Are automotive plug wires OK?

[Waterproof]

I noticed arcing under the cowling last night, bad wires seem to be the problem. My merc. dealer wants over $100 for a set of 6 9" wires (Existing Wires have copper cores, but standard boots and terminals otherwise) Can I use universal automotive wires? (8mm, black core wire) or is this just another joy of boat ownership. My motor is a 1988 I-6 115hp. Thanks

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Are automotive plug wires OK?

The price you were quoted is positively absurd. Automotive plug wires will work just fine. No special USCG requirements that I'm aware of.<br /><br />Addendum:<br />Ignore the above. I was thinking MerCruiser. You want copper wires in an outboard. You might be stuck with that price. OEM replacements are rather expensive, unfortunately.

 

[Kenny Bush]

Re: Are automotive plug wires OK?

I have put some 8mm silicone wires on a 300hp merc outboard, and it has been fine for the last few years. Someone told me that Automotive wires have been required to do away with metal cores(Copper/aluminum) due to electrical interference. Marine applications have not made the jump...

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Are automotive plug wires OK?

Very true. With outboards, interference is reduced by installing supressor sparkplugs. Supressor wires don't seem to be used in outboards, I think to supply the most available voltage to the sparkplugs. That being said...outboard ignition systems might not have enough output to support supressor wires. I don't know. Might at least be worth a try. I can't imagine any harm to the motor, except maybe for some potential misfiring.<br /><br />Just FYI, even in automotive situations, supressor wires should not be used in conjunction with supressor sparkplugs. That's just a general rule and I'm sure you'll hear other opinions.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Are automotive plug wires OK?

Hi!<br /><br />I just emailed you. I have 4 good sets of used wires for the late 80's inline.<br /><br />-W<br /><br />

Originally posted by waterproof:<br />I noticed arcing under the cowling last night, bad wires seem to be the problem. My merc. dealer wants over $100 for a set of 6 9" wires (Existing Wires have copper cores, but standard boots and terminals otherwise) Can I use universal automotive wires? (8mm, black core wire) or is this just another joy of boat ownership. My motor is a 1988 I-6 115hp. Thanks

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Are automotive plug wires OK?

UMMMM - make that TRIED to email you - you're unlisted. <br /><br />Contact me at wa1mkh@comcast.net, I can't email you and have those wires hanging around.<br /><br />-W<br /><br />

Originally posted by Clams Canino:<br />Hi!<br /><br />I just emailed you. I have 4 good sets of used wires for the late 80's inline.<br /><br />-W<br /><br />

Originally posted by waterproof:<br />I noticed arcing under the cowling last night, bad wires seem to be the problem. My merc. dealer wants over $100 for a set of 6 9" wires (Existing Wires have copper cores, but standard boots and terminals otherwise) Can I use universal automotive wires? (8mm, black core wire) or is this just another joy of boat ownership. My motor is a 1988 I-6 115hp. Thanks

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Are automotive plug wires OK?

CC, it's nice for you to help out a member, but<br />using this site to sell stuff is not really fair.<br />be less conspicuous next time so as not to draw<br />attention <br />Iboats don't sell the item (I don't think) but<br />still, this site is run by a biz that is trying<br />to make a living. they pay big $ to keep<br />us guys chatting.<br />MY .02

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Are automotive plug wires OK?

OK - noted. I was just trying to give him an alternative to $100 plug wires - LOL.<br /><br />-W<br /><br />

Originally posted by mellowyellow:<br />CC, it's nice for you to help out a member, but<br />using this site to sell stuff is not really fair.<br />be less conspicuous next time so as not to draw<br />attention <br />Iboats don't sell the item (I don't think) but<br />still, this site is run by a biz that is trying<br />to make a living. they pay big $ to keep<br />us guys chatting.<br />MY .02

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Are automotive plug wires OK?

MY response is advice from another member who has<br />been around for awhile... hope u understand?<br />don't bite the hand that feeds you right <br />regards,<br />M.Y.

 

[chumbucket]

Re: Are automotive plug wires OK?

Go to Boatfix.com

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Are automotive plug wires OK?

No, Mr. Yellow I didn't take offence at all. <br /><br />-W<br /><br />

Originally posted by mellowyellow:<br />MY response is advice from another member who has<br />been around for awhile... hope u understand?<br />don't bite the hand that feeds you right <br />regards,<br />M.Y.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Are automotive plug wires OK?

Go down to a small engine repair shop and buy the length of 7mm metallic core wire you'll need, plus the requisite boots and connectors. Likely cost you less than a Jackson...<br /><br />You cannot use automotive graphite core wire on your outboard. Stick with metallic core - common to small engines.<br />- Scott

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Are automotive plug wires OK?

And adding to what Scott said, you can also take a piece of fuel line and put a big slit in it lengthwise. Then use it to cover your new wires for additional insulation. It'll *just* fit between the rear inner cowl support and the block.<br /><br />-W<br /><br />

Originally posted by Chinewalker:<br />Go down to a small engine repair shop and buy the length of 7mm metallic core wire you'll need, plus the requisite boots and connectors. Likely cost you less than a Jackson...<br /><br />You cannot use automotive graphite core wire on your outboard. Stick with metallic core - common to small engines.<br />- Scott