Skunkbait wrote:DifferentStrokes,

I tried viewing the spark at the plug but at the time was parked in my neighbor's driveway where it was very bright and sunny. Even with shading it the best we could, our 50-year-old eyes couldn't see the spark so we used the old-school method.

Since it was my bike I was the one that had to hold the nail. I had forgotten how pleasant an ignition shock was.

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Might I suggest next time that you use an insulated pair of pliers or something like that to hold the nail. You can then hold the bits far enough to see the spark.

If the jolt travels the wrong way it can tinker with your heart's timing.

I do find it fascinating all the old school methods that were very effective and simple.