Plug wires

[ellisjay2]

What are signs of spark plug wires going bad???

[Yurick]

Incorrect resistance readings and cracked insulation.

[ellisjay2]

How can I check my wires to see if they are weak??

[Yurick]

You can check the resistance with an Ohmmeter and check the insulation integrity visually.

[Buckeye325is]

To extend ellisjay2's question, what is the recommended max ohm resistance?

I was reading in the Bentley Bible and it only covered what the ohm resistance of the connectors should be, it differed for the plug vs. distributor connector, but it also said that the wires should have no or almost no resistance. Is this true??? Even the Moroso Blue max 8mm wires have a resistance of 400 or so ohms per foot.
My wires from connector to connector measured around 6k ohms. is this acceptable or should I replace them? The insulation look fine. I estimate the wires to be original '87 or at least 10 yrs old. Should I buy new wires???

Also what is your thoughts on these wires, they aren't very expensive and sound pretty good, but I'm obviously not an expert at this.

http://www.autotechnic.net/store/asp/product.asp?product=154

Also any thought on just getting a universal set from Accel, Moroso or other's and cutting and making my own set. Their web sites make it sound easy.

Finally, what do your think of this article:

http://forums.gmhightechperformance.com/70/1044851/misc/spark-plug-wire-resistance-theory-fact-or-fiction/index.html


Thanks,

Buckeye

[Jeron]

I don't know the recommended resistance but it should be based on the wire length. I would replace wires made in 87.

I have not yet replaced the wires on my 91 truck but I tested them and they are all within factory spec and in very good shape. I expect to replace them and the distributor cap in a year or so.

[Buckeye325is]

The thing is, it doesn't seem to be missing any, or having any problems. Which is amazing after seeing the cap and rotor .

I agree that it should measure by the foot, that's why I questioned the Bentley.
Still I would like to know the recommended ohms if any one has that info.

What did you think of the autotechnic wires???

[ellisjay2]

Went through the wires and noticed that when pulling off the wires off the plugs while the engine was running, engine would begin to die....this occured on all cylinders except when I pulled the number 2 cylinder wire, engine stayed the same, from my own conclusion, since the number 2 wire was bad it never was igniting power to the cylinder, so without it, made no difference, where as if a good wire is pulled the engine looses power, plus I could see the arching of fire coming off the side of the wire and found cracks on the end of the wire boot with it being night outside.

[Yurick]

Watching your engine run at night is a great idea when troubleshooting ignition wires issues.