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Custom plug wire creation

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Old May 25, 2003 | 04:41 PM
  #1  
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Default Custom plug wire creation

I got the time finally to put in the new Taylor Spriro-Pro wire set. I routed them just where I wanted them, put in the wire seperators, and then started trimming them up on the HEI distributor end so I could put on the connectors. Here's the problem: Each way I've tried to assemble the distributor end of the wires it hasn't worked! :conehead I've done this in the past and had no where NEAR the trouble these HEI ends are giving me.

If I lube the boot and push the wire through far enough to bare the end and crimp on the metal connector, then the connector comes off in my hand as I push it back into the boot. Obviously it has to go all the way back into the boot so the connector is at the base of the boot socket.

I've tried putting the crimp connector on the wire FIRST too, then sliding it in. But the Taylor boots are way too tight for that to work. The spark plug wire ends are pre-made (and already on the plugs too)

Soooo, what's the best way guys ???? :conehead The wires are BRIGHT ORANGE and look rather 'Bitchin' against the brown car!
:party: Sure would be nice to drive it though on a day like this :rant:
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Old May 25, 2003 | 05:21 PM
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Default Re: Custom plug wire creation (SanDiegoPaul)

Try soaking the boots in hot hot water. As hot as yur hands can stand. This helps soften up the rubber and make it more flexible. Then use a spray of WD 40 on the wire to lube it a bit so it will slide in easier. Hope this helps. good luck. :smash:
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Old May 25, 2003 | 05:26 PM
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Default Re: Custom plug wire creation (SanDiegoPaul)

Sounds like you may not be crimping them well enough.
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Old May 25, 2003 | 05:35 PM
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Default Re: Custom plug wire creation (Jvette73)

Try soaking the boots in hot hot water. As hot as yur hands can stand
-----------

Thanks - I thunk of that but haven't tried it yet. Still need to figure out if my first instinct was right? To put the wire all the way thru the boot first, or crimp the connector on it first and push the whole thing thru?
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Old May 25, 2003 | 06:47 PM
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Default Re: Custom plug wire creation (SanDiegoPaul)

Did the Taylor wires come with anything to help in crimping the HEI wires? The 8.8mm MSD wires that I recently installed came with a crimping tool that you press in a vice. Worked out great. Like your wires, mine came set up on one end and I used a small amount of dish washing soap to lubricate the wire. I pushed the boot on first and then crimped the connector.
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Old May 25, 2003 | 07:58 PM
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Default Re: Custom plug wire creation (bgrice)

Nahh, no such luck. I'm using a hand crimper. I tried WD40, dielectric grease, and everything. I've wasted a whole day on a simple project now and I'm PI$$ED off to no end! I know how to crimp wires; done it before many times! But I've never had boots that wouldn't let the crimp connector back in. Man these things are tight. I'm so frustrated because I've got them run just the way I want, cut perfectly, and in order to do so I've had them on and off the plugs several times trying different things.

Once I got things pert near right, I figured the snipping and crimping of the terminals would be a piece of cake. That was 4 hours ago and these new Taylor Spiral Wound wires are headed to the dumpster if I have to pull them off again! :mad :cuss :cuss
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Old May 25, 2003 | 09:58 PM
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Default Re: Custom plug wire creation (SanDiegoPaul)

I had the same exact problem with the same exact wires. Tried doing as instructions said with the same outcome as yours.
I used the dielectric silicone that came with the wire set. Crimped the wire without the rubber boot on, then swabbed inside the boot and on the wire insulation, be sure to do both. Took a little persuasion but was able to work the connector into the boot. I then used a swab with lacquer thinner to clean inside the metal boot the connects to the spark plug to make sure it was free of any silicone.
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Old May 26, 2003 | 03:03 AM
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Default Re: Custom plug wire creation (82zoom)

Took a little persuasion

WOAH that's an understatement! I'll try lubing them up more tomorrow ... but there sure isn't much dielectric grease in that little tube if you have to go so generously on all 8 wires. :smash:

And all the WD40 did was make the stuff messier than it was already.:nonod: :boxing :flag :nonod:
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Old May 26, 2003 | 12:22 PM
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Default Re: Custom plug wire creation (SanDiegoPaul)

OK I'm goin' IN! REady to tackle it again today after I get back from the Gym. If these wires don't act right they'll go back in the box and the old ones on! I haven't driven the car all weekend and I'm Vette Sick

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Old May 26, 2003 | 12:50 PM
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Default Re: Custom plug wire creation (SanDiegoPaul)

I was able to do it using the lube and pushing the connector into the boot with a pair of needle nose pliers!!! Worked for me with :crazy:
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Old May 26, 2003 | 07:36 PM
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Default Re: Custom plug wire creation (chadman)

I was able to do it using the lube and pushing the connector into the boot with a pair of needle nose pliers!!!

That's exactly what I'm going to try. Right after this beer. I have 11 more Budewisers so I'm not going to run dry. And I sure as hell ain't gonna test drive them if it takes all 12 to finish! :blueangel: :flag
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Old May 26, 2003 | 07:51 PM
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Default Re: Custom plug wire creation (SanDiegoPaul)

That's exactly what I'm going to try. Right after this beer.
A hint to the forum. This is how you work on vettes. Did you happen to notice Paul has his priorities straight?(Right after this beer) :cheers:
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