HEI wires question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,228
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From: lancaster ma
HEI wires question
A couple of questions on ignition wires. I am running a ZZ4 crate motor with the GM HEI which comes with the engine.
I have had a high speed vibration problem which I have tracked down to my wires. If i press them down on the cap the car will run great. Trouble is they seem to lossen up. I remember seeing a retainer ring used on top of the wires on the HEI but do not have that on mine.
Is that still available and is it commonly used to prevent this kind of problem?
How tight should the wires snap over the pins? I have one theat can be easily pulled off and does not have the click when installed.
They seem loose on the plug end as well. While there is an audible snap onto the plug the is some shake to the wire after installation. Is this common or acceptable.
The cap also has a post with noticable shake Is that ok or should that be replaced as well?
I have had a high speed vibration problem which I have tracked down to my wires. If i press them down on the cap the car will run great. Trouble is they seem to lossen up. I remember seeing a retainer ring used on top of the wires on the HEI but do not have that on mine.
Is that still available and is it commonly used to prevent this kind of problem?
How tight should the wires snap over the pins? I have one theat can be easily pulled off and does not have the click when installed.
They seem loose on the plug end as well. While there is an audible snap onto the plug the is some shake to the wire after installation. Is this common or acceptable.
The cap also has a post with noticable shake Is that ok or should that be replaced as well?
Team Owner
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The wires should "snap" over the terminal. Nice and firm and should not just be able to pull them off without any effort.
For the wire retainer -- I think Mr. Gasket has a "chrome" version but I would guess that GM still has the regular version.
The wires should not shake or be loose. Also the terminals should not be loose either. Sounds like it's time for a new cap, rotor and some good quality wires. One problem is that a lot of aftermarket plug wires will not fit the stock HEI wire retainer.
For the wire retainer -- I think Mr. Gasket has a "chrome" version but I would guess that GM still has the regular version.
The wires should not shake or be loose. Also the terminals should not be loose either. Sounds like it's time for a new cap, rotor and some good quality wires. One problem is that a lot of aftermarket plug wires will not fit the stock HEI wire retainer.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2005
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Wires
Just thought I would run this by you. I had just installed AC Delco wires
on my 81 350. While I was out I started a miss. Back to the garage and there it was a wire came off the plug. Well I thought maybe I didnt push it hard enough. So next trip out same thing different wire. They are snaping on too. What the heck I think quality just isnt there in some parts. Randy
on my 81 350. While I was out I started a miss. Back to the garage and there it was a wire came off the plug. Well I thought maybe I didnt push it hard enough. So next trip out same thing different wire. They are snaping on too. What the heck I think quality just isnt there in some parts. Randy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Little Rock AR
The service parts Delco wires do not have the exact original boot style at the distributor BUT they will stay on better if you use the factory retainer ring that is still available. I got mine from Dr. Rebuild for maybe $5.00 or so if my memory seves me right. The bonus is that the factory ignition shielding attaches to the retainer ring as well.
-Mark.
-Mark.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
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From: I can walk to MA
They should definitely snap on tight. A light squeeze with a pair
of pliers should be enough to tighten the connectors up.
The retainer ring is available most everywhere.
However, I suspect you have some other problem in the coil
or ignition module. It sounds like the spark is too weak. Even with
the wires resting loosly on the cap terminals, the spark should jump and run fine.
Any corrosion on the terms ? I'm guessing not.
Hopefully, tightening the connectors will help enough.
of pliers should be enough to tighten the connectors up.
The retainer ring is available most everywhere.
However, I suspect you have some other problem in the coil
or ignition module. It sounds like the spark is too weak. Even with
the wires resting loosly on the cap terminals, the spark should jump and run fine.
Any corrosion on the terms ? I'm guessing not.
Hopefully, tightening the connectors will help enough.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 6
From: lancaster ma
Its definitely looseness on both ends. If I push everything down the car screams. I am going to the parts store at lunch and get some new stuff. These wires just do not fit right on either end.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
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From: Rochester Kent
Originally Posted by 81vettelover1
Just thought I would run this by you. I had just installed AC Delco wires
on my 81 350. While I was out I started a miss. Back to the garage and there it was a wire came off the plug. Well I thought maybe I didnt push it hard enough. So next trip out same thing different wire. They are snaping on too. What the heck I think quality just isnt there in some parts. Randy
on my 81 350. While I was out I started a miss. Back to the garage and there it was a wire came off the plug. Well I thought maybe I didnt push it hard enough. So next trip out same thing different wire. They are snaping on too. What the heck I think quality just isnt there in some parts. Randy
Exactly the same thing happended with my AC Delco leads
