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Probably best not to pull the spark plug leads while the motor is running, it can damage your ignition system.

Really? Huh, I was told to do that by a mechanic... I didn't think it would hurt anything that wasn't easily fixed, the wire is still firing, if I put it close to anything metal and grounded it sparks.

not a good idea to hold a live spark plug wire. it may just ground out onto the engine, but you could possibly complete the circut with your body and become the ground yourself.

an ignition coil can generate some serious current and is enough to kill someone

camthepyro wrote:Really? Huh, I was told to do that by a mechanic... I didn't think it would hurt anything that wasn't easily fixed, the wire is still firing, if I put it close to anything metal and grounded it sparks.

If your plug lead is disconnected and grounded, whilst engine is running, that's fine. If it's not grounded you run the risk of damaging your ignition coil.

I wish I had known that... I guess I'll make sure to ground it if I ever have to test it like that again.