DC3

I had my '73 dyno tuned about a month ago (small block). They found two or three bad plug wire boots (plug side). They replaced the entire set of wires with Belden Premium 8mm wires. The engine began running rough again this past week and today I discovered the boots on cylinders 3, 5, & 6 were burned through with #3 particularly bad (metal terminal was exposed). #4 is also showing signs of beginning to blister.

My engine has Sanderson cast headers. Engine temps are fine. The plug boots are not touching the headers.

Does anyone make a high temperature boot I could use as replacements? I would also like to install some type of plug boot shield for added piece of mind. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

DC

BERIN

I tried thicker boots, also tried heat shields with the steel boot.
The best thing I found that saved my boots and wires was a 1200 degree heat sock. There about 6" and handle alot of heat and will not burn if they touch your header.

chris75stingray

the fiberglass covers work great like Berin said

DC3

I could not find any replacement boots locally so I ordered a set of Taylor high temp silicone boots from Summit. Also found and ordered a set of DEI 1200 degree heat shields (socks) like was described.

Thanks -

DC

TimAT

I'm running the 1200* DEI socks and then a DEI foil looking heatshield over that. #'s 1 and 3 are killing me. (BB with 2-1/8" primaries)

gyopp

I tried the socks and they helped but did not stop the problem. I bought a set of Jacobs wires with ceramic boots and so far so good but they are pricey.

DC3

Yes they are pricey. I thought about using them but the Jacobs 90 degree ceramic boots alone are about $130 a set. Get the wires too and add another $100. They might end up being necessary though. Hope not.

DC

BKbroiler

There is a device called a Spark Arm. It attaches to your plug and has an adjustable arm about 4 inches long that your plug wire attaches to. About $30 for one. I have one on my car. Google it if interested.

mrvette

I just cut the old spark boots off the wire and ends with a razor blade very carefully, and used Jacobs ceramics, and some RTV in the wire hole to hold the wire, and stop any moisture from going in the boot.....second off if you look close at the AC plugs, there are long shank ceramic plugs and some that are about .1 inch shorter, same tips and so forth.....the ones I have are TSX as I recall.....compare with the others on the counter and you see what I mean.....

I was SO rocket pissed at the repeated and UNSEEN plug arching and burning boots, I bought 8 Jacobs boots, BURN THAT, BITCH.....

DC3

Found it: http://www.wrenchrat.com/ Interesting concept. May have to check into this further if the stuff I ordered doesn't pan out. Got any photos?


No matter what my Vette throws at me, it seems that someone else (usually mrvette) has already "been there done that". Thanks for the info and the laugh!

DC

mrvette

Always for the laugh, otherwise our heads would be awful sore....I have BTDT only cause of age 64, but that don't change my 'tude much.....

TimAT

Can you spell A-N-T-I-Q-U-E ????

MN80Vette

I had a lot of boot burn problems when I had block huggers. The boots would melt/burn and then crack, even with high temp fiberglass covers. The spark would then arc to the header. The full length ceramic coated Dynomax headers I have now clear the spark plug boots better, but I switched to wires with ceramic boots from Summit anyway. I've had absolutely no problems with them in 2 years. I really don't need the fiberglass shields for the boots, but I put them on anyway to protect the wires.

Vesa

I have those sparkarms from wrenchrat...they are best and exellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

73BLWN

I don't have any troubles with my super comps on my blown 73'. I did have troubles with my 75 k1500 with hedman headers. I tried all the above except the spark arms. None of the boots touched a primary pipe, but they were apparently close enough to melt the boot and start arcing. Anyway I double stacked Percy header gaskets and it moved the primary pipe out just far enough that I never had a problem again. Very simple and effective. Good luck.

DC3

When you get a chance, post some pics of your engine with these installed.

DC

Vesa