Spark Plug Wires
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Orange Park Florida
Spark Plug Wires
Does anyone have any tips on installing wire ends on custom type spark plug wires. I've done this several times and never had any problems before. I just bought a set of Taylor 8mm plug wires and am cutting them down to fit. I'm having one heck of a time pushing/pulling the wire through the distributor end sockets. I'm using a little dialectric grease but the fit is still so tight I can't get them through. Any ideas? Can you heat the sockets for ease of installation? Soak them in something? It looks like the manufacturer uses one size socket for both 7mm and 8mm wires, so the larger wires are almost too tight.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Schaumburg Illinois
I have Taylor custom fit 8mm wires too. If you follow the intructions they give, you will go through every 4 letter word in the book, I know I did. I read a tech tip in Hot Rod about cutting the wires to length, crimp on the terminal then slipping the boot over the crimped on terminal, works like a charm and is way easier on your fingers and passers bys ears.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 14,345
Likes: 4
From: Hartselle AL
St. Jude Donor '09
I have Taylor custom fit 8mm wires too. If you follow the intructions they give, you will go through every 4 letter word in the book, I know I did. I read a tech tip in Hot Rod about cutting the wires to length, crimp on the terminal then slipping the boot over the crimped on terminal, works like a charm and is way easier on your fingers and passers bys ears.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Orange Park Florida
Well, I finally finished the job. Thanks for the tip (cut/crimp/ then slide on the boot), Although "works like a champ" is a bit of an overstatement, it was definitely easier than the instructions. I used silicone as a lubricant and a pair of long thin needle nose pliers to help push the wire/crimp through the boot. And you are correct about the four letter words and colorful phrases - I went through them all!
For crimping, I purchased a crimper made by Taylor ($15) from Summit. There are many crimpers out there and most are very expensive, but the Taylor worked OK.
For crimping, I purchased a crimper made by Taylor ($15) from Summit. There are many crimpers out there and most are very expensive, but the Taylor worked OK.
Last edited by JimT; Feb 24, 2009 at 02:11 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Schaumburg Illinois
i just used the crimper from summit. a little WD-40 and my boots slipped over the terminals really easily. just make sure you don't try and slid the boots onto the wire, crimp the terminal then try and slide the boot back over the terminal, you'll be there all day. Cut, crimp, then slip the boot on over the crimped on terminal.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 993
Likes: 44
From: Jefferson Hills PA
Great thanks, my engine builder is making a custom set. I can change them out to originals after restoration is complete and engine has been through its paces. He doesnt trust the stock ones.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Schaumburg Illinois
i then used a scrap piece of wood as a work surface and carefully cut the insulation radially using a sharp razor blade then slipped the insulation off the core wire. you shouldn't damage the core wire if you're careful. might be easier if you have a buddy help. 2 sets of hands. i followed firing order.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
I was just playing around with the coil wire they give you (don't need it with the HEI) and tried using my wire stripper with the wire in the 14 gauge slot. It made a nice clean cut and didn't nick the conductor wire at all. The conductor fits good in the 14 gauge hole on the wire cutter and leaves just a little play around it, should work out good.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,515
Likes: 255
From: Rochester New York
I have Taylor custom fit 8mm wires too. If you follow the intructions they give, you will go through every 4 letter word in the book, I know I did. I read a tech tip in Hot Rod about cutting the wires to length, crimp on the terminal then slipping the boot over the crimped on terminal, works like a charm and is way easier on your fingers and passers bys ears.
