Plug wire question

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Sep 6, 2002 | 12:48 AM

hudman

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Racer

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 473

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From: Raleigh NC

Plug wire question

My header pipe at the #1 cylinder and the boot of my plug wire are touching. I had a straight boot on there and it melted through the boot. I put on a angled boot and my mechanic said it was a matter of time before it would melt through as well. I put some heat tape on there to slow the melting down. Last night I had the hood up in the dark and I could see the flicker of the spark coming from between the header pipe and the boot. If you can see the spark, does this mean that the just the boot has melted or does it mean that the wire itself is melted?. I think I am starting feeling an intermittant miss at lower RPMs. Would it miss constantly or is it possible to miss intermittantly?

Currently, the plug wires do not have angled boots at either end and I cannot screw on the top to the ignition shielding. Thus, I need new wires anyway. I have been reluctant to change them because they are nice 8.8mm Accels. I guess now is the time to change them.

Sep 6, 2002 | 01:34 AM

glenga

Racer

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 278

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From: Gold Coast, Australia

Re: Plug wire question (hudman)

Most likely the insulation has melted which is causing the plug wire conductor to sometimes arc on the header. This condition can be intermitant. If the conductor itself got damaged then that particular cylinder would not fire at all. Hopefully you will find some way of keeping that wire away from the header otherwise the problem will keep coming back.

Sep 6, 2002 | 02:49 PM

john's '81 mouse

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 1,183

Likes: 2

From: Des Moines Iowa

Re: Plug wire question (hudman)

Have you considered trying to purchase shorter / special aftermarket spark plugs to give you a little more room between header and spark plug? I believe Accel sells them, and I'm pretty sure there are others out there.

Sep 6, 2002 | 03:58 PM

BB wowbagger

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 2,298

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From: Sodertalje/Sweden

Re: Plug wire question (john's '81 mouse)

I have the exact same problem...I`ve heard theres Ceramic boots that would make this go away....Still looking for them here in Sweden.. :smash:

Sep 6, 2002 | 04:22 PM

Fevre

Race Director

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 11,322

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From: Living in the Hartland

Re: Plug wire question (BB wowbagger)

Quote:

I have the exact same problem...I`ve heard theres Ceramic boots that would make this go away....Still looking for them here in Sweden.. :smash:

Just ask, I would order a set and forward them to you. That's what he forum is for!

Sep 6, 2002 | 07:04 PM

gdh

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 8,720

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From: Canada

Re: Plug wire question (Fevre)

A couple of fellow forum members suggested that I get Taylor wires that are made for headers. I did and they have been great and about 1/2 the price of MSD wires.

Sep 7, 2002 | 03:21 AM

BB wowbagger

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 2,298

Likes: 1

From: Sodertalje/Sweden

Re: Plug wire question (Fevre)

Quote:

I have the exact same problem...I`ve heard theres Ceramic boots that would make this go away....Still looking for them here in Sweden.. :smash:

Just ask, I would order a set and forward them to you. That's what he forum is for!

Thansks Fevre,i might take you up on that offer later on..I`m going with sidepipes and those are a little smaller(1 7/8") than the ones i have today (2 1/8")..Maybe some other small details too. :cheers: :cheers: :yesnod:

Sep 7, 2002 | 11:43 AM

fontking1a

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 803

Likes: 0

From: South San Francisco CA

Re: Plug wire question (hudman)

Can you dimple the header tube in question so that it gives the plug wire a little more room? If not, maybe a few layers of tin foil between the rubber and the header tube....?