How to install spark plugs and wires
Premium spark plug wire sets typically use silicone or EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) insulation, with some having an outer covering of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) for added temperature resistance and tensile strength. Spark plug wires also use different types of insulation. This wire is used on many older European imports. Most late model import and domestic vehicles come factory-equipped with mag style plug wires.įixed Resistor wire This type of wire has a steel or copper metallic core with a fixed resistor in the plug boot to control RFI. Mag style spark plug wires have been used on Honda and Acura engines since 1971, most Nissan and Infinity applications since 1980, and many Toyota and Lexus applications since 1984. The main advantage is improved durability over the long run and fewer misfires. Mag wire has less total resistance (only about 500 ohms/foot) than suppression wire, so it reduces the current needed to fire the plugs. RFI is suppressed primarily by the magnetic field formed by the loops of wire wrapped around the core rather than the resistance of the wire itself. Inductance (mag) wire This type has a spiral wound core of copper/nickel alloy wire. But concerns over emissions and long term reliability led many of the Japanese OEMs to switch to "mag" style spark plug wires. Prior to 1980, 95% of all vehicles were equipped with carbon core suppression wires. And as resistance goes up, so does the chance for ignition misfire. Over time, this ages the carbon core causing resistance to increase. One of the drawbacks of carbon core suppression wires is that internal resistance creates internal heat. Creating a controlled amount of resistance in the wire (3,000 to 12,000 ohms per foot) suppresses RFI and prevents sensitive onboard electronics from picking up false signals that could cause driveability problems. RFI occurs when high voltage passes through the plug wires. This type of wire provides the maximum amount of radio frequency interference (RFI) suppression. This type has a fiber glass core impregnated with latex graphite. Spark plug wires come in three basic types:ĭistributed Resistance wire. On some applications, these wires are part of each coil assembly and cannot be replaced separately.
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But in coil-near-plug (CNP) systems, there are short wires that connect the coils and plugs. On coil-on-plug (COP) ignition systems, there are no plug wires because the coils are mounted directly on top of the spark plugs.
On some engines, there is one coil per spark plug, while on others with "waste spark" ignitions, two plugs share each coil. On engines with distributorless ignition systems (DIS), plug wires are also used to connect the coils to their respective spark plugs.
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The wire set also includes an extra wire that connects the center terminal on the distributor cap to the ignition coil (unless the application is a GM HEI distributor where the coil mounted inside the top of the cap). On older engines with distributors, the wires run from the distributor cap to the plugs, and come in different lengths to reach the closest and furthest spark plugs. Spark plug wires (also called "ignition cables") carry high voltage current from the ignition coil(s) to the spark plugs.
How to install spark plugs and wires how to#
How To Check & Replace Spark Plug Wires by Larry Carley copyright 2019
How to install spark plugs and wires manuals#
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