Spark Plug Wire... Help!

[NP SHO]

Ok, so the SHO started missing yesterday, but I had a bunch of crap going on so I didn't get around to looking into it today. I thought it micht be water in the plug wells as I degreased and rinsed the engine bay yesterday. So this morning I go out there and start checking the plug wells and what do I find? One of my plug wires is shot. The only problem is I need to get it fixed so I can drive to work tomorrow and the only plugs that I can find that anyone has in stock lack the square seal at the top of the plug well. Will these work, or is that square rubber seal necessary? I wanna get it fixed today, but I don't want to waste money on something that's not going to work properly. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[sperold]

If you are buying a set of wires, get the proper set from whoever you can get a good deal from. There is quite a range in prices.
To fix it for tomorrow, try to get a single wire with a straight boot or whatever you think you can adapt for a day / week. I have seen wire sets where you cut the wire to length and install the end connectors and shields yourself. As a last resort, get the cheepest set of this type if the ends look right, maybe for a 4 cylinder.

 

[NP SHO]

I've noticed that even some of the Taylor wires available through Shosource don't have this seal. If it needs to be there, then I'll just order up some wires and bum a ride for a couple of days if I absolutely have to. I can't really afford to be throwing money away on wires that I'm just gonna have to replace again ASAP. On a brighter note... no water or oil in my plug wells. lol

 

[sperold]

You tested the seals when you pressure washed your engine, so the seals you have must be good.
Can you take your end off the wire and reconnect it further up the wire, or is there something else wrong with it?

 

[NP SHO]

This is what I have right now...

 

[kevinspann]

If the wires don't have the square part on them, they are not for the SHO. Hit a junkyard and try to find one?

 

[rubydist]

you need that seal to keep the plug well dry from water and crap that will get in there. you can live w/o it for a short time to allow you to drive the car while you wait for the wires you order.

 

[NP SHO]

I actually found a set pretty local. There's an AutoZone about 30 minutes from me that has some in stock. I'm gonna try to get a ride out there today, if not, definitely tomorrow morning before I have to go to work. Thanks guys!

 

[sperold]

Try attaching the wire onto that metal piece by crimping it.
I would remove the platic book binder off the wire, slide that plastic tube up the wire (along with your square plug thing) and open up that crimped end on the metal sleeve and recrimp it on the wire, making sure the core makes contact with the metal sleeve. Then put the book binder back on the outside.
I think I have it right when I say the metal tube should end up inside the plastic tube with the little square part on top of the plastic tube.

 

[NP SHO]

Thanks for the advice sperold. I recrimped the metal tube and put the boot back together and it's running great now. I'm still gonna do plugs and wires but at least it can wait for the end of the week (when I get paid again. lol) Thanks to everyone for the replies. You guys are awesome!

 

[sperold]

If it runs well, take your time on the new wires.
I bought a new set of Taylor wires (7mm with that wrap on them), took the intake off and installed them & thought everything was OK.
Opened the hood at night and you could read a newspaper with the spark and light show coming from the wires.
Got a new set of wires under warranty, but still had the labour of putting them on and being without the car. Funny thing is, I never had a problem with the replacement wires that were the same brand.

 

[NP SHO]

Thanks for the advice. I'm probably still gonna replace them soon, but I'll make sure to check everything really well when I'm done.