Misfiring spark plugs or bad induction wires are common reasons for poor engine performance. An old practice was to pull off a plug wire while the engine was running to see whether it sparked to ground. Usually, the one pulling the wire off became the ground, resulting in a sudden set of shocks to the body and a newfound respect for the ignition system. An easier way to to check a plug and wire is to use an induction timing light.
Examine the inducton timing light. Notice that there are two colored leads with wire clamps. These hook up to the battery -- red to the positive battery terminal, and black to ground. Look closely at the induction pickup end. It will have a large black plastic clap that surrounds the plug wire being checked. Most induction pickup ends will also have an embossed arrow that indicates the voltage flow through the wire. Hook it up accordingly.
Start the car and return to the engine compartment. Pull the trigger on the timing light and observe what appears to be a strobe light. As that particular spark plug fires, the strobe also lights. Look for consistency in the blinking of the light at different engine speeds. There should be a regular strobe action throughout all speed ranges.
Move the induction pickup to each of the other plug wires. Shutting off the engine while moving the pickup is not necessary. Observe the results of each test as the pickup is moved from one wire to the next and record any discrepancies.
Review your notes and look for the plug wires that were inconsistent in the strobe or had no lighting at all. These are the plugs or plug wires that need further testing.
