Testing spark plug wires???

[Cool Mr Steve]

I'm having some issues with my car wanting to hesitate badly at 4,000rpm (and at a few places above that) and I was going to change out my plugs and wires. After reading some threads on spark plug wire preferences, I was about to pick up some MSD's. I posted a thread http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194394&highlight=sparko+wires awhile ago about my spark plug wires (Sparko wires) and was curious about how much they sold for, and Defiant told me to visit "Mr. Zippy's Funtime Car Circus". After numerous failed searches for this auto parts store, I decided they must have gone out of business (just kidding). But the fact is I do have them on my car and when I recently tested them the highest resistance I recorded was 283 ohms on the longest wire. This seems to be very low resistance, so I'm not sure if it would be beneficial to change them out. Is there a test that I can do to see if the wires are bad, or is testing the resistance the only test you can do? BTW, they have been on my car for over 30,000 miles. How much over, I'm not sure. As for Defiant's previous response, I'm attaching an image of the plug boot for you just to let you know that I do have a set of them on my car and that they fit it well. Whether or not the set was made FOR my specific car, I'm not sure because I still can't find anyone that sells them for it.

 

[EclipseGST-95]

a spark plug wire is a spark plug wire unless your looking to go with a larger set... i think stock is what like 7mm? you're really not going to see any differences in differnt brands... i went to napa... bought some belden spark plugs... if i ever have problems with them i just take them back and exchange for new ones... they were like 40? and ill never have to buy a new set ever again... well at least i wont have to pay for it if they are guaranteed for life... if you're anal about what u put in your car get some mag 8mm or 10mm for like 100 bucks... or spend 40 and get the same results... most likely

 

[Cool Mr Steve]

My problem really isn't which plug wires I will be getting if I need them, but rather if I need them. My car has a fairly rough idle, and hesitates under boost. If my new plugs don't do the trick, I was going to look next toward new wires. I just want to know how to find out if my wires are bad. I tried to watch for any signs of arcing from my wires in the dark and did not see any. I don't want to spend money on wires that I don't need.

 

[Defiant]

Pop the hood in the dark and look for leaks.

 

[lane829]

yea, and spray it with a squirt bottle. it'll help find a crappy wire. also take out your plugs and look for carbon tracking down the side.

 

[Cool Mr Steve]

Pop the hood in the dark and look for leaks.

I tried to watch for any signs of arcing from my wires in the dark and did not see any.

Is what I did not what you are talking about? Is there a different method I should try? Can anyone confirm what lane829 said? Will spraying the wires with something help detect a bad wire, and if so, what should I spray? Water?

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

Yes, water. However like Defiant said. If you open the hood at night and rev the engine, you should see a little blue spark. That is the "bad" wire. If you do find a "bad" wire, I would recommend replacing all the wires. Water is a conductor and helps find spark leaks when they may not otherwise be seen.

Good Luck

 

[Dsm 95 Tsi Awd]

If the wires isnt the problem while your getting real jerking under major boost, i might check the flapper. It could not be opening when it is suppose too causeing you to jerk around like that. Just an idea that popped into my head while reading this.

-Alex

 

[Cool Mr Steve]

Ok, I'll try it this time while reving the engine and spraying water. Hopefully I get some electrical activity...

 

[Boostedexcel]

how about checking resistance with a volt meter....

 

[Cool Mr Steve]

Ok, I tested the wires with a spray bottle and I found a FEW TINY blue flashes (2 of them right at the coil pack, and 1 of them arcing with my polished valve cover). Are these 3 tiny blue flashes that only appear when I spray water enough to cause an issue? Are these wires actually bad or am I just provoking them to the point where any wire would produce some flashing?

 

[Defiant]

That'll be enough. It'll worsen under load.

"Sparko". Harrumph.

 

[Cool Mr Steve]

That'll be enough. It'll worsen under load.

"Sparko". Harrumph.

Ok, then... You were right. Sparko wires have issues. I'll think about listening to you next time.

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

how about checking resistance with a volt meter....

That would work if the problem was a broken conductor. It will not detect a cut or defect in the insulation that would arc to surface. Now, if the conductor was broken, and you had a minor cut, it could contribute. A cut is a cut. Replace no matter what you find with the conductor

Good Luck

 

[EclipseGST-95]

do i really need to copy paste my last post... i said replace the spark plug wires... what's so hard about spending 30 bucks... if that doesnt fix the problem put them back in the box and take them back and continue using the originals...how is that so hard?

 

[Cool Mr Steve]

do i really need to copy paste my last post... i said replace the spark plug wires... what's so hard about spending 30 bucks... if that doesnt fix the problem put them back in the box and take them back and continue using the originals...how is that so hard?

Calm down, man... I read what you wrote last time and considered it. After I found the answers I wanted in this thread, I ordered some MSD's. Contrary to what you may believe, though, I'm under no obligation to follow your advice, so don't get all butt hurt when I don't

I'm dumb

It's ok, man. Just try to keep it in check next time, ok?