When to change plug wires?
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 35
When to change plug wires?
1990 F250 HD, 460cid
I changed the spark plugs today but not sure if I should change the plug wires. They are original from 1990. When do they usually go bad?
It smokes on start up, dark gray smoke, which means it is running rich. I wonder if something is not firing, or what. After a few minutes, it goes away.
I looked at the dist. cap but couldn't tell if it needed replacement. It seemed to be quite old, could be original too or at least 5 years. What about that and the rotor?
I changed the spark plugs today but not sure if I should change the plug wires. They are original from 1990. When do they usually go bad?
It smokes on start up, dark gray smoke, which means it is running rich. I wonder if something is not firing, or what. After a few minutes, it goes away.
I looked at the dist. cap but couldn't tell if it needed replacement. It seemed to be quite old, could be original too or at least 5 years. What about that and the rotor?
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
When to change plug wires?
There are 2 ways that plug wires can break down:
1) Core break down - This can be checked by measuring the end
to end resistance of the plug wire. Good readings will be 8K
ohms to 12K ohms.
2) Insulation break down - This can be checked by running your
engine with the hood up, and pitch dark outside. Watch for
arcing from the plug wires (Christmas tree effect).
1) Core break down - This can be checked by measuring the end
to end resistance of the plug wire. Good readings will be 8K
ohms to 12K ohms.
2) Insulation break down - This can be checked by running your
engine with the hood up, and pitch dark outside. Watch for
arcing from the plug wires (Christmas tree effect).
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
When to change plug wires?
I usually replace the plug wires every time I change the plugs, and the cap/rotor when there is any doubt as to their condition. Both are fairly cheap parts, and you will save yourself quite a headache by just replacing them, instead of making due with used parts.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 35
When to change plug wires?
Which brand is good? The local parts place has "Standard Ignition" .
Another question: My F250 stalls at idle sometimes - could the reason be bad plug wires?
Another question: My F250 stalls at idle sometimes - could the reason be bad plug wires?
Last edited by carpe_diem; May 27, 2003 at 12:02 AM.
