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Spark plug wires- where date code stamped?

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Old Mar 12, 2024 | 12:47 PM
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Default Spark plug wires- where date code stamped?

I’m just starting to do plugs, wires, cap and rotor on my 81. I think car has original wires. They are gray with black boots. Wires read Delphi Packard 8 mm Made in USA every 2 inches. I just don’t see a date code. Any idea this date code would be? It’s a 57k miles car and the wires appear to be routed the way in came from factory. Wires for # 1,2,5 and 6 go between engine and motor mounts.
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Old Mar 12, 2024 | 01:13 PM
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I have a miss in cylinder #8. I took the plug out and it’s not fouled up. Little wet with gas though. I just did a compression test in that cylinder and got a reading of 130. That’s why I’m leaning towards a bad wire.
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Old Mar 12, 2024 | 05:02 PM
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Perhaps you do have a poor plug wire. Would only take a minute or 2 to check it with an ohm meter.
I have never seen a date code on a plug wire.
And I would be running that compression test on at least a few more cylinders for comparison. Guages can vary. But 130 sounds VERY low.
I don't know alot about the 81 engine. But thinking readings around 170-180 would sound alot better.
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Old Mar 12, 2024 | 08:53 PM
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Originally Posted by 4-vettes
Perhaps you do have a poor plug wire. Would only take a minute or 2 to check it with an ohm meter.
I have never seen a date code on a plug wire.
And I would be running that compression test on at least a few more cylinders for comparison. Guages can vary. But 130 sounds VERY low.
I don't know alot about the 81 engine. But thinking readings around 170-180 would sound alot better.
Plug wires from at least as early as ‘57 were dated, at least through the mid-70’s.
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Old Mar 13, 2024 | 07:41 AM
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Originally Posted by 62corvette
Plug wires from at least as early as ‘57 were dated, at least through the mid-70’s.
As I said, I've never seen a date on one. Doesn't mean it wasn't there. Perhaps I never knew to look for it.
If your certain they were dated. Perhaps you could clue us all in as to where to look for it.
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Old Mar 13, 2024 | 08:50 AM
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Here is one of my original 3rd quarter dated plug wire off my 77.
Can't remember if it was 2 or 3 as both are the same length...

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Old Mar 13, 2024 | 10:08 PM
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I did a compression test on all the cylinders except # 2 and 4 because I had to drop the starter to change the wires. All other cylinders were right there at 130 give or take only 1 psi. After wires change, that miss is gone. I removed wire 8 while car was running and car rpm’s came down, unlike before. No more slight stumble at idle. I would say these were definitely the original wires. Have to say, changing wires was not as bad as the hype. Maybe I’ll change them again in 2064.
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