Looking for a cable

[bds85466]

Hey Gents,

GM 350

I recently pulled the connection cable/wire between my coil and distributor to clean it. The metal terminal under the coil side boot was completely corroded. So much so, that when I went to clean it, a small piece broke off! I was wondering if anyone knew where to get a pre-spliced cable for making this connection or if you had to buy the cable and splice it yourself etc.

I know you can get the whole kits, but that's $$$$ when none of the other ones are shot.

Thanks!

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Looking for a cable

Some ones gonna yell at me --- but I'd go to Napa or autozone etc..

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Looking for a cable

If only the terminal is bad cut off the old one and crimp on a new one. Terminals are available at nearly any home improvement store (electrical dept) or at Radio Shack.

 

[bds85466]

Re: Looking for a cable

In general, are the terminals identical on both ends? The side that goes to the coil vs the side that goes to the distributor? I ask because I'd want to make sure to get the right size as the one going into the coil is almost unrecognizeable! That way if I bring in the whole cable, I can match the terminal with that of the side going into the distributor.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Looking for a cable

Look at the terminals they connect to. A ring terminal (complete circle) is best but a fork type (open end) is often used as well. Buy a small kit. The kit will have various sizes and types.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Looking for a cable

Guys, I think he's talking about the secondary coil-to-distributor wire.

Not sure if you can buy just a single ignition wire. I think you might be better off springing for a complete set anyway, considering what you found with the one.

 

[bds85466]

Re: Looking for a cable

Yes, the wire that goes from the ignition coil to the distributor.

Actually I pulled all the terminals on the distributor side and the spark plug sides. This is the only terminal that had any corrosion whatsover. So I feel like it's overkill to do the whole set when it's just one terminal.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Looking for a cable

In that case, see if your local auto parts store sells secondary ignition cable by the foot. You should be able to find terminal ends there also.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Looking for a cable

chev 350? auto Junkyard for a buck Get a tube of dielectric grease for all your connections My boat mechanic put 1/2 inch of motor oil in my coil hole 15 yrs ago never corroded

 

[slia67]

Re: Looking for a cable

Go to your nearest marine or auto mechanic and ask him if you can buy a used one that he took off his last tune-up. Most mechanics will keep an old set or two laying around the shop for diagnostic purposes.

P.S. If it was that corroded, you will probably want to replace the dist cap too.

 

[bds85466]

Re: Looking for a cable

Turned out Napa had a direct replacement -- $3.29+tax. He had to look it up in the catalog, but we found one.