Why replace the Plug Wires?

[mikeh]

I know everyone says to change the plugs and wires on a vehicle for a tune up. I understand why we replace the plugs as they are used up. But why do we replace the wires. I mean if they are old and cracked or something I can see it. But I don't know why you would replace normal looking wires on a vehicle. What wears out in a wire?

Just curious,
mikeh

 

[Alec]

They corrode over time and their resistance to electrical flow increases. Ford recommends changing them at 60k, when you should replace your plugs. (Ford says plugs at 100k, but it should be 60k for the stockers.)

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

Go to jacobselectronics.com and order a 8.5mm set for your rig- only $55 with lifetime warranty. I know I have Magnecor on my signature but sent them back and got Jacobs instead b/c they were about $25 cheaper. They have really smoothed my idle and made cold Chicago starts a snap. It is even more noticeable with a plug swap. Get the OEM Motorcraft platinum and open the gap to .060 since your new wires will be delivering a more juice. Definitely worth it.

 

[Alec]

Though opening your plugs up that much will reduce their lifespan. Mine are only .048" so they last longer.

 

[Mark Drysdale]

I fitted the Jacobs wires and NGK platinium Plugs and it definitely made a difference to my X.

 

[bluescat]

Just make sure they send you the right wires

After three go-rounds with Jacobs I still had the wrong lengths. Too long or too short, their both bad.

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

Alec, our OEM gaps on 91-94s is .052-.056 and Jacobs freely states that you can open up another .005 with their plugs. Now I don't doubt that it may wear prematurely, but is your .048 OEM? What is your range on the 95s and up?

 

[Alec]

The gaps on mine varied when I removed them: .48-.52. There isn't much at all of a power or efficience difference, so I put all the new ones at .48 so they'd last longer.

 

[dec322]

Go to jacobselectronics.com and order a 8.5mm set for your rig- only $55 with lifetime warranty

8.5mm???? What is the size of the stock wires? Is it really worth 55 dollars? I'm going to be changing my wires and plugs soon. I figure Motorcraft plugs (popular demand) is the best. But I'm not sure if I want special wires (jacobs) or just autozone wires.

 

[Alec]

Stock Motorcraft wires are 8mm. That's what I run, and I need a lot more spark than most members here. Actually, I have 3 Explorer Motorcraft wires and 3 Tbird SC Motorcraft wires The driver's engine bank needs longer wires to clear the SC.