
- HOW TO INSTALL SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES DRIVERS
- HOW TO INSTALL SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES FREE
It’s a good idea to check spark plug wires during spark plug replacement or at least every 30,000 miles.Ĭheck out all the ignition system parts available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. Some spark plug wires last upwards of 300,000 miles, but there’s no recommended spark plug wire replacement interval. Use a toothpick or cotton swab to apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the inside of the spark plug boot, preventing water intrusion, corrosion and arcing (short-circuiting).
Dielectric grease should be used at both ends of the spark plug wire, but don’t put a big gob in the end of the boot. HOW TO INSTALL SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES FREE
Use the pliers to grasp and twist the spark plug boot to free it, then pull away from the spark plug.
Spark plug pliers can prevent damage to spark plug wires. The best way to replace spark plug wires is to change one cable at a time, routing each one exactly like the original. Some spark plug cable sets come prenumbered, but not all are so convenient. Each spark plug wire must be in order - distributor cap port one to spark plug one, and so on. Here are three tips to get the job done well: Replacing spark plug wires is a matter of removing the old and installing the new, but don’t get ahead of yourself. If its resistance reads “OL” or “∞” (infinite), it indicates an open circuit, which means there’s no spark going to cylinder one. If cylinder one’s spark plug wire is 1.5 feet long and measures 25 ohms or higher, the result is a weak spark and poor combustion. They typically measure 10 to 15 ohms per foot. Use a digital multimeter to measure the spark plug wire’s resistance.
Use a piece of string to approximate the length of the wire, then measure the string.
Resistance Test: To test the internal conductor, disconnect both ends of one spark plug wire, cylinder one’s, for example. If the engine stumbles, the insulation on at least one spark plug wire is leaking. With the engine running, spray the spark plug wires with water. Insulation Test: One quick and dirty spark plug wire test mimics driving on a wet day, which tests the insulation. To test spark plug wires for failure or weakness, try the following methods: But how can you tell if you need new spark plug wires, and what’s the best way to replace them? Testing Spark Plug Wires The result could be rough idling, poor performance, poor fuel economy or illuminated check engine lights.ĭue to age, mileage, wear or damage, spark plug wires need to be replaced to restore engine performance. Even the best mousetrap or cat can’t keep rodents from sneaking into your engine bay and chewing spark plug wires. Spark plug wires wear out internally because this high voltage burns them out, and they deteriorate externally due to high heat, exposure and abrasion. The spark plug wire conducts high-voltage pulses from the ignition coil or distributor to the spark plug, keeping that voltage, 10,000 to 30,000 volts, from arcing elsewhere. HOW TO INSTALL SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES DRIVERS
As drivers keep their cars longer, replacement is needed eventually. Spark plug wire replacement has not gone out of style.