Spark Plug Wires

[TTravis]

I am working on my 1958 5.5 HP CD-15 Tune-UP Project. I believe that one of my spark plug wires is bad because the wire core is corroded. It is only 47 years old! My question is can I simply go to the local automotive parts store and buy some new spark plug wires or is there something special about marine spark plug wires? The two spark plug wires look slightly different. One is smooth and the other has a textured pattern on the outside of the cable. This leads me to believe that one was replaced at some point in time. I do not know the history on this motor.<br /><br />Do you think my wife would mind if I borrowed a spark plug wire off her minivan so I can get my motor tuned up tonight and ready to take fishing this weekend for my birthday?<br /><br />I think I know the answer to the second question. I am writing up this project and putting it on the web. You guys can take a peek at http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repair.com/Johnson 5.5 HP Seahorse Outboard Boat Motor/default.htm and see how it is shaping up.<br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br /><br />Tom Travis

 

[noelm]

Re: Spark Plug Wires

HHmm only 47 years old, might be still under warranty then!

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Spark Plug Wires

Borrow a wire from your wife's minivan?? I would lay down until the feeling goes away before I did that...for 2 reasons. Where are you going to sleep when she finds out? Most modern spark plug wires are carbon cored, not solid wire strands (like years ago). The carbon core wires are resistor types, that limit EMI etc. In marine applications, the multi-conductor (stranded) cable doesn't pose an interference problem. The extra resistance of automotive wires will play havoc with the lower high voltages from simple magneto/coil ignitions.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Spark Plug Wires

Xcusme is dead-on. Although the resistance of the carbon core wires isn't much, the vast majority of the energy transfered from the spark to gasses in the cylinder happen at a suprisingly low voltage. This makes the resistance and the energy it robs significant.<br />As long as you use a metal-core, non-resistance spark plug wire you'll be fine. Some high-performance wires are this type, but they're usually larger than the 7mm wire you'll need. It's got to fit into the coil afterall. If the automotive place doesn't have anything that'll suit your needs, the local mower or small engine repair shop may. Needless to say, your local J/E dealer should have it by the foot too.<br /><br />The website is looking great!

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Spark Plug Wires

Try a Harley Dealer also

 

[TTravis]

Re: Spark Plug Wires

I bought a couple new 7 mm copper core wires at the local NAPA store at a cost of $7.69 each. I don't know if that was a good price or not but I was not much in the mood to drive around. These wires are 22 inches long which I hope is long enough. I did not steal a wire from my wife's car! I don't think I would be able to type this message if I would have....

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Spark Plug Wires

Most authorized dealers stock 50' rolls of the spark plug wire that sells for just over a $1 a foot.