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Shocked by plug wires. Does that mean they "leak"?

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Old 03-06-2008, 11:59 AM
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Shocked by plug wires. Does that mean they "leak"?

So, I have a rough running engine. Started around the time I redid the ignition setup and a few other things. Failed Mass. emissions I put on a set of used MSD wires.

When I touch the wires, if I get shocked sometimes, does that mean the leak? Not the ends but, the wires themselves.

-Dave
Old 03-06-2008, 03:12 PM
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Re: Shocked by plug wires. Does that mean they "leak"?

Idle motor in very low light. Open hood. If you see a lighting storm, change what ever is sparking.
Old 03-06-2008, 06:42 PM
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Re: Shocked by plug wires. Does that mean they "leak"?

Yes, you've got wire issues. You should be able to grab them anywhere along the wire or around the boots and not get a shock.
Old 03-06-2008, 07:00 PM
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Re: Shocked by plug wires. Does that mean they "leak"?

As mentioned above. Open the hood in the evening or night time and start the engine. If you don't see a bunch of sparks, use a spray bottle and mist water over the wires. Everything should light up if the wires leak.

It sounds like you have leaking plug wires. I have yet to get a shock from mine and really don't want to. I use a MSD HVC-2 coil which packs a whopping 2 amps of power. It would be enough to knock me back on my butt if I get shocked.

Leaking plug wires should cause a miss because the spark energy is leaking to ground before it gets a chance to fire the plug. Plug doesn't fire and raw fuel goes out the exhaust.
Old 03-06-2008, 10:32 PM
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Re: Shocked by plug wires. Does that mean they "leak"?

I didn't notice anything "dry", then I sprayed them and not much happened at first, but the car idles great for like a minute and then goes bad and misses even at high speeds/loads. But, the lighting storm went full effect.

thanks guys! I thought that the wires would be trouble-free, but I assumed too much of a used product that was lying around for years. Too bad, it's like a hundred bucks for a new set of 'em Time to go for a cheaper set.

-Dave
Old 03-07-2008, 12:48 AM
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Re: Shocked by plug wires. Does that mean they "leak"?

This is a valuable real life example of what not to do. I have done the same thing, it is prompting me to check my own wires. I have a slight "clicking" which could be a cylinder missing, I'm excited to learn. Every day that I drive my Firebird it makes it easier to sell my Jeep.
Old 03-07-2008, 03:59 AM
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Re: Shocked by plug wires. Does that mean they "leak"?

For a cheaper set of wires I recommend getting a set of Borg-Warner "Select" wires. I've had these wires on mine for over 100K now without a single misfire yet. Think I paid around $35-$40 for them.
Old 03-07-2008, 07:56 AM
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Re: Shocked by plug wires. Does that mean they "leak"?

I would not go any cheaper than stock AC Delco. Anything less is a waste.

Stephen did you know that a rock falling 1/4 mile, takes 9 Sec and travels 200 mph. If no air resistance,(in a vacuum).
Old 03-07-2008, 08:14 AM
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Re: Shocked by plug wires. Does that mean they "leak"?

32 feet per second per second, yes
Old 03-07-2008, 07:48 PM
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Re: Shocked by plug wires. Does that mean they "leak"?

Originally Posted by pandin
...Stephen did you know that a rock falling 1/4 mile, takes 9 Sec and travels 200 mph. If no air resistance,(in a vacuum).
...And every one of us are traveling at over 66,000 miles per hour as we ride on planet earth around the sun. (fact)
Old 03-08-2008, 12:01 AM
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Re: Shocked by plug wires. Does that mean they "leak"?

Originally Posted by Supervisor42
...And every one of us are traveling at over 66,000 miles per hour as we ride on planet earth around the sun. (fact)
no wonder im getting carsick......
Old 03-08-2008, 07:21 AM
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Re: Shocked by plug wires. Does that mean they "leak"?

So Stephen were you speeding up or slowing in the 1/4 during that 9 sec?

Wouldn't it be easier if we could just put on the brakes?
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