Spark Plug Wires
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,687
Likes: 6
Spark Plug Wires
Does the "wire" part of spark plug wires ever really wear out. In doing a tune-up the other day, a bunch of black dust fell out of the boot when I removed coil wire from the dist cap. That center terminal on the cap was all burnt up and black. So was the connector on the cable end. I think it was loose and arcing. Anyway, I can buy just the single cable and save money over buying a set. I'd rather not buy the entire set if its unecessary.
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,687
Likes: 6
I have a 92 F150 4x4 I6. The coil wire terminal is all rusted and burnt looking where it connects to the dist cap and the dist cap terminal was all burnt. It wasn't clipped on nice and tight. It slid right off which is why I think it was loose and arcing. All the other plug wire terminals were fine. My question is, does the actual wire (not the insulator) get bad over time? I've seen burnt wires (from leaning on the valve cover) and pinched wires but I have never heard of one failing. And I can't think of why one would. Heck, the wiring in my house is 96 years old and still going strong so why shouldn't a spark plug wire?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,610
Likes: 2
From: Northwest, Arkansas
Buy and replace them all. If the one is showing signs of being bad then the others will need changed also. And to answer your original question, then yes the wire part can become worn out so to speak. It can become cracked, pinched, thin, and start breaking down. So just like plugs and all else they need to be changed at some point and it looks like you reached that point.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,977
Likes: 1
From: South Texas
Heck, the wiring in my house is 96 years old and still going strong so why shouldn't a spark plug wire?
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,155
Likes: 3
From: Centerville, Iowa
Originally Posted by qman
Heck, the wiring in my house is 96 years old and still going strong so why shouldn't a spark plug wire?
My 300's primary wire (Coil-Cap) was just as you explained. Replaced it...same as before. Replaces them all, and it seemed to purr a little smoother...may have just been me. A good full tune up is always nice though.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 759
Likes: 0
From: Omaha
To keep in mind the cheap wires tend to wear out quicker than the good ones. I used xacts on my old probe and after a a couple of weeks I would have a misfire till I exchanged them and then I had the same problem again till I bought some good wires. I used the motorcraft wires in my rig and they work great.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
berry1234
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Mar 19, 2010 06:47 PM
abelmoreno
335 Series- 5.8/351M, 6.6/400, 351 Cleveland
4
Jul 14, 2008 09:23 PM