Weird sparking from magneto cover

[Cartoonacus1]

Okay, long story short. Checking output to battery with volt meter to ensure it's charging and I notice sparks from the magneto cover when I rev it up! Sparks are near the top of the mag cover by where the engine size is rivetted to the block.Can't upload video (caught it on video) but really wish I could :-( ! Any ideas before I start digging in / what could cause sparks? This was from the 97 GTI 717 single carb. Thanks in advance!

 

[Cartoonacus1]

Okay, pulled a screen shot off!

see the sparks by the plug?

 

[benjilafouine]

First thing that comes to my mind is that you have a spark plug wire that has gone bad (like cracked or wet) and leaking electricity. Just like wiring gone bad in a car and fire running. Is your ski running fine even with this??

Benji.

 

[Cartoonacus1]

It is running fine except for the bog between the low speed and high speed jets. Figured that is an adjustment after the carb rebuild but haven't had a chance to do that. Trying to get two ski's up and running reliable after the PO rode em hard and put em away wet! Testing the charging system and noticed this. TOTALLY unexpected.

 

[Cartoonacus1]

Better pic?

 

[benjilafouine]

Not sure what I would do with this but be careful. I will let more experienced members answer that. Fire running on wires will definitely make your engine run bad, bogging or more like skipping if I refer to my automotive experience. I had several older cars in my life and when road salt would corrode cables or make them susceptible to moisture, this would happen. Replaced spark plug wires a few times in my life.

Benji.

 

[Triorieel]

I can't really see...but isn't that your ground wire? If it is, that wire should be checked and made secure.

I don't know your engine, but it looks like it might be one of the wires coming from your stator. secure it first then check again.

 

[Cartoonacus1]

Good idea, Will do

 

[jjsinaz]

Are you sure it's electrical and not mechanical. Metal rubbing metal. I think I'd pull that mag cover and have a look

 

[Cartoonacus1]

Yes, sure it's electrical. Might pull the cover. Just thought I'd throw the pic out in case someone had seen it before. :/

 

[Cartoonacus1]

Okay, crisis averted. Like [MENTION=87795]Triorieel[/MENTION] said ground strap was under the bolt and I didn't see it first go around. Tightened it up and all is right in the world again! Super appreciate the quick replies. Looking forward to the day I can pay it forwars!

 

[Chester]

Bad/loose ground. Just remove the bolt and ground wire. clean it, and tighten it properly.

Chester

 

[go_panthers]

Open spark in the engine compartment is bad news. Any fuel vapor around and you have a fire, potentially an explosion there. Be careful.