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High tension leads or high tension cables or spark plug wires or spark plug cables, colloquially referred to as HT leads, are the wires that connect a distributor, ignition coil, or magneto to each of the spark plugs in some types of internal combustion engine. High tension may also be referred to as HT.
What do spark plug wires run to?
Spark plug wires deliver thousands of volts – up to 45.000V, depending on the application – to the spark plugs. To do this successfully, they need to be covered in thick insulation to prevent high voltages jumping off the wire before it reaches the spark plug and a rubber boot at each end.
Where are spark plug wires located?
Locate the spark plug wires. The wires are typically located next to the valve covers in the cylinder head. On one end, each wire will be attached to a spark plug and on the other end, to a distributor or ignition coils.
What happens when spark plug wires are too close together?
Spacing spark plug wires too close or parallel to each other can also result in crossfiring due to the inductive field which builds up in one wire as the current flows in the other. It’s best to hold spark plug wires in position by using insulated metal, or better yet plastic or fiber brackets to avoid this.
Are spark plug wires directional?
Depending on how the secondary winding is connected to the spark-plug wires (through the distributor), the resultant current could presumably be in either direction. Is there a good reason for current to flow “towards” the spark plug versus “away” from the spark plug?Jan 8, 2017.
Are spark plug wires all the same?
Plug wires are most often rated by their diameter. The most common are 7mm and 8mm thicknesses, but what’s more important is the conductor. The best choice is the spiro-wrap style Taylor wires that reduce resistance, minimize RFI noise, and offer the best performance.
How do I know if my spark plug is misfiring?
Symptoms of misfiring spark plugs include rough idling, uneven power when accelerating, and an increase in exhaust emissions.
How often do spark plug wires need to be replaced?
That’s why it pays to replace your spark plug wires before they wear out. We recommend changing them during spark plug changes (whenever your owner’s manual recommends, usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles).
Does changing spark plug wires improve performance?
The short answer is Yes, when you replace the spark plugs and wires can increase your vehicle’s performance. New spark plugs help keep your engine at its peak performance and efficiency levels. Worn or dirty spark plugs require higher voltage to get a strong enough spark to start a vehicle.
Why does my car shake after I changed the spark plugs?
Poor fuel pressure, faulty spark plugs, and misfires are some of the things that can cause shaking or vibration.
Can spark plug wires be touching?
As long as the spark plugs and wires are good not a problem for the wires to touch. They don’t fire at the same time and the distance between wires is always more than the spark plug gap.
Can spark plug wires be put on backwards?
The connector is designed so it cannot be plugged in backwards. Also, in the newer cars, there is often one spark coil per cylinder and it sits directly on top of the spark plug. The connector is keyed so its impossible to plug it in the wrong way.
Can spark plug wires add horsepower?
New spark plug wires can increase your car’s horsepower as well as increase your car’s pick performance. It provides more spark to the firing tip of the spark plug and increases the horsepower.
What’s the difference between 7mm and 8mm spark plug wires?
8mm spark plug wires are a heavier gage wire than the 7mm type. The thicker wire has a thicker core. The core is the part of the wire that brings power to the spark plugs. A more robust core provides a lower resistance path for the power, thereby allowing more power to reach the spark plugs.
How do I choose spark plug wires?
Most manufacturers recommend an 8 or 8.5mm plug wire on most applications. Exceptions would be an all-out race car or a street rod where EMI/RFI suppression is not a concern, but weight and appearance are. In which case, a 5 or 7mm wire might be a better option.
What Causes Low spark?
Loss of spark is caused by anything that prevents coil voltage from jumping the electrode gap at the end of the spark plug. This includes worn, fouled or damaged spark plugs, bad plug wires or a cracked distributor cap.
What does a weak spark look like?
Crank the engine and check for a good spark at the spark tester gap. A good spark will be blue-white and will be plainly visible in daylight. Weak sparks are orange or red and may be hard to see in daylight. If you did not see a spark, remove the coil wire from the distributor cap.
What color should the spark be on a spark plug?
The strength of the spark is revealed in the color. A red or yellow spark is weak and probably will not spark in the cylinder. A blue or white spark is strong and has enough voltage to fight across the spark plug gap even under pressure within the cylinder.
