Spark checker tool recomendation

[creia]

Can you recommend a good reliable spark checker at a reasonable price? I have misplaced the one I had. I have seen a few videos where the techs were using a "Pet 4000" by Echo- seems kind of pricey at $ 60-70 on eBay. Are the cheapo ones at $ 15-20 any good?
Thanks guys,
Michael

[bgsengine]

wow.. $15 to $20 is cheap? whew. used to be under $10 , the oregon branded spark testers worked reasonably well though they were fixed gap, (I think the OE Briggs are the same product, just briggs branded) the Echo tester was high priced, but worth it if you want to be Able to adjust the spark gap (to check firing KV useful to test coils and electronic ignitions) among a few other features... But if you just need something to check spark the oregon branded ones are decent, or you can just make your own (block of wood and a couple #10-32 screws and nuts, solder a lead and clip , or whatever configuration works for you, then glue on thin sheets of plexiglas or magnifier both sides and drill a vent hole in one side)

[38racing]

I just bought this briggs oem for 38 cdn. that's under 30 usd. does anyone know what the angled pointer is for?

[creia]

Thanks for the replies.
I only need it for basic spark checking. I believe that the one I had WAS and Oregon brand. I see that you can get them on eBay for about $ 13.00 shipped. I'll probably just get another one of those.
Michael

[SUKI]

You could always get your wife to hold wire to see if see lights up.

[Arkie]

This oregon one is really good and bullet proof and can be left in series while the engine is running to constantly monitor spark, like if engine is sputtering every once in awhile and ignition is suspect. (just shade the view window if in bright sunlight for a better view) About $12 on flea bay. Briggs has one also that is identical and priced higher.
Oregon Genuine Spark Plug Tester # 42-087
Before I stumbled onto the Oregon few years ago I made one like bsengine described using plexiglass and brass machine screws and could adjust the spark gap, one side was adjusted for electronic (wider gap) and other side for points. I had to be careful with my epoxy glued plexglass tester because it is not as bullet proof as the Oregon.

I've had the neon lamp type indicate good spark when spark was actually weak and intermittent.

[bluemower]

comment from Arkie
I've had the neon lamp type indicate good spark when spark was actually weak and intermittent.
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previously, a local shop used these glow testers and could not figure out why an engine would not start. I loaned a Briggs "gap" tester and suprise! No spark.

The Briggs tester (and probably the Oregon) has a gap of .166. This requires about 13,000 volts to jump the gap and verifies the ignition coil is in good condition. Also verifies the coil will provide a strong spark with with engine compression. A cold engine usually requires about 8,000 volts to provide spark. When an engine is warm, about 4,000 volts is required to run. This information is from some old Briggs training videos.

[KE4AVB]

Tnx Blue for pointing that out. I knew better myself than a neon light but of course I have dealt with electric and electronics repairs since '79.

[creia]

I ended up getting the Oregon tester which I think is the same one I had before. Many thanks to all that replied!
MIchael