Plug wires or Leads for vintage OMC's

[R&DMACHINIST]

I've been informed I need solid core plug wires for my old motors..My question is what size and also why only solid core wires?
Thanks,
Kurt

 

[heryrg2711]

Re: Plug wires or Leads for vintage OMC's

I've recently made a new set of plug wires for my 1963 Evinrude Starflite using the packard 440 7mm cable. Don't know why solid, i think it's because of the break point ignition system, maybe.

Cheapest i found
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Pack..._Accessories&hash=item43a4c5c057#ht_500wt_956

 

[lindy46]

Re: Plug wires or Leads for vintage OMC's

7mm Hypalon copper core wire is available at Johnnyrude dealers.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Plug wires or Leads for vintage OMC's

Solid core because they are low (comparatively) voltage compared to later high voltage ignitions that can use graphite core wires.

7mm plug wire can be gotten at NAPA, small engine shops, and your local outboard shops...

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Plug wires or Leads for vintage OMC's

Yup. 7mm copper core. They usually sell it off of a spool for about $3-$4 a foot. I've had luck at NAPA and Carquest. They might look at you strange when you ask, so double check them to be sure they really are metal core. One guy in the forums bought some new wires only to get home and find the guy at the store gave him graphite wires :/ Apparently, they sell Stainless Steel core wires now too. They will work too. You'll need to get a couple crimp on ends and boots too. I just did my '66 20 hp and got about 12 ft. of wire, which gave me plenty for each plug wire with some leftover. Make sure you twist the new wires on to the coil posts rather than just poking them on there. All and all it's pretty quick, cheap and easy and makes a BIG difference. good luck.

 

[R&DMACHINIST]

Re: Plug wires or Leads for vintage OMC's

Cool,thanks guys! I called all around because I didn't feel like waiting for the some to be shipped..To my surprise, none of the auto parts stores nor marine dealers around had what I was needing.Finally my last resort Napa on way home from work!At first they told me no bit after explaining a lil better what I needed they decided I was lookn for tractor plug wires, I had to buy a set of 4 but at least I have enough to do my 54 Seahorse after I get the 57 Rude running..
Thanks again ya'll
Kurt

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Plug wires or Leads for vintage OMC's

sweet. Good 'ol Napa. You can order Sierra parts through them too. If they don't have them in stock they can get them delivered from their warehouse by the next day for FREE! Basically free overnight shipping. Can't beat that. You'll be amazed the difference the new wires will make. She'll start with half a pull. Keep us posted. There are some other folks in the forum doing the same job, so I'm sure they'd love to follow your progress.

 

[R&DMACHINIST]

Re: Plug wires or Leads for vintage OMC's

Heck yeah! I can already tell a big difference in the fire.When I was checking ignition after the new installation and breaker points adjustment I got lit up! :facepalm: Before the overhaul I was getting a small spark and thought I was holding the tester right because I felt nothing, boy oh boy did I feel it last nite! Anyways Im hoping to take apart the carburetor for a rebuild tonight if it cools down a bit (hit 98 today hottest in 4 yrs for S.E. IN) But I reckon thats another post!
Thanks again,and stay cool!
Kurt