Motorcycle Repair: HOW TO TEST FOR STRONG SPARK ?, spark tester, cbx

Question
QUESTION: Hi Jan

I need to buy an IGNITION SPARK TESTER. I never use on before. Jan can you suggest a GOOD ONE ?

Jan my gap on the plugs are 40 and my bike is very hard starting. Sometimes it starts / Sometimes it DOESN'T !!!

The bike has not been taking out yet. Its in the back patio.

What am I looking for when testing of a strong spark ?
A guy told me it has to be BLUE ?

THANK YOU JAN
GOD BLESS YOU
Ray M.

ANSWER: If you are getting a spark at the plugs, usually the problem is not the spark, it is either the timing of the spark, or there is no fuel to ignite.

Is this a CBX?  Normally if it is a late model CBX, the fuel will take some time to get to the engine because of the vacuum shutoff device.

Let me know,  Jan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: HI JAN

NO ITS NOT A CBX ITS A HARLEY 1985

I PUT IN THE FOLLOWING;

1. NEW BATTERY.
2. NEW FUEL.
3. NEW PLUGS GAPED .0040THS.
4. REBUILT CARB.

ITS JUST MIGHT BE THE IGNITION COIL MAYBE ?
JAN ANOTHER SUGGESTION YOU MIGHT COME UP WITH.

JAN. IF FUEL IS GETTING INTO THE CHAMBER WHICH IT IS.
TELL ME; CAN A " WEAK SPARK " SET-OFF THE GAS TO START
COMBUSTION ?

OR DOES ONE " NEED A STRONG SPARK TO DO THAT " ?
THANK JAN
GOD BLESS YOU
RAY

Answer
Normally any spark is sufficient.  If you have fuel, spark and compression the engine should run.  If it does not, did you really clean out the carbs especially the small jets?  Otherwise is there a chance that the ignition timing has slipped?  Good luck,  Jan