Dumb question, plug wires directional?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 0
From: New Wilmington PA
Dumb question, plug wires directional?
One of my boots appearantly has a crack and is arcing to the header. I'm thinking I could just reverse the wire so the cracked boot will be up on the distributer, away from things to arc to. I'm just considering this as a TEMPORARY fix until I can get some replacement wires.
Will it work?
Will it work?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Re: Dumb question, plug wires directional? (Cookwithvette)
I'm going to stick my neck out and say, "YES" !! Obviously the boots are different and one side is clearly supposed to go on the distributor while the other side fits better on the spark plug, but if you can make them fit the wrong way I dont think the lectricity will know the difference. Any other opinions? MJ
i am replying "yes" to your question, "Will it work"
not to the topic title, "(are) plug wires directional?" :lol:
[Modified by MNJack, 10:36 PM 5/27/2002]
i am replying "yes" to your question, "Will it work"
not to the topic title, "(are) plug wires directional?" :lol:
[Modified by MNJack, 10:36 PM 5/27/2002]
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Re: Dumb question, plug wires directional? (MNJack)
First of all, the boot on the plug end will not fit on the distributor terminal.
Secondly, the "lectricity" will just leak out at the distributor end instead.
Replace the wire set and you won't have to worry about it anymore.
Secondly, the "lectricity" will just leak out at the distributor end instead.
Replace the wire set and you won't have to worry about it anymore.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
Re: Dumb question, plug wires directional? (Cookwithvette)
Wires are NOT directional. However, the boots and connectors are. If you really want to turn the wire around, then you will need to remove both connectors and boots, then install them on the opposite ends. By now I guess you are thinking, "gee why don't I just throw some electrical tape on the boot?" How far do you want to go? If you buy a new plug set then you will find out that the wires "thread" along the side of the engine block and through radio interference shielding. I bought a packaged set and it would not thread through the correct places, and the wires were just a bit short. If you get a new set, then buy a do it yourself kit with about 100' of wire, 8 distributor connectors and boots, and 8 plug connectors and boots, then you will be able to thread the lines where they are supposed to go. Only the electrical tape version takes less than an hour, and doens't require getting greasy or jacking the car up.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 0
From: New Wilmington PA
Re: Dumb question, plug wires directional? (Rockn-Roll)
Thanks guys. Oddly, I had never looked at the boots to see if they were different. Doh!
The arcing is bad enough that the cylinder doesn't fire somtimes so I reluctantly retired the vette until I can get some plug wires. Thought about electical tape but wasn't sure wether or not it could take the heat.
Shielding? Hmmmm.... Seems to be another item the previous owner disposed of. (along with all the emissions equipment, stock intake+carb, etc...)
My wires are currently run along the top of the engine and along the sides of the engine bay. Is this a bad thing?
Again, Thanks!
The arcing is bad enough that the cylinder doesn't fire somtimes so I reluctantly retired the vette until I can get some plug wires. Thought about electical tape but wasn't sure wether or not it could take the heat.
Shielding? Hmmmm.... Seems to be another item the previous owner disposed of. (along with all the emissions equipment, stock intake+carb, etc...)
My wires are currently run along the top of the engine and along the sides of the engine bay. Is this a bad thing?
Again, Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
Re: Dumb question, plug wires directional? (Cookwithvette)
If you have headers the wires can go over the valve covers like any other chevy. The factory routing is underneath, with shielding to avoid radio interference.
I just bought a Belden replacement wire kit from NAPA, does anyone know if the wires are the right length? For all the trouble getting the shielding off, and lifting the motor, custom length wires won't be a big deal.
Joe
I just bought a Belden replacement wire kit from NAPA, does anyone know if the wires are the right length? For all the trouble getting the shielding off, and lifting the motor, custom length wires won't be a big deal.
Joe
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: Dumb question, plug wires directional? (joe73vette)
I bought a $26 wire set from Advance. 8mm silicone, fit perfectly, work great. Lifetime warranty. Hey, it's a Chevy after all...
There are many folks paying (and worrying) too much for wires. Go for it!
There are many folks paying (and worrying) too much for wires. Go for it!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Re: Dumb question, plug wires directional? (joe73vette)
Joe, Belden makes a great product. It is very close to OEM. If anything, the wires may be just a bit longer than the originals. I have used these before and have no complaints.
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