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Topic: Burned up spark plug wires on headers, suggestions / help?

in Forum: C3 Electrical


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Burned up spark plug wires on headers, suggestions / help? (1/13)
 8/25/12 10:20am
harleypower69
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Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car


Joined: 8/25/2012
Posts: 7

 Greetings, new member here. I just got my car back from having upgrades done. Unfortunately on the drive home my C3 started backfiring. I checked things over and discovered that two of the spark plug wires going to the two front, right side cylinders had burned off all their insulation. These are brand new MSD plug wires :(. I have Doug's headers and side pipes on the 1978 pace car. Obviously my mechanic had poor luck routing the wires. Do any of you have suggestions or a diagram on best practices for plug wire routing? Shielding from heat? I appreciate any and all help. Crying shame as I really want to break her in....now at projected 435 HP with upgrades.

Please note, I do not blame or fault the mechanic. Murphy's law in effect on this one and I know he'll make things right.

Chris
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Re: Burned up spark plug wires on headers, suggestions / help? (2/13)
 8/25/12 12:57pm
Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior


Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

It seems that maybe the wrong set of plug wires may have been installed...angled boots vs. straight boots or vice-versa.  Your headers may require the opposite boots of what was installed.  Maybe they need to be routed differently...tough to say without actually seeing it.  

You can buy plug wires with high heat boots and there are also additional protective boots available to fit over the wires to help protect them.  

Your application may require a different spark plug...the same heat range but a shorter ceramic for header use.  

It doesn't sound like you have a serious problem, just the right routing of the wires or a different boot or spark plug application.
Re: Burned up spark plug wires on headers, suggestions / help? (3/13)
 8/25/12 1:35pm
harleypower69
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1978 Indy Pace Car


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  Hey, I appreciate the response ! Yes, I used the 90 degree MSD's as speced for the car with the HEI 90's on the power side. Routed beneath headers and am guessing needed more wire ties to pull them down further and tied off at each boot. I am unaware of other means of shielding the wires (you referred to them as, 'boots"? Any link available or a brand name? Seems to be adequate clearance with the plugs and boots just wire burn through. Wondering if I need to wrap the headers though I hate to as I had them Hot jet Coated with black ceramic.

Chris
Re: Burned up spark plug wires on headers, suggestions / help? (4/13)
 8/25/12 1:48pm
Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

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1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior


Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

Look at a Summit Racing catalog or their website and check out the section on ignition.  You'll find a number of products to consider.
Re: Burned up spark plug wires on headers, suggestions / help? (5/13)
 8/25/12 2:43pm
harleypower69
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  Roger that, much respect and thank-you.

Chris
Re: Burned up spark plug wires on headers, suggestions / help? (6/13)
 8/25/12 4:14pm
corvette440hpLifetime Member
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Good for up to 2,000 degrees...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/THE-14250/



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Re: Burned up spark plug wires on headers, suggestions / help? (7/13)
 8/25/12 5:34pm
harleypower69
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1978 Indy Pace Car


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corvette440hp said: Good for up to 2,000 degrees...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/THE-14250/


Great Minds thinking alike on this forum. I just found those thanks to another member and will have them here by Wednesday.

My mechanic just brought over replacement wires (which was a very nice and appreciated gesture) and the C3 is now roaring once again. Awesome guy to come help me on a hot Saturday afternoon.

This is a great forum and I really appreciate the help you two guys have given me. I am looking forward to spending lots of time here.

Chris

Re: Burned up spark plug wires on headers, suggestions / help? (8/13)
 8/25/12 9:18pm
ceastham1
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greer, SC - USA

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C(6-5+2)VR - 1964 convertible 327/365 & 2003 convertible - 50th Anniversary Edition & 2010 3LT Coupe


Joined: 10/15/2007
Posts: 746

Welcome Chris ... you will get great advice from this forum !

good luck with the routing of the new wires
Re: Burned up spark plug wires on headers, suggestions / help? (9/13)
 8/26/12 11:56am
rod7515Lifetime Member
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Red Lion, PA - USA

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1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic


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Chris
Welcome, I just went thru this myself as both my vettes burnt plug wires this week. I found the shorty plug that is made by Accel. They are 1/4" shorter which doesnt seem like much but it get the wire farther away from the header. I also use a protective High heat boot, but with a standard plug length the boot still burns and causes issues. The 1/4" is just enough room to allow the wires not to touch. i bought the plugs at Advanced auto parts.
I hate that store but they had them on the weekend in stock. They also have boots as well
Good luck
Rodney Hake


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Re: Burned up spark plug wires on headers, suggestions / help? (10/13)
 8/26/12 4:11pm
eboLifetime Member
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Holland Patent, NY - USA

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#1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker


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Danscar burnt the wires at Carlisle the crew installed new one's with the heat shield cloth over the boots just before 17 of us went to dinner last night.
Evil Smileebo


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Re: Burned up spark plug wires on headers, suggestions / help? (11/13)
 8/26/12 7:19pm
suncountryLifetime Member
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Moses Lake, WA - USA

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1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II


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Re: Burned up spark plug wires on headers, suggestions / help? (12/13)
 8/26/12 10:12pm
harleypower69
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1978 Indy Pace Car


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  You guys are great. I have the 2K temp resistant goodness arriving on Wednesday :). My wires are run under the headers and loomed low with ties currently.

Chris
Re: Burned up spark plug wires on headers, suggestions / help? (13/13)
 8/28/12 1:48pm
rod7515Lifetime Member
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Red Lion, PA - USA

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1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic


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Heres a pic of the difference in the Accel short plugs compared to a standard length plug. I had to go with the short ones to get extra clearance.



About 5/16 inch difference.

Rodney





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