That was mean.

I still am

 

I still am

Not mean. Just Crotchety.

 

Even a cheap timing light will provide a good indication of a spark pulse, and usually in most lighting conditions.

 

So will a shock to the hand. And you don't have to buy anything at all.

 

Most folks are not able to tell the difference between a 200 volt shock and a 2000 volt shock, and the 200 volt pulse is not likely to fire a spark plug. And abusing a young child with shocks is not in accordance with the standards this site has previously stated. In fact, shocking has often been the reason for ending some threads.
It certainly does reveal a lot about a person, though.

 

abusing a young child with shocks is not in accordance with the standards this site has previously stated.

Wasn't suggesting getting someone else to take the shock. Just saying that when I suspected the lack of a spark I'd sometimes use my hand as described. AND I suspect if the ignition is faulty it's not going to produce 200V. For my experiences, a good spark really hits the hand hard. A weak spark results in the question: "Did I feel a shock?"

And for anyone else who may be concerned - I'm NOT advocating using a child in the maintenance and diagnostics of power equipment under any circumstances. However, I remember my father teaching me about gasoline engines when I was a youth experimenting with gas motors.

 

It certainly does reveal a lot about a person, though.

Stop throwing stones!