Visible Arc On Connected Spark Plug Wire
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Visible Arc On Connected Spark Plug Wire
I have been having issues getting my 1999 Expedition to start. At first I thought it was a problem with the fuel line but after being covered in fuel twice I am positive that is not where my issue lies. Went to check the spark to see if that was the issue and while doing so I found that my number three spark plug wire (while attached on both ends) was visibly arcing. So does anyone know how or why this is happening or why i may not be able to get my truck started.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
The wires don't look damaged or even worn. It's arcing at the spark plug and the coil pack while connected I pulled the wire on the 1st spark plug to check for spark and saw that it was sparking at the coil pack and found that it was also sparking at the plug itself.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
I once solved arcing at the distributor with dielectric grease inside the boots on an older truck, after converting to electronic ignition and high output coil. But they "shouldn't" arc of course on a 99? May be there is a dud #3 plug or flooded, the voltage will always follow the easiest path.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I pulled the third wire from the pack and pulled a couple others from that pack to compare them to see if I could tell if it was bad and it looks like there is something matalic in the gel on the third wire. could that be causing the arc or the fact that it wont start?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Sorry, i have to go lay down on that new stuff from 20 years ago. The principle is the same, though what does the #3 plug look like?
Trending Topics
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,318
Likes: 5,128
From: 0,0,1
All it takes is a pinhole through the wire insulation for the spark to get through. You might not be able to see this break in the insulation by eye.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mdr617
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Dec 5, 2010 08:54 PM
76blue
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
11
Oct 26, 2009 11:48 AM