Are the spark plug wires replaceable?

MikDee

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On a 1989 Force 125hp outboard, I see the spark plug wires coming off the coils, are they removable, and or replacable,? pull out, or screw out? or how? and what type of wire can I use, copper, spiral metallic suppression, or regular suppression?
 

Frank Acampora

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Re: Are the spark plug wires replaceable?

I believe you must buy a new coil assembly. But what the hey! If you need to buy new coils anyway, why not try? I have seen some old coils where the plug wire screwed in, but I don't think Force did that. That would be too easy. Anyway you do not use resistor wire. As far as I know, older outboards used solid metal core wire. And again, what the hey! as long as you are maybe destroying a coil, why not try other type wire?
 

roscoe

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Re: Are the spark plug wires replaceable?

Solid wire core.
Anything else will destroy your ignition system.
 

MikDee

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Re: Are the spark plug wires replaceable?

Thank you gents! For the response, I am not new to motors, just new to Force. Just looking for an opinion similar to mine, as I understand it the spark plugs are a non-resistor surface gap type, and I would think the wires should be resistor, so as not to cause RFI with electronic ignition, marine radios, depth finders, GPS's, and other electronic equip.? I know many years ago, they used strictly metal core wire on outboards, in fact I've had a few that unscrewed from the coil to replace, but I don't know if these are made to do that?, Frank, I value your opinion greatly, in fact I see you, & Roscoe are a couple of the most knowlegable people here, but I really don't want the expense of throwing coils, or parts at this motor that are uneeded. I like to replace the spark plug wires on all my vehicles with a good set of stainless/monel spiral core suppression wires.
 

roscoe

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Re: Are the spark plug wires replaceable?

There is too much resistance in those fancy suppression wires.
It will run poorly, if it fires at all, BUT it WILL cause damage to the ignition, which will cost more money than you think.
 

MikDee

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Re: Are the spark plug wires replaceable?

Are you saying to run copper wires? like Packard 440's?
 

roscoe

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Re: Are the spark plug wires replaceable?

Not familiar with packard 440, but yes, copper wires.
 

Frank Acampora

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Re: Are the spark plug wires replaceable?

If you are using UL18V plugs, I think the U indicates an air gap within the plug porcelain. That would be a built in resistance.
 
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