What are my spark plug wires supposed to look like?

[02cammy]

Hello today I attempted to change my plugs in my car but it got too late and my engine was still hot.. Anyhow I decided to look t the wires from the part that goes into the coil not the plug part and I'm not sure if I should replace them as well.. I saw new plugs and they were all shiny but I looked at mine n I saw bits of red or brown residue and they looked nipped up.. Would u say they still are ok to use or should I change them as well? Like I said I don't know what a bad wire is supposed to look like I don't want to waste my money of not needed

[olddog]

Originally Posted by 02cammy

I saw new plugs and they were all shiny but I looked at mine n I saw bits of red or brown residue and they looked nipped up..

Are you saying your plugs looked nipped up or your plug wires? I'm confused because you said you did not pull the plugs.

If you have aluminum heads, do not attempt to remove the plugs with the engine hot. Let it cool to room temp. Otherwise you may strip the treads. Best to let cast iron cool too, but it can take more abuse.

Open the hood at night total darkness is best. Start the engine and see if there is any arcing from the wires. If there is, the wires need replaced. If there is no arcing the wires may or may not be good. If the engine runs smooth they are likely to be OK. You can check the resistance of the wire's with an ohm meter, but I cannot tell you what they should read.

[02cammy]

Originally Posted by olddog

Are you saying your plugs looked nipped up or your plug wires? I'm confused because you said you did not pull the plugs.

If you have aluminum heads, do not attempt to remove the plugs with the engine hot. Let it cool to room temp. Otherwise you may strip the treads. Best to let cast iron cool too, but it can take more abuse.

Open the hood at night total darkness is best. Start the engine and see if there is any arcing from the wires. If there is, the wires need replaced. If there is no arcing the wires may or may not be good. If the engine runs smooth they are likely to be OK. You can check the resistance of the wire's with an ohm meter, but I cannot tell you what they should read.

Sorry yes I meant the spark plug wires were all nipped up