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Spark plug wire routing

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Old 12-11-2021, 08:34 PM
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Question Spark plug wire routing

My Haynes manual said that the routing of the spark plug wires is extremely important. Does this just mean that the end of the plug for cylinder X goes to the correct one on the distributor? Or does it mean the path that the wire takes? Can the spark wires touch other spark wires? Are there things they cant touch? When I put new wires in, the routing was not exactly the same as it was before.

Also, does anyone have a photo of how it is supposed to be?

Last edited by evil_goat; 12-11-2021 at 08:36 PM.
Old 12-11-2021, 09:39 PM
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I followed this photo, and I think I'm good


I found the photo here: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f5/rep...ration-253045/
Old 12-12-2021, 07:23 AM
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The routing is important. On the cap should be a number 1. That goes to cylinder 1. Then, moving clockwise, it follows the firing order stamped on the intake.

Wire routing can also mean that you shouldn't cross wires perpendicular to each other. This can cause induced voltages in the adjacent wires and cause misfires.
Old 12-12-2021, 07:34 AM
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Old 12-12-2021, 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by agreen
The routing is important. On the cap should be a number 1. That goes to cylinder 1. Then, moving clockwise, it follows the firing order stamped on the intake.

Wire routing can also mean that you shouldn't cross wires perpendicular to each other. This can cause induced voltages in the adjacent wires and cause misfires.
It seems impossible to make some not cross perpendicular. If mine look like the photo I posted, is the routing ok?
Old 12-12-2021, 02:24 PM
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Some time ago I found out that existed on Jeeps with a distributor.
One these days I am going see if I can grab one out of the boneyard.
Cause I am wondering if that would make the wires route better with the Viper Coil mod in my '00.
Thinking it won't work though. LOL.
Old 12-12-2021, 03:10 PM
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As long as 2 cylinders that fire one after one another don't have wires running closely and parallel, it's all good.
Old 12-12-2021, 06:17 PM
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I hate to counteract any member...but any wire that crosses any other at a right angle/perpendicular...induces the LEAST amount of voltage in the other wires...wires that run parallel/next to each other induce the MOST amount of voltage into the other wires. . I am a 30 year Aircraft avionics veteran...this I know. If you can run wires together that go to the opposite / dead cyl then running together is ok sometimes you can only make it ok. I can get the cyl/opposite dead cyl tomorrow list tomorrow I dont usually use the routing brackets and just run them directly...but thats me...
Old 12-12-2021, 06:18 PM
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Originally Posted by bluejeep2001
I hate to counteract any member...but any wire that crosses any other at a right angle/perpendicular...induces the LEAST amount of voltage in the other wires...wires that run parallel/next to each other induce the MOST amount of voltage into the other wires. . I am a 30 year Aircraft avionics veteran...this I know. If you can run wires together that go to the opposite / dead cyl then running together is ok sometimes you can only make it ok. I can get the cyl/opposite dead cyl tomorrow list tomorrow I dont usually use the routing brackets and just run them directly...but thats me...
Is that what I said?
Old 12-12-2021, 09:25 PM
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Numerous members stated that you shouldn't cross wires perpendicular...it may have not been you
Old 12-13-2021, 07:15 AM
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Originally Posted by bluejeep2001
Numerous members stated that you shouldn't cross wires perpendicular...it may have not been you
Nope. Not me.

And, I think it's worth pointing out that this issue is mostly on small block Chevies.
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