4th Gen - HT/Spark Plug Leads?

Post by **Donald** » Sun May 05, 2013 6:57 pm

I don't know nuffin, but can't imagine it being that difficult, it's probably the easiest thing to get to in the whole bay?

Riverghost · Post by **Riverghost** » Mon May 06, 2013 11:15 am

right, off to check these leads. being a right numpty could anyone give me a list of what ill need to take the spark cover off and loosen up the leads to check the plugs? Cheers guys

Post by **DaveyBa8** » Mon May 06, 2013 11:35 am

Best thing to do is go out and look, it's very very basic stuff now, probably all 10mm nuts holding the cover, then pop of each lead by hand, remember which lead came out of where as its very important for the firing order, but nearly impossible to get it mixed up with the different sized leads.

Then either a spark plug socket, or a deep socket and a long magnified light or something to pull out the plug.

Snap a plug and your screwed, if your having serious bother getting the plug loose, just leave it be for someone else, heating and cooling the engine could help with removal.

Riverghost · Post by **Riverghost** » Thu May 09, 2013 7:51 pm

got a really nice guy from RAC to come out and tow me to a garage, did me the honor of having a look at the leads and plugs and all i can say is..... i found the problem! first lead was just loose, one not even touching the plug, other 2 terribly loose as well. as the RAC dude says, guy probably drokked the first one, tried doing a few more and failed , realised it was getting onto 5pm on a friday afternoon and probably thought sod this, and handed it back.

So at least its out of the carpark and at the mechanics now. guy seems a bit more legit and when you see a 59 plate BMW M5 being worked on, and the guy immediately notices the non standard exhaust header on the prelude, i feel a little bit more confident this guy isnt going to obliterate the car..

Now to just get it going before this english summer decides its had enough and buggers off!

handsomedanc · Post by **handsomedanc** » Thu May 09, 2013 8:03 pm

right here goes my 2p worth

leads are as important as spark plugs. from your plugs you want a good clean spark therefore making the most of your engine efficiency and power ie big clean spark big bang. dirty manky plug poo spark small bang.
Hope everyone gets this
so Leads. they carry the current for the plugs an old deteriorating lead will have higher losses therefore less umph in the spark.
new "uprated"/ OEM leads will carry the current to the plugs better. bigga boom! you wont gain BHP with plugs and leads but maybe get back what your losing through having shitty old ones on.

Riverghost · Post by **Riverghost** » Thu May 09, 2013 10:02 pm

handsomedanc wrote:right here goes my 2p worth

leads are as important as spark plugs. from your plugs you want a good clean spark therefore making the most of your engine efficiency and power ie big clean spark big bang. dirty manky plug poo spark small bang.
Hope everyone gets this
so Leads. they carry the current for the plugs an old deteriorating lead will have higher losses therefore less umph in the spark.
new "uprated"/ OEM leads will carry the current to the plugs better. bigga boom! you wont gain BHP with plugs and leads but maybe get back what your losing through having shitty old ones on.

Definitley agree with you there - will be fitting some nice new plugs and sparks, the current ones really are not roadworthy!

mart609 · Post by **mart609** » Fri May 10, 2013 8:10 am

I've got some 2nd hand leads, I've just taken off mine. I've also got a couple of spare Dizzys too.
Let me know if you need anything urgently and I'll try and get them to you.

Riverghost · Post by **Riverghost** » Fri May 10, 2013 1:21 pm

Cheers mart! Well spoke with the mechanic my problem is that the plugs have got so hot the plastic holdershave just crumbled away during removal so there's a chance some little plastic parts could fall into engine when the sparks are taken. So, I'll know whether I have a working car or a big spare parts catalogue by this evening!

handsomedanc · Post by **handsomedanc** » Fri May 10, 2013 1:32 pm

Fingers crossed. i had a similar issue once had a smashed spark plug. bluetak helped