Spark plug wire warning!
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Posting Guru
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From: Vallejo, CA
Spark plug wire warning!
I was double checking the cylinder order on my 390 before hooking up my spark plug wires. I learned something really interesting. According to Steve Christ's Big-Block Ford Engines book, you need to be careful about your spark plug wires. This is what he says.
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So I put one on the opposite side of the wire comb from the other. I am not sure if it will make much of a difference, but it was interesting. I am going to start up my truck tomorrow.
Make sure the numer -7 and -8 wires don't run parallel to eachother to each other...the reason for this is induced firing (page 10)
So I put one on the opposite side of the wire comb from the other. I am not sure if it will make much of a difference, but it was interesting. I am going to start up my truck tomorrow.
Elder User
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Bear 45/70, I have to ask you where you got the info that induction has been stopped by the new spark plug wires. I thought unless sheilded all wire through which current is passed creates a magnetic field around it. Your knowledge on this matter would be appreciated. Besides autos you, must also be into firearms and perhaps hunting. We visited your state this past year, quite impressive. Kotzy
Lead Driver
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From: Ohio
Like mentioned, with the wires of today, it's less likely to have issues with wires too close to each other. If they are old and dry, then it will likely have issues.
If you truck ran fine before, then moving them won't affect anything. If you have a random miss or the like then this might help.
If you truck ran fine before, then moving them won't affect anything. If you have a random miss or the like then this might help.
Posting Guru
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From: Madison, SD
Misfirings with the old plug wires was the problem... Far as I know a magnetic field won't fire a plug????
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Elder User
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No it won't fire a plug, but the voltage it induces in that parallel wire of the next cylinder in the firing order may start ignition of its charge prematurely. That has been shown to happen. We even saw it a couple of times on 8mm wires. Doesn't cost anything to be cautious , kotzy
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From: Union, Washington
Originally Posted by kotzy
Bear 45/70, I have to ask you where you got the info that induction has been stopped by the new spark plug wires. I thought unless sheilded all wire through which current is passed creates a magnetic field around it. Your knowledge on this matter would be appreciated. Besides autos you, must also be into firearms and perhaps hunting. We visited your state this past year, quite impressive. Kotzy
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Ohio
I run plain ol Azone specials on everything(including the race car). For the money they can't be beat and lifetime warranty if you pay for it. I just choke when they list these $100 "super duper" 8 mm wires that are suppose to be all that. I guess if you run a really big ignition box it's needed, but for stock stuff I keep it simple.
I know my '67 F100 really cooks the wires, as they get pretty stiff after only 1 yr on the truck. Still no problems with them, but the heat surely get to the insulation.
I know my '67 F100 really cooks the wires, as they get pretty stiff after only 1 yr on the truck. Still no problems with them, but the heat surely get to the insulation.
FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Originally Posted by Freightrain
I run plain ol Azone specials on everything(including the race car). For the money they can't be beat and lifetime warranty if you pay for it. I just choke when they list these $100 "super duper" 8 mm wires that are suppose to be all that. I guess if you run a really big ignition box it's needed, but for stock stuff I keep it simple.
I know my '67 F100 really cooks the wires, as they get pretty stiff after only 1 yr on the truck. Still no problems with them, but the heat surely get to the insulation.
I know my '67 F100 really cooks the wires, as they get pretty stiff after only 1 yr on the truck. Still no problems with them, but the heat surely get to the insulation.
RJ
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
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From: south louisiana
The old wires also had carbon cores that tended to break up after a few handlings. 
And Freighttrain, maybe you might want to try Ford Racing's wires. The small block sets are 9mm and run about $40-45 a set. Damned things last forever too. I had one set that were on my 95 E150 van, that were several years old when I sold it. And if they'll hold up in a box like that, they'll do in anything else.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
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From: south louisiana
Originally Posted by jowilker
Don't ya just hate it, you come here with earth shattering great news and the butts here shoot you out of the saddle. 
John
John
SHHHHH!!!!!! wait til he stumbles across those floor mounted dimmer switches...................... Or a stuck solenoid............... 
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From: Long Island USA
I have to agree, the only times this becomes a problem is when the wires are getting way old...
For instance, put brand-new wires on everything, make sure the plugs are good, cap/rotor, everything. Make sure there's no arcing or leakage anywhere.
Then, put your hand on any of the spark plug wires. Feel anything?
Do you really think if you can't feel anything that it's going to cause a problem with another wire?
For instance, put brand-new wires on everything, make sure the plugs are good, cap/rotor, everything. Make sure there's no arcing or leakage anywhere.
Then, put your hand on any of the spark plug wires. Feel anything?
Do you really think if you can't feel anything that it's going to cause a problem with another wire?