Testing coil packs with a spark tester?

[Russell]

I was thinking about testing my individual coil packs with one of the following: Thexton model 404, Thexton 458 (Coil On plug COP) or the Lisle 20610.

Anyone have experience with these tools or know if they would work? I saw one of these tools used on coil packs on Motorweek's Goss Garage.

[Russell]

Bought the thexton 458. Plan to use it next month when I change my plugs (I do it every 30,000 miles) and valve cover gasket. Plan to use OE NGK plugs and a Fel-pro valve cover gasket. Hope to see if plug condition and spark quaility show if any of the coils are weak. Just playing around.

[Bruno]

I use a multimeter and follow the specs from the Bentley... or I run the car in the dark and look for sparks, works all the time.

[Russell]

I plan to do the multimeter test as well. The "spark in the dark" is a great idea. Thanks.