Spark Plug Wire Sparks Question...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
Likes: 14
From: LA CA
Spark Plug Wire Sparks Question...
Hi guys,
I was changing the spark plugs and wires on my 99 C5 yesteday and decided to try putting cool tape on the ends of the spark plug wire (where it connects to the plug).
Since I have headers I thought it might help with the heat around the wires that come close to touching the headers.
The car runs fine and there are no codes. But when I look closely at where I put the cool tape I see small glowing bits (sparks?) while the car is running.
Is that something I should be concerned about? Could the tape be causing the sparks? I had no issues before I put the cool tape on.
Heres how I applied the tape (see photo below).
Also does anyone know what the part I have the yellow arrow pointing to is called/does?
Thanks,
-Ed
I was changing the spark plugs and wires on my 99 C5 yesteday and decided to try putting cool tape on the ends of the spark plug wire (where it connects to the plug).
Since I have headers I thought it might help with the heat around the wires that come close to touching the headers.
The car runs fine and there are no codes. But when I look closely at where I put the cool tape I see small glowing bits (sparks?) while the car is running.
Is that something I should be concerned about? Could the tape be causing the sparks? I had no issues before I put the cool tape on.
Heres how I applied the tape (see photo below).
Also does anyone know what the part I have the yellow arrow pointing to is called/does?
Thanks,
-Ed
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 5
From: Metairie LA
I would think the tape is probably metal based, and you're now providing a voltage path from the wire to ground (the sparkplug shields), rather than ONLY through the electrode. I would remove it. If you're really concerned about header heat, get some Koolsocks (sp?) or other similar hi-temp sparkplug wire insulation sleeves.
Yellow arrow-part of the air injection system for the left bank of cylinders that's part of the emission control system.
Yellow arrow-part of the air injection system for the left bank of cylinders that's part of the emission control system.
Last edited by PhilsFRC; Nov 23, 2012 at 03:00 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The GM Red Performance wires are excellent wires and really dont need help to resist the heat. Just use the GM Heat shields and you should be good. Get rid of that tape.
Yes,, the thing you asked about is the A.I.R. (Air Injection Reaction check valve. The A.I.R Pump inject air into the cats to help them light off earlier when the engine is cold.
Bill
