I Saw the Spark...Gratuitous Picts

[Erakad]

The Problem:

Ok, a recent thread about a popping in the engine compartment, driver's side. Someone suggested...wait til it's dark...yep, found it! Good tip, makes sense...only question, does it mean a complete set of new wires or can these shorts be sorted out, corrected then fixed. OH, is timing critical? My hand is a bit damaged (surgery last week, had to cut the tendon a bit)...do you think I can put it off a few days to week?

The Hand!



The Car!!




Hmmmm, the Choice?!?!?!?!?

[geof33]

It's probably been shorting/arcing for awhile. Just got to the point where it's bad.

Replace the wires with Magnacors, or stock. For that particular car, the Magnacors would probably be the better choice overall.

It's an easy job. If your coil is old, replace that too... While your there....

[grant lyon]

Magnecors + (if not new) New Rotor & Cap while you're there. Simplifies the set up since you can use the old cap & wires for a template and move the spacer/web bits from old wire set to new. May/will need to open hole size on the stock spacers -- see other threads on wireset replacement(s).

[Erakad]

thanks guys...been watching this for awhile, but as I said, the hand has been a problem. Was a one week job that just turned a month old, and you thought this only happened on cars.

It's too bad I can't salvage the wires, I hate throwing away antiques...I know they've got to be worth something (who knows, give them another 10 years ). Anyway, guess it was good news since replacing wires doesn't cause any additional stress on the hand...just the pocket book.

[Paul Franssen]

Personally, I like the car better, but I wish I could give you a hand!

[Rick Lee]

Dude, your old wires are worthless. Spring the $140 for shiny red Magnicores and don't think twice about it. I replaced my wires in a track paddock one day. Not a bad job, but you probably will want full use of your hand before you start.

[1980 911 sc]

OMG can you shift with that paw? if not, cut it off and replace it with a trailer cup (this cup should be checked for fit on the shifter knob BEFORE you cut off your hand)!

my .02

[Erakad]

I guess if I had injured my foot, I could call a "toe" truck...but I guess the only thing I can do now is just get a (ready for this?)...hand job.

I broke down and ordered the Magnecors today, now I'm worried. If I'm replacing those worn out braided antiques (hey, I'm willin' to make a deal here), for those "shiny red Magnicores" (thanks Rick), where will this end? Should I paint the fan next? Red valve covers...this could lead to a whole engine compartment detail. And hey, I graduated from SDSU...red and black (got the license plate frame to prove it!) all the way! But dang, the hand is laid up, can't get it dirty...guess I'll just have to knock off a couple cold ones watching the Speed Channel. And, OBTW...did I tell you how hot it gets in San Antonio?