Correct plugs for electronic ign.? 273 auto

Plugs don't need to be any different for electronic ignition.

You can do some simple tests to see what's going on

Google and learn how to use a leakdown tester, and you can make 'em yourself

Get and use a vacuum gauge

You can also do a "backyard" cylinder balance test.

Inspect the cap and rotor for damage, cracks, carbon, arcing, etc

Use your multimeter to measure the spark plug wires for opens

Remove and inspect the plugs. Check for obvious signs of failure or fouling, cracks in the plugs insulators. What color are they? what is in there now? What shape do you THINK the engine is in, does it normally put out good power, run good, smoke/ burn oil?

Then do your "balance test."


Make arrangements to short each plug tower individually. If you have the older, conventional style dist. cap, and a long sharp probe such as a 12V test lamp, you can use that, just ease it down beside the plug wires after moving the caps up the wires.

Alternatively, you can stuff small brads/ nails down beside each wire, so you can short them

Get it running and warm, adjust for best idle, and turn the idle up around 1200. Short each plug wire one at a time, and listen to the engine or watch a tach, each cylinder should drop the same RPM.

If not, swap plug or wire on that cylinder to check for a bad plug or wire.

If that does not change the problem, take a good look at that one (or two) cylinder(s), compression check, valve adjustment, etc.