Plug wire question

[sweetjumper32]

Well, my car has been accelerating like crap, so I pulled off the plug wires one by one to see if I had a plug/wire problem. I started with the 4th plug and went down the line to the 1st. When I pulled the first plug off, I noticed a small flame coming from the distributor/end of plug wire area, along with several sparks. Now, I'm not a mechanic, but I don't think this is normal, what is the problem? Could this be part of my poor acceleration? What part is doing this? Thanks, Michael

BTW- 95 Eclipse GST

 

[jce132]

Was the car running at the time? If not, then you should check the coil. If it was running, the insulation on one of the plug wires is probably cut or worn, causing the voltage to arc to the nearest ground.

 

[sweetjumper32]

The car was running. So that probably means bad wire? I thought it might be the coil since the problem was happening like right at the coil. I'll have to replace it and hope that does the job. Thanks

 

[Defiant]

You're pulling modern plug wires while the engine is running.

I'm getting a lawn chair and the cooler, this is gonna get good.

You're best bet is to look at it running in the dark. It'll point out wiring weaknesses.

Just throw on a new set. Anyone's premium line.