Spark plug question

[midnight armadillo]

I changed the spark plugs (the old ones were NASTY), wires, distributor cap, and rotor on the aging Corolla today. 15 deg out, brr.

The wires were in the trunk and on the very last one the rubber jacket split at the distributor cap during installation. I know this means I have to replace it (it's so dry out there's no arcing at the moment) but is it possible to buy single (Bosch) wires? Or am I out another $60 :grr:? I have the old wire which might still be in spec, but is it bad to use a mismatched set of wires?

Despite this, the car is running so much smoother than before...

[TXlib]

1. Anybody else here think of spoofing this thread with a copycat thread

titled "Butt plug question"?

Oh, I'm a bad, bad boy! :spank:

[Catch22Dem]

2. Not an expert in cars

But I do know electronics. You might be better off using the old wire. The split in the new one is what concerns me.

[burrowowl]

3. It is best to change them all

since the older wires might start breaking down soon as well. And you will be left with the same problem.

[yorgatron]

5. i think you could use electrical tape on that

wrap it around to hold it together.use dialectric grease too to prevent arcing.

[chrisesq]

4. I can't think of any reason why you couldn't use the old one

as long as it is in good shape, and you aren't too particular about keeping aesthetic consistency.

[tinrobot]

6. Replace them all...

...if you can afford to do that. If one is failing, the others are not far behind.

If you're totally strapped for cash, you can replace as needed... that's if you can find single wires at the auto parts store.

[ProudGerman]

7. Mismatched wires should be absolutely no problem

As long as all are the same spec (7.5 mm, 8 mm etc etc).

Also, I've done this a few times, and I have never been able to buy just one wire. You're saying the rubber jacket split, was it the boot for the connecter, or the actual insulation that was split. If its the boot, you can replace that easily enough. You could doctor up split insulation (some goop made by 3M whose name escapes me, and plenty of rubber tape), but I dunno if it'd only be a cosmetic fix or a real fix. I've never run a car with torn wires, so I don't know the problems that might cause. They could either pick up interference, or give it off (like hearing your RPM's in your stereo, which is quite funny when its happening to someone else's car, but not your own)

You might be able to buy single wires from Bosch directly, though I highyly doubt it. Wouldn't hurt to try. You could also try exchanging them, freshly bought wires splitting like that has to be good enough grounds for an exchange.

[BlueJazz]

8. You can use GE Silicone sealent...

...It sells for about 4 dollars at Home Depot (in a chalking tube size)
I believe the dielectric strength is about 70,000 volts. Plenty strong for what you want it for.

PS: I've known guys that have coated their worn out plug wires and swear it makes them "Like New"....

[midnight armadillo]

9. Thanks everyone!

Wow, so many responses at midnight on Sunday...unless you folks are on the west coast :-)

I think what I'll do is check the impedance of the old wire and put it back on in the morning, and then make some calls to see if I can find a single wire. I have to swing by the mechanic anyway to pick up a bolt for the distributor cap which sheared off during all this - another hour in the cold is in my future tomorrow - so I'll ask if he knows about getting single ones. If there's no problem with one old wire and three new ones I'll be satisfied with that! I should post a pic of the old spark plugs and rotor. Totally black with carbon buildup.

[rhino47]

10. Best bet is to replace them all .

However if you really only want one go to a junkyard.If cost is
an issue they are only about a buck.

[dweller]

11. You should be able to just

replace the boot (rubber jacket thing) with one good one from the old set. I've done this before without a problem.
Since it's at the dist. end and the copper end is just pushed into the end of the wrapped wire. Work the good boot off of an old wire, remove the split one, work the boot back over the new wire. Just don't pull the copper end off.
If it were at the plug end, you could just unscrew it, replace the boot, screw the plug jack back on.

I usually save any good parts of old wire sets (at least the latest 'old' set) as a backup. You never know when you'll need a quick fix.

I think you can also put Lanolin on the rubber to maintain the flexibility and condition of them, or armor all. I've used both.

good luck,
dp