Tieing plug wires together

[doodlebug]

Hey guys, the PO of my truck had wire-tied the plug wires into groups of two as they left the plugs and into groups of four near the distributor. The wires look to be about 8mm in size. I think I have read somewhere that tieing wires together like that can cause a misfire and that they should, for the most part, be separated as much as possible. Is that correct or did I mis-read something? I'm asking because I've got a slight mis in the engine and I was going to change the plugs and was wondering if it was ok to group and tie off the wires like that. I'd like to hear what you think about that.

[beatersdigest]

Go buy a new set of plug wires. It sounds like you need them anyway.

[bherder]

I assume that's why .. even from the factory... they have/had wire separators..

Current, running through a wire, creates a magnetic field around it .. Another wire, introduced into this magnetic field can produce current through IT, (Even though it is not psychically connected) This is why starters, generators , and alternators work.

Yeah, you don't want a bunch of plug wires all bundled together. Keeping them spread apart at a reasonable distance (and it only really needs to be a 1/2 inch - inch or so) will keep your plugs from 'cross-firing' ..
I'm not sure with modern thick silicone wires if this is a problem any more these days, but it was 'Back in the Day' .....

You can buy wire-separators for a few bucks at any parts store.... I would, just to make sure that's not the prob...

[doodlebug]

Thanks for information bherder.
beatersdigest, thanks but I've already got a set.

[DiverDwnPowrRam]

just as bruce said...especially if two cylinders are tied together and they fire somewhat close. use those cheap plastic separators, i found them to be the best..imo

[Speed Dragon]

I think it was more of a problem on older plug wires, I've never really noticed any difference one way or the other. It may also have to do w/ how much power is being pushed through them. IE, it may skip w/ a hi-power coil, but not w/ a stock coil. I do usually try not to cross them up too much though. They say if they do cross, to make them cross at right angles, so that's usually what I do when necessary. Maybe it doesn't make a difference, but it can't hurt.

[B-300]

The truth about right angles is the #5 and #7 fire right after each other so you don't want them running parallel to each othe or they could induce current into the other wire causing "crossfire".
This is why the 5 and 7 wire are routed to the rear and front wire holders and crossed again after the wire holder (valve cover).
The 8 and 4 on the opposite side don't have this problem as the 6 is in between.
The worst thing to do is use a twister to hold a group of wires together, mostly because it rubs (chafes) the insulation.

[mikehopkinsjr]

Tiein them up like that can cause them to wear through each other, no matter how tight etc. they'll sit there and vibrate each toher until theres nothin left. just get some plug wire spacers from the auto parts store,

[Awingandachair]

I aggree that the wires shouldn't cross, but sometimes You can't help it. If you have a good ignition system you can run them anyway. I like the old cars where the wires were run through a steel tube like on my Plymouth 30U.

[B-300]

I was going to mention that the same is true about the flathead ford V-8 but wanted to stay on subject... Back then not only did the wires have less insulation, the ignition system wasn't as powerfull as a modern day electronic system.

[bherder]

Yes, we need to stay on the SUBJECT.
No need for flathead pics.... No flatheads in this this group.

[Awingandachair]

Sorry if you feel like I got off the subject. I didn't finish. I work on many different types of vehicles, from very old the very modern. I see new vehicles with their wires bundled from the factory to avoid damage from heat and moving parts. If your ignition system is in good shape with quality products you can run your wires anyway necessary. So doodlebug needs to do a complete tune up and while the plugs are out do a compression test. Then look for any vacuum leaks, hoses, gaskets and such. I have found most people take the cheep way out and buy wires that they think look good but are not made well and that causes allot of problems.

[bherder]

Naw, I wasn't raggin' on ya, it's just a joke.... ;) ;) ;)

[charlie1935]

I remember when all the new American cars had flat heads except Chevy, Buick, and some Nashes. And I ain't tying my plug wires together! :gr_patrio