HT leads (spark plug leads)

tich

Seaman
Joined
Jun 24, 2004
Messages
74
Good morning Gentlemen!<br />Just a quick one for you. Is there anything special about the HT leads to the spark plugs or are they the same as used by the automotive industry. I have searched through the forum but couldnt find an answer. Is the centre core of the leads copper or are they specialised in some way? Finally, if I may add another question,is it possible to change the leads without removing the magneto assembly?<br /><br /> <br /> :)
 

lark2004

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 12, 2004
Messages
1,080
Re: HT leads (spark plug leads)

The leads for our 40hp evinrudes use copper wire. You should be able get it from your local evinrude dealer. The only thing about them is that they need to be flexable, as the timing plate needs to move without being restricted.
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: HT leads (spark plug leads)

Tich....what you want to use is the wire core spark plug leads as lark posted. Leads with cores such as carbon have to much resistance. What engine do you have?
 

tich

Seaman
Joined
Jun 24, 2004
Messages
74
Re: HT leads (spark plug leads)

Its a 64 Evin 40hp bigtwin Sir.
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: HT leads (spark plug leads)

Yes you will have to remove the magneto plate to install new wires. The wires are pushed into the coils at the plate. Not a hard job...just watch how the wires are are run at the plate and how they are anchored to the underside. A couple pictures taken before disassembly helps with reassembly.
 

lark2004

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 12, 2004
Messages
1,080
Re: HT leads (spark plug leads)

yep, and remember when you put the flywheel back on, to torque it down to 105 ft/lb. Anything less and you will shear off the flywheel key.
 

tich

Seaman
Joined
Jun 24, 2004
Messages
74
Re: HT leads (spark plug leads)

Thanks for your help Chaps!<br />Got some new leads. Off to assemble now.<br />Thanks again! :D
 

TTravis

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 17, 2004
Messages
120
Re: HT leads (spark plug leads)

You can save yourself some money and have some solid core plug wires made up at your local lawnmower shop. I actually used a set of wired I bought from a Tractor Supply Store. The key is they have to have a solid wire core which is not what cars have today. Cars have a carbon core to cut down on electronic interference. Cars also have a much higher voltage that they put through these wires. Boat motors, especially old outboards, do not generate enough voltage in their ignition systems to go through these newer plug wires used by cars.<br /><br />All plug wires have improved since the year your motor was built.
 

TTravis

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 17, 2004
Messages
120
Re: HT leads (spark plug leads)

Have you checked out your other ignition componets like coils? If you have original coils, I can pretty much guarantee they should be replaced.<br /><br />The magnedo ignition systems are pretty much the same on all the smaller outboards. I wrote up a couple projects what show how I serviced my ignition systems and adjusted the timing. You might enjoy reading them at http://outboard-boat-motor-repair.com
 

joe_morgan

Seaman
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
51
Re: HT leads (spark plug leads)

Hi tom,<br /><br />I went out and got a 3HP 72 evinrude from ebay after I read your web site. I thought I get this little ol thumper and fix it up, trouble is... it works fine. Hah.<br /><br />Maybe one day I'll get a chance to do some stuff to it.<br /><br />regards<br />Joe
 

tich

Seaman
Joined
Jun 24, 2004
Messages
74
Re: HT leads (spark plug leads)

Thanks Tom, I have already put new coils on cause the old ones were not a pretty sight. Ill go and have a read up on your write ups. Thanks again<br />Regards<br />Tich :)
 
Top