How to Check for Ignition Spark ?

[RageCage]

I have the 85 Caprice which only wants to start hot or cold, but not warm. I'm trying to check for spark. When the engine was warm, I took out a spark plug, and hooked it up to its wire, laid it somewhere NOT touching metal, where I could see it. Then I cranked the motor, and saw no spark. I couln't get very close to it, since I had to reach in and turn the key. No helper available. Could the spark be too faint to see in the daytime ? Do I need to touch the spark plug to something metal?

Thanks

[CD Smalley]

I'd suggest using a timing light myself. Hook it up to any spark plug wire and crank the car. There should be enough cables for you to be able to reach in through the window and crank while looking at the light. This way you don't have to worry about getting shocked, only about shining the light in your eyes....

[Mira_cz]

You need to touch the - pole with the sparking-plug by its scroll. - you can find wherever on chassis, where is not much paint on it. Just touch some or anything by the scroll (or winding, I cant find translation) and try. I thing that spark might be visible, if it wouldnt, try to clean sparking-plug by wire brush or try to enlarge or make smaller space between poles where spark rises. If stlill is not visible, try it in dusk :)