A Test for Plug Wires?

[Bruce Allert]

Will testing for continuity tell how good a plug wire is? Or, is there another test that can be performed on them?
bruce

[pbanders]

Plug wires are cheap enough that they should be replaced on a regular basis (e.g. 20K miles). If there's any doubt, replace them.

Simple static tests of plug wires (e.g. resistance) do not assure that the wires are good. Secondary ignition testers are the best instrument to verify proper operation, and they're a lot more expensive than a set of wires.

[Bruce Allert]

I'm sleuthing an eratic miss and these wires are but 2 mos. old.
I had to take one of the new Bosch wires back due to one of the clippys within the plug socket was missing and it wouldn't stay on the plug. Since these are life time wires, maybe I should just take them all back & get replacements and that would eliminate a sector of the search.
thanks Brad.
bruce

[tryan]

you should have x( 5k?) ohms resistence per foot. it dependes on the wire.
start the engine in the dark. you may see jumping arcs from the offending wires.
or the stupid test of running your fingers down them while its running. my favorite!
spray water down the wires out of a squirt bottle and see if the engine bogs.
hook a inductive timming light up and look for consistent fire.

look at your plugs/cap/button/points and plug connectors also



edit. got pertronix? the mallory unilite pick up i have in a boat required specific plug wires. ( no stainless steel or sprial core? don't remember what , but it was the kind i had .of course ) the feedback might be causing a miss