LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

Is it bad if two spark plug wires touch each other??

Old Jun 13, 2004 | 05:44 PM
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AdamZ1LE28's Avatar
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Question Is it bad if two spark plug wires touch each other??

After installing the Pacesetter LT's this weekend, I zip-tied spark plug wiresaway from them, sometimes with 2 or 3 wires zip-tied together. I never heard of that being bad, but a buddy of mine who is a GM mechanic says thats bad and can cause a negative spark or something??? Doesn't make sense to me, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

All input welcome. Thanks.

- Adam
Old Jun 13, 2004 | 08:36 PM
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If you need to do that, put split corrugated tubing like you use for wiring on the plug wires where the zip tie is. That will put a little distance between the wires. But I like using looms better. It puts the wires further apart and looks better.
Old Jun 13, 2004 | 08:43 PM
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what kind of effects would there be if the wires touch?
Old Jun 13, 2004 | 08:44 PM
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i have MSD 8.5 wires, i have them zip tied together to keep from burning them on my jet hot longtubes, no looms, they are all zip tied together.

did he explain "negative spark"?

although some ppl do have problems, i havent.

jesse
Old Jun 13, 2004 | 08:54 PM
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would misfiring be a problem. because now that i read this, i wonder if thats my problem, and not valvetrain damage(like the dealer said it prolly is)
Old Jun 13, 2004 | 09:10 PM
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They are the MSD 8.5mm wires. I guess I can try to find something to put inbetween them, like plastic wire cover tubing....

Can it really have a bad affecT?
Old Jun 13, 2004 | 09:12 PM
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mine are zip tied too , no problems here
Old Jun 13, 2004 | 09:15 PM
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OK I guess I'll just leave them together....

Unless anyone has any experience with problems happening with this??

P.S. He did say something about negative spark.
Old Jun 13, 2004 | 09:16 PM
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The closer the wires, the higher the chances of a misfire.

You can simply space them further using extra zip ties.

Old Jun 13, 2004 | 09:19 PM
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With a good set of wires like MSD or Taylor you really don't have to worry about it.

Wires like you get from autozone (ultra spark) you can get some arching between the wires.
Old Jun 13, 2004 | 10:09 PM
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good to hear
Old Jun 14, 2004 | 08:26 PM
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I don't think its a matter of arcing, I thing it has more to do with electrical current going through a wire which generates a field around the wire so if there is another wire up against it that field may produce current in that wire too which could cause a misfire..
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