How to replace a spark plug wire?
Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Removing the Wires Download Article
- Make sure that the car is turned off. Never try to replace plug wires on a running motor. ...
- Keep an inventory. Once located, take note of the length and location of each wire. ...
- Be methodical. Replace the wires one at a time, and in a specific order or direction. ...
- Unplug the wires. Use a spark plug wire removal tool to unplug and remove the wires. ...
How to check spark plug wire simply?
Test with a spark plug tester. Attach a spark plug tester to the ignition wire. At the other end, the tester connects to the spark plug as it sits in your engine. Turn the ignition ON. Start the engine, or simply turn it over if it won't start, and watch the transparent sides of the tester.
Where does each spark plug wire go?
The wire from each spark plug is just long enough to reach the distributor, without excess. Each end of a spark plug wire has a metal terminal that clips onto the spark plug and distributor, coil, or magneto. There are dedicated spark plug wire pliers, tools designed for removing the terminal from a spark plug without damaging it.
How to change spark plugs and wires in a car?
- On a 4-cylinder engine, spark plugs will be located on the top or side of the engine in a row.
- On an inline 6-cylinder, they are located on the top or side of the engine head. ...
- Some cars have engine covers you'll have to remove to see the spark plug wires, tracing them back to find the plugs themselves. ...
Are most spark plug wires universal?
Spark plug wires are commonly direct-fit to work on a specific application. This makes installation very easy; however, you can also find universal spark plug wires that can be cut to fit.
Does it matter what spark plug wires you use?
The higher voltage of a coil on plug or distributor system can create enough voltage that a slightly higher resistance wire will not greatly affect spark strength, but the relatively lower output of a magneto means using a lower resistance wire is more important to ensure a hot spark from the spark plug.
Are spark plug wires interchangeable?
Wires are not interchangeable. Every cylinder works in sync with a particular electrical connection on the distributor cap or ignition coil, depending on your car model.
What is the difference between spark plug wires?
The thicker wire has a thicker core. The core is the part of the wire that brings power to the spark plugs. A more robust core provides a lower resistance path for the power, thereby allowing more power to reach the spark plugs.
What are the symptoms of a bad spark plug wire?
Failing spark plug wires can cause:Engine misfiring,Increased fuel consumption,Lack of power,Stalling,Rough idle,Fuel system problems, such as fuel in the cylinder,Problems starting your car,An engine warning light to illuminate,More items...
How many years do spark plug wires last?
A quality set of spark plug wires can generally last around 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Again, it is a good idea to replace these parts prior to a failure, like a misfire. A vehicle that is running rough or misfiring can cause catalytic converter damage.
Are expensive spark plug wires worth it?
High-quality wires will allow the spark plugs to start faster and keep your engine running more effectively. Save money. Routinely swapping out your spark plug wires can save you cash. Driving on faulty wires can end up damaging your vehicle if you don't switch out the wires quickly enough.
Do you need to disconnect battery to change spark plug wires?
This is a common question that people have when they are trying to change the spark plugs in their vehicle. The answer is that you do not need to disconnect the battery in order to change the spark plugs. You can simply remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug and then unscrew the spark plug from the engine.
What happens if spark plug wires are in wrong order?
If you put the wire for, say, spark plug 1 onto the top of spark plug 4, spark plug 4 is now going to fire at the wrong time. If it fires when the intake valve is open, it could set fire to the fuel-and-air mixture that's waiting in the intake manifold and the throttle body.
Does changing spark plug wires improve performance?
In most cases, you'll see a noticeable difference in performance after replacing your spark plugs and wires. The engine will run smoother and faster, and the car will have better acceleration. You may also notice an improvement in fuel economy.
When should I replace my spark plug wires?
Like all maintenance services, the ideal interval for changing your spark plugs and wires depends on the manufacturer's recommendations. Most cars need them done at 30,000 to 60,000 miles, while others are good until 100,000 miles.
Can I just buy one spark plug wire?
There's no need to panic or buy a new set of plug wires. This one can be repaired, not just to your satisfaction, but like new. Besides, the auto repair shop does not sell just one wire. You must buy a set of spark plug wires.
What size plug wires are best?
Most manufacturers recommend an 8 or 8.5mm plug wire on most applications. Exceptions would be an all-out race car or a street rod where EMI/RFI suppression is not a concern, but weight and appearance are. In which case, a 5 or 7mm wire might be a better option.
Can spark plug wires add horsepower?
The short answer is Yes, when you replace the spark plugs and wires can increase your vehicle's performance. New spark plugs help keep your engine at its peak performance and efficiency levels.
Do spark plug wires make a difference on a Harley?
5:309:05Spark plug wiring | Doc Harley | Upgrades - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it will allow as much voltage as this and maybe a little bit more but yes they're good sparkMoreAnd it will allow as much voltage as this and maybe a little bit more but yes they're good spark plug wires will they give you more horsepower.
Should I use OEM spark plug wires?
Generally you will want to stick to an OEM-type spark plug wire, unless you're confident a high-performance product won't affect your vehicle negatively. Another key important factor is to always purchase new spark plug wires, as you'll never know how used second-hand parts are.
Why are spark plugs and wires important?
Spark plugs and wires are an important topic because moving electricity to the plug to produce a spark is so critically important. Using the wrong wires for your vehicle, damaged wires, or poor-quality wires will undoubtedly lead ...
What happens if electricity escapes from spark plug wires?
Electricity also generates radio waves, and if the electricity escapes from the plug wires it can interfere with a vehicle’s radio and other electronics. Spark plug wires’ insulation is what keeps the electricity from escaping. High-quality wires will have more insulation that’s made from durable components that are better able to resist wear ...
How does electricity escape from a plug?
As electricity travels along the plug wires toward the plug so it can generate a spark, it’s also looking to do something else: escape. The electricity is looking for any opportunity to jump from the wire and instead head down the path of least resistance. When it finds the escape route it’s been searching for—usually in the form of missing or damaged wire insulation—the results can include engine misfire, poor fuel mileage, hard starts, rough idles and lack of power. Electricity also generates radio waves, and if the electricity escapes from the plug wires it can interfere with a vehicle’s radio and other electronics.
What to do if you're changing spark plugs?
If you're changing spark plugs and you think your vehicle might also be having some issues caused by faulty plug wires, begin the diagnosis with a close inspection of the wires’ condition.
What is mag wire?
Mag (magnetic resistance) wires. A shift to inductance or mag (magnetic resistance) wires accompanied the rising popularity of Asian vehicles. Featuring a spiral wound core of a copper nickel alloy, the material presents less resistance to the electricity flow, meaning less current is needed to generate the spark, ...
How to tell if an engine is a static shock?
Try examining the engine in the dark, looking for visible sparks where the electricity is escaping along the wires, and also listen for an electrical ticking sound, similar to what you hear when you receive a big static electricity shock.
Can you replace spark plug wires at the same time?
Even if you spend extra cash on the best iridium spark plugs and install them expertly, if you don't replace the spark plug wires at the same time you're probably wasting both time and money. If the wires don’t perform well, engine performance and gas mileage suffer. Here's what you need to know about changing spark plugs and wires.
What Is Spark Plug Wire Resistance?
Spark energy travels from the ignition coil or distributor through the spark plug wire to get to the spark plug, which is why the plug wire is also called an ignition wire or coil wire.
How To Test Spark Plug Wire Resistance
Measuring the spark plug wire resistance is pretty straightforward. You’ll need an ohm meter or digital multimeter (set to measure ohms).
Does Diameter Affect Spark Plug Wire Resistance?
Modern spark plug wires usually have different layers of insulation. Generally, an increase in insulator thickness means an increase in coil wire resistance.
Closing Thoughts
Spark plug wire resistance influences how much spark energy reaches your spark plugs, and how well combustion occurs in the cylinder. Damaged wires will deliver weak sparks, leading to possible engine misfire and a host of other ignition issues.
What is the job of spark plug wires?
The number one job of any spark plug wire is to transfer an electrical charge from your ignition to your spark plugs. The challenge is to get the maximum amount of this charge to the plugs without creating interference (EMI or RFI) for nearby electrical components. On top of that, the wires must often deal with larger amounts ...
What is the resistance of spark plug wires?
Resistance: Rated in ohms-per-foot, resistance is the ignition wire’s tendency to resist the flow of the electric current.
What is electromagnetic interference?
Electro-magnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI): As the higher charges of today’s electronic ignitions are moved through the wires, an electromagnetic field is created around the wire . This field can interfere with sensitive electronic devices and create noise that can be heard through the radio and even affect sensors. This is referred to as EMI or RFI and can wreak havoc, especially in sensitive radio communications.
What is the outer jacket of a wire?
This can vary from manufacturer to manufacture, but a typical wire will consist of a: Outer jacket: Usually made from silicone, the purpose of this layer is to add strength to the wire and to protect the inner layers from heat, abrasion, chemicals, and other harm inside the engine compartment.
Can spark plug wires add horsepower?
Spark plug wires can’t add horsepower (despite what some may claim), but they can adversely affect your vehicle’s performance. That’s why it’s important to select a good quality set of spark plug ignition wires to deliver juice to your spark plugs. Even though spark plug wires are simple parts ...
Does size matter for spark plugs?
Does size matter? For overall spark transfer, not necessarily. However, thicker wires, like these Moroso Super Max II 11mm wires, can provide added RFI suppression and insulation. Super Max II spark plug wires have two fiberglass braid layers and an intermediate silicone-EPDM layer for extra insulation, giving them a larger diameter.
Do spark plug wires move?
Even though spark plug wires are simple parts (there are absolutely no moving mechanical parts to them), there’s surprisingly little information on the Internet about choosing the right spark plug wires for a given application. We’ll aim to remedy that here by covering the basics of choosing high performance spark wires for your ride.
Why Do Spark Plugs Need to Be Changed?from familyhandyman.com
When a spark jumps the gap between two electrodes, it actually burns off (erodes) small amounts of metal from each one. Over time, the gap grows to the point where the spark can no longer make the jump. That's when you get misfires, lower gas mileage, poor acceleration and, ultimately, the dreaded “Check Engine” light.
Why do spark plugs wear down?from autozone.com
Spark plugs fire constantly and wear down over driving time, reducing their efficiency . Spark plug replacements can be challenging on some vehicles engines.
How to get spark plugs to stop misfiring?from familyhandyman.com
Apply a thin coating of dielectric grease around the inside of the spark plug boot before reinstalling the coil. The grease prevents misfires and makes it easier to remove the boot in the future.
How to remove spark plugs from a cylinder head?from autozone.com
Be sure the engine is cooled off. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs. Avoid thread damage by following these suggested steps. On COP applications remove debris by blowing air down into the spark plug well hole. Even the tiniest of particles can build up in the threads of the spark plug during removal and cause damage to the cylinder head threads. If this occurs, sometimes a spark plug thread restorer tool may be used to do just that, restore damaged threads in the cylinder head. Next, loosen/turn the spark plug about a half a turn counter-clockwise and blast a small shot of penetrant fluid to the base/ thread area of the spark plug. Allow a few minutes to soak. On some engines, the manufacture may provide additional removal steps. Check the repair guide. Take note it you feel considerable resistance while turning the spark plug counter-clockwise. You may need an additional small amount of penetrant and soaking time. If you encounter resistance, turn the spark plug clockwise and carefully work it back and forth. If the plug just won’t co-operate, you should probably stop and seek a professional’s help. Damaged cylinder head threads can often be expensive to repair, depending on your vehicle.
How to remove a COP coil?from autozone.com
COP designed coils attach directly to the spark plug end and use a long rubber insulator boot. Start the removal process by disconnecting the electrical connector from the ignition coil. Press down or pull up on the locking tab to make the connector release so it can be disconnected. A small screwdriver may be needed to help depress the locking tab. Once the connector is off, remove the hold down bolt and carefully twist the coil about a quarter turn or so back and forth until the ‘bond’ is broken. Then it should pull straight up and out. Use caution! There is always a risk of damage to the COP boot. COP coils and their insulator boots are made of plastic and rubber that protect and insulate the high voltage conducting materials inside. Damage will cause the high voltage to leak (short) to ground causing a misfire and possible damage to other ignition components. If the boots are damaged they must be replaced. Just like spark plug wires, if they are five to seven years old or have 100K+ miles of use, replacement is highly recommended. Check the COP boots for signs of engine oil or engine anti-freeze contamination. Oil puddled in the spark plug well hole is usually caused by a valve cover tube seal and/or leaking O-ring. The appearance of coolant in the plug well can be caused by a leaking heater or by-pass hose or even the intake manifold gasket. These leaks should be repaired first, especially if severe, to prevent damage to the new components.
What happens if your car doesn't have COP ignition?from familyhandyman.com
If your car doesn't have COP ignition, the spark plug wire will end in a boot that attaches to the spark plug. A spark plug wire puller makes it easy to pull the boot off.
What to do after spark plug replacement?from autozone.com
If the Check Engine Light ‘flashes’ there is a cylinder miss-fire. Re-check your work. Do not drive the vehicle very far if the engine is missing as the catalytic converter could be damaged.
