny feeling I'll be taking a LOT of pictures...

**psyguy** · 14th May 2007, 08:26

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

Is that the adaptor or the comp tester?

I have a tester - it just won't fit the little holes.. argh..

the whole tester

**jonbuoy** · 14th May 2007, 09:37

You can drift out the ceramic part of one of your sparkplugs and epoxy a hose or other fitting onto the end - I did that - I got the idea from dans motorcycle pages - some handy hints on there.

**Paul in NZ** · 14th May 2007, 09:48

Originally Posted by jonbuoy

You can drift out the ceramic part of one of your sparkplugs and epoxy a hose or other fitting onto the end - I did that - I got the idea from dans motorcycle pages - some handy hints on there.

REALLY Good idea... I'm hoping to reuse these plugs but i like your thinking...

**F5 Dave** · 17th May 2007, 17:43

Motomail sell adaptors, I have some if you want to borrow but in the hutt.

std comp gauges come with A & B size. Heck A is for Model T that sort of vintage isn't it? (wouldn't really know I've only worked on bikes & occasionally my van, oh yeah & a 3.3 Victor in the 80s, but therapy is helping me block that). Yes the exups do seize if not used & left in humid climates. Sadly they run badly without them.

**Paul in NZ** · 17th May 2007, 19:33

Originally Posted by F5 Dave

Motomail sell adaptors, I have some if you want to borrow but in the hutt.

std comp gauges come with A & B size. Heck A is for Model T that sort of vintage isn't it? (wouldn't really know I've only worked on bikes & occasionally my van, oh yeah & a 3.3 Victor in the 80s, but therapy is helping me block that). Yes the exups do seize if not used & left in humid climates. Sadly they run badly without them.

Cool bananas - never thought of them... Thanks..

btw - I actually have one of them Model A plugs here some place....