Is using zip ties bad for plug wires?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Bradenton Fl
Is using zip ties bad for plug wires?
I recently changed my plug wires and broke most of the wire seperaters or what every there called is there a problem with using zip ties or could this cause problems?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: GA
The wire seperators broke because they got brittle from heat & age, zip ties will not last 1/4 as long as wire seperators.
The best wire seperators I have found are the blue Moroso brand, I've had them for going on 15 years now and they show no signs of weakening.
The best wire seperators I have found are the blue Moroso brand, I've had them for going on 15 years now and they show no signs of weakening.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,793
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From: VA
Originally Posted by daddydahlin
I've checked all the auto parts shops and nobody carries wire seperators that will mount in the place as the stock ones. I found them at ecklers but there 4.99 each 
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There are quality differences in zips like anything else. You can get some that will take much more temperature than others. I use them in a couple of places with my headers. I also use some Moroso separaters.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,150
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From: NS
Originally Posted by daddydahlin
I recently changed my plug wires and broke most of the wire seperaters or what every there called is there a problem with using zip ties or could this cause problems?
Here's a tip....don't just zip them all together in a bunch. Put one zip tie around all the wires, then use three more (for 4 wires) around the first one (perpendicular to it) between each wire pair. Gradually tighten them up and you'll end up with a nice flat tight wire holder. I can send you a picture if you aren't sure what I mean.
Here's a little text image, I hope it looks Ok. Paste it in Notepad with a monospaced font like Courier New.
W W W W
W W W W
WZWZWZW
ZZZZZZZZZ
WZWZWZW
W W W W
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,492
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From: Westfield MA
Originally Posted by Atok
We have had ZIP ties on our oval track race car for a few years now, extreme heat, no problems at all.
Here's a tip....don't just zip them all together in a bunch. Put one zip tie around all the wires, then use three more (for 4 wires) around the first one (perpendicular to it) between each wire pair. Gradually tighten them up and you'll end up with a nice flat tight wire holder. I can send you a picture if you aren't sure what I mean.
Here's a little text image, I hope it looks Ok. Paste it in Notepad with a monospaced font like Courier New.
W W W W
W W W W
WZWZWZW
ZZZZZZZZZ
WZWZWZW
W W W W
W W W W
Here's a tip....don't just zip them all together in a bunch. Put one zip tie around all the wires, then use three more (for 4 wires) around the first one (perpendicular to it) between each wire pair. Gradually tighten them up and you'll end up with a nice flat tight wire holder. I can send you a picture if you aren't sure what I mean.
Here's a little text image, I hope it looks Ok. Paste it in Notepad with a monospaced font like Courier New.
W W W W
W W W W
WZWZWZW
ZZZZZZZZZ
WZWZWZW
W W W W
W W W W
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
IMHO If zip ties are used, do not pull them tight. Too tight will compromise the insulation and may cause for a short to ground. Snug enough to hold the wire in place is fine.
BTW, factory replacement clips are available from Corvette Central at reasonable prices.
BTW, factory replacement clips are available from Corvette Central at reasonable prices.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
You may want to check out theses guys for wire looms - Made For You Products.
http://www.madeforyouproducts.com/
http://www.madeforyouproducts.com/
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Hinckley Ohio
Originally Posted by daddydahlin
I've checked all the auto parts shops and nobody carries wire seperators that will mount in the place as the stock ones. I found them at ecklers but there 4.99 each
should not be a problem.....try Summit, Jegs,.....you might need to mod a little......
http://www.taylorvertex.com/hp/Clamp...eparators.aspx
I bought some separators, removed the factory separators from the mounting bracket, and then mounted the new separators to the factory mounting brackets....modded them slightly & used a machine screw to attach separators to the factory brackets...
ty wraps can work, but do not cinch them real tight or you will damage wire insulation
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: north east area Old Line
Originally Posted by daddydahlin
I've checked all the auto parts shops and nobody carries wire seperators that will mount in the place as the stock ones. I found them at ecklers but there 4.99 each
Good luck.
Last edited by tgroghan; Jun 20, 2005 at 11:14 AM.