Quote:
Originally Posted by Oregon Cab
Tested all plug wires (2.9-3.0) and coil wire was corroded at distributor plug and could not read! Got a new connector and cleaned screw-ins. Wire checked out without caps.
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Testing ignition wires with a voltmeter only tells if you have continuity and resistance and nothing about the dielectric strength of the insulation (with hidden cracks) and rubber boots that often offer paths of spark leakage.
The only true test of ignition cables would require the use of megger test equipment which is very expensive and beyond the capabilities of most home mechanics. If you google "megger testing" you will see what I'm talking about.
About the closet test you could perform at home on your ignition wires to simulate a megger test would involve the use of water sprayed on your ignition wires while the engine is running in order to provoke a miss at a crack or weak area of the insulation.
Unless such a test has been performed, there is no way of knowing if your cables are any good and the voltmeter test acts as no more than a placebo.
Simulated megger test: plugs gapped at 0.060"
Cheers,
Joe AKA "stlrj"