Sparkplug Wire Assembly

[lambertfam]

Please excuse my dumb question but I purchased new sparkplug wires and boots (along with coils, points, condensers) and I'm not sure how to assemble. The boots came with some small spring looking clips with a hook. I know the hook needs to contact the center conductor of the new wire but once I do that how do I get it installed in the boot.

I'm thinking if I put some dishsoap on the wire and push it through the boot and then press the hook on the spring thing into the wire. Then I would pull the wire with the clip back the other way which would hopefully seat it into the boot. Will that work? Seems awuful tight to do this.

This is my first time trying, how do all of you do this?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Sparkplug Wire Assembly

I put the coil on the spark plug fire first. The pointy wire of the coil gets pushed through the outside insulation of the spark plug wire and contacts the center conductor. Then I WD-40 it and shove the whole thing through the spark plug boot

 

[F_R]

Re: Sparkplug Wire Assembly

Right. Also, I suggest you strip 1/8" insulation off the end of the wire and fray the strands. That helps ensure contact with the spring.

Spring on wire, a drop of oil on spring and shove it into the boot, open end toward plug opening.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Sparkplug Wire Assembly

You're better off using something like brake cleaner or acetone that completely evaporates than oil or WD-40. The oily stuff dries to a yellow goo that doesn't conduct too well.

 

[lambertfam]

Re: Sparkplug Wire Assembly

Wow, thanks guys. When I press the coil onto the wire, should the outside of the coil touch the conductor or should there be a gap there?

F_R, you mentioned to fray the wires so does that mean the frayed wires will touch the coil? I'm thinking if I strip off the outside insulation, fray the wires and then press the coil on so it is tight to the coil spring.

Thanks a tons for the help!

 

[iwombat]

Re: Sparkplug Wire Assembly

Hrm . . . I think I have some pics I made up around here someplace.

You strip the wire, fold the end back over the insulator. Then, the spring gets pressed in at a right angle and flipped into place over the end.

I'll see if I can hunt down the images or the posting.


Edit:
Post with diagrams - http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=245528&highlight=plug+wires

 

[F_R]

Re: Sparkplug Wire Assembly

It isn't rocket science. The wire must be in contact with the spring. Period.

 

[Sea18Horse]

Re: Sparkplug Wire Assembly

Hehe, this is nothin'! The guys at miata.net can crank out three pages on changing spark plug wires without even breaking a sweat! And they don't even need to be assembled!

Cheers...................Todd

 

[lambertfam]

Re: Sparkplug Wire Assembly

Thanks to all of you for helping me understand this. You guys are unbelieveablely talented.