Why are my new wires arcing?

[schecht]

I've been changing my plugs and wires, using the OEM plugs for my 99 5.0L v8, and yes tried the less expensive bosh wires set from autozone, after feeling the misses and seeing some light arcing from a few boots, i returned them and got the taylor spiro wire set, thanks to this forum's recommendations, They look great have a longer boot, but now i have two of these new wires showing some light arcing at the boots and yes feeling some misses. I'm using a light amount of the dielectric grease, rechecking the engagement but can't seem to get rid of it. should i use alot of grease? could it be something else besides the wires. your thoughts are welcome..

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

You should have no arcing at all with new wires. Check both terminals for a positive connection. A poor coil connection can also cause arcing at the plug.

If you have a multimeter available, you can check the resistance on the arcing wires.

Don't overload with the dielectric grease. Use just enough to lightly coat the inside of the boots.

Oh yes, Welcome to the Explorer Board!

 

[schecht]

Thanks for noticing it is my 1st post. I've been reading everthing in here for a few weeks, about wires, rough idle, plugs ... a lot of good info using the search engine. I'll check that coil side.

 

[schecht]

Just to close this out as it fades into the archives and some soul like me searches for an answer to rough idles, and misses. The bottom line was i had to clean up the plugs and boots and not use any grease at all. I got the tip from a mechanic that was familiar with the 5.0L V8 and said at those voltages the dielectric conducts better than air, it made a big difference and we'll see how it holds up over the next 60,000 miles. I should mention the only way i detected the arcing was in my pitch dark garage, it was not even visible in low lighting.