Tom
We expect you to be long winded to give a thorough explanation to a vexing
problem which we can understand - most of the time!!!!!!!!
Mike
----- Original Message -----
From: Thomas Walter <ra0618@email.sps.mot.com>
To: road <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
Sent: Sunday, September 24, 2000 2:37 PM
Subject: Re: Sparkplug wire question...
> Ken,
>
> There are basically three types of ignition wires:
>
> Solid Core - typically for racing only on carb'd racers..
> Suppression Core - Carbon Impregnated Rayon Cord.
> Suppression Core - Spiral wound.
>
> Spark Plugs - either standard or resistive core.
>
> The function of the resistance is to reduce the RFI (Radio
> Frequency Interference) generated by the high voltage of
> the ignition system. This interference can disrupt any radio
> reception, or even cause problems with modern Engine
> Control Units.
>
> The problem with the carbon impregnated suppression wires
> is that with age the resistance increases, decreasing the voltage
> to the spark plugs. Eventually one of more of the plugs will not
> fire at all (you need spark the most under heavy loading and
> starting conditions, so this is when you first notice the wires are
> starting to go bad).
>
> The wire wound suppression wires have the best of both worlds
> Solid wire wound in a spiral pattern for high inductance. You still
> deliver full voltage to the spark plugs, but with good suppression
> of RFI. I remember NGK sold these wires, noticeable as they
> were a translucent blue so you could actually see the spiral wrap
> of the wire.
>
> Accel sold the "high performance" carbon impregnated wires in
> large diameter for longer life and better performance. I still have
> a set on my '68 2000. I usually would buy a "universal V8" set
> of spark plug wires... same price as the four cylinder set, yet
> I could get two sets of plug wires out of that box, as long as
> I reused a coil wire end caps!
>
> Typically the resistive spark plugs came in to use with a "solid"
> wire, yet still be able to listen to a radio. Perhaps resistive plugs
> first appeared in the later half on the 1970's?
>
> Quick check:
>
> Solid core wires.... 0 ohms (I no longer use them)
> NGK Blue wires... 0 ohms
> Accel Yellow Jacket Silicon Suppression wire: 3K per foot*
> OEM wires, about 4K Ohms per foot.
> OEM Toyota wires, about 4K Ohms per foot.
>
> *wires are over 10 years old.
>
> So back to answer your question... if you roadster wires are
> around 120K each... toss into the trash AFTER you get a new
> set of wires. I seem to recall NGK did not have anything for
> roadsters, but I was able to use a set for a "A15 fitted Datsun 210"
> model from the mid 1980's. Coil wire was a little long, but rest
> of the wires worked fine (distributor is in about the same location).
>
> Little long winded on the reply, but just in case....
>
> Cheers,
>
> Tom Walter '68 2000
> Austin, TX
>
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