Spark escaping somewhere near and around cap/plugs
 

Hey inmates,

83 SC here and...

Apparently I have introduced a new issue for myself after attempting a simple "tune up". I replaced spark plugs with NGK BR9EIX, plug wires (previously Beru shielded wires w/ground) with new Beru Shielded wires, new cap and rotor (both bosch)..

She's not running as smoothly as before, something definitely off and it looks/sounds an awful lot like a miss. upon inspection I can definitely hear (and feel) some spark escaping near or around the distributor cap.

I've inspected the wires and cant find any defect that would lead to the clicking in the cap area. I get a nice zap when trying to touch the cap while running.

I've removed the beru ground straps, cleaned up the mounting points (by the way, do you use the same ground point as the coil for the plugs?)..

The cap is mounted correctly in the clips. theres a plate under the ignition rotor.

I just dont know. tried running in the dark to see if I can spot where it's escaping but I cant.

any thoughts would be greatly appreciated

Siick a screwdriver blade among the wires on the cap. Should be obvious. How is the cap? Sparks at the cap can happen if the wire is open circuit, like off the plug. Path of least resistance.

hey John thanks for the look.. I need to give it another shot with a screwdriver

all 6 wires are definitely secured to each spark plug

cap is brand new and intact

very odd.

This has happened to others before. Are the cables in the correct locations on the distributor?

unless PO playing a nice trick on me with this sticker, firing order is correct

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1726956711.JPG

so about that, turns out im just a moron. the fit between the plug wires and plugs had another gear left in them. a nice shove and a couple "clicked" in properly. no more miss, no more click, no more shock

running nice and smooth now. hopefully anyone else who encounters this in the future finds it helpful

Glad you found it. I was just about to suggest that you make sure the plug caps were all the way onto the plugs. It's easy to think the cap is on the plug when you have to work install them sideways and 4" into the head.

thanks Pete. yeah, of all the cars ive had not my favorite to work on plugs and wires on!