Does your car consume more fuel than it should? Is the engine misfiring? The symptoms can make you doubt if your spark plug wires are arcing.
Are you thinking, why are your spark plug wires arcing?
As you know, spark plug wires are the primary element of the ignition system. If the wires are arced, they can cause your engine to misfire. To fix it you’ll have to repair the ground connection. You might have to replace the ignition switch or the entire spark plug wire. There can also be energy leaks that you have to check.
However, if you want to know about the reasons in detail, keep on reading.
How to Know If Your Spark Plugs Are Arcing?
If your spark plugs are arcing, they will definitely show some symptoms. For instance, you’ll notice an engine misfire. Fuel consumption will rise unexpectedly. You’ll have weird idling (High or low). Sometimes you can hear a high-pitched squeal from the radio.
One or two symptoms like this confirm that you have an arcing plug wire. To identify clearly, follow any of the steps below.
1. Water Mist Test
To do this test, you need a dark place or, you won’t see the spark. Keep the engine running. Take a spray bottle and mist clean water on the spark plugs around the distributor area.
If the wires are sparking, it means that the wires are shorting and arcing
2. Visual Inspection
Visual inspection can be difficult to do when the plugs are in your car. So, you’ll have to take it out. You’ll have to look for three things – corrosion, burnt marks, or cut marks. You can identify it easily by comparing it with a new plug wire.
Next, look past the length of the wire. Make sure there are no cracks or burns around the clip area. Look for any marks that have ruptured the insulation of the wire.
After inspection, you’ll easily know if you have any of these problems.
3. Multimeter Inspection
First, set the multimeter unit to ohm. Set the omega value to 20,000. Then connect both wire ends to the ohmmeter. Now twist the plug wire gently.
If you see the resistance is constant, it means that it’s okay. But if the value changes, it means there are internal flaws in the plug wire.
So, now that you have identified the arcing, let’s look into the solutions.
Fixing Arcing Spark Plug Wires
We have come up with some reason and solution guide to fix your arcing spark plug wire. Without any further ado, let’s dive right in.
Reason 1: Poor Ground Connection
The most likely reason for this problem is a bad ground connection. If you have this problem, your engine will crank but not start. You might also notice flickering headlights.
This happens because the connection detonates between the coil and the plugs. This happens if there is no dielectric grease between the coil and the plug.
Solution
Smear some dielectric grease into the wire. Pressure the grease with your finger so that it reaches 1 inch from the top. Put it back in the cylinder once you are done.
Once the plug is pushed inside, the grease is pushed up into the wire. This establishes a connection between the coil and the spark plug.
Reason 2: Unstable Ignition System
Often the spark plug wires arc because of a bad plug or unstable ignition system. You’ll know it as the starter motor will make no noise.
Naturally, electricity travels through the path of least resistance. So, when the ignition system is bad, the electricity finds an easier way to travel. Thus, the spark plug wire is arced.
Solution
Inspect the fuses and relays. If the wire inside the fuse is detached, it means the fuse is blown. If there’s no blown fuse, it means your ignition switch is detonated. So, replace it with the help of a mechanic.
Bad ignition switches cause many problems with the vehicle. That’s why they should be checked every time the plugs are cleaned.
Reason 3: Energy Leak
If two cylinders that fire next to another touch, they can cause an energy leak. In that case, electricity finds a new path to travel. That’s why the wires tend to arc.
Solution
Observe how the wires are routed. Make sure that they are not hitting any other metal. Check that two cylinders that fire right together isn’t touching.
However, if the insulation is okay, this should not be any concern.
Reason 4: Wires Getting Old
Sometimes the wires detonate with time. Its durability depends on how good the quality of the spark plug wire is.
A quality plug wire can last flawlessly for around 60,000-70,000 miles. A medium-quality one can last for around 25,000-40,000 miles.
Solution
Change your spark plug wires once between 60,000-90,000 miles of running. Avoid buying cheap plug wires which seem all right seeing. But these plug wires detonate quickly in about 20,000-30,000 miles of milage.
We understand if you’re confused about which spark plug wire to buy. The following is a list of our top picks.
Both these spark plug wires have promising performance. Nevertheless, the final choice is yours.
At the time of replacing spark plug wires, there are certain things to keep in mind. Don’t worry, the process isn’t too hard. You can replace spark plug wires very easily.
Finally, your spark plug wires should be working fine now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Does the length of the spark plug wire affect its performance?
Answer: No, the length of your spark plug wire doesn’t affect its performance.
Question: Can I splice a spark plug wire?
Answer: Yes, you can.
Question: Can I mix different brand spark plug wires?
Answer: All spark plug manufacturers produce cross-reference plugs. Thus, the plugs of one brand can be interchanged with the plugs of other brands.
Final Words
Congrats! Now you know the reasons behind spark plug wires arcing. How to fix them? It should not be a problem now. However, if you face any other issues in the process, please let us know.
Feel free to share any opinion. Till then, keep up the good work.
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