Tired of Burning Plug Wires - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ohenryoh · 08-08-2007, 09:39 AM

I have a 72 chevy super with a 350 and hooker headers (block huggers) dropped 3 up front and 4 in the back. I have tried all kind of different plug wires but number 3 is right up against any wire I use. Any suggestions?

falvarez12001 · 08-08-2007, 09:54 AM

I had the same problem with my 71 Longhorn after I put in the long tube headers. I went thru various plugs. A buddy of mine recomended a wire seperator and route them away from the headers. Also you can use a heat sleeve I guess thats what they are called. Got mine from Summit.

ohenryoh · 08-08-2007, 09:59 AM

I ordered an insulator (sleeve) and I am going to wrap the header. Hope it works.

Ryan Hubbard · 08-08-2007, 10:37 AM

A little more expensive fix is to have your headers ceramic coated. I have hooker super comps on my truck and had the same problem and finally had the headers ceramic coated and problem has gone away.

pat · 08-08-2007, 10:43 AM

My headers are ceramic coated and I just burnt 2 wires. They get really hot really fast, have a couple burns from learning that. I guess Im going to have to buy some wire looms.

Big White GMC · 08-08-2007, 10:49 AM

Get One Of Those Wire Looms That Run The Wires Over The Valve Covers. That Would Help Some.

ohenryoh · 08-08-2007, 10:55 AM

I am right up against the header, with about an 1/8 to a 1/16 inch gap. I will try anthing at this point so off for some looms.

OLDIRON69 · 08-08-2007, 10:56 AM

The sleeves work well, you can now buy them at most auto parts stores.

rophle1 · 08-08-2007, 10:56 AM

You can buy a "sleeve" for the wire boots as well as the header. I've never had to use them, but I've heard good things about them.

sleepyboy · 08-08-2007, 02:29 PM

I bought the kevlar wire sleeves from Auto Zone. Prepare for sticker shock though. If I remember right, around $50.00.

Musclerodz · 08-08-2007, 02:50 PM

The best way to fix it is not to buy the $20 crap plug wire set from Autozone or similar and buy a set of wires from MSD or Taylor. They cost about $80-$100 a set, I have had them lay on the tube and not burn. The insulator is good to like 1200*. In the end it cheaper because you are not continually replacing them.

Mike

OLDIRON69 · 08-08-2007, 04:09 PM

I did that too on a '71 that I ran hedders on. It is very true! High end wires are worth it. I saw a guy at a race shop hold a torch to one..Can't remember which brand it was though...

Ackattack · 08-08-2007, 06:56 PM

Another thing that I've had to do is get shorter spark plugs. Accel makes some "header" spark plugs that have a shorter body and may get the wire far enough away so that they don't melt.

truckgal_1971 · 08-08-2007, 07:11 PM

get the ones with the life time replacement warrenty, thats what I had to do saves you a lot of money in the long run. If its that close its hard to say what will work.

70' GMC · 08-08-2007, 09:55 PM

use accel super stock wires and some ties that you use tie up bread or trash for now till you can get more green ready

red69ss · 08-08-2007, 10:23 PM

I have block hugger headers (summit brand) with 90 degree taylor wires and aluminum wire seperator (didn't place rear wire on both sides in loom) never had a problem. Will try to post a pic.

OLDIRON69 · 08-09-2007, 07:55 AM

Nice looking engine, very clean!

olyeller70 · 08-09-2007, 08:52 AM

Heat sleeves are a part of my solution, the other part is that I buy 25 ft of MSD spark plug wire and some 90 degree boots and make my own wires. Believe it or not it is cheaper than some other solutions and you will be sure that the wires fit.

**special-K** · 08-09-2007, 09:15 AM

Taylor Wires,the best you can do.Most other good wires are made by Taylor and relabled.How do you spell plug wire?T-A-Y-L-O-R.

ohenryoh · 08-22-2007, 12:57 PM

I tried wrapping the (hooker block) header and using a plug boot - burnt another plug wire yesterday. I was at a car show and saw that some poor soul had bent his header to gain the necessary clearance. Was considering removing the headers or dinging the header like this fellow did until I found this product on the web today and I am ordering it - I will let you all know how it works. I know it isn't the perfect solution for show vehicles but for those cruisers and daily drivers it might be the trick.

http://www.wrenchrat.com/

Myself · 08-22-2007, 04:55 PM

I've got the plug wire sleeving on my S-Blazer and after 40,000 miles no burnt wires yet. It's silicone impregnated woven fiberglass. If you buy Mallory it's pretty expensive. I bought mine from JC WHITNEY. It comes in different colors and is a fraction of the price because there is no name printed on it.

*screamin_eagle* · 08-22-2007, 05:13 PM

Taylor. Full Metal Jackets. ninety dollars. bought them after I melted trough my fifty dollar blue Taylor's. wish I would have bought these in the first place.

pheengurs · 03-21-2010, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohenryoh

I tried wrapping the (hooker block) header and using a plug boot - burnt another plug wire yesterday. I was at a car show and saw that some poor soul had bent his header to gain the necessary clearance. Was considering removing the headers or dinging the header like this fellow did until I found this product on the web today and I am ordering it - I will let you all know how it works. I know it isn't the perfect solution for show vehicles but for those cruisers and daily drivers it might be the trick.

http://www.wrenchrat.com/

so? did these sparkarms work? I have a problem with my ceramic coated Sanderson cc3 block huggers, burning plug boots like crazy. I've tried the fibre sleeves, tried fabricating metal sheilds, tried hi-temp MSD boots... nothing lasts more than 100 miles... currently the online store for wrenchrat is down, and at the price they're asking it'd be nice to know if the sparkarms work long-term...

**leddzepp** · 03-21-2010, 02:05 PM

This thread is almost 3 years old

ohenryo hasn't logged in on here in over two years.

Sinister · 03-21-2010, 02:19 PM

Time to carbon date this thread. LOL.

08-08-2007, 09:39 AM	#1
ohenryoh Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico Posts: 8	Tired of Burning Plug Wires I have a 72 chevy super with a 350 and hooker headers (block huggers) dropped 3 up front and 4 in the back. I have tried all kind of different plug wires but number 3 is right up against any wire I use. Any suggestions?

08-08-2007, 09:54 AM	#2
falvarez12001 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Antonio , TX Posts: 140	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires I had the same problem with my 71 Longhorn after I put in the long tube headers. I went thru various plugs. A buddy of mine recomended a wire seperator and route them away from the headers. Also you can use a heat sleeve I guess thats what they are called. Got mine from Summit. __________________ Why, Because it's my truck 1972 Chevy Longhorn, Dropped 4-7 1984 Chevy Shortbed custom Deluxe (Daily Driver)

08-08-2007, 09:59 AM	#3
ohenryoh Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico Posts: 8	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires I ordered an insulator (sleeve) and I am going to wrap the header. Hope it works.

08-08-2007, 10:37 AM	#4
Ryan Hubbard Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mission Viejo, CA Posts: 288	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires A little more expensive fix is to have your headers ceramic coated. I have hooker super comps on my truck and had the same problem and finally had the headers ceramic coated and problem has gone away. Last edited by Ryan Hubbard; 08-08-2007 at 10:37 AM.

08-08-2007, 10:43 AM	#5
pat Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Lindsay, TX Posts: 1,245	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires My headers are ceramic coated and I just burnt 2 wires. They get really hot really fast, have a couple burns from learning that. I guess Im going to have to buy some wire looms. __________________ 68 Chevy 383/350 w/shift kit, 380hp/425ft-lbs, 4.5/5 drop, 17" TT2s 64 Cadillac Sedan DeVille

08-08-2007, 10:49 AM	#6
Big White GMC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Homer, Georgia Posts: 56	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires Get One Of Those Wire Looms That Run The Wires Over The Valve Covers. That Would Help Some. __________________ It's A Beautiful Day In Suburbia !!!!!

08-08-2007, 10:55 AM	#7
ohenryoh Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico Posts: 8	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires I am right up against the header, with about an 1/8 to a 1/16 inch gap. I will try anthing at this point so off for some looms.

08-08-2007, 10:56 AM	#8
OLDIRON69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ben Wheeler,Texas Posts: 992	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires The sleeves work well, you can now buy them at most auto parts stores. __________________ 05 2500HD 6.0 excab 69 LWB-Gone but not forgotten! 68 Dodge Charger 383/727 69 Dodge Charger-440/4spd

08-08-2007, 10:56 AM	#9
rophle1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 112	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires You can buy a "sleeve" for the wire boots as well as the header. I've never had to use them, but I've heard good things about them. __________________ 1968 C10 Stepside 396 bored .030 TH400

08-08-2007, 02:29 PM	#10
sleepyboy '69 Step Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Marion, Texas Posts: 722	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires I bought the kevlar wire sleeves from Auto Zone. Prepare for sticker shock though. If I remember right, around $50.00.

08-08-2007, 02:50 PM	#11
Musclerodz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 2,364	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires The best way to fix it is not to buy the $20 crap plug wire set from Autozone or similar and buy a set of wires from MSD or Taylor. They cost about $80-$100 a set, I have had them lay on the tube and not burn. The insulator is good to like 1200. In the end it cheaper because you are not continually replacing them. Mike __________________ Mike Redpath Last edited by Musclerodz; 08-08-2007 at 02:50 PM.*

08-08-2007, 04:09 PM	#12
OLDIRON69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ben Wheeler,Texas Posts: 992	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires I did that too on a '71 that I ran hedders on. It is very true! High end wires are worth it. I saw a guy at a race shop hold a torch to one..Can't remember which brand it was though... __________________ 05 2500HD 6.0 excab 69 LWB-Gone but not forgotten! 68 Dodge Charger 383/727 69 Dodge Charger-440/4spd

08-08-2007, 06:56 PM	#13
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires Another thing that I've had to do is get shorter spark plugs. Accel makes some "header" spark plugs that have a shorter body and may get the wire far enough away so that they don't melt. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

08-08-2007, 07:11 PM	#14
truckgal_1971 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bend, OR Posts: 33	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires get the ones with the life time replacement warrenty, thats what I had to do saves you a lot of money in the long run. If its that close its hard to say what will work. __________________ 1971 GMC Long Step Side

08-08-2007, 09:55 PM	#15
70' GMC HERE.......Somewhere Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Birmingham AL Posts: 2,488	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires use accel super stock wires and some ties that you use tie up bread or trash for now till you can get more green ready __________________ Current rides: 2013 Hyundai elantra gt DD 1995 camaro my first crush lmao Was: 1970 with a 350 4barrel and 288 horses Classics make it possible!



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08-08-2007, 10:23 PM	#16
red69ss Burnouts are therapeutic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: lancaster, south carolina Posts: 854	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires I have block hugger headers (summit brand) with 90 degree taylor wires and aluminum wire seperator (didn't place rear wire on both sides in loom) never had a problem. Will try to post a pic. Attached Images __________________ 1969 CHEVELLE SS 1972 C10 ALMOST DAILY DRIVER 1968 C10 RUSTBUCKET (MISSION IMPOSSIBLE) 1972 PONTIAC LEMANS CONVERTIBLE (WIFE'S CAR) "My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met." - Rodney Dangerfield "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Einstein

08-09-2007, 07:55 AM	#17
OLDIRON69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ben Wheeler,Texas Posts: 992	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires Nice looking engine, very clean! __________________ 05 2500HD 6.0 excab 69 LWB-Gone but not forgotten! 68 Dodge Charger 383/727 69 Dodge Charger-440/4spd

08-09-2007, 08:52 AM	#18
olyeller70 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 51	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires Heat sleeves are a part of my solution, the other part is that I buy 25 ft of MSD spark plug wire and some 90 degree boots and make my own wires. Believe it or not it is cheaper than some other solutions and you will be sure that the wires fit. __________________ Thanks, Mike

08-09-2007, 09:15 AM	#19
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires Taylor Wires,the best you can do.Most other good wires are made by Taylor and relabled.How do you spell plug wire?T-A-Y-L-O-R. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-22-2007, 12:57 PM	#20
ohenryoh Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico Posts: 8	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires I tried wrapping the (hooker block) header and using a plug boot - burnt another plug wire yesterday. I was at a car show and saw that some poor soul had bent his header to gain the necessary clearance. Was considering removing the headers or dinging the header like this fellow did until I found this product on the web today and I am ordering it - I will let you all know how it works. I know it isn't the perfect solution for show vehicles but for those cruisers and daily drivers it might be the trick. http://www.wrenchrat.com/ Attached Images

08-22-2007, 04:55 PM	#21
Myself Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Arkansas Posts: 1,166	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires I've got the plug wire sleeving on my S-Blazer and after 40,000 miles no burnt wires yet. It's silicone impregnated woven fiberglass. If you buy Mallory it's pretty expensive. I bought mine from JC WHITNEY. It comes in different colors and is a fraction of the price because there is no name printed on it.

08-22-2007, 05:13 PM	#22
screamin_eagle Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 114	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires Taylor. Full Metal Jackets. ninety dollars. bought them after I melted trough my fifty dollar blue Taylor's. wish I would have bought these in the first place.

03-21-2010, 02:05 PM	#24
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,117	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires This thread is almost 3 years old ohenryo hasn't logged in on here in over two years. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul Last edited by leddzepp; 03-21-2010 at 02:06 PM.

03-21-2010, 02:19 PM	#25
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Tired of Burning Plug Wires Time to carbon date this thread. LOL. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

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