Spark Plug wires ..... when do you know ?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Dewey Az
Spark Plug wires ..... when do you know ?
I'm looking at my wires being original with 64,000 miles on them, and wondering .... are they still good ? Do I really have to replace them ? Will I see a difference? I'm just not looking forward to doing this job ! I just replaced the plugs (and they needed it !) and that was a chore. Replacing wires looks equally as hard. Any tips will be very welcome. Thanks :steering:
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
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From: San Pedro CA
Re: Spark Plug wires ..... when do you know ? (Wile'sVette)
The newer silicone wires are very durable... the only way you can tell a wire is bad is to bend it. Double it over and check to if there are any cracks in the cable. if the cable is cracking, or, dryrotting, then the wires have aged.
For example, Honda expects their wires to be a lifetime installation!
For example, Honda expects their wires to be a lifetime installation!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Spark Plug wires ..... when do you know ? (Wile'sVette)
Look for signs of deterioration in the wire exterior; lightly "mist" the wires at night, start the engine and look for aurora.
On an L98 it ain't so bad to change wires if you pull the dist cap.
On an L98 it ain't so bad to change wires if you pull the dist cap.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,705
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From: Chesapeake Beach Maryland
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
Re: Spark Plug wires ..... when do you know ? (Wile'sVette)
Mine went 110K with factory wires. I even pulled 248RWHP with them, but the guys at the dyno told me that they my number 1 plug wire was bad.
I replaced both the factory plugs and wires after that dyno trip. I could feel an immediate improvment in gas mileage and seat of th pants. The car ran a little smoother too.
Mine is a 1994 and routing the wires is a PITA, You can do it yourself but it is easier to someone above and below the car to thread each wire through the alternator bracket on the drivers side.
You can also pull the wires and do a resistance test on them with a multimeter. Specifications for resistance can be found in the manual.
HTH
I replaced both the factory plugs and wires after that dyno trip. I could feel an immediate improvment in gas mileage and seat of th pants. The car ran a little smoother too.
Mine is a 1994 and routing the wires is a PITA, You can do it yourself but it is easier to someone above and below the car to thread each wire through the alternator bracket on the drivers side.
You can also pull the wires and do a resistance test on them with a multimeter. Specifications for resistance can be found in the manual.
HTH
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 132
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From: Dewey Az
Re: Spark Plug wires ..... when do you know ? (65Z01)
Thanks for the responses guys. I think I will change them.... I just wasn't looking forward to dealing with all the "stuff" in front of the opti. Is it possible to do without taking everything apart in the front ? And yeah, I know its not bad on an L98 .... I had an '88 before this '95, and the wire routing was pretty straightforward. I'm thinking either magnecor or taylor.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 30
From: Chesapeake Beach Maryland
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
Re: Spark Plug wires ..... when do you know ? (Wile'sVette)
You don't need to take anything apart other than the air intake and MAF, but that only takes a second. I replaced the plugs that same morning and I removed the drivers side splash skirts in the wheel house to gain acess to the plugs on that side.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Dewey Az
Re: Spark Plug wires ..... when do you know ? (biggrizzly)
That sounds great !! I was just afraid the belt, alternator, etc. had to come off to get access to the opti. If not, then maybe I'll do that this weekend. thanks again !
